Purpose of Unity

In a recent teaching John Hayward challenged us from Philippians 1:27 that as the Church, the body of Christ, we are to be united in one purpose; to contend together that those who are not yet convinced of the truth of the gospel would become convinced of it.

What an exciting challenge, that together we would share in our words and actions with those who do not know the truth that Jesus Christ came to rescue them!

Struggle Together

In words similar to teaching series from Ephesians, we were reminded that jointly, we as Jesus body, are to act together towards this purpose, presenting
the revealed mystery that God’s Holy Spirit would then open ears to hear, and convict hearts and convince minds.
However, this is something we need to strive, struggle or contend for, requiring effort. Ever wondered why our working together feels like hard work or appears to be under attack? This is why!

Standing Firm Together

When it is hard we need to be reminded that what holds us together is not our backgrounds or our interests or our political persuasions but we have God’s Holy Spirit inside each believer.
The God-head’s character of one-ness should be what characterises us rather than allowing our differences to pull us apart. We also need to be under the one sole authority of God’s Holy Spirit within the structures God has given us within family, Church and civic authority. So are we standing firm together, or are we being pulled apart?
Don’t give in to the pressure or the attack. Continue serving alongside your brothers and sisters, standing side by side at the sink or tidying toys or preparing games or whatever other ministry you have been called to, in which you show what Jesus the rescuer did for you.

Don’t give up but press on - TOGETHER!