We have more denominations today than ever before. Many things can endanger a church, but internal fighting and division is one of the worst. New Testament Scriptures on Unity: 1 Cor. 1:10, 12:12-13, 14, 2 Cor. 13:11, Acts 2:42-47, 4:32, Gal. 3:28, Jn. 13:25, Rom. 6:5, 12:10, 16, 18, 14:1, 19, 15:5-6, Matt. 18:19-20, 23:8, Col. 3:13-17, Eph. 4:2-6, 11-13, 14, 16, 1 Pet. 3:8, Rom. 12:16, Tit. 3:10-11 Christian unity is something that Paul was very passionate about…so was Jesus! John 17:21: “I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one.”This is what Paul wants for the Philippians (Phil. 1:27). The Basis of Christian Unity—Verse 1In light of the blessings of salvation we enjoy in Christ, this changes the way we relate to others.• What we share in common with Christ is far more important than what we disagree on!• At the end of the day, it’s the essentials of the gospel that hold us together and our shared faith that really matters!• Deferring to other believers in matters of secondary importance is actually a sign of maturity, not weakness! The Marks of Christian Unity—Verse 2Christian unity means the church is moving together as one body toadvance the Kingdom. Unity is like an orchestra.• Uniformity (loss of individuality) is everybody playing the sameinstrument.• Unity is everybody looking at the same sheet music and the same conductor!• When Jesus becomes the most important thing in the room, thedifferences that divide us become the smallest thing (Heb. 12:2).
