by Over the past several weeks, we have had the privilege to travel across the state, meeting with Pastors, leaders, and missionaries. Our theme of “Better Together” was exemplified by the tremendous turnout and the unified body of leaders, seeking God’s will! For we know that God’s goal of better together is not only attainable but an absolute necessity!
It is God’s will to bring together and reconcile the whole of creation to himself. The desire for unity reflects the unity that the Godhead, it is expressed in marriage, and it must be demonstrated in the fellowship of the church. This is not an option for today’s church, instead, it is as important as ever because the mission is great!
Scripture
How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. Psalm 133:title–3 (NLT)
Army historian Brigadier General S. L. A. Marshall, who conducted more than four hundred interviews with American infantrymen immediately after combat in both the European and Pacific theaters of war, concluded that the main motivation for a soldier to fight is a sense of psychological unity with other members of his immediate combat unit. Said General Marshall: “I hold it to be one of the simplest truths of war that the thing which enables an infantry soldier to keep going with his weapons is the near presence or presumed presence of a comrade.”
Morgan, R. J. (2000). Nelson’s complete book of stories, illustrations, and quotes (electronic ed., p. 329). Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Just as the militiary has discovered and utilized the idea of unity among thier troops, the church recognizes the benefits. God knew that this idea of unity was essential to the purpose of the church as well as it’s longevity. A unified church is a powerful church and makes an eternal impact in the hearts and lives of those they come in contact with. We must align ourselves with God’s goal of better together!
God’s Goal of Better Together Has a Purpose to Unify
1. To Bring Together All Peoples
Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! Psalm 133:1 (ESV)
One of the great experiences that I have had is being able to worship with people of different cultures, styles, and preferences. Each of these have value in the kingdom! What I have found is if we come together to honor, encourage, prefer, and join together in humility we have the foundation for unity. Pride will always divide, but humility will be the fertile ground necessary for God to do miraculous work through.
2. To Unite People Under His Rule
And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one. Zechariah 14:9 (ESV)
God’s goal is to bring people together around the world under his rulership. The Bible says that one day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord. However, it is God desire that everyone acknowledges God as thier Father and Jesus as Lord. The Bible makes it clear that He longs for every person to be committed to Him. When we evangelize and reach the lost, we are partnering with the heart of God to unite people under His rule!
3. To Bring Reconciliation Among His People
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23–24 (ESV)
When there are issues in our relationship with other believers, Jesus teaches that it is our responsiblity to make things right. Through intentional reconcilliation, prayer becomes effective and worship more impactful. When we deal with the relationships with others biblically, God works through our lives to accomplish His mission. If we don’t deal with these issues, then the Holy Spirit will speak to the need for repentance overwhelmingly.
4. To Reconcile The World To Himself
For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him, Colossians 1:19–22 (ESV)
God’ heart is for all to hear the good news of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness of sins. For them to hear His heart for reconciliation and hope for eternity. When God brings the church together it is not just for peace among the body, but so that we are effective in purpose. We can only accomplish the mission of God if we work in tandem with one another.
While there may be different perspectives, preferences, and cultural backgrounds, we have the commonality of being one in Christ. If we stand upon that unchanging foundation, we can accomplish the greatest missions force the world has ever seen. The church has the great privledge of being used by God for something bigger than themselves…reaching the world!
Conclusion:
In the end, we have the responsilibty to find and know the heart of God for a unifying of the body. It is so essential to the ability of the church to work together, but for those who are waiting for the church to lead them to Christ. If we are so busy fighting one another, then there are people each day who are losing their lives without a presentation of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Let’s pray and ask God to unify the church like never before. May God help us to accomplish His will of staying on mission of reaching the lost. There are so many people today that are ready for transformation and they just need someone to share it with them. Jesus said, the fields are white and ready for harvest and we are to pray that God would send workers into the field. The gathering of the harvest must start now!
It begins with Christ!
If you don’t know Christ as your savior, it all begins with the first step. Committing your life to serve Him is the greatest decision you will make in your life! For more information on serving the Lord: CLICK HERE!
Blessings,
Chad
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