TO KEEP THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT IN THE BOND OF PEACE

^{Ephesians 4:1} I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,

² With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; ³ Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

I am writing this article as I have a great concern for the division I see working in the body of Christ. Down through the years I have watched as we Christians have allowed divisive things creep into our homes, our cities, relationships, work places, and our nation. I have prayed, talked, preached, only to find that it is a message that is so unpopular that Satan seems to easily stop unity from being effective. So sad that Christ is not welcome in our schools today.

Now Christians, it has come into the church in such a large way, that I wonder how anyone can trust a Christian. We should have the mind of God and walk in His Spirit and be the most trustworthy people on this earth. There was a time when the word Pastor or Minister was highly respected, but now it is not so high in the minds of the world today. It seems that everyone has their own doctrine and they are the only ones right. That is the first sign that they are deceived. That is nothing but pride and religion which gives an opening for the plans of Satan to become effective. You see he just worms in a little at a time. No one is God and he is the only one that knows it all.

We are admonished in the scriptures to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. That means that each and every Christian in the world ought to love one another, and give place for their thoughts and beliefs. Although we are to love all people, I did not say give place for the thoughts and beliefs of every religion, but I did say every Christian. If you have accepted Jesus Christ into your heart and life, you are born again. You know when you are born again if you have truly repented of your sins and had an experience with Christ. A Christian will have a desire to follow Christ. That does not mean you know it all or that you are perfect by any means. It just means that you have given your life to Him and that you are learning day by day.

Matthew 12:24 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. This scripture is quite clear. Division brings desolation. When the church is full of division, then the nation can be divided also. Both will fall. A house divided against itself cannot stand. You might wonder why I am writing this. It is because TV ministry is preaching across the world the error of some and trying to make themselves look as though they are the right ones. I don’t have too much problem with that, but when they begin to name names of ministries and ministers, they bring division. They cause the baby Christian to have doubts and bring many into confusion. They cause many to rise up and fight. They cause the world to laugh and mock at the Word and Christians.

I am no great scholar or theologian, but I do know the Bible after over 40 years of reading and studying it. I have been preaching this Word for over 30 years and I know enough to respect the fact that God loves this world and the souls that His Son Jesus shed His blood for on the cross of Calvary. That is the main issue and the main doctrine. Doctrine will not save you, it’s the blood of Jesus that saves you.

I am in no way telling you to accept false religions that do not bring you salvations message through the blood of Christ , but I am telling you to stop attacking the doctrines of the church. The letter of the law will destroy, but the love that Christ came to give us will save and keep us in all goodness and righteousness. It is more important to keep unity in the body of Christ than to keep a correct doctrine down to the letter of the law. Most church doctrine is good. Are they leading souls to Jesus? That is what I want to know.

When you get born again or saved or however you want to say it, you also get filled with an overflowing love that only Christ can give you. That is enough to share with this world. You still need to study in the Word of God, and I do like KJV as I think it is most trustworthy for us to know. That is my opinion, but I don’t want to make a religion out of that opinion. That is just for you to take and use if you would like to. You have to study and if you do it right, it will lead you into peace, joy, love and unity with self, and others. You cannot find unity with the non-Christian in the same way you do with your Christian brothers and sisters. Don’t walk away from God, but walk toward him. You have to tolerate the world, but you have to keep peace with Christians. Don’t be the cause of division, but be the peace maker the best you can.

What doctrine is right? None entirely, as no man knows all that God knows, so don’t let another destroy your faith by getting you bogged down in whose doctrine is right. Many great TV evangelist are leading many to Christ. Are they right in everything? NO and they have to answer for that, but you have to answer for yourself as to how you follow him.

Acts 10:38 is a good example for us. “How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth who went about doing good and healing all that were oppressed of the devil”. That is a pretty good formula to use if you are in doubt.

So much more to be said, but hope this helps some.

Rev. Shirley J Cunningham Jan 2011 New Year – Walk in Love! That is the love of Jesus.