DCLM Higher Everyday 4 November 2023 — Church Unity: A Necessity
Topic: Church Unity: A Necessity
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
11For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.
12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
13Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
Key Verse: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10 ).
Message
Samuel Johnson Stone, who wrote the hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation,” made a sad observation about the Church. In one of the stanzas, he lamented:
“Though with a scornful wonder,
Men see her sore oppressed,
By schisms rent asunder,
By heresies distressed,
Yet saints their watch are keeping…”
The song was written as a direct response to controversies in the Church of South Africa, caused by John William Collenso, who denounced some portions of the Bible as fictitious in 1866.
The Church today is still full of divisions due to doctrinal differences. Apostle Paul rebuked the Church in Corinth for party spirit and sectarianism. James reproved those who fight and war as a result of unbridled lusts within (James 4:1). Other causes of division in the Church include unhealthy competition, discrimination, selfishness, pride and lack of forgiveness. These vices must be stopped. The Church is one body – one Lord, one faith, one baptism. All members must endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Quote: The Church is one body.
Challenge: Conflicts are unnecessary
Prayer for today: Lord, help me to strive for unity in the Church.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
