I Am a Church Member---I Will Be a Unifying Church Member
by Rev. Zack | December 6, 2015
I Am a Church Member---I Will Be a Unifying Church Member“One finger won't make an impact, but you ball all those fingers into a fist, and you can strike a mighty blow. Now, this family has got to be that fist.” ~Mama Joe—Soul Food
Growing up I would often times here my grandmother say “I need you, you need me, and we all need the Lord!” How true this is. God desires for His children to get along with one another. As a matter of fact, He is very emphatic about that point. Listen at what He says in John 13:35: “By this all people will know that you are My disciples, If you have love for one another”.
In this chapter (Chapter 2), the author discusses this matter of unity in the church. He points out that unity is critically important. Paul cuts in and adds his input to the matter.
Ephesians 4:1-3: I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
In order for the Church to be all that God has called her to be, there must be UNITY! We have a responsibility as a church member. We are to be a source of unity. We are never to be a divisive force. We are to love our fellow church members unconditionally. Now it doesn’t mean you agree with everyone all the time, but it does mean that you are willing to sacrifice your own preferences to keep unity in the church.
You may ask yourself what are some things that can cause dis-unity in the church! You ask so many great questions…let’s see what the Word says:
You may ask yourself what are some things that can cause dis-unity in the church! You ask so many great questions…let’s see what the Word says:
Romans 1:29-31: 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality,[c] wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving,[d] unmerciful;
DE-PRESS-ING!!!!
DE-PRESS-ING!!!!
There must be forgiveness and unity. It has been stated that the Christian Army is the only Army that will kill its wounded! This shouldn’t be! We must learn to forgive our brothers and sisters if there is to be unity in the church. Unity in the church WILL NOT happen if members have unforgiving hearts. Too many times members have anger and hurt because of something another member has said or done. Some members are angry and hurt at the pastor and staff because of something they said or did or failed to do. Remember, each local church is made up of imperfect members and imperfect pastors. There is no such thing as a ‘Perfect Church’. If you find one don’t join it!! The moment you join it will no longer be perfect.
Each Sunday before the benediction is given; we (Revelation Missionary Baptist Church) sing:
Each Sunday before the benediction is given; we (Revelation Missionary Baptist Church) sing:
“I need you. You need me. We’re all a part of God’s body. Stand with me, agree with me. We’re all a part of God’s body. It is His will that every need be supplied. You are important to me—I need you to survive!
I pray for you—you pray for me. I love you! I need you to survive. I won’t harm you with words from my mouth. I love you. I need you to survive. It is His will that every need be supplied. You are important to me—I need you to survive!”
I pray for you—you pray for me. I love you! I need you to survive. I won’t harm you with words from my mouth. I love you. I need you to survive. It is His will that every need be supplied. You are important to me—I need you to survive!”
My challenge is this:
- Possess what you confess as it relates to being a Unified Church
- Make a concerted effort to become more unified. As we do, watch what God can and will do through us!
In His Service!
Rev. Zack
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