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FAMILY NEWSHIGHWAY CLEANUP: Our cleanup of the highway begins this next Saturday (the 17th). We mailed a selection form to everyone this past week. PLEASE return that form with your preference. If you cannot or do not want to participate, let us know. If you did not get one it is because we knew circumstances prevented you from being a part of this project. Next Saturday at 9:00 A.M. those of us who can will meet here at the building to do the cleanup. If you have a question call John Clayton at 269-687-9426. SHULTS-LEWIS has asked us to provide peanut butter and jelly/jam so remember they will be coming to pick up these items and any change cans we may have during the week of July 18. Bring your PB/J and put it on the pew in the lobby. FOOD BANK: This past Monday we had nine families representing about 50 people come to the building for food. For a national holiday weekend, that is a very good turnout. We want to extend our thanks to all of you who help in this program. I do not have all the names, so I will not list them here, but we do want those of you involved to be aware we appreciate your efforts and the good you are doing. TODAY'S LESSON
INTRODUCTION (John refers to this song: “They'll Know We Are Christians.”)
A. What is the UNITED States of America?
I. JESUS GAVE CALLS FOR UNITY.
B. How destructive is a lack of unity? C. How important is unity in the church? A. John 10:16
II. THE BIBLE URGES UNITY.
B. John 17:11 C. Ephesians 2:13-16 D. Matthew 16:18 E. Ephesians 4:4-6 A. Ephesians 4:1-3
III. THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLS FOR UNITY.
B. James 2:13-18 A. 1 Corinthians 12:13
IV. TWO THINGS THAT CREATE UNITY
B. Ephesians 2:19-22 C. Ephesians 4:3-7 A. Romans 15:5-6 — The glorifying of God which reduces or eliminates human issues
B. Romans 12:1-2 — Loving Christ so much it changes our minds from being molded by the world
C. 1 John 4:7-21
V. THINGS THAT DESTROY UNITY
D. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13, especially 1 Corinthians 13:13 A. Human traditions — Mark 7:1-9
VI. WHAT IMPORTANCE DO YOU PLACE ON UNITY?
B. Wearing different names — 1 Corinthians 1:13 C. Failure to make Christ our only authority D. Matthew 28:18 E. Luke 6:46 F. Matthew 7:21-27 G. Galatians 5:19-20 H. James 4:1-2 A. Will you pray for it?
B. Work for it? (At the end John refers to this song: “Nothing but the Blood.”)
THE BACK PAGEUNITY — A FAILURE OF THE MODERN CHURCHSeveral of the letters of the Apostle Paul had to do with unity in the various congregations at that time. The congregation at Corinth was a mess. In 1 Corinthians 1:11, Paul says, “It has been told to me by those in the house of Chloe that there are contentions among you.” Most of the content of 1 and 2 Corinthians had to do with the issues that had disrupted that congregation. In Galatians 1:6-7 Paul writes, “I marvel that you are so quickly removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ to another gospel, which is not another gospel but there are some who trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ.” In our day and time the situation has not improved. In the directory for Churches of Christ in the United States there are nearly a dozen different types of congregations listed. They involve things like how many cups to use in communion; whether there can be a kitchen in the church; whether there are Bible classes; whether the congregation can support an institution; etc. Whether there can be an instrument of music during the song service; whether we can have a praise team; what the role of women should be and should not be; and what is the role of the preacher; all dominate church discussions even here in Michiana. So what is the answer here in Dowagiac? The answer is that we should rely only on God's Word and what Jesus taught. Congregational autonomy is the answer to unity. What is done in Nashville, Tenn., or Abilene, Tex., must not dictate what we do here. Even the activities of other congregations in the area cannot control what we do. Unity in our congregation is one of our strong suits, and we must treasure it and protect it. The issues that divide congregations are human weakness issues. If we focus on God's Word and listen to Jesus alone we can be united in Dowagiac, whatever happens elsewhere. — John Clayton Our sign by the street! Sign saying from www.sayingsforchurchsigns.com. Scripture links/references are from BibleGateway.com. Unhighlighted scriptures can be looked up at their website. www.dowagiaccoc.org |
