Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Reasons For Working Towards Unity

"Why bother with unity?' you may ask, "wouldn't it be a lot easier not to worry about all those other local churches and just take care of ourselves? Probably! But the Scripture gives us no other option.

Walking in biblical unity with the other members of the Body of Christ in our communities may not be easy. It fact, it takes a very deliberate, intentional decision. It takes an investment of time, energy, money and comfort. But the investment pays great dividends.
Here are some Scriptural reasons for that commitment:

1. Because it reflects the very nature of God - John 10:30

2. Because it is a specific answer to Jesus prayer - John 17:11, 20-21.

3. Because it embodies the essense of the gospel: reconciliation - 2 Cor 5:15-21

4. Because geography is the only point of division Scripture allows in His Church - 1 Cor 1:10

5. Because it is God's will - Eph 4:3, 1 Cor 1:10

6. Because we need it to survive - Eccl. 4:9-12

7. Because we need it to function as the Body of Christ - 1 Cor 12:12-26

8. Because Jesus deserves it - Eph 5:25-27, Rev 19:7 (Note both "church" and "bride" are singular).

9. Because God blesses those who do - Psalm 133.

10. Because it is essential for our maturity - 1 Cor 3:1-4, Col 2:1-3

Committing to walk together with other believes in our city is not an easy task, or a smooth process. But it is well worth it! Let us continue to press on in unity.

2 comments:

Ross said...

Another challenging post. Well said.

Simon A said...

Hi guys,

I think it might be good to put the reference for this post:

http://www.lighthousemovement.com/Brix?pageID=13537

Best to put it in the post than to be open to charges of plagiarism. Thanks,

Simon.