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  HIS BELOVED SON JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD
  by Ignatius of Antioch
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Summary: The sermon emphasizes the importance of unity in the church,
following the example of Christ, and being joined together with God in
an unblameable unity.

Topics: "Church Unity", "Following Christ"
Scripture References: John 17:21, 1 Corinthians 1:10, Ephesians 4:3, Philippians 2:2, Colossians 3:14

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DESCRIPTION
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Ignatius of Antioch emphasizes the importance of unity and harmony
within the church, urging believers to align themselves with the will of
the bishop appointed by God. He compares the relationship between the
presbytery and the bishop to the strings of a harp, highlighting the
need for perfect fit and alignment. By coming together in love and
concord under the leadership of Jesus Christ, believers are encouraged
to be united as one choir, reflecting the unity between God the Father
and Jesus Christ. Ignatius stresses the significance of following
Christ's example and being blamelessly united with God.

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CONTENT
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Wherefore it is fitting that ye also should run together in accordance
with the will of the bishop who by God's appointment rules over you.
Which thing ye indeed of yourselves do, being instructed by the Spirit.
For your justly-renowned presbytery, being worthy of God, is fitted as
exactly to the bishop as the strings are to the harp.

Thus, being joined together in concord and harmonious love, of which
Jesus Christ is the Captain and Guardian, do ye, man by man, become but
one choir; so that, agreeing together in concord, and obtaining a
perfect unity with God, ye may indeed be one in harmonious feeling with
God the Father, and His beloved Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

For, says He, "Grant unto them, Holy Father, that as I and Thou are one,
they also may be one in us." It is therefore profitable that you, being
joined together with God in an unblameable unity, should be the
followers of the example of Christ, of whom also ye are members.

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/ignatius-of-antioch/his-beloved-son-jesus-christ-our-lord/
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