One

Romans 12:16 “Live in harmony with one another.”

 

Pastor Kyle continued his Sermon series on “Purpose”, stating that we are made to have unity within the body of Christ, unity with other Believers and unity within the boundaries of the Holy Scriptures of the Bible. We were made to be one in our love for God in heart, mind and lifestyle. This is the markings of a true Christian. The “real deal” as a result of the work of Christ in our life. Romans 12:9 tells us s that “Love must be sincere.” God made us to love one another. Love God and we will naturally love others.

 Mark 12:29-31 The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

 

Hebrews 10:19-25 “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

 

Pastor says that true love equals genuine relational unity without hypocrisy. Life is not a theatrical Play and we are not actors on the stage of life. Love is not supposed to be a show or a mask that we wear. But the harsh reality is that it can be very messy, requiring maturity that looks beyond offenses; the thoughts, words and deeds that offend God and breaks unity. To keep it all in prospective, God sent His Son and the Holy Spirit that we be in fellowship. Romans 5:8 “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Look to the mercy of the Cross and the newness of life.

 

1 Corinthians 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

 

Kyle gave us three powerful principles to keep in the body of Christ. First, focus on our own sinful actions and let God deal with others. Focus on ourselves and not be fixated on the problems of others. We all have enough problems of our own. Secondly, freely extend forgiveness. From head to heart, train your heart to forgive. Bitterness is a party of one. Do not allow negativity run your life. Look to Jesus for the strength to forgive. Ever been forgiven? Third, freely express “I’m sorry”. As a child of God, we have the burden and responsibility to make it right.

 

In Christ, Brian