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Unity

You will receive in the next few weeks, the Lord willing, several thoughts on the unity and disunity of the churches. In any given community, the body of believers is made up of all saved people and no one who is unsaved.

“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.” Acts 2:47 (NIV)

The church was made up of people of both sexes.

“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:14 (NIV)

“Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.” Acts 5:14 (NIV)

The church included Jewish priests.

“So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7 (NIV)

The church included other races, cultures and nations.

“And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.” Acts 8:38 (NIV)

“While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles.” Acts10:44-45 (NIV)

“The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad . . . No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are . . . It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God.” Acts 15: 3, 11, 19 (NIV)

These people who believed, were saved, born again, and instantly members of the one body of Christ, the church. We also see the church included Jews, Greeks, slaves and free people.

“The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free – and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” 1 Cor 12:12-13 (NIV)

These people became members of the LOCAL church at the same instant that they became members of the body of Christ.

There was an instant unity.

This unity is described in Ephesians 4:4-6.

“There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (NIV)

We start with unity. The unity is to be kept.

“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 (NIV)

(Taken from Day & Night, 2001)

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