IDENTITY: UNITY
Ephesians 4:3 NIV, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
IMPORTANCE OF UNITY:
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BRINGS YOU SPIRITUAL LIFE
1 Peter 2:1 NIRV, “So get rid of every kind of evil, and stop telling lies. Don’t pretend to be something you are not. Stop wanting what others have, and don’t speak against one another. Like newborn babies, you should long for the pure milk of God’s word. It will help you grow up as believers. You can do this now that you have tasted how good the Lord is…But God chose you to be his people. You are royal priests. You are a holy nation. You are God’s special treasure. You are all these things so that you can give him praise. God brought you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people. But now you are the people of God. Once you had not received mercy. But now you have received mercy. Dear friends, you are outsiders and those who wander in this world. So I’m asking you not to give in to your sinful desires. They fight against your soul. People who don’t believe might say you are doing wrong. But lead good lives among them. Then they will see your good deeds. And they will give glory to God on the day he comes to judge… By doing good you will put a stop to the talk of foolish people. They don’t know what they are saying. Live as free people. But don’t use your freedom to cover up evil. Live as people who are God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone. Love the family of believers. Have respect for God.”
John 14:6 NLV, “Jesus said, “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one can go to the Father except by Me.”
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SUSTAINS THE CHURCH BODY
Acts 2:44-45 CEV, “All the Lord’s followers often met together, and they shared everything they had. They would sell their property and possessions and give the money to whoever needed it.”
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DRAWS UNBELIEVERS TO THE FAMILY
Acts 2:46-47 CEV, “Day after day they met together in the temple. They broke bread together in different homes and shared their food happily and freely, while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.”
EXECUTE UNITY:
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CONFRONT A BELIEVER
James 4:1 CEV, “Why do you fight and argue with each other? Isn’t it because you are full of selfish desires that fight to control your body?”
Matthew 18:15-17 NLT, “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back. But if you are unsuccessful, take one or two others with you and go back again, so that everything you say may be confirmed by two or three witnesses. If the person still refuses to listen, take your case to the church. Then if he or she won’t accept the church’s decision, treat that person as a pagan or a corrupt tax collector.”
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RESTORE A BELIEVER
Galatians 6:1 NIV, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
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FORGIVE A BELIEVER
Ephesians 4:32 NCV, “Be kind and loving to each other, and forgive each other just as God forgave you in Christ.”
Colossians 3:12-13 CEV, “God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you.”
