Together # 16
A Together that Holds Together
A Together that Holds Together
Live Together in Unity
copyright by Dick Wulf, 2018
In Jesus, be one with other Christians and live in unity as the interdependent body of Christ
Ps 133:1; John 17:23; 1 Cor 1:10; Gal 3:28; Eph 4:1-6; Phil 2:1; Col 3:12-14
Christians are to live in unity with God and one another.
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
Eph 4:1-6
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Unity is “oneness”.
The original “Oneness” is our God who is Three in One. If any of us can imagine God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit being separate from one another, that thinking needs to be reformed. Like a computer that is out of control and spitting out wrong content or giving “error” messages, our minds need to be rebooted if we have mixed this up.
Our God is one God, but with Three Persons. In the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” we sing “God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity.” It is in this oneness within the Godhead that we find the amazement awaiting us in (a) being in Christ and He being in us, (b) one body and bride of Christ made up of all of us intertwined, (c) husband and wife merging into one flesh, (d) and the exceptional oneness possible for friendships and families. In their unity, the three Persons of the Trinity fuse into One God. This is the basis for unity in the church and its integral components of Christian marriages, Christian families, and Christian friendships.
Unity with one another begins with our oneness in Jesus. Our unity is to be in the person of Jesus Christ. We are one in Christ. He is our common identity. He lives in each of us.
The original “Oneness” is our God who is Three in One. If any of us can imagine God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit being separate from one another, that thinking needs to be reformed. Like a computer that is out of control and spitting out wrong content or giving “error” messages, our minds need to be rebooted if we have mixed this up.
Our God is one God, but with Three Persons. In the hymn “Holy, Holy, Holy” we sing “God in Three Persons, Blessed Trinity.” It is in this oneness within the Godhead that we find the amazement awaiting us in (a) being in Christ and He being in us, (b) one body and bride of Christ made up of all of us intertwined, (c) husband and wife merging into one flesh, (d) and the exceptional oneness possible for friendships and families. In their unity, the three Persons of the Trinity fuse into One God. This is the basis for unity in the church and its integral components of Christian marriages, Christian families, and Christian friendships.
Unity with one another begins with our oneness in Jesus. Our unity is to be in the person of Jesus Christ. We are one in Christ. He is our common identity. He lives in each of us.
I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Gal 2:20
Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!
2 Cor 13:5
. . . and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ.
He is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 5:20 |
The sacrament of communion, also called the Lord’s Supper, reminds us of Jesus and that He is in us and we in Him. Remembering Him and also His presence within our very being is essential to living together in unity. He should be the first and final consideration when anything threatens to disturb unity between believers. Dedication to the One living in us can help us walk away from differences that divide us.
We are the body of Christ and unity is essential for all of us to work together to glorify God. The many Scriptures that make up the Togethers require this unity. Therefore, obedience in life requires unity with one another
Concerning the universal church, there are few ways we can live in unity with believers in other locations around our city, state, country and world. We can’t be involved in their lives except to pray for their well being and spiritual growth. And, we wish it were more possible to protect our many fellow believers who are living in poverty, danger, or religious confusion. But, we can be one with them by praying for them from our hearts.
We are the body of Christ and unity is essential for all of us to work together to glorify God. The many Scriptures that make up the Togethers require this unity. Therefore, obedience in life requires unity with one another
Concerning the universal church, there are few ways we can live in unity with believers in other locations around our city, state, country and world. We can’t be involved in their lives except to pray for their well being and spiritual growth. And, we wish it were more possible to protect our many fellow believers who are living in poverty, danger, or religious confusion. But, we can be one with them by praying for them from our hearts.
There is neither Jew nor Greek,
there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:28
there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female,
for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:28
We find ourselves in a similar situation to when Jesus cried over Lazarus’s death, just before He raised his friend back to life. (John 11:35) How many times have we heard of this bad thing or that tragedy and wished we could be there with our unknown brethren to hold them and give solace? How many times have we wished we were more wealthy and could give more to relief efforts?
Fortunately, we can have more unity in our local organizational churches and help out when a church member suffers. Unity in local churches is also an absolute necessity for obedience to the Together Scriptures and higher level community. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to keep dissension from beginning over some less important issue than the church’s relationship with Jesus Christ.
Fortunately, we can have more unity in our local organizational churches and help out when a church member suffers. Unity in local churches is also an absolute necessity for obedience to the Together Scriptures and higher level community. Unfortunately, it is sometimes difficult to keep dissension from beginning over some less important issue than the church’s relationship with Jesus Christ.
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.
Phil 2:1 NIV
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Oneness with Jesus is far more important than those things that disturb unity in local churches. If only we could more deeply experience Christ in us and we in Him,. Then we would notice such an emptiness when that all-encompassing closeness is broken by some disagreement with another Christian.
Unity with one another is even more critical in our closest and most treasured Christian relationships. Christian friendship groups are vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Perceived slights, resistance to one another’s spiritual help when someone is tempted or strays from righteousness, and a number of other things can rip away at the bonds of oneness as a friendship group. Christian families have hundreds of relationship challenges that can dismantle unity, although bloodline permanency usually draws people back into relationship eventually. Yet, serious rifts in family relationships can last for years and cut off so many good things that require the foundation of unity. And, Christian marriages are tremendously vulnerable to forces that attack the unity necessary for stability and joy.
We can glimpse how profound unity is to be for marriage’s “one flesh” designation.
Unity with one another is even more critical in our closest and most treasured Christian relationships. Christian friendship groups are vulnerable to Satan’s attacks. Perceived slights, resistance to one another’s spiritual help when someone is tempted or strays from righteousness, and a number of other things can rip away at the bonds of oneness as a friendship group. Christian families have hundreds of relationship challenges that can dismantle unity, although bloodline permanency usually draws people back into relationship eventually. Yet, serious rifts in family relationships can last for years and cut off so many good things that require the foundation of unity. And, Christian marriages are tremendously vulnerable to forces that attack the unity necessary for stability and joy.
We can glimpse how profound unity is to be for marriage’s “one flesh” designation.
That is why a man leaves his father and mother
and is united to his wife,
and they become one flesh.
Gen 2:24 NIV
(also Mt 19:5, Mark 10:7, and Eph 5:31)
and is united to his wife,
and they become one flesh.
Gen 2:24 NIV
(also Mt 19:5, Mark 10:7, and Eph 5:31)
This “one flesh unity” is so important that it appears four times in Scripture. Marriage was created in the Garden of Eden to be the basic social unit of humankind. Hopefully it can help us better grasp the unity that is so desperately critical for all Christians relationships.
Being “one flesh” indicates a meshing of two people into one. We are so trapped in individualism that it might be very difficult to understand that the joining of a husband and a wife creates another entity wherein individual identity is to be dwarfed by the new identity.
If we are all new creatures in Christ woven into a body for Jesus, unity is imperative. Just like in marriage, we are blended into one body for the work of Christ to proceed unhindered, especially in our Christian friendships, families, and marriages.
Being “one flesh” indicates a meshing of two people into one. We are so trapped in individualism that it might be very difficult to understand that the joining of a husband and a wife creates another entity wherein individual identity is to be dwarfed by the new identity.
If we are all new creatures in Christ woven into a body for Jesus, unity is imperative. Just like in marriage, we are blended into one body for the work of Christ to proceed unhindered, especially in our Christian friendships, families, and marriages.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Cor 5:17
. . . so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:5
For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10
The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
2 Cor 5:17
. . . so we, though many, are one body in Christ,
and individually members one of another.
Romans 12:5
For we are God’s handiwork,
created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Eph 2:10
It all starts with recognizing that Jesus is in us. In us individually. In us in the church. In us in our marriages. In us in our families. And, in us in our friendships. In this sense, we are Jesus to one another. We must do our best to not let Jesus in one of us be separated from Jesus in the others of us.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided?
1 Cor 1:10-13a
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Jesus is not divided. Any lack of unity is acting like Jesus is different in each of us. But Jesus is the same in all of us, and any lack of unity results from not letting Jesus be Himself in us.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
Hebrews 13:8
Therefore, the secret to stopping disunity is to seek to understand Jesus in each situation. What is the Lord’s position with whatever divides or separates us? Is He happy? Is He sad? Does He think differently? Just like when our computers get confused and are “thinking things through” we see a little circle going around or a line getting longer, we need to pause as long as it takes to get in touch with Jesus until the path to unity is revealed.
Suppose a couple comes to Christ and seeks baptism. The wife has a friend who says sprinkling is the method and the husband a friend who pronounces immersion. Holding off and seeing what Jesus thinks would lead to Bible study and research and reveal that different denominations have these different positions. Eventually the couple will decide that it is the purpose that is most important, not the method. Perhaps they will each be baptized differently. But, the unity of their marriage which is essential will be preserved.
None of us argues with the fact that unity is preferable. But, we do not want it at the cost of our Christian convictions. Therefore, we must never stop getting to know Jesus better and better. Seeking Jesus will help us manage our disagreements in such a way that preserves essential unity. Eventually we will hear Jesus and understand what He wants. Unity must be protected.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
Suppose a couple comes to Christ and seeks baptism. The wife has a friend who says sprinkling is the method and the husband a friend who pronounces immersion. Holding off and seeing what Jesus thinks would lead to Bible study and research and reveal that different denominations have these different positions. Eventually the couple will decide that it is the purpose that is most important, not the method. Perhaps they will each be baptized differently. But, the unity of their marriage which is essential will be preserved.
None of us argues with the fact that unity is preferable. But, we do not want it at the cost of our Christian convictions. Therefore, we must never stop getting to know Jesus better and better. Seeking Jesus will help us manage our disagreements in such a way that preserves essential unity. Eventually we will hear Jesus and understand what He wants. Unity must be protected.
Opportunity to Become More and More Like Jesus Christ
There is a group of Christians who work at the Spruce Flats Power Plant. They all know who they are, but only rarely get a chance to meet together. To their credit, everyone knows they are one in their common identity in Jesus Christ.
Some are in management and others are union workers. The common friction between these two groups is missing in their interactions and is somewhat confusing to unbelievers at the power plant. While the different racial groups hang around together most of the time, these white, African American, Hispanic and Latino employees often gather for comfortable conversations. Their ease with one another is also baffling to their workmates. Some are clean-cut and others more rugged in appearance. Again, they mix with mutual respect and care about one another’s lives as if they were their own. Distinctions such as level of wealth or power are relatively unimportant when compared to their oneness in Christ. Nor do different views of the Christian faith impede their relationship with one another. Their identity together as Christians is purely and simply because they belong to Christ.There is a group of Christians who work at the Spruce Flats Power Plant. They all know who they are, but only rarely get a chance to meet together. To their credit, everyone knows they are one in their common identity in Jesus Christ. Some are in management and others are union workers. The common friction between these two groups is missing in their interactions and is somewhat confusing to unbelievers at the power plant. While the different racial groups hang around together most of the time, these white, African American, Hispanic and Latino employees often gather for comfortable conversations. Their ease with one another is also baffling to their workmates. Some are clean-cut and others more rugged in appearance. Again, they mix with mutual respect and care about one another’s lives as if they were their own. Distinctions such as level of wealth or power are relatively unimportant when compared to their oneness in Christ. Nor do different views of the Christian faith impede their relationship with one another. Their identity together as Christians is purely and simply because they belong to Christ. |
Jesus is in complete unity with God the Father and God the Holy Spirit. The more we are in unity with one another, the more we are like Jesus.
Unity of God’s people is close to the heart of our Savior. Just before He died for us, He prayed to the Father for our oneness.
Unity of God’s people is close to the heart of our Savior. Just before He died for us, He prayed to the Father for our oneness.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
John 17:20-23
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Can we really become one with one another to the extent that Jesus and the Father are one? Not consistently this side of heaven. But, we can move in that direction with the help of the Holy Spirit.
The essential unity of believers is accomplished by God in that Jesus is in us and we are all subjects of the King and citizens of heaven. We are, so to speak, of the same substance.
The essential unity of believers is accomplished by God in that Jesus is in us and we are all subjects of the King and citizens of heaven. We are, so to speak, of the same substance.
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
1 Cor 1:10
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It is important that we not let our distinctions divide us. Our loyalty must be to Jesus, not our particular views. That is why the essential foundations of our faith are put forth in such timeless declarations as the Apostles Creed (drafted sometime in the first two centuries) and the Nicene Creed (381 A.D.). In these basic truths Christians agree and are unified. Those who do not hold to these basic doctrines are usually considered Christians in name only, but not in faith.
Unity is easier in larger fellowships of Christians because it only needs to be superficial. It is so much more necessary and essential in Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages. When we think that the unity Jesus asked for from the Father is the kind of unity He wants in Christian relationships, that oneness must be in our closest Christian relationships. God the Father and God the Son are very close in relationship, so we must also be close and in unity.
Furthermore, Jesus constantly considered the Father and never acted autonomously.
Unity is easier in larger fellowships of Christians because it only needs to be superficial. It is so much more necessary and essential in Christian friendships, Christian families, and Christian marriages. When we think that the unity Jesus asked for from the Father is the kind of unity He wants in Christian relationships, that oneness must be in our closest Christian relationships. God the Father and God the Son are very close in relationship, so we must also be close and in unity.
Furthermore, Jesus constantly considered the Father and never acted autonomously.
So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise.
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John 5:19
Applying this kind of oneness means that Christian friends always keep one another in mind. One person’s success in a group of Christian friends is everyone’s concern. Therefore, one of the applicable Togethers in obeying Scripture is to honor that person. If one friend is saddened, that is never ignored by the friendship group. Can you imagine Jesus doing anything of which the Father is unaware? As long as our Christian friendships are defined as existing only when we are together, we will not be one as God the Father and God the Son are One. We can grow to be more like Jesus who promised never to leave us or forsake us by consistently remembering all about our Christian friends when we are not with them.
This consistent awareness of our closest Christian friends does not come at all easy in our culture that so elevates individuality. In Christian friendships, “my way” has to change to “our way” as we live together. This is done when a group of friends goes out to lunch together and does not choose a restaurant that is too expensive for one of them.
Applying the oneness of Jesus with the Father means that in our families we are consciously connected, and thus “one”. Parents usually are able to do this rather automatically, aware almost all the time of their kids and their situations. Imagine a mother shopping and not being aware in the back of her mind that her offspring are in school and safe.
This awareness of everyone in the family applies when parents decide on courses of action. How will a father’s decision to go fishing with his buddies on a Saturday affect his wife and four children? Deciding how to deal with everyone’s needs is treating the family as “one”, and is being like Jesus who did nothing without considering His Father.
Applying the unity of God the Father and God the Son to marriage is easier to consider because husband and wife become one flesh. But, that does not mean that spouses automatically pay attention to that unity. Church teaching and culture is still captive to the dictates of individuality. In sermon illustrations and church programming, there is too little recognition of the “one-flesh” identity that overrules husband and wife autonomy in a marriage. Christian literature is hardly much better. This neglect makes it difficult for a husband and wife to remember that they are inseparable.
Sure, there are many things a husband can do that does not affect his wife. He can take out the garbage using either left or right arm. But, he should not make fishing trip plans without consulting his wife and the impact it will have on her. They are one flesh, and they each need to remember that they are not islands unto themselves.
All of us who are married forget our one-flesh connection to our spouse too much of the time. I remember once that I was so insufficiently aware of my wife that I got myself in a lot of trouble. I wanted to do something nice for her while she was gone for a week. That was the good part. However, I was not so aware of what she would appreciate and reorganized the kitchen drawers and cupboards. Big mistake!
So, being in unity in marriage means that husbands and wives get to know one another very well. This can be illustrated by a person who has had a stroke and a leg does not move as it did before. That one body needs to keep in mind that one leg operates normally and the other drags a bit. Imagine that one leg is the wife and the other the husband in their one-flesh reality. Spouses need to put in a lot of effort getting to know one another’s preferences and functioning. And to not act autonomously very often. Glib acknowledgment that they are “one flesh” is not enough.
Jesus knows us through and through. When we get to know friends, family members, and spouses better and better in order to be “one” with them so that we can best consider them and guard unity, we are becoming more like Jesus.
Since unity is so important, we must place it at a higher priority than anything that divides us. This is true in all Christian relationships, but especially in marriages, families, and friendships. Unity is love for our Savior. Being inside of us, He is saddened whenever we withhold love from one another because of disagreements or self-centeredness. Let’s make our Lord joyful with our unity in our closest relationships.
Opportunity to Worship God
This consistent awareness of our closest Christian friends does not come at all easy in our culture that so elevates individuality. In Christian friendships, “my way” has to change to “our way” as we live together. This is done when a group of friends goes out to lunch together and does not choose a restaurant that is too expensive for one of them.
Applying the oneness of Jesus with the Father means that in our families we are consciously connected, and thus “one”. Parents usually are able to do this rather automatically, aware almost all the time of their kids and their situations. Imagine a mother shopping and not being aware in the back of her mind that her offspring are in school and safe.
This awareness of everyone in the family applies when parents decide on courses of action. How will a father’s decision to go fishing with his buddies on a Saturday affect his wife and four children? Deciding how to deal with everyone’s needs is treating the family as “one”, and is being like Jesus who did nothing without considering His Father.
Applying the unity of God the Father and God the Son to marriage is easier to consider because husband and wife become one flesh. But, that does not mean that spouses automatically pay attention to that unity. Church teaching and culture is still captive to the dictates of individuality. In sermon illustrations and church programming, there is too little recognition of the “one-flesh” identity that overrules husband and wife autonomy in a marriage. Christian literature is hardly much better. This neglect makes it difficult for a husband and wife to remember that they are inseparable.
Sure, there are many things a husband can do that does not affect his wife. He can take out the garbage using either left or right arm. But, he should not make fishing trip plans without consulting his wife and the impact it will have on her. They are one flesh, and they each need to remember that they are not islands unto themselves.
All of us who are married forget our one-flesh connection to our spouse too much of the time. I remember once that I was so insufficiently aware of my wife that I got myself in a lot of trouble. I wanted to do something nice for her while she was gone for a week. That was the good part. However, I was not so aware of what she would appreciate and reorganized the kitchen drawers and cupboards. Big mistake!
So, being in unity in marriage means that husbands and wives get to know one another very well. This can be illustrated by a person who has had a stroke and a leg does not move as it did before. That one body needs to keep in mind that one leg operates normally and the other drags a bit. Imagine that one leg is the wife and the other the husband in their one-flesh reality. Spouses need to put in a lot of effort getting to know one another’s preferences and functioning. And to not act autonomously very often. Glib acknowledgment that they are “one flesh” is not enough.
Jesus knows us through and through. When we get to know friends, family members, and spouses better and better in order to be “one” with them so that we can best consider them and guard unity, we are becoming more like Jesus.
Since unity is so important, we must place it at a higher priority than anything that divides us. This is true in all Christian relationships, but especially in marriages, families, and friendships. Unity is love for our Savior. Being inside of us, He is saddened whenever we withhold love from one another because of disagreements or self-centeredness. Let’s make our Lord joyful with our unity in our closest relationships.
Opportunity to Worship God
When one small group of Second Street Church meets, some members are asked specific things about their lives for support in spiritual growth, helpful counsel, and prayer. But, a few are left out of this unity and oneness for some unknown reason. Everyone has heard in past meetings what each person is doing, what things are challenging and need prayer, and what are spiritual needs. Therefore, it is puzzling why the group never asks how something is going for two particular members.
For example, Sharon is having some trouble with people at her employment and she is asked how the situation is at every meeting. But, Bonnie is never asked how her role as a new manager is progressing. Bonnie is well liked, but she is left out of the oneness. It is like the others do not remember her prayer requests. If asked, this small group would say they want to give God their wholehearted worship. Unfortunately, they do not know that in having only partial unity, they are missing a chance to reflect as worship God’s care for everyone in their group. |
The three Persons of our one Triune God are in perfect unity with one another. They are certainly One. When we live in unity with one another, we resemble God and our unity is worship.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our sanctification. We, too, are to work together just as They do for one another’s growth as Christians. We cannot work at odds with one another in this important work of spiritual growth. We must avoid the all too common disagreements on matters of our faith that are not the very essential truths if they divide us.
When denominations that are true to the gospel of Jesus Christ disagree on things, conflict about those things should not lead to division or continual contention. Christian relief and parachurch organizations have found ways to incorporate different understandings of Scripture as long as there is agreement on those basic things mentioned in the Apostles Creed. So, while our organizational church might teach strongly about some things and we let those things guide our walk with our Lord, we should avoid forcing those views on genuine believers with different understandings.
There are also many who have not yet discovered or understood the truth. While they believe that Christ died for their sins and are true Christians, they still might believe that Noah and the flood are stories rather than history. This is no legitimate biblical reason for discord that leads to lack of unity. Unity is just too important. We are not saved by believing Jonah was swallowed by a big fish; we are saved by believing in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ for us. Let’s not make any other test for salvation. We are not saved by our belief of one way or the other regarding baptism, church leadership, etc. Let’s state our disagreements with love and without forceful power and protect our unity for which Jesus prayed just before dying.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our protection. When we work together in unity for one another’s protection, we are reflecting our Triune God’s work and character back to Him as worship.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our provision. When we work together in unity within our Christian friendships, families, and marriages to see that everyone has food, clothing and shelter, we are worshiping through our unified effort.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our perseverance. When we work together in unity to make sure all of our Christian friends, family members and spouses withstand the many assaults on their faith, we worship God through unity.
Unity carries another opportunity to add to our worship. It takes many holy choices to maintain unity among believers. Each decision is a sacrifice of love for God and is worship because it attests we value and honor Him so much as to put forth the extra effort to protect unity.
God has asked us to live in unity. When we are in unity with one another, we reflect God’s nature and it is worship. Let’s do this. Let’s be one with one another, as we are with Jesus.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our sanctification. We, too, are to work together just as They do for one another’s growth as Christians. We cannot work at odds with one another in this important work of spiritual growth. We must avoid the all too common disagreements on matters of our faith that are not the very essential truths if they divide us.
When denominations that are true to the gospel of Jesus Christ disagree on things, conflict about those things should not lead to division or continual contention. Christian relief and parachurch organizations have found ways to incorporate different understandings of Scripture as long as there is agreement on those basic things mentioned in the Apostles Creed. So, while our organizational church might teach strongly about some things and we let those things guide our walk with our Lord, we should avoid forcing those views on genuine believers with different understandings.
There are also many who have not yet discovered or understood the truth. While they believe that Christ died for their sins and are true Christians, they still might believe that Noah and the flood are stories rather than history. This is no legitimate biblical reason for discord that leads to lack of unity. Unity is just too important. We are not saved by believing Jonah was swallowed by a big fish; we are saved by believing in the substitutionary death of Jesus Christ for us. Let’s not make any other test for salvation. We are not saved by our belief of one way or the other regarding baptism, church leadership, etc. Let’s state our disagreements with love and without forceful power and protect our unity for which Jesus prayed just before dying.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our protection. When we work together in unity for one another’s protection, we are reflecting our Triune God’s work and character back to Him as worship.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our provision. When we work together in unity within our Christian friendships, families, and marriages to see that everyone has food, clothing and shelter, we are worshiping through our unified effort.
God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit work together for our perseverance. When we work together in unity to make sure all of our Christian friends, family members and spouses withstand the many assaults on their faith, we worship God through unity.
Unity carries another opportunity to add to our worship. It takes many holy choices to maintain unity among believers. Each decision is a sacrifice of love for God and is worship because it attests we value and honor Him so much as to put forth the extra effort to protect unity.
God has asked us to live in unity. When we are in unity with one another, we reflect God’s nature and it is worship. Let’s do this. Let’s be one with one another, as we are with Jesus.
How Used in Battle to Defeat Evil and Satan
The Christians of Central Church identify with one another rather than with the citizens of their community. In larger fellowship gatherings church members are unified through their commitment to Jesus Christ. You can often hear them saying things like, "I want that success for you," or "We must do something about that," or "I'm that way too. I don't do what I should in that kind of situation. Why don't we work on success together and pray for each other?" In the small groups, where individual differences are more obvious, Central Church members remember their identity with one another. They do not let individual viewpoints separate them from feeling close to one another or keep them from remembering they are on the same team for the same cause.
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The devil continually tempts us to dishonor God. He has always foolishly wanted God’s glory for himself and counts anything we do that is disloyal to God as honoring him. Living in unity with one another, which starts with our oneness in and with God, is powerful in defeating Satan’s attempt to rob God of His glory.
First in this process of living in unity with one another and resisting Satan’s temptations is to realize our oneness with God. We must let the Holy Spirit remind us continually that Jesus is with us, not by our side as wonderful as that is, but more spectacularly in each of us as well as all of us when we are together. Furthermore, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. If we can become acutely conscious of His presence in us and, thus, with us, our spirit will be guided by the Holy Spirit. This will help us control our actions so that we will almost always honor God with unity that ignores the devil’s temptations.
This is not as mysterious as it sounds. If a good parent is with his or her child, that parent will automatically watch what he or she says and does. The parent is aware that the child is watching and listening. Likewise, a person at a dinner party is careful to limit bad personal habits that might be fine in the privacy of his or her own home. At the party, the person is very aware of the presence of other people and what distasteful behavior would be inappropriate.
So imagine how we would behave if with every breath we knew Jesus was with us by being inside us. Would we drag Him through awful behavior? We would not if we really knew Him as our wonderful, generous, and self-sacrificing Savior. Not if we had already accepted Him as our Lord.
With close knowledge of His presence and our identity with Jesus firmly established, imagine what can happen when we are with other Christians. With Jesus in each of us and among our interactions, along with His desire that we live in unity, we would more perfectly be His body and be preparing ourselves to be His beautiful bride. Such unity will humiliate Satan.
When Christian friends, Christian families, and Christians spouses are together, they are also together with Jesus. All of the 65 Togethers are opportunities to love one another and defeat the devil. If we listen to Jesus in us and recognize that we are also in Him, we will respond with such love between us that the many blessings of obedience to these biblical commands will flower. The kingdom of God is all of us together with one another as well as with God.
First in this process of living in unity with one another and resisting Satan’s temptations is to realize our oneness with God. We must let the Holy Spirit remind us continually that Jesus is with us, not by our side as wonderful as that is, but more spectacularly in each of us as well as all of us when we are together. Furthermore, we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. If we can become acutely conscious of His presence in us and, thus, with us, our spirit will be guided by the Holy Spirit. This will help us control our actions so that we will almost always honor God with unity that ignores the devil’s temptations.
This is not as mysterious as it sounds. If a good parent is with his or her child, that parent will automatically watch what he or she says and does. The parent is aware that the child is watching and listening. Likewise, a person at a dinner party is careful to limit bad personal habits that might be fine in the privacy of his or her own home. At the party, the person is very aware of the presence of other people and what distasteful behavior would be inappropriate.
So imagine how we would behave if with every breath we knew Jesus was with us by being inside us. Would we drag Him through awful behavior? We would not if we really knew Him as our wonderful, generous, and self-sacrificing Savior. Not if we had already accepted Him as our Lord.
With close knowledge of His presence and our identity with Jesus firmly established, imagine what can happen when we are with other Christians. With Jesus in each of us and among our interactions, along with His desire that we live in unity, we would more perfectly be His body and be preparing ourselves to be His beautiful bride. Such unity will humiliate Satan.
When Christian friends, Christian families, and Christians spouses are together, they are also together with Jesus. All of the 65 Togethers are opportunities to love one another and defeat the devil. If we listen to Jesus in us and recognize that we are also in Him, we will respond with such love between us that the many blessings of obedience to these biblical commands will flower. The kingdom of God is all of us together with one another as well as with God.
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
Luke 17:20-21
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Joined together with Christ and one another, Christian friends will rebuff Satan’s temptations to gossip, be negatively competitive, joke hurtfully, be unmindful of each other’s situations, neglect prayer for one another, and a myriad of other devilish behaviors. Instead, Christians will march against the gates of evil by going with Jesus into the hurtful world in which they live to love and help one another as well as others outside of the friendship group.
When we are with our Christians friends we must try to remember that we are each one with Jesus and therefore, need to be one with one another in unity. This unity will insure that we have biblical attitudes of such Togethers as belonging to one another, being devoted to one another, accepting one another, putting up with one another’s irritating behaviors, forgiving one another generously, submitting to one another’s godly desires, and serving each other. Lack of unity stops the flow of these expressions of love and grace.
When we are with our Christian families, there are so many things that can challenge unity. So many agendas flow simultaneously in family gatherings that it might be hard to remember that Jesus is with us and we are all one within Him. It will most likely be easier to remember that we are united as a family than we are united with our Lord. Organizational church may have deadened us to awareness that Jesus is in us and not just in the “Lord’s house”. In experiencing His presence more intensely during church services, the less-religious experience of family may cloud our awareness of God’s presence, Jesus’ abiding in us, and the Holy Spirit’s comfort and help.
Therefore, Christian families must do things to remember Jesus’s living presence. Items of faith hung on our walls will only go so far. Anything repetitive will not match the fluidity of life. Verbal recognition of Jesus as being part of the family is as critically necessary for life on the spiritual plane as breath is to physical life.
Satan seems to be most successful in breaking the unity of husband and wife. Nothing like marriage can force us into the image of Jesus Christ, so for that reason the devil attacks. The intertwining of two Christians still infected with the self-centeredness of the old self can create mild dissatisfaction to outright rejection of the spouse’s needs. The survival of Christian marriages depends on leaving behind unhelpful attitudes and behaviors because of love for the Savior. Remembering Him more than our dissatisfactions is critical.
How much better would contentious marriages be if while sanctification was taking place Jesus was visually present. Husbands and wives must let the Holy Spirit constantly connect to their spirits, as an electrical cord connects to the wall outlet, so that they keep aware that Jesus is present, actually inside of each of them as well as between and with them, even though invisible. If Christian spouses could just see His gentle smile when things seem to be unraveling and experience His calm, peacefulness would flood over the troubles they have with each other. Their unity with Jesus would reestablish their unity with each other.
Since God wants His people to live in unity, the devil will do all he can to draw us apart from one another. We need to sense whenever anything goes into our friendship, family and marital interactions that does not belong with Jesus in us, with Whom we are one in unity. At those times we need to look to Him for peace and resistance to whatever the devil is proposing, whatever our selfishness might be driving us toward, or whatever our pride might be fostering.
Let’s remember our oneness with Jesus and constantly let it establish unity between and among us so that we continually defeat our enemy Satan.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
When we are with our Christians friends we must try to remember that we are each one with Jesus and therefore, need to be one with one another in unity. This unity will insure that we have biblical attitudes of such Togethers as belonging to one another, being devoted to one another, accepting one another, putting up with one another’s irritating behaviors, forgiving one another generously, submitting to one another’s godly desires, and serving each other. Lack of unity stops the flow of these expressions of love and grace.
When we are with our Christian families, there are so many things that can challenge unity. So many agendas flow simultaneously in family gatherings that it might be hard to remember that Jesus is with us and we are all one within Him. It will most likely be easier to remember that we are united as a family than we are united with our Lord. Organizational church may have deadened us to awareness that Jesus is in us and not just in the “Lord’s house”. In experiencing His presence more intensely during church services, the less-religious experience of family may cloud our awareness of God’s presence, Jesus’ abiding in us, and the Holy Spirit’s comfort and help.
Therefore, Christian families must do things to remember Jesus’s living presence. Items of faith hung on our walls will only go so far. Anything repetitive will not match the fluidity of life. Verbal recognition of Jesus as being part of the family is as critically necessary for life on the spiritual plane as breath is to physical life.
Satan seems to be most successful in breaking the unity of husband and wife. Nothing like marriage can force us into the image of Jesus Christ, so for that reason the devil attacks. The intertwining of two Christians still infected with the self-centeredness of the old self can create mild dissatisfaction to outright rejection of the spouse’s needs. The survival of Christian marriages depends on leaving behind unhelpful attitudes and behaviors because of love for the Savior. Remembering Him more than our dissatisfactions is critical.
How much better would contentious marriages be if while sanctification was taking place Jesus was visually present. Husbands and wives must let the Holy Spirit constantly connect to their spirits, as an electrical cord connects to the wall outlet, so that they keep aware that Jesus is present, actually inside of each of them as well as between and with them, even though invisible. If Christian spouses could just see His gentle smile when things seem to be unraveling and experience His calm, peacefulness would flood over the troubles they have with each other. Their unity with Jesus would reestablish their unity with each other.
Since God wants His people to live in unity, the devil will do all he can to draw us apart from one another. We need to sense whenever anything goes into our friendship, family and marital interactions that does not belong with Jesus in us, with Whom we are one in unity. At those times we need to look to Him for peace and resistance to whatever the devil is proposing, whatever our selfishness might be driving us toward, or whatever our pride might be fostering.
Let’s remember our oneness with Jesus and constantly let it establish unity between and among us so that we continually defeat our enemy Satan.
How in the Sinful Environment this Together Prepares Us for Heaven
The Robinson Family is preparing for future relationships in heaven. But, they do not know it.
Mrs. Robinson, a single mother, keeps telling her older children to keep an eye on younger siblings until the instruction is consistently followed. It seems that the kids are more reliable in watching one another or being aware of each other when someone is getting some kind of desired privilege and jealousy develops. Mrs. Robinson insists her family learn to be “one” in the sense of being aware that they are in a family and need to consider everyone, not just some members of the family, and certainly not just themselves alone. When the 14-year-old asked for an unplanned ride somewhere, Mrs. Jefferson discussed the request so that both she and her teenager identified the cost of inconvenience to others in the family. Mrs. Robinson has explained well that the behavior of every member in their family affects all the others. For example, when the four-year-old wandered off from the family in a large store, the four-year-old was taught not only not to wander off but also how that frightened others in the family. Everyone is consistently shown how their behavior affects all of the others either in a positive or negative way. |
Unity in heaven will be automatic. With the absence of sin and no desires apart from the desires of God, there just won’t be anything to divide us. But, what if we have not lived in unity with our Christian brothers and sisters before death takes us to heaven? Worse, what if we have sown discord in our Christian friendships or families or marriages? What will be the effect on us when we are in heaven?
It seems that when we first arrive through the pearly gates of our eternal home, we will come with that level of oneness we had already achieved with other believers. Since there will be no sin to create the resistance to unity that builds stronger oneness, we might just be stuck at that level of spiritual development achieved before death. What effect might that have on our quality of life in heaven? It will not negatively affect our happiness. We will all be equally happy. But, we will not all have the same spiritual experiences because some depend on our spiritual maturity.
Keeping in mind what those in our Christian Inner Circles are going through in life surely has to have some valuable consequence in heaven. How could it possibly be otherwise? For example, do we think that a father who pays little attention to his children more than a, “How was your day?” quick greeting will enter heaven with the same spiritual qualities that a father who worked hard to find out in detail what his children were enjoying as well as struggling with? That would contradict many Bible passages.
Scripture assigns responsibilities to church leaders so that Christians will grow in Christlikeness. Why would this be necessary if at the time of death we all have the same level of spiritual maturity?
It seems that when we first arrive through the pearly gates of our eternal home, we will come with that level of oneness we had already achieved with other believers. Since there will be no sin to create the resistance to unity that builds stronger oneness, we might just be stuck at that level of spiritual development achieved before death. What effect might that have on our quality of life in heaven? It will not negatively affect our happiness. We will all be equally happy. But, we will not all have the same spiritual experiences because some depend on our spiritual maturity.
Keeping in mind what those in our Christian Inner Circles are going through in life surely has to have some valuable consequence in heaven. How could it possibly be otherwise? For example, do we think that a father who pays little attention to his children more than a, “How was your day?” quick greeting will enter heaven with the same spiritual qualities that a father who worked hard to find out in detail what his children were enjoying as well as struggling with? That would contradict many Bible passages.
Scripture assigns responsibilities to church leaders so that Christians will grow in Christlikeness. Why would this be necessary if at the time of death we all have the same level of spiritual maturity?
. . . until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,
to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, . . .
Eph 4:13
to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, . . .
Eph 4:13
Whatever the gain for heaven, it will be related to level of closeness and inclusion in the lives of those with us in glory. Even now, before heaven, we can see examples of different levels of unity and oneness with others. If someone at work is excited about getting married, we can see those who are regularly checking in about wedding arrangements as well as joining in that person’s excitement. Those are the people who are united with the engaged person. They are more “one with” the person than those who seldom mention the upcoming wedding. Those hesitant to join with the excited person may have understandable reasons. Yet, they are missing opportunities to grow in their faith in Christian fellowship and enjoy this life more. Furthermore, they are not preparing for unlimited joys in heaven where fulfillment will come only by “being with” people in their joy of God and life in paradise. We must teach, empower, and encourage one another to not be so private and removed from the lives of other Christians with whom we are close. We must shed our extensive individualistic approach to life and be somewhat more interested in what is going on in another’s life than we are in our own
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit,
but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Phil 2:3
but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
Phil 2:3
This instruction of Scripture to live together in unity can battle the grave mistake of individualistic Christianity. The correct perspective for eternal life in heaven is definitely not individualistic. As the body of Christ, our value as individuals is our contribution to the whole body.
But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose.
If all were a single member, where would the body be?
1 Cor 12:18-19
If all were a single member, where would the body be?
1 Cor 12:18-19
Heaven holds unlimited joy in relationships with people. Leaving so much individual focus behind with our dead bodies, we will enter into the delights of being both the body of Jesus and His bride. When ten of us visit one of heaven’s fantastic environments, being focused on everyone instead of just ourselves will magnify the joy ten times.
If we have been the parent of a happy family where everyone is enjoying a day at the beach or at a zoo, we know the feeling of joy Jesus is seeking from His people acting as one body. Jesus looking on us as a whole, ten of us all together finding joy in His creation and provision, will have the joy He has been waiting for.
Let’s prepare for the maximum experience of fellowship in heaven. Let’s join wholeheartedly with others in our Christian Inner Circles and become a little more “one” with them.
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
If we have been the parent of a happy family where everyone is enjoying a day at the beach or at a zoo, we know the feeling of joy Jesus is seeking from His people acting as one body. Jesus looking on us as a whole, ten of us all together finding joy in His creation and provision, will have the joy He has been waiting for.
Let’s prepare for the maximum experience of fellowship in heaven. Let’s join wholeheartedly with others in our Christian Inner Circles and become a little more “one” with them.
How this Together Can Make It Really Good in Heaven
I am at a feast in heaven with four of my friends from my life before death. Back then we ate at fancy restaurants, but I was barely able to keep up with what was going on in the other four lives. And, when we told of good things happening in our lives, laughed, and shared ideas, I could not know how others were responding when listening to the friend who was talking. Then, there was the pain in each of my friends’ lives, and I did not want to feel the overwhelming power of everyone’s sadness combined.
But this life is so different. The absence of sin means there are no hurtful situations that need to be shared for prayer, no personal pain to bear with one another. That, plus God’s grace in making a oneness possible nowhere else, makes our minds and hearts so united that we can keep track simultaneously of the thoughts and feelings of all five of us at the same time. And, when we ask for more information or clarification of some comment, we are so connected that it is much easier than before to understand. They served a new kind of food just now, and I immediately knew which of my friends liked it and who did not. We still asked each other for more details, but somehow we are so “one” that what the others think and feel are perceived and we are not overwhelmed by the additional input. Back on Earth before death, I might have been able to guess when one of my friends was tired and needed to leave to rest. Here, now, I no longer need to guess. Our unity is exactly what Jesus wanted for us and for which He asked the Father the night He was betrayed – that we would be one as He was with His Father. |
How great it is going to be in heaven where Jesus’ prayer request to The Father for us to be one as They are One will be completed. Who knows what that will be like because nothing this side of heaven will ever be that complete in unity.
When I am with friends, I can sometimes be aware of one or two friends’ joy, but not everyone’s all at the same time. In heaven will we be able to sense everyone’s joy? If we now only use ten percent of our brain’s power, then it is quite likely. Wouldn’t that be something! Kind of like being the conductor and distinguishing each instrument in the orchestra. How fantastic will be the many feelings that we can assimilate simultaneously!
It is God’s love that does not allow us to absorb everyone’s feelings and thoughts now, before heaven. Sin inhabits those feelings and thoughts, and, so, they are better not known so vividly. But, in heaven where there will be no pain and no sinful thoughts or feelings, it will be okay to be so aware of all that joyful stimulation.
And, presently, in this life before death, we can only understand one another to a limited extent. In heaven we may have the ability to fully understand one another because that oneness Jesus prayed for will have taken effect.
Ever been confused by a friend’s explanation of a wonderful time on his or her vacation? Ever wondered what your children meant when they announced some new adventure they were undertaking? Ever wonder why your spouse enjoys something so much? Since none of these examples are necessarily sinful, they will most likely repeat themselves in heaven, except that a husband or wife won’t be married and will bloom into the very best of friends. And, that deeper understanding we always wanted in all of our relationships will come because we will be one in the same mysterious way that God the Son, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit are blended into One.
Will this unity, this oneness with one another in heaven, be part of those “immeasurable riches of God’s grace in Christ Jesus” promised in the following Scripture?
When I am with friends, I can sometimes be aware of one or two friends’ joy, but not everyone’s all at the same time. In heaven will we be able to sense everyone’s joy? If we now only use ten percent of our brain’s power, then it is quite likely. Wouldn’t that be something! Kind of like being the conductor and distinguishing each instrument in the orchestra. How fantastic will be the many feelings that we can assimilate simultaneously!
It is God’s love that does not allow us to absorb everyone’s feelings and thoughts now, before heaven. Sin inhabits those feelings and thoughts, and, so, they are better not known so vividly. But, in heaven where there will be no pain and no sinful thoughts or feelings, it will be okay to be so aware of all that joyful stimulation.
And, presently, in this life before death, we can only understand one another to a limited extent. In heaven we may have the ability to fully understand one another because that oneness Jesus prayed for will have taken effect.
Ever been confused by a friend’s explanation of a wonderful time on his or her vacation? Ever wondered what your children meant when they announced some new adventure they were undertaking? Ever wonder why your spouse enjoys something so much? Since none of these examples are necessarily sinful, they will most likely repeat themselves in heaven, except that a husband or wife won’t be married and will bloom into the very best of friends. And, that deeper understanding we always wanted in all of our relationships will come because we will be one in the same mysterious way that God the Son, God the Father, and God the Holy Spirit are blended into One.
Will this unity, this oneness with one another in heaven, be part of those “immeasurable riches of God’s grace in Christ Jesus” promised in the following Scripture?
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
Eph 2:4-7
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Since so much is possible in heaven in relationships with others, let’s prepare for it now. Unity is what is required. We can become more “one” with one another and expand our heavenly experience.
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
Opportunity for a Closer Relationship with God through Empathy
Here in heaven we are all fully filled with God. Jesus has been in us and we in Him ever since our new birth . We continually speak to one another of sensing Jesus with us and in us. But, it seems that our impressions vary in intensity. And, in those I knew before death, it sounds very similar to how it did then. Some seemed to have a stronger sense of Jesus with them and in them than me, while others had less.
Something happened yesterday that relates to what I am telling you. It reminded me of a children’s story, Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis, one of nine books in the Chronicles of Narnia . I read this before coming to heaven. In that story a little girl named Lucy could see and hear Aslan the Lion, who was a caricature of Jesus, when the other children could not. And, they never could see and hear him as clearly as could Lucy. What happened was this. We were hiking in a brand new forest, that is, brand new to us. There were three of us who were friends back on the Old Earth. We came upon a beautiful butterfly we had never seen before. It had beautiful shades of green, blue and yellow. One of my friends commented, “Jesus sure created a marvelous butterfly.” My other friend agreed. But, inside I could hear more and said, “Jesus is saying that He really enjoyed coming up with that design. He says He patterned it after three other butterflies he created earlier.” Since we are all content with who we are in Jesus, one friend told me, “Ask our Lord if He often built on His previous designs.” I heard and related Jesus’ answer. “He says He did that often, so often that those who did not recognize Him as Creator attributed it to evolution. He did, in fact, design birds from some of His structural designs for dinosaurs.” I remember how these two friends in our previous life where sin affected us did not work very hard at building unity in their relationships. This is probably why their spirits are less equipped for oneness with Jesus now. |
We are now united with God and are one spirit with Him. Our spirits and God who is spirit are fused for eternity. What a reason to praise
But he who is joined (united - NIV) to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.
1 Cor 6:1
1 Cor 6:1
But, it must be that such a bonding and blending with God will vary depending, for lack of another way to illustrate it, on the size of our spirits. God, of course, will be the same gigantic Spirit with all of us. However, it seems that our spirits will be different in size and qualities. Obedience to Scripture will determine both size and qualities. Each of the Togethers, as they summarize and categorize Scripture have the potential to grow our spirits (spiritual growth) and develop the varied wonderful qualities of the character of Jesus Christ.
To visualize this, picture one huge circle drawn on a page. Then, completely inside of that large circle that represents God who is Spirit, draw different sizes of circles representing different sizes of a Christian’s spirit. Which circle would we each want to be? If we want to have a larger spirit integrated with God, then practice and grow in the Togethers. As far as qualities, we can place as many numbers from 1 to 65 within the circle we want to be. Each number will correspond to one of the 65 Togethers and the spiritual qualities that can be added to our level of spiritual maturity.
Our oneness with God has been made possible by Him. How close in unity and oneness we will be is in our hands. We have to put in the effort to grow in Christlikeness but the power will come from the Holy Spirit.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
O Our God who is Three in One with complete unity, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits toward deeper unity and oneness with one another. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we do not let unessential things divide us.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus by letting unity within our Christian Inner Circles stabilize our love for one another, especially through the various Togethers. As You, Lord Jesus, know us thoroughly, help our unity to grow our oneness in knowing one another more completely in order that we might more accurately minister to one another.
May our lives worship You more because we stick like glue to one another and experience that oneness that characterizes the unity of Your three persons within the One God. And as You, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are committed to our sanctification, might we be more strongly united that we in our Christian Inner Circles commit ourselves to one another’s growth in godliness.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil through unity with one another that creates the strongest loyalty to You and cuts off Satan’s attempts to separate us from You and one another. Join us together by the power of the Holy Spirit that we rebuff Satan’s attempts to get us to sin and dishonor You.
Help us all to prepare for heaven’s complete unity by growing more completely to embrace unity with one another now. Help us to begin to find joy in being strongly attached to one another, gaining more and more ability to experience the joy of the others in our Christian Inner Circles, getting ready for heaven where the depth of our sense of oneness can grow without the devil’s complications.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.
To visualize this, picture one huge circle drawn on a page. Then, completely inside of that large circle that represents God who is Spirit, draw different sizes of circles representing different sizes of a Christian’s spirit. Which circle would we each want to be? If we want to have a larger spirit integrated with God, then practice and grow in the Togethers. As far as qualities, we can place as many numbers from 1 to 65 within the circle we want to be. Each number will correspond to one of the 65 Togethers and the spiritual qualities that can be added to our level of spiritual maturity.
Our oneness with God has been made possible by Him. How close in unity and oneness we will be is in our hands. We have to put in the effort to grow in Christlikeness but the power will come from the Holy Spirit.
Praise and Prayer Regarding this Together
O Our God who is Three in One with complete unity, I and those in my Christian Inner Circle will need Your help to grow our spirits toward deeper unity and oneness with one another. Help us to yield to the work of the Holy Spirit for all of us to give You more glory in the way we do not let unessential things divide us.
Please help us all to become more like Jesus by letting unity within our Christian Inner Circles stabilize our love for one another, especially through the various Togethers. As You, Lord Jesus, know us thoroughly, help our unity to grow our oneness in knowing one another more completely in order that we might more accurately minister to one another.
May our lives worship You more because we stick like glue to one another and experience that oneness that characterizes the unity of Your three persons within the One God. And as You, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are committed to our sanctification, might we be more strongly united that we in our Christian Inner Circles commit ourselves to one another’s growth in godliness.
Make us strong in Your power to defeat the devil through unity with one another that creates the strongest loyalty to You and cuts off Satan’s attempts to separate us from You and one another. Join us together by the power of the Holy Spirit that we rebuff Satan’s attempts to get us to sin and dishonor You.
Help us all to prepare for heaven’s complete unity by growing more completely to embrace unity with one another now. Help us to begin to find joy in being strongly attached to one another, gaining more and more ability to experience the joy of the others in our Christian Inner Circles, getting ready for heaven where the depth of our sense of oneness can grow without the devil’s complications.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Ever increasing practice of the Togethers of Scripture will (1) create in you the loving essence of Jesus, (2) give Jesus the kind of love He requested, (3) provide you with the most significant spiritual lifestyle which is attainable only through Christian community, (4) offer significant worship to God by reflecting his own character back to him through your behavior, and (5) bring God’s kingdom to earth as asked for in the Lord’s Prayer. And for heaven, such growing obedience to Scripture now will later (6) qualify you for a more responsible place of service as reward in heaven, and, (7) most important of all, give you greater empathy with God for a closer relationship with Him for all of eternity.