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Your Question:
How do we prioritize unity over division?
Answer:
As a pastor, I've seen firsthand the challenges of achieving unity within the church. Disagreements over the nature of church unity have indeed caused disunity, which is ironic considering the importance of the topic. However, I firmly believe that unity is essential for the church to thrive. In the Bible, we see that God desires for the church to be one, unified body (Ephesians 4:3-6). This unity is not just a feeling or a sentiment, but a reality that should be demonstrated in our lives. To prioritize unity over division, I think it's essential to focus on the essentials of biblical Christianity. As Paul writes in Ephesians 4:3-6, we should make every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, with regard to matters that are less than these essentials. This means that we should not prioritize unity over doctrine or truth. Instead, we should strive for unity within the body of Christ, while also holding firm to the essentials of our faith. In practice, this means that we should focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. We should encourage our members to use their gifts and talents for ministry, rather than limiting them to specific roles or traditions. This approach to prioritizing unity has several benefits, including reducing frustration and integrating every aspect of life under the lordship of Christ. By doing so, we can create a more unified and cohesive church that is focused on serving God and His people.
Sources:
christian theology
millard erickson
systematic theology
wayne grudem
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
old testament theology
waltke
kingdom of cults
walter martin
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