United in Christ's Completeness
Ephesians 4:4-6
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Acts 11:19-26
19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Thoughts:
Seven unifying truths bind believers together: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. This is not a menu from which to choose your preferences; this is the complete package of Christianity. Like a Swiss Army knife, each tool has purpose only when united with the others. The early believers were so distinctly marked by these unified convictions that observers struggled to name them until settling on "Christians"... people who belong to Christ.
You are complete in Him. Stop searching for something additional to make you whole. Stop dividing over secondary matters when these seven truths unite us. Your identity, sufficiency, and fellowship are found in Christ alone. Walk in the plenty He has already provided.
Prayer:
Ask God to tear down any divisions that you have with others. Ask Him to help you see your purpose and place within the body of Christ.
4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; 5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Acts 11:19-26
19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.
22 Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. 24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the Lord. 25 Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: 26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Thoughts:
Seven unifying truths bind believers together: one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father. This is not a menu from which to choose your preferences; this is the complete package of Christianity. Like a Swiss Army knife, each tool has purpose only when united with the others. The early believers were so distinctly marked by these unified convictions that observers struggled to name them until settling on "Christians"... people who belong to Christ.
You are complete in Him. Stop searching for something additional to make you whole. Stop dividing over secondary matters when these seven truths unite us. Your identity, sufficiency, and fellowship are found in Christ alone. Walk in the plenty He has already provided.
Prayer:
Ask God to tear down any divisions that you have with others. Ask Him to help you see your purpose and place within the body of Christ.
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