Unity in the Church
Unity in the Church79
Are You Destroying the Church
By Francis Chan3.8K35:34The Sacredness of CommunityChurch UnityUnity in the ChurchNUM 20:122SA 24:152CH 7:1JHN 17:21ACT 5:11CO 3:161CO 11:27EPH 4:3TIT 3:10HEB 13:17Francis Chan emphasizes the critical importance of unity within the church, warning against the destructive nature of division and gossip. He reflects on biblical examples of God's severe response to those who treat sacred matters lightly, urging believers to recognize their role as God's temple and the seriousness of their words. Chan calls for repentance and a commitment to protect the unity of the church, highlighting that the world will believe in Christ through the church's oneness. He encourages the congregation to confront divisive behavior and to foster a culture of love and respect among believers.
Why Would God Have Mercy on Us
By Ralph Sexton Sr.1.1K50:42God's MercyUnity in the Church2CH 7:14PSA 51:10ISA 55:6LAM 3:22MAT 5:14ACT 2:1ROM 9:15EPH 2:4JAS 5:161PE 3:12Ralph Sexton Sr. emphasizes the profound mercy and grace of God, questioning why God chooses to show compassion to humanity despite our unworthiness. He highlights the importance of unity among believers, asserting that when God's people come together in prayer and humility, divine intervention occurs, leading to revival. Sexton reflects on historical revivals, illustrating how God has moved in the past and can do so again if His people earnestly seek Him. He challenges the congregation to consider their role in this divine plan and to remain faithful in prayer, urging them to be vessels for God's mercy in a world that desperately needs it.
The Church
By Robert Arthur72944:34The Body of ChristUnity in the ChurchChurchMAT 16:18JHN 13:34ROM 12:41CO 1:91CO 2:41CO 12:12GAL 5:13EPH 4:11COL 1:181PE 4:10Robert Arthur emphasizes the significance of the Church as the body of Christ, highlighting that believers are called into fellowship with Jesus and are part of His divine plan. He discusses the diversity of gifts within the Church, stressing that each member has a unique role and function, all under the headship of Christ. Arthur encourages believers to recognize their responsibilities and the joy that comes from serving the Lord, even amidst trials. He underscores the importance of love as the foundation of all actions within the Church, urging unity and mutual care among its members. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the Church's purpose and the necessity of the Holy Spirit's guidance in all matters.
United Action - Orientation 6
By George Verwer64452:52Spiritual WarfareUnity in the ChurchJHN 17:20George Verwer emphasizes the necessity of united action in the face of spiritual warfare, urging believers to be motivated by love and compassion as they prepare for outreach. He highlights that faith naturally leads to action, and that unity among believers is crucial for effective ministry and overcoming disunity, which hinders the church's mission. Verwer points to Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17 as a model for the church, stressing that true unity is rooted in the atonement and love of Christ. He warns against the dangers of disunity and encourages believers to approach conflicts with grace and forgiveness, reminding them that a divided house cannot stand. Ultimately, he calls for a collective commitment to prayer and action, grounded in the love of Christ.
Conference for Missionaries-1986 - Part 2
By William MacDonald25238:57Importance of FundamentalsUnity in the ChurchConferenceMAT 23:23William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between fundamental and secondary matters in the Christian faith, urging believers to focus on the weightier matters of the law such as judgment, mercy, and faith. He expresses concern over the divisions caused by disagreements on non-fundamental issues, encouraging unity in essentials and liberty in non-essentials. MacDonald highlights the need for strong spiritual leadership to maintain peace within the church and to prevent discord over secondary matters. He calls for a return to the Word of God and a commitment to love and understanding among believers, especially in a world that desperately needs the gospel. His heartfelt plea is for Christians to prioritize the mission of spreading the gospel over quarreling about trivial issues.
Session 1: John 17
By Joseph Carroll2941:44The Power of PrayerChristian LifeUnity in the ChurchJHN 10:27Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of Jesus' prayer in John 17, highlighting the themes of protection from evil, the importance of unity among believers, and the call to be sanctified for the purpose of witnessing to the world. He illustrates how Jesus prayed for His disciples without complaint, teaching us to approach God with a spirit of praise rather than criticism. Carroll shares personal anecdotes to demonstrate the power of prayer and the necessity of maintaining unity within the church, as it reflects the glory of God and serves as a testimony to the world. Ultimately, he calls for believers to be set apart and dedicated to the mission of spreading the gospel, embodying the love and unity that Jesus prayed for.
Spiritual Authority: Seeing It, Expressing It, and Responding to It
By Mike Bickle2754:49Unity in the ChurchSpiritual AuthorityPRO 16:32MAT 10:40ROM 13:1EPH 5:21COL 3:221TH 5:121TI 5:17HEB 13:17JAS 4:71PE 2:13Mike Bickle emphasizes the significance of spiritual authority in the Christian community, urging believers to understand, express, and respond to it appropriately. He highlights that every individual possesses a measure of spiritual authority, which should be exercised with humility and respect, both in the church and in everyday life. Bickle stresses the importance of honoring authority to foster unity and effectiveness within the body of Christ, warning against the dishonoring of authority that can hinder the work of the Holy Spirit. He encourages leaders to serve their teams selflessly and to communicate openly, while also calling for a culture of submission and respect among all members of the community. Ultimately, Bickle believes that a proper understanding of spiritual authority is crucial for experiencing a greater move of God.
Seven Deadly Sins Every Christian Should Hate - Part 1 - False Judgement
By Phil Beach Jr.2247:04SinFalse JudgmentUnity in the ChurchLUK 17:32Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical need for Christians to confront the sin of false judgment, urging believers to examine their hearts and recognize the destructive nature of judging others based on outward appearances. He highlights the importance of allowing the Holy Spirit to reveal our own shortcomings before we judge others, as true judgment must stem from a place of humility and self-awareness. The sermon calls for a collective commitment to reject false judgments, which can lead to division and strife within the church, and encourages believers to seek God's grace for purification and unity.
(The Activity of the Holy Spirit) Preaching and Pastoral Care
By Peter Brandon1555:54Unity in the ChurchThe Holy SpiritACT 1:14ACT 2:1Peter Brandon emphasizes the vital role of the Holy Spirit in preaching and pastoral care, illustrating how the early Christians faced challenges yet thrived through the power of the Spirit. He highlights the significance of prayer, unity, and the transformative experience of the Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and empowered to spread the Gospel. Brandon notes that the early church's success was rooted in their steadfast commitment to prayer, fellowship, and the teachings of the apostles, leading to a remarkable growth in the number of believers. He encourages modern Christians to seek the same Spirit-filled life and unity to experience God's blessings today.
Not by 'My' Might or Power
By Shane Idleman1436:34Power of the Holy SpiritUnity in the ChurchZEC 4:6ACT 3:1Shane Idleman emphasizes the necessity of relying on the Holy Spirit rather than our own strength to overcome life's challenges, drawing from the story of Zerubbabel and the rebuilding of the temple. He highlights the importance of unity among believers, stating that true power comes from being united in purpose and spirit, which allows the Holy Spirit to work effectively. Idleman also stresses the need for compassion, urging the church to be moved by the suffering of others and to take action through prayer and intercession. He concludes by reminding the congregation that it is not by our might or power, but by God's Spirit that we can make a difference in the world.
A Desperate Plea for Unity
By Shane Idleman1348:38Unity in the ChurchOvercoming DivisionPRO 6:16MAT 5:9JHN 17:21ROM 12:101CO 1:10GAL 5:15EPH 4:3PHP 2:2COL 3:141PE 3:8Shane Idleman passionately addresses the urgent need for unity within the church, drawing from the teachings of 1 Corinthians. He emphasizes that believers, while called to be saints, often struggle with sin and disunity, which can hinder the work of God. Idleman warns against the divisive nature of arguments and debates over non-essential issues, urging the congregation to focus on the essentials of faith and to fight for unity. He highlights that true unity is not about uniformity in opinion but about being united in purpose and love for Christ. The sermon concludes with a call to examine our hearts and attitudes, especially regarding how we treat one another within the body of Christ.
Ten Principles of Warfare
By Shane Idleman1157:30Spiritual WarfareUnity in the ChurchNEH 4:1Shane Idleman discusses the 'Ten Principles of Warfare' based on Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, emphasizing the importance of spiritual warfare in our lives today. He highlights how the enemy uses discouragement and taunting to weaken our resolve, urging believers to encourage themselves in the Lord and to remain united in their efforts. Idleman stresses the need for both spiritual and physical action, reminding us that while God fights our battles, we must also take a stand and work diligently. He warns against the love of money and the dangers of disunity within the church, encouraging generosity and a healthy fear of God as essential components of spiritual warfare.
Can't We All Just Get Along?
By Shane Idleman1049:30Unity in the ChurchThe Role of the Holy SpiritEPH 4:1Shane Idleman addresses the complexities of unity within the church, emphasizing that while believers should strive for harmony, true unity is rooted in the Holy Spirit and sound theology. He highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to pursue peace and humility, and warns against the dangers of division and gossip. Idleman encourages congregants to reflect on their own spiritual lives, urging them to seek a deeper relationship with God and to be agents of unity rather than discord. He also discusses the necessity of separating from unrepentant sin while maintaining a heart of grace and love towards others.
Do We Hate One Another?
By Shane Idleman841:27Unity in the ChurchLove and HatredEPH 4:1Shane Idleman addresses the critical question of whether Christians harbor hatred towards one another amidst a climate of civil unrest and division. He emphasizes the need for the church to respond with love and unity, rather than succumbing to the world's divisive attitudes. Idleman highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit to combat judgmentalism and hatred that can creep into the Christian community. He urges believers to engage in civil discourse, recognize their biases, and strive for understanding and reconciliation, all while upholding the truth of God's Word. Ultimately, he calls for a change of heart and action to foster unity and love within the body of Christ.
The House of God - Part 2
By Peter Brandon755:10RepentanceUnity in the Church2CH 7:12Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of the house of God, highlighting that it is not confined to a physical building but is where God's people gather in humility and prayer. He reflects on God's promise to Solomon, urging believers to seek repentance and return to the Word of God to experience His presence and power. Brandon warns against the dangers of spiritual indifference and materialism, calling for a collective return to genuine worship and communion with God. He stresses that true revival begins with God's people humbling themselves and seeking His face, leading to forgiveness and healing. The sermon concludes with a call for unity among believers to rediscover the true essence of the house of God.
A Fully Soulish Man
By Watchman Nee4Spiritual DiscernmentUnity in the Church1CO 2:14JAS 3:15Watchman Nee discusses the concept of the 'soulish man,' emphasizing that such individuals, whether unregenerated or soulish believers, lack spiritual discernment and understanding of God's truths. He highlights that soulish wisdom, derived from human intellect, leads to divisions and conflicts within the church, contrasting it with spiritual wisdom that is pure and peaceable. Nee warns that many Christians rely on their mental faculties to grasp spiritual truths, which ultimately results in ignorance of the Word of God. He calls for believers to seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit rather than relying on their own understanding, as true spiritual insight fosters unity among believers. The sermon serves as a reminder of the importance of spiritual discernment in the life of a Christian.
The Basis of Union and Division
By Watchman Nee3Local Church MembershipUnity in the ChurchACT 2:47ROM 8:9ROM 14:11CO 1:121CO 12:132CO 13:5EPH 4:3COL 1:271JN 4:20Watchman Nee emphasizes the scriptural basis for the formation of local churches, asserting that a church is simply a group of believers in a specific locality who have received Christ. He argues that membership in a local church is based solely on being a believer and residing in that locality, without any additional conditions or denominational barriers. Nee warns against divisions based on leaders, doctrines, or social distinctions, stressing that true unity comes from the indwelling Spirit of Christ in all believers. He encourages Christians to recognize their oneness in the Spirit and to maintain fellowship with all believers in their locality, regardless of differences. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the biblical understanding of the church as a local assembly of all God's children in a given area.
Workers Together With God
By Smith Wigglesworth2Unity in the ChurchFaith and Action2CO 6:1Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the importance of being ready to receive God's higher calling and the transformative power of His Word. He encourages believers to move forward in faith, avoiding the pitfalls of looking back or receiving God's grace in vain. The preacher highlights the necessity of collective effort as 'workers together with God' and the significance of living in harmony within the church. He calls for a deep spiritual awakening and a commitment to holiness, urging the congregation to embrace their role in God's plan and to be vessels of His grace and power.
The Churches Founded by the Apostles
By Watchman Nee2Local vs. Universal ChurchUnity in the ChurchMAT 16:18MAT 18:17ACT 14:231CO 1:21CO 4:171CO 10:321CO 11:161CO 16:11TH 2:14REV 2:1Watchman Nee emphasizes the distinction between the universal Church and local churches, explaining that while the Church is one body, the apostles established separate churches based on locality. He clarifies that the term 'church' refers to the assembly of believers in a specific place, and that the division into local churches is divinely ordained to reflect the physical gathering of believers. Nee warns against the dangers of sectarianism and the importance of maintaining the local character of churches, asserting that each church should be independent yet spiritually connected to others. He concludes that the only scriptural basis for church division is geographical locality, and that true unity in Christ transcends physical boundaries.
A Case of Conscience Resolved
By John Bunyan2Unity in the ChurchRole of Women in WorshipEXO 15:20EST 4:16ZEC 12:10MAT 18:20ACT 16:131CO 14:34GAL 3:281TI 2:12JAS 5:141PE 3:7John Bunyan addresses the contentious issue of whether women in a church should separate from men to conduct their own prayer meetings. He argues against this practice, emphasizing the importance of scriptural authority and the traditional roles of men and women in worship. Bunyan acknowledges the piety and devotion of women but insists that their participation in worship should be in conjunction with men, not apart from them. He critiques the arguments made for women's separate meetings, asserting that they lack biblical support and could lead to confusion and disorder in the church. Ultimately, Bunyan calls for unity and adherence to the teachings of Scripture regarding worship.
The Importance of Fellowship
By Zac Poonen2Unity in the ChurchFellowshipMAT 18:18Zac Poonen emphasizes the critical role of fellowship among believers, highlighting that true unity requires self-denial and daily commitment to the cross. He warns against Satan's tactics to create division within the church, which hinders the manifestation of God's glory and limits the power of prayer. Poonen illustrates that just as Christ's physical body functions best when all parts work together, so too does the church thrive in unity. He stresses that breaking fellowship not only affects the community but also deprives individuals of God's blessings that come through one another. Ultimately, a united church can effectively combat Satan's influence and fulfill God's purpose.
Letters on Revivals--No. 29.
By Charles Finney1Pastoral CareUnity in the Church1TH 5:12Charles Finney emphasizes the importance of maintaining the pastoral relationship while engaging evangelists in church revivals. He warns against undervaluing pastors in favor of evangelists, as this can grieve the Spirit of God and create division within the church. Finney advocates for a cooperative relationship between pastors and evangelists, urging churches to support their pastors and ensure they remain central to the ministry. He highlights the need for unity and mutual respect to foster a healthy church environment conducive to revival. Ultimately, the goal is to work together for the salvation of souls without undermining the pastor's role.
The Church Bound to Convert the World
By Charles Finney1EvangelismUnity in the ChurchMAT 28:18Charles Finney emphasizes the church's obligation to convert the world, interpreting Jesus' command to 'make disciples of all nations' as a call for all Christians to actively participate in this mission. He outlines the conditions for obedience, including individual responsibility, unity among believers, and the necessity of self-denial and perseverance in prayer. Finney stresses that the church must not rely solely on learned ministers but must engage all members in the work of evangelism, demonstrating brotherly love and confidence in Christ's power. He warns of the great guilt associated with failing to fulfill this command and calls for a collective effort to glorify God through the conversion of the world.
Defiling the Temple of God
By William MacDonald1Holiness of the AssemblyUnity in the ChurchPRO 6:16MAT 18:15ROM 16:171CO 3:171CO 6:19GAL 5:15EPH 4:31TH 5:11HEB 10:251PE 2:5William MacDonald emphasizes the seriousness of defiling the temple of God, which refers to the local assembly of believers. He explains that Paul warns against those who destroy the unity and holiness of the church, as such actions lead to God's judgment. The sermon highlights the dangers of gossip, factionalism, and personal conflicts within the church, which can lead to its downfall. MacDonald reminds the congregation that both individual believers and the collective assembly are sacred, and tampering with them is a grave offense. Ultimately, he calls for unity and purity within the church to honor its divine purpose.
The Weapon of Disunity
By K.P. Yohannan1Unity in the ChurchOvercoming Disunity1KI 18:30K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the critical importance of unity in the Body of Christ, drawing from the story of Elijah at Mount Carmel, where he rebuilt the altar to signify the need for unity before God's power could be manifested. He warns that disunity is a powerful weapon used by Satan to hinder God's work and that it often stems from judgmental attitudes, lack of brokenness, unwillingness to serve, and clouded vision. Yohannan urges believers to recognize their own shortcomings and to prioritize unity over personal agendas, as the destiny of many unreached souls depends on the Church's collective strength. He calls for humility and a commitment to serve one another, reminding us that our actions towards others reflect our relationship with Christ. Ultimately, he challenges the Church to overcome divisions and work together for the sake of the Gospel.