DCLM Higher Everyday 15 April 2024 — No Option to Christian Unity
Topic: No Option to Christian Unity
Text: Ephesians 4:1-7
1I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
4There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;
5One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
7But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.
Key Verse: “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4: 3).
Message
The Holy Spirit binds believers together. There can be no unity in a Church or fellowship where carnality manifests. Such a group becomes weak, achieving little or nothing. Charles G. Finney gives some conditions for Christian unity. He says, “In a word, if Christians expect to unite in prayer and effort so as to prevail with God, they must be agreed in speaking and doing the same things, in walking by the same rule, and maintaining the same principles and in persevering until they obtain the blessing, so as not to hinder or thwart each others efforts.” Paul addressed the issue of division in the Corinthian Church (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). Also the Apostles nipped division in the bud in the Church when there was murmuring due to improper sharing of food.
Beloved, are there some things hindering peace and unity between you and others in the Church, family or school fellowship? This can happen if you are not born again or you have backslidden. If so then pray for salvation or restoration. Let the fruit of the Spirit manifest in you. Pray also for other carnal members.
Quote: The Holy Spirit binds believers together
Challenge: Help to forge peace and unity in the Church and family
Prayer for today: Oh God, help me to be united with the brethren, in Jesus’ name
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)
