Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  When one becomes a Christian – that person enters into a relationship with other Christians which should, by the very nature of the relationship, produce unity, cohesion, joint labor & joint success.  This unity is dependant upon two primary things – 1) Our submission to the authority of Jesus the Christ. 2) The application of the attitudes commanded by Jesus that we are to have toward one another.

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9, One - heis – Vine’s, (b) metaphorically, "union" and "concord," e.g., Joh_10:30; Joh_11:52; Joh_17:11, Joh_17:21-22; Rom_12:4-5; Phi_1:27; Perfectly joined together - katartizoµ, Thayer - 1) to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete 1a) to mend (what has been broken or rent), to repair 1a1) to complete 1b) to fit out, equip, put in order, arrange, adjust 1b1) to fit or frame for one’s self, prepare 1c) ethically: to strengthen, perfect, complete, make one what he ought to be

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9, Peace - eireµneµ - It describes (a) harmonious relationships between men, (b) between nations, (c) friendliness, (d) freedom from molestation (e) order, in the State, in the churches, (f) the harmonized relationships between God and man, accomplished through the gospel, (g) the sense of rest and contentment consequent thereon, The corresponding Heb. word shalom primarily signifies wholeness:

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9, The Prayer of Christ - John 17:17,21-23 The Plea of Paul - 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:1-4; Ep. 4:1-3 The Plea of James - James 3:13-17

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9, Eph. 4:4-6  One body –  One Spirit –  One Hope -  One Lord –  One Faith –  One Baptism –  One God –

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  Unity by believing ONLY what the scriptures SAY! – John 17:20,21; Eph 4:4-6, 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Tim. 3:16  Unity by preaching and teaching ONLY things authorized by the scriptures – 1 Peter 4:11; 2 Tim. 4:2  Unity by staying within the boundaries established by the scriptures - Col. 3:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17; 2 John 1:9

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  Unity by developing the attitudes COMMANDED in the scriptures – Col. 3:12-15 (NKJV)... put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. [14] But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.... put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; [13] bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. [14] But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  Unity by developing the attitudes COMMANDED in the scriptures – Col. 3:12-15 (NKJV) 4tender mercies, 4kindness, 4humility, 4meekness, 4longsuffering; 4bearing with one another, 4forgiving one another, 4love,

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  Unity by developing the attitudes COMMANDED in the scriptures – Phili. 2:1-5 (NKJ) [2] fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. [3] Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. [4] Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. [5] Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  Unity by developing the attitudes COMMANDED in the scriptures – Phili. 2:1-5 (NKJ) 4Being like-minded, 4Having the same love, 4Being of one accord, 4Of one mind. 4In lowliness esteeming others better than himself.

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  Unity by developing the attitudes COMMANDED in the scriptures – Romans 14:1-15:6 & 1 Cor (NKJ) 4Respecting the conscience of others – Rom.14:12,13,19-23; 1 Cor. 8:8-13 4Being patient while we learn & grow – Rom. 15:1-6 4Do things that will lead to edification – Rom 14:19; 1 Cor. 14:26 4Walk in love – Rom 14:15; 1 Cor. 13

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  God’s will is that we be united – 1 Cor. 1:10  God has provided a common standard through which unity is possible – Eph. 5:17  Unity depends upon our submission to the Divine standard – not just in doctrine – but also in practice!!

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,  Is your desire to know and follow the TRUTH? Mat 26:39  Are you willing to lay aside, or at least NOT bind your opinions upon others for the sake of unity?  Superficial approaches to division will never solve the problem - ONLY by truly conforming our hearts to the Lord’s teaching will we ever truly achieve unity!!!!

Don McClainW. 65th St church of Christ - April 9,