Unity!
“Behold, how good and how pleasant if is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” Psalm 133:1
“My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Jesus’ Prayer, John 17:20-21
Friday night, November 4th, our congregation was blessed to participate in a “Unified Evening” under the evangelistic ministry of my dear friend from Columbia County, Pastor Willie Brown. God spoke to Willie’s heart long ago these Scriptures and others found in the Bible, that address a simple, fundamental, and life-changing truth regarding the church, the Body of Christ. That truth proclaimed throughout the Scriptures is that of unity.
Willie not only boldly warned us of the dangers and pitfalls that occur when Christians are not unified, but he also encouraged us as to the rewards of loving one another unconditionally in Christ as we allow the truth of the word of God to change our hearts and behaviors. He also reminded us of the Bible’s proclamation that a house divided against itself will fall whereas unity among the body of believers produces one of the most powerful witnesses to a world that has become so violent and fractured.
For me, one of the highlights of Willie’s message was his quoting Jesus prayer as listed above. Think of it, Jesus prayed before his arrest, trial, and crucifixion that as He and His Father are one, so is His body, of which He is the head, to be one. As Willie said, and I paraphrase, “Church, get out there and do something!” Go out in unity as brothers and sisters in Christ and make a difference for your community as you serve the Kingdom of God!
Lord, Make us One in Christ!
Pastor Louie