"I do not pray for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one. As thou, Father, are in me and I in thee, that they also may be in us so that the world may believe that you sent me " (Acts 17:20-21, NIV)
INTRODUCTION
This passage from the Gospel of John chapter 17:20-21 clearly shows what the will of God as to the kind of unity that God desires of believers. encourage all readers to pay close attention to this issue as it is one of great importance. I encourage you to practipen the following three Biblical passages (Acts 17:11, 1 Thessalonians 5:21 & 1 John 4:1).
I hope that after you read these passages you believe what the Bible says and not what I say. What always should we care what God says and not what men, and teach doctrines. Christian Unity is a very important issue to consider. God wants His people to be united in all aspects, both in practice and in doctrine. Therefore, in this lesson we will consider the following points:
1. God's desire regarding the unit.
2. The bases and our authority for the unit.
3. What we can do to drive under the authority of Christ.
With these two key points in mind to get into our lesson today. I encourage each of us to make plans to put into practice this lesson (James 1:22). God is glorified when we practice His Word.
THE DESIRE OF GOD AS A UNIT
The Bible clearly shows that God's desire is about unity. This we can learn in such passages as: (Acts 2:42-46, 4:32-37, 1 Cor 1:10, Phil. 2:5 ff., John 17:20-21). Through these passages we see how the first-century Church, ie the Church of Christ, practiced unity God desires for His people. This is the kind of unity that should exist in the Church of Christ today. Unfortunately, I think the man, along with their bad attitudes (pride, arrogance, false doctrines, etc..) has tried to the utmost so that the unit is not practiced in the Church.
This will not be so.
You and I should strive to the fullest, with great diligence to the unity of the Church is not affected. Admittedly, there are times when it will be out of our hands to accomplish this, however, as we need to strive to practice unity God desires for His people.
Consider these questions, what is it that you and I are doing in order to maintain the unity of the Church? Are you the problem of why the Church can not be together?
These are questions that each of us must ask ourselves. Remember that if we are stumbling block, the consequences will be terrible. So, as we can see, the Bible shows us clearly the desire of God as to the unit that should prevail in the Lord's Church. May the God of Heaven help us to have God desires unity in His Church. now look at the basis and the authority for our unit.
BASES AND AUTHORITY TO OUR UNIT
The Bible clearly shows which are the basis and the authority for our unit. Whatever we want to learn about the topic of the unit is in the Holy Scriptures that our God has left us. Therefore, we develop this point on the basis and authority for our unit.
The Bible exhorts us to carry out all things for Christ's authority. Says the apostle Paul to the Colossians: "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father " (Colossians 3:17).
Through this passage we see how the Word of God exhorts the people to base all their practices in the authority of Christ. All that we perform in this life must be authorized by our God, either explicitly or implicitly. You and I have no authority to practice things that God has not permitted in His Word. When we talk about unity, you and I must go to the authority of Christ to see what the limits of our unity in the Church. So, with that in mind, note which are the basis for our unity.
That the Church remains united, the following factors should be considered carefully.
1. The authority of Christ teaches that the unity of the Church must be based on sound doctrine.
The Lord's Church has no authority to have fellowship with those who
practice and preach the error. The Bible says of such must stay away (Rom. 16:17, 1 Thess. 3:6, Eph. 5:11, 2 Cor 6:17; 2 Jn. 9-11). That the Church may enjoy a beautiful drive, members of the Church should be subject to the Word of our God. All Christians should teach and practice the same thing when we talk about religion. There can be unity when some teach a thing and others teach another.
practice and preach the error. The Bible says of such must stay away (Rom. 16:17, 1 Thess. 3:6, Eph. 5:11, 2 Cor 6:17; 2 Jn. 9-11). That the Church may enjoy a beautiful drive, members of the Church should be subject to the Word of our God. All Christians should teach and practice the same thing when we talk about religion. There can be unity when some teach a thing and others teach another.
When a member, preacher or member is away from the doctrine of the Lord, this will prevent the unity of the Church is carried out. God did not authorize and notes with appreciation those Church members who practice the error in doctrine. Given that the unit is based on sound doctrine, therefore members of the Church of Christ can not have fellowship with denominations as such not subject to the doctrine of Christ.
His practice is in conflict with the Word of God which urges us not to go beyond what is written (1 Corinthians 4:6). God condemns division (1 Cor 1:10-13). The designations do not respect the desire of Jesus Christ in terms of unity in religion (John 17:20-21). For this reason, the Church of Christ may have fellowship with denominations. Sad to say but many churches are having fellowship with the error, and in doing so prevents the faithful have no fellowship with them. When this is done, the unity of the Church is concerned.
2. The authority of Christ teaches that unity must be based on the practice of holiness among Christians. The Word of God calls all Christians to practice holiness in their lives.
The following passages may be considered to establish this important factor (Hebrews 12:14, 1 Peter 1:14-16, 1 Peter 2:11, Matthew 5:8, 2 Corinthians 6:17, Eph. 1:4, 4: 17-21). Given that this is the will of God for Christians, the practice is not God's will greatly affect the unity and communion of saints.For this reason brothers, I encourage each of us to remain in the holiness that God desires, in this way we will be collaborating for the unit to be as God intended.
Our heavenly Father commanded us to help the fallen (Gal. 6:1-2).However, this aid has limits, because if you live in error does not want to abandon such practices sinful, then the unit can not be present.
WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HAVE UNIT UNDER AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
I encourage you in the name of the Lord to please consider the following information as to what we can do to have unity under Christ's authority. If we implement the following factors, we can enjoy a beautiful communion between the Churches of Christ. Unfortunately today there is not enough unity among some churches of Christ. There are many reasons why this happens.Some we could mention are false teaching, fellowship with false teachers, sins immoral, unchristian attitudes of arrogance, haughtiness, litigation, emulations, wrath, strife, and all that is related to the fruits of the flesh (Gal. 5: 19-21). These things prevent the Church, does not enjoy a beautiful fellowship. Therefore, based on this information, I encourage you to consider these factors. In order to enjoy a beautiful communion Christians must do the following:
# 1. Preaching and teaching the same doctrine.
Preaching and teaching different doctrine contribute to the unit to perform in the Churches of God. As for preaching and teaching the Bible ordains as follows:
1. The Bible teaches that one must preach one thing (1 Cor 1:10)
2. The Bible teaches that one must preach as the oracles of God
(1 Peter 4:11)
3. The Bible teaches that one must preach the Word of God
(2 Tim. 4:2)
4. The Bible teaches that one must preach sound doctrine
(Titus 2:1, 2 Tim. 1:13)
5. The Bible teaches that we should not turn away from the doctrine of Christ (2 Jn. 9-11)
If the Churches of Christ wish to remain united each need to pay close attention to these passages that I mentioned. And, not only pay attention, but also implement them. Unfortunately many churches are not preaching sound doctrine and therefore can not have fellowship with such. Some Churches of Christ have introduced the use of musical instruments in worship, which the Bible condemns.
Changes have also been made regarding the sacrament, which, in some churches is seen Saturday, instead of the first day of the week as God commands in His Word (Acts 20:7, 1 Cor 11:23 - 26). Unfortunately this is the case with Richland Hills Church of Christ. It is our prayer that this congregation and all those who are imitating his steps reconsider and turn away from false doctrine. Therefore, in order to enjoy a beautiful communion need to preach and teach the same doctrine.
# 2. Discard sinful practices.
The practice of sin can not contribute to the unity that God desires in the Churches of Christ. Unfortunately many are supporting sin rather than reprimand. When this happens, the unity of the Church is greatly affected.God has spoken very clear about what he thinks about the practice of sin. You and I may consider the following Scriptures (Rom. 6:23, 13:14; Ga.
5:16; 1 P. 1:15-16). It is true that members of the Church are not perfect.However, each of us must strive to the utmost to forsake sin, and to pursue holiness (Heb. 12:14). So if you want to enjoy a beautiful communion set aside sin and unsupportive.
# 3. Recognize the difference between doctrinal and practical matters of opinion.
Many of the divisions that occur today are carried out because of matters of opinion and not doctrine. It is imperative that the Church recognizes doctrinal matters and matters of opinion. Many churches have affected the unity with other churches just for the simple and good reason that screens used PowerPoint presentations for Bible classes and sermons. Others have split because they think that the juice of the vine in the Lord's Supper should be served in one cup, not many drams. Others have split because they got the color of the building folder he or she wanted. Others have split because the hymnal used blue instead of black.
Brothers, in matters of opinion we need to analyze the issue and reach an agreement. In matters of doctrine, no room to decide whether it is right or not, because the Bible has already said what is acceptable and what is not. If we consider each of these factors and put them into practice, we can contribute to the unity that God desires.
# 4. Let us strive to be more like the first century Church.
If only we cared as being more like the first century church, things would be totally different. In the book of Acts we learn that the Church remained together (Acts 2:42-46, 4:33 ff). They were so close that they prayed together (Acts 12), ate together, and praising God together. This is something that the Church needs today.
# 5. Remember that Christ will come when we least expect.
So brothers, Christ will come when we least expect. This is what His Word teaches us clearly. Please note the following passages (Matthew 24:36, 44, 25:13, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2, 2 Peter 3:9-10, John 14:1-3 Philippians 3:20). It is imperative that as Christians remember the second coming of Christ. We also need to remember that Christ is coming for a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. The division is sin, and therefore a spot in the Church of Christ (James 1:27). If Christ comes and finds His Church divided, large consequences take place. So, remembering that Christ will one day be united motivate us. The Church needs to await the coming of Christ in a spirit of unity, not division.
CONCLUSION
Brothers, the theme of unity is very important. May God help us to consider His Word and follow only what He teaches us, and not what men teach. Let us try to persevere in the most God commands the unit, otherwise the unit will not have the success that God desires. Let's put aside our prejudices, opinions, pride, arrogance, and go in search of unity that only in Christ can be found.
Comentarios
Publicar un comentario