MY PART IN FULFILLING CHRIST’S VISION

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Jan. 31, 2022

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The Awesome Power of Vision

HOW CAN I BE AN AGENT OF UNITY IN MY CHURCH?

1.  FOCUS ON WHAT WE SHARE, NOT OUR DIFFERENCES

“Let us concentrate on the things which create harmony and the growth of our fellowship together.”  Romans 14:19 (Ph)

“There is only one Body and one Spirit, and we have been called to one hope. There is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and only one God, who is the Father of us all, who is over all, is through all and is in all.”  Ephesians 4:4-6

“Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don't see things the way you do. And don't jump all over them every time they do or say something you don't agree with... They have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.”    Romans 14:1 (MSG) 

“Let there be real harmony so there are no divisions in the church. I plead with you to be of one mind, UNITED in thought and purpose.”   1 Corinthians 1:10b (LB)

2.  REALIZE I MUST CONTINUALLY WORK AT UNITY

“MAKE EVERY EFFORT to keep the unity of the Spirit. Bind yourselves together by living in peace with each other.” Ephesians 4:3

  • DON’T BRING WORLDLY VALUES INTO THE CHURCH

“You’re acting (in the church) the same way unbelievers act in the world!  The proof of your immaturity is your arguing and quarreling and the divisions you’ve created. That proves you still belong to the world and are living by worldly values! When one of you says, ‘I support Paul,’ and another says, ‘I support Apollos,’ you’re acting like unbelievers, not like Christ. Is Apollos important? No! Is Paul important? No!”    1 Corinthians 3:3-5a  

  • DON’T GET SUCKED INTO THE WORLD’S FIGHTS

“Jesus said, ‘My kingdom is NOT of this world. If it were, my servants would fight...’”  

 John 18:36a (NIV) 

“Don't have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. The Lord's servant must never quarrel; instead, you must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and patient with everyone. You must be humble, gently teaching those who oppose the truth.”   2 Timothy 2:23-25 

“Don’t tear apart the work of God over a rule about food.”   Romans 14:20a (NLT) 

3.  BE REALISTIC IN MY EXPECTATIONS 

“Nothing is perfect except your words.”  Psalm 119:96 (LB) 

“Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.”     Ephesians 4:2b (NLT)

“Most of all, let love guide your life, for THEN the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.”  Colossians 3:14 (LB)

“Love each other as if your life depended on it. Love makes up for practically anything.”  

 1 Peter 4:8 (MSG)

4.  OFFER ENCOURAGEMENT INSTEAD OF CRITICISM

“Let’s use ALL our energy in getting along with each other. Help each other by using encouraging words; Don’t drag others down by finding fault.” Romans 14:19-20a (MSG)  

“A wise, mature person is known for his understanding. The more pleasant his words, the more persuasive he is.”   Proverbs 16:21 (TEV) 

“What right do you have to criticize someone else’s servants? Only their Lord can decide if they are doing right...”    Romans 14:4 (CEV)

“Why do you criticize and judge your brother or sister in Christ? Why do you think you are better than they are? We’ll all be judged one day, not by each other’s standards, or even by our own, but by the judgment of God.”     Romans 14:10 (Ph)

“You’ve been called to live in freedom — not freedom to indulge your selfish nature, but freedom to serve each other in love. God’s entire law is summed up in ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ But you keep biting and devouring each other and tearing each other apart, you will be destroyed by each other.”    Galatians 5:13-15