Christian unity week 30, 2013

“You should have told me of this zeal for missions. We need a vibrant representative at the mission board about to be formed.” How come a board is just coming up? Are you nominating me because you have a vision for new fields or because you want to stop their move? “Did I say I want to stop them from their outreach? Not at all! They can go on with whatever programs they wish; it is the welfare of your soul I am concerned about. I must give account on that day for you. Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account Heb 13:17(ESV).” Thanks a lot. Is there a specific problem I need to be aware of?  “Well you know these people copy us even though they criticize us. They have no structure and tend to be autocratic. In fact some of them use dark arts to fake their miracles!” Did someone tell you this about these brethren or are you just generalizing? We should not be indifferent when brethren in other ministries fall or gloat over them. But do not gloat over the day of your brother in the day of his misfortune; do not rejoice over the people of Judah in the day of their ruin; do not boast in the day of distress Obad 1:12(ESV).  Remember we were once labelled dead by others because our ministers also indulged in dark arts and many did not know the Lord outright. In the spirit of brotherhood shouldn't we be praying for and exhorting each other?

“Can I really call them brethren?”  What? Listen: when we were in error how many of them prayed for us publicly and privately? Now we are experiencing renewal we deride and criticize them. This is the enemy’s divide and rule tactics. For wherever jealousy and rivalry exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil Jas 3:16(ISV). Beware lest the worm of error eat again like a canker into our fold. Are we not guilty as they are in many respects especially in financial matters?  “There is no envy or strife between us” Is that so? For while there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way? For when one says, "I follow Paul," and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human? 1Cor 3:3, 4(ESV). This division in heart shows it... “The way you speak I should bring them right into the altar and make them signatories to our account!”  That is not what I am saying. You know bombings, killings and persecutions know no denominational barriers.  In these last days we need to stand as one body. Above all else, you must live in a way that brings honour to the good news … working together and that you are struggling side by side to get others to believe the good news Phil 1:27(CEV)  . Let’s pray for one another, encourage each other, and love as brothers.