Unity
Paul demonstrated a shepherds heart for the church – not being able to be with them physically:
I wish you could know how much I have struggled[a] for you and for the church in Laodicea, and for the many other friends I’ve yet to meet. 2 I am contending for you that your hearts will be wrapped in the comfort of heaven and woven together into love’s fabric. This will give you access[b] to all the riches of God as you experience the revelation of God’s great mystery—Christ.
3 For our spiritual wealth is in him, like hidden treasure waiting to be discovered— heaven’s wisdom and endless riches of revelation knowledge.
4 I want you to know this so that no one will come and lead you into
error[c] through their persuasive arguments and clever words. 5 Even though I’m separated from you geographically, my spirit is present there with you. And I’m overjoyed to see how disciplined[d] and deeply committed you are because you have such a solid faith in Christ, the Anointed One. Colossians 2:1-4
Discipline is needed at this time of gathering restrictions. We’re committed if we are part of the Body of Christ. We have to practise discipline for we are committed.
God’s plan for the Church
It’s not God’s plan for the church separated. That’s why we need extra discipline as individuals not to draw back, instead receive everything that’s needed in life and godliness directly from Him.
But we receive directly from him, and his life supplies[r] vitality into every part of his body through the joining ligaments connecting us all as one. He is the divine Head who guides his body and causes it to grow by the supernatural power of God.[s] For you were included in the death of Christ and have died with him to the religious system and powers of this world. Don’t retreat back to being bullied by the standards and opinions of religion— for example, their strict requirements, “You can’t associate with that person!” or, “Don’t eat that!” or, “You can’t touch that!” These are the doctrines of men and corrupt customs that are worthless to help you spiritually. For though they may appear to possess the promise of wisdom in their submission to God through the deprivation of their physical bodies, it is actually nothing more than empty rules rooted in religious rituals! Colossians 2:19-23 TPT
Guard the Unity
“Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.” 1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT
Pray for oneness (unity) , first with God and then with brother/sister.
I pray for them all to be joined together as one[q] even as you and I, Father, are joined together as one.
21 I pray for them to become one with us[r]so that the world will recognize that you sent me. For the very glory you have given to me I have given them so that they will be joined together as one and experience the same unity that we enjoy.[s]You live fully in me and now I live fully in them so that they will experience perfect unity,[t]and the world will be convinced that you have sent me, for they will see that you love each one of themwith the same passionate love that you have for me. John 17 :9, 21-23
When Jesus went to the cross He was separated from the Father for the first time. Separation from the Father was the worse thing, “My God, my God why did you forske me”. Jesus was the One that restored the fellowship for us witih the Father.
The Church and Jesus – One flesh
As the Scriptures say, “A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”[c] 32 This is a great mystery, but it is an illustration of the way Christ and the church are one. Ephesians 5: 31-32 NLT
You are always and dearly loved by God!
You are always and dearly loved by God! So robe yourself with virtues of God, since you have been divinely chosen to be holy. Be merciful as you endeavor to understand others, and be compassionate, showing kindness toward all. Be gentle and humble, unoffendable in your patience with others. 13 Tolerate the weaknesses of those in the family of faith, forgiving one another in the same way you have been graciously forgiven by Jesus Christ. If you find fault with someone, release this same gift of forgiveness to them. 14 For love is supreme and must flow through each of these virtues. Love becomes the mark[k] of true maturity.[l] Col 3:12-14 TPT
Unity comes from the Holy Ghost
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all [a]with one accord in one place. Acts 2:1 KJV
They were in accord in one place (not one accord in multiple places).
120 people stayed disciplined for 50 days in obedience of what Jesus commanded them to do. They were in the right place at right time, they didn’t miss pentecost; the Church being born, God’s visitation and the Holy Ghost coming down.
What did the Early Church do after it was born on Pentecost ?
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Acts 2:42 KJV
Stay in:
– Teaching
– Fellowship
– Communion
– Prayers
We should do the same today! The Early Church is our model:
A deep sense of holy awe[a] swept over everyone, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders.[bp] All the believers were in fellowship as one body,[b] and they shared with one another whatever they had. Out of generosity they even sold their assets to distribute the proceeds to those who were in need among them. Daily they met together in the temple courts and in one another’s homes to celebrate communion. They shared meals together with joyful hearts and tender humility. They were continually filled with praises to God, enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord kept adding to their number daily those who were coming to life. Acts 2:43-47 TPT