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The Standard of Unity

2/24/2017

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THE POWER OF ONE 
Terry R. Baughman

“T
here is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

With great enthusiasm some have espoused the mantra, “Unity at any cost!” However, one should carefully consider the ramifications of such a philosophy. Though unity is much desired and a condition of valued importance, to be willing to pay any price for unity is impractical. True unity requires the participation of all parties. Some have sought unity by surrendering their moral values, by relinquishing their freedoms, or by divesting themselves of all investments and financial holdings, only to be cast aside and marginalized by some power crazed despot. True unity can only be achieved with shared goals and a mutual agreement on the principles of purpose. This is why most organizations or movements adopt a mission statement and establish a vision for their entity. A vision or mission statement helps to clarify the purpose for which they exist and a standard by which they might gauge their accomplishments. For any group to celebrate unity there must be an allegiance to their principles and purpose. 

The church of the living God is a movement like no other. It is a vibrant cohesive organism that reveals Jesus Christ in the world. Paul described the intrinsic unity of this movement as a body … one body, and one Spirit. The same Spirit that is God also dwells in every believer. This common force brings us together to represent “one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:5–6). 

We celebrate the oneness of God. There is no division in Him. “For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him” (Colossians 2:9–10). For there to be enduring unity in the body there must be a consensus of doctrinal belief. We stand united in doctrine firmly founded on the teaching of God’s holy Word.


We celebrate the unity of “the faith once delivered to the saints” (Jude 1:3). We must contend for our faith even at the risk of being accused of divisiveness. If we have no foundation of shared faith our fragile unity will not endure. Our faith, our values, our core moral convictions is what defines our belief system and provides a framework for unity. They are the standards to which we cling. 

We celebrate the way of salvation. While pluralism teaches that there are many ways to God and that all faiths are equally valid, in truth there is only one way to God. Jesus proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). There is only one authority to secure eternal salvation. It is only through the name of Jesus Christ, “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). 

To be truly united, there must be shared faith, doctrine, and salvation. Unity is only possible in Christ. Paul explained this basis of unity, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. … for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:27–28). Jesus is our standard for unity!
​

Scripture:
“That they may be one as we are” (John 17:11).

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The Attitude of Unity

2/19/2017

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THE POWER OF ONE 
Terry R. Baughman

“Walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3).

Paul’s admonition in the New International Version of this passage is rendered, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit” (Ephesians 4:3 NIV). There is intentional effort to maintain an attitude that promotes unity and peace. Human nature by default tends to look out for selfish interest even at the cost of bringing division in interpersonal relationships. This is reflected in the philosophy, “Look out for number one!” It is a “me first” attitude that prevails in much of society.

A key attitude shift in Christian discipleship is the reorientation of our focus from being so absorbed with our own interests to being considerate of others needs, responding favorably to the entreaty of another, or tolerating the mistreatment some may inflict. To “turn the other cheek” is not a natural human response but a Spirit enabled shift in a Christian’s attitude. When Christians respond with unexpected humility others are introduced to the genuine transformation that occurs in the attitude of a Christ follower.
​  

Everyone has the opportunity to be offended. Jesus said, “It is impossible that no offenses should come” (Luke 17:1). Life will always bring situations that compel us to become resentful or bitter. It is always our choice how we will respond in a given situation. It is up to us if we strike out in anger, respond with quiet resentment, or plot revenge for a thoughtless action. Any response that gives in to the temptation to be offended will cause disharmony and further separation between opposing parties. 

The first step of discipleship is self denial. Jesus clearly stated, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23 NIV). It is more than a onetime pledge or an unchallenged commitment. It becomes a daily decision to carry the cross, to put others first, and to follow the subtle prompting of the Spirit of Christ living within us. 

Consider the following options when the offenses come: 
  1. Anger ignites violence; Peace promotes unity. Seek consolation rather than vindication. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).
  2. Pride incites division; Grace brings unity. Strive for mediation. Defensiveness and aggression are reactions of injured pride. Pride brings the displeasure of God; humility will appropriate God’s grace (James 4:6).
  3. Arrogance initiates aggression; Humility brings unity. Practice toleration in the face of aggression. Vengeance is never satisfied. One thing leads to another and more violence follows. The unexpected response of humility defuses anger, aggression, and retaliation. 

Only the gift of humility can settle the savage rage of an offense.“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1 NIV). Make every effort to keep an attitude of unity.


Scripture:

“That they may be one as we are” (John 17:11). 

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The Power Behind Unity

2/11/2017

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THE POWER OF ONE 

Terry R. Baughman
“And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.” (Acts 4:31).

The infant church birthed on the Day of Pentecost exploded in growth. From the  upper room experience where they were gathered, “with one accord in one place,” they stood together to proclaim the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as predicted by the prophet Joel (Acts 2:1, 16–17). The unity experienced in the beginning continued as they spread the message of Jesus and His resurrection from the dead. A powerful demonstration of God’s Spirit was evidenced, not only in the thousands who received the Holy Spirt but in numerous miracles of healing and spiritual signs. After the public healing of the lame man near the Temple and the subsequent arrest of Peter and John as they were questioned concerning this notable miracle, there was also another opportunity to proclaim the power and authority behind the event. They acknowledge the miracle was only through the power of the resurrected Christ. They reported that it was “by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole” (Acts 4:10). 

The religious leaders were greatly disturbed by the testimony of Christ by these disciples. Perhaps even more disturbing was the vast crowd of 5,000 that became believers in Jesus through the witness of this miracle and their preaching. After threatening them and forbidding them to preach any longer in the name of Jesus they were released. 
The disciples gathered together with other believers for a prayer meeting. When they united in prayer there was a physical shaking of the place where they gathered. They were renewed in the Holy Spirit and emboldened to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus!

It was noted that “the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul” after these events (Acts 4:32). Unity of the believers brought a powerful demonstration of the Spirit, which in turn brought more unity of purpose. They continued believing in the Apostle’s doctrine and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ; “With great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all” (Acts 4:33).

Unity among believers will result in powerful signs and miracles. God’s blessing will be evidenced as the name of Jesus is proclaimed with a united purpose. When believers come together they are strengthen in their fellowship and faith and the commission of Christ becomes the focus of their efforts. The purpose for Christ’s prayer for our oneness becomes more evident as we see the results of that unity.

​With God nothing is impossible and believers will discover that truth when we follow the apostles example: unite, pray, preach, and repeat. The destiny of the world and the salvation of multitudes depend on our response to the call of the commission and the power of unity.

Scripture:
“That they may be one as we are” (John 17:11). 

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The Call to Unity

2/5/2017

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THE POWER OF ONE 
Terry R. Baughman

“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all” (Ephesians 4:4-6).

Christ placed a premium on unity; so much so that He included it in His last prayer meeting in the garden before His arrest, trial, and death the following day. His prayer was that we might be one like He and the Father are one (John 17:11). Jesus intended that His followers become one body, the body of Christ, representing Him in this world after His departure. Paul wrote that
“we are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones” (Ephesians 5:30). Not only are we unified as members of His body but in a unique way we are also joined with Christ who is the head of the body (5:23). There should be constant care for other members of the body, “For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church” (5:29). 

Paul spoke of the unity of the body, “there is one body and one Spirit,”  as he promoted the singular idea of being “called in one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4). Our calling is not independent of the body, neither is it separated from the vision He has for the church at large. He implored believers to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, … bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:1-3). 

He speaks to us individually, but calls us into corporate spiritual unanimity, “For you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). When God sees His church He is not seeing the fragmentation of ethnicity or distinction between the races or the sexes. He does not respect social economic disparity, rather He sees all as one body. Paul said, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female” (Galatians 3:28).

God has given the gifts of ministry to edify the church, “till we all come to the unity of the faith,” that we, “may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ-- from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share” (Ephesians 4:13, 15-16). 

From its inception on the Day of Pentecost the church has been called to unity. As the believers lingered in the Upper Room waiting “for the promise of the Father” (Acts 1:4) they were found unified, “with one accord in one place,” when the Holy Spirit descended on them (Acts 2:1). With the sound of “a rushing mighty wind” “that filled the house” and the appearance of tongues of fire upon them they spoke with others tongues of ecstatic utterance (Acts 2:2-4).

​The obedience and unity of the believers produced the first outpouring of Spirit power. The same experience comes again and again when we unite in declaring the holy purpose of God. We can be assured of the presence of God working with us to accomplish His work. “They went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs” (Mark 16:20).

Scripture:
“That they may be one as we are” (John 17:11).

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    Author

    Terry R Baughman is Lead Pastor for LifeChurch in Gilbert, AZ.  See his complete bio at trbaughman.com 

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