Wednesday, December 21, 2022

December 21, 2022

Matthew 18: 20 (NIV)
“For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
Given Christ’s passion for it and Paul’s instructions to the church regarding it, we can safely say unity among believers is as important a doctrinal issue as any other teaching of Scripture.*
The last recorded words of Jesus on earth are: “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”(Matthew 28: 20) With that promise, he didn’t include provisions that two or three had to meet together before he would join them. In encouraging us to gather in groups of two or three, Jesus was not implying that he wouldn’t be with us when we are alone – or that a group of four or more was too large to draw him near. He wanted his followers to be together and to be united in purpose.

My church provides many opportunities for its members and attendees to come together in the name of Jesus. There is a “life group” meeting somewhere every night of the week. We have classes for adults and children every Sunday morning; and our Wednesday night program is where the church family really comes together, with a dynamic children’s program, youth ministry activities, and elective classes for adults. And we don’t just come together to learn and grow – there are many avenues of service available to put our knowledge into practice. And Jesus is there with us.

In his prayer, recorded in John chapter 17, Jesus explains why it is important for believers to be together in his name. In verse 23, we read his words: “May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” Our unity and fellowship testify to the world. When we love each other, we demonstrate the love the Father has for the Son and for each of us. Our community - our unity - invites the lost to become a part of the family of God.

Stay united, brothers and sisters. Jesus prayed for it and the world is lost without it!
We cannot say we are one in Christ unless we behave as one in Christ.*

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