Religious movements are promoting connection now. Perhaps they know that in this individualistic, self-serving, and hedonistic society many are craving to be connected to others so that they won’t be so lonely. Actually, God knew that to be a human need and provided the church so that in it we might participate together in His purpose to save others from spiritual death and come to be like Him. Much of what is now known as \u201cchurch\u201d does not provide that, because it doesn’t require that people believe the same things. In the Bible that connection between individuals was accomplished by beliefs and purposes held in common. It was often translated as \u201cfellowship.\u201d Notice the word of God found in 1 John 1:3-4:<\/p>\n
that which we have seen and heard we declare unto you, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. 4 And we write these things to you so that your joy may be full.<\/p>\n
The word translated “fellowship” here means partnership or sharing. The need for unity and participation is very well known in our time. But, sadly many are trying to form this participation or unity on the wrong basis. John writes that what was necessary for this sharing was God’s message. The agreement and sharing in the single revealed message was required so that they could participate together. That message produces the faith and the agreement or unity among believers.<\/p>\n
Many today say that although we have many different beliefs, we can still be one. This is nonsense, because our unity comes from the understanding and belief of the one message and our obedience to it. We cannot just say we are one just because we believe. In that case, the demons would also be one with us. James 2:19 says:<\/p>\n
You believe that there is one God, you do well; even the demons believe and tremble.<\/p>\n
Knowing the message is not enough, it must be obeyed, and not just the part we like, but all of it. Thus, the knowledge of and obedience to the common message is the basis for the unity for which Christ prayed.<\/p>\n
John 17:20-23<\/p>\n
And I do not pray for these alone, but for those also who shall believe on Me through their word, 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. 22 And I have given them the glory which You have given Me, that they may be one, even as We are one, 23 I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me.<\/p>\n
The same theme is evident in 1 Corinthians 1:10:<\/p>\n
I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.
\nUnity is on the basis of the message, ALL OF IT. Refusal of any part of it is the root of division and the destruction of our fellowship in Christ.<\/p>\n
Many today are trying to claim that Christians can have many differing positions concerning their beliefs in Christ, but still should be one. The Bible never teaches this theory. Agreeing to disagree cannot be the basis of unity and mutual participation. Agreeing to disagree and continuing to associate will only produce an artificial association that will not have the depth and strength to survive nor will it produce anything meaningful.<\/p>\n
The reason for disconnection between members is the lack of connection to the Head, who is Christ. That disconnection is because of sin. It is sin that separates us from God, and from one another.<\/p>\n
Unity (connection) requires knowledge of and obedience to the the same message. It requires time, effort, private and public study of the word. It is not easy, and that is why many do not achieve it. It requires that we be ready to converse concerning every part of God’s word, even those parts that seem “controversial,” and humble ourselves enough to accept God’s message and put aside one’s own personal beliefs, when they differ from God’s revealed word, and it requires the willingness to obey what we have learned, regardless of the cost.<\/p>\n
This fellowship through the message concerning Jesus not only produces a sharing or co-participation with other Christians, it produces a fellowship with the Father and the Son. It is obvious, that without the message, there cannot be any relationship with God. 1 John 1:4 teaches us that the message when known, believed, and obeyed produces joy, a complete, full joy. When we refuse to hear the message, we refuse our only hope for the fullest joy that a human being can ever know.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Religious movements are promoting connection now. Perhaps they know that in this individualistic, self-serving, and hedonistic society many are craving to be connected to others so that they won’t be so lonely. Actually, God knew that to be a human … Continue reading