God’s Desire to have Unity Among the Brethren [podcast]

No, not unity at the expense of truth ….. Yet, unity among His true remnant saints based on the foundation of salvation in Christ alone according to the whole of His written Word (John 8:47; 2 Timothy 3:16-17, etc.).

The ecumenical cry, goal, via all these heretical movies and revivals, is a plan to deceive – to keep captive souls in religious Babylon where the LORD has commanded us to “Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.” (Revelation 18:4-5). This is the cry for “unity” and yet truth is never mentioned. How does Holy Scripture address this?

False prophets speak about love and unity – yet it’s never verbalized by them that the only unity the body of Christ has is with those who rest and live out and hold to the final divine authority of God’s written Word. All other unity is false, fleshly unity. True servants of the LORD speak about Jesus Christ and His redemption, the blood of Jesus, holiness, the cross, judgment, sin, repentance, being ready for the return of Christ, and truth. Beware.

“The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the TRUTH. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. 3 For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the TRUTH that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the TRUTH. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in TRUTH.” 3 John 1-4

In His prayer to the Father, Jesus makes it clear that His Word, the exclusive island of His truth, is where His saints are sanctified – where they are set apart as His special, only bride. All others are outside of His kingdom.

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17

The primary way God leads His New Testament body is by His written Word. His true disciples have no unity with those who are not born again AND presently abiding, walking by and in the record of Holy Scripture (Psalms 119:105; John 10:35; 2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:3-4; 12-21, etc.).

Memory truth:

“Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:3 

The sword of divine truth, Word of God, divides people into two groups – 1. Those who repent, believe, and obey it and, 2. Those who refuse to repent and believe and therefore reject God’s offer of salvation in Christ alone (Matthew 10:34). safeguardyoursoul.com

The LORD grants us discernment to “know” (discern) who His body is and who isn’t a true disciple – “by their fruits.” (Matt 7:16, 20)

I’ve witnessed firsthand God’s restoration grace in my own life many times – being restore by God to Himself, as well as how He’s restored relationships among His people – which is His stated will to do.

Saints, what does Psalms 133 say? Where is our faith? Are we getting bitter or better?

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; 3 As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalms 133:1-3

Did the LORD not restore the fornicator – to Himself and His body? Yes. 1 Corinthians 5; 2 Corinthians 2.

Did Jesus not teach the restoration of the prodigals? Luke 15

1 Corinthians 12-13 and Ephesians 4 are key chapters pertaining to the body of Christ.

If so why did the Holy Spirit tell us through Paul to “Endeavor(ing) to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”? (Ephesians 4:3) <<memory verse.

“And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27

From Schism to Unity

Jesus told us there would be division.

“Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” Matthew 10:34

“That there should be no schism (gap, division, rent) in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Corinthians 12:25

How about how Paul and Barnabas were in strong disagreement concerning John Mark who was later restored to the ministry?

The Temporary Strife Between Paul and Barnabas

“And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark. 38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus; 40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God.” Acts 15:37-40 

The Restoration

Paul speaks of Barnabas in a positive ministerial light in every additional reference to Barabbas in the New Testament Scriptures. Of John Mark, Paul later wrote:

“Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:11 

Reconciliation requires humility. Reading Romans 12:14-21 every morning this week will greatly bless your life in Christ.

Are we not one body in Christ?

The oneness of God’s love among His people is a witness to the world around us….

“I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:23

Reading Jesus’ prayer to the Father recorded in John 17 is paramount to understanding the larger plan of God and the scope of vertical and then horizontal relationship.

“The word of reconciliation” 2 Corinthians 5:19