The unity of the faith

That They All May Be One.

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Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;

That they all may be one;

as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them;

that they may be one,

even as we are one:

(John 17 v 20 through 22)

The Lord has brought me into contact with many dear Christians who have no other desire than to be members of the body of Christ and not members of any man made group or sect. They say much the same thing and believe they are meeting according to the instructions found in the New Testament. They may have some different thoughts on certain points because of past associations, teachings and/or experiences. According to scripture, most of these differences should never be a cause to be separate.

A few years ago the Lord had pressed on my heart to consider certain passages from His word that has to do with the unity that He so desires for His people. In Ephesians 4, I found His instructions for my life work and if I am reading it correctly it is to be yours as well.

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:1-3)

My exercise in writing this booklet is to obey the word of God (Ephesians 4:1-3) and do what I can to encourage the practical unity that our Lord prayer for (John 17:20-22). We will look at:

1. The Lord’s love for His bride (the church) and His desire for the unity of His church to be displayed in a practical way while He is away.

2. How some have responded to this love that Christ has for His church and His desire for its unity.

3. Scriptural guidance for the serious Christian who desires to keep His word and not deny His name in this day of general breakdown of the display of practical unity.

4. Examples from History of not maintaining the Spirit’s unity as understood by the author.

It may be necessary, for some, that I make it very clear by stating that inter-denomination activity is not scriptural unity neither is the ecumenical movement.

I believe what is contained in this paper is consistent with scripture. But, I am willing to hear from others if they have scripture that will help to be more accurate.

That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past.

(Ecclesastes 3:15) KJV

Or as more than one has pointed out that the Hebrew reads,

“God requireth that which is driven away”.

In reference to the KJV translation, If any feel that something that happened in the past is a hindrance to displaying practical unity, let us humbly before the Lord consider such concerns. But, Because of the passing of a few generations, many are not aware of such events and it is impossible for them to rejudge what has taken place.

As to the Hebrew, it is a serious thing that some have been driven away. We know of some that have isolated themselves because of some harsh un-scriptural treatment they or others had been subjected to. Like Gaius, in 3 John, they need encouragement.

So, dear brother - dear sister, I am reaching out to you to consider seriously what there may be that is not found in the word of God that is separating God’s children.

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As no human work is perfect, communication from serious minded Christians, who would be willing to correspond about this most important subject, would be welcomed. No one has all the answers and we might be able to learn from each other. Christian love would not only criticize (that is constructive criticism), but also seek to help.

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The Lord’s love for His bride (the church)

and His desire for the unity of His church

to be displayed in a practical way while He is away.

* * * * * *

Most of my readers are aware of this very wonderful truth of Christ’s love for His church. Many things have been said and written about what Christ was willing to suffer that He might have a bride, His church, those who since Pentecost have believed on Him and have responded to His words,

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

Some verses are simple statements yet require a little meditation and comparing to other portions of God’s word to be able to grasp something more of the full meaning of what is behind it.

Christ … loved the church, and gave himself for it;

(Ephesians 5:25)

The love of Christ:

Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth: (1Corinthians 13:4-8)

Giving Himself:

Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:4)

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)

Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (Ephesians 5:25)

Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. (1 Timothy 2:6)

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. (Titus 2:14)

Many of my readers will, no doubt, be able to add much more to what it means that Christ gave Himself: the great suffering He went through at the hands of His countrymen, the great suffering He went through at the hands of the gentiles and last but far from the least the greater suffering He went through at the hand of God when He took our sin upon Himself during the three hours of darkness, paying the debt we could not pay.

But let us back up to the night before this suffering took place. He was with those that loved Him in the upper room and knowing of the suffering He would soon face, He makes known His desire for them to remember Him when He is away. He also spoke about many important things that they should know, but it seems to me that it was just before they leave to go to the garden (where He was met by those that took Him away) just before they leave the upper room, He prays to the Father. His request was clear and easy to be understood. It is the Lord’s desire for His people while He is away.

It is very important to understand that this oneness (unity) began on the day of Pentecost when the body of Christ was formed. Ever since that time every one that turned to Christ for salvation became part of that body. It was and is the Spirit’s work and no matter what man does that body is going to be one. But, it is the practical outward expression of this unity that has been placed in the hands of His people. In Ephesians 4 v 3 we are instructed to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. By abiding in the doctrine of Christ and, if there be any differences in understanding, seeking to pray and search the word together, but not dividing, this is the unity of the Spirit.

Any unity that is based on something other than God’s word, if it be years of tradition or the words of any prominent man or men, if it is not consistent with the Spirit’s teaching found in God’s word, it is not the Unity of the Spirit.

Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10)

It is very helpful to keep before us, that most wonderful fact, that in a soon coming day we (the church) are going to be one with Christ in glory. Most believers readily acknowledge this but few believers consider His desire that it be shown in a practical way now.

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:7-10)

How some have responded

to this love that Christ has for His church

and His desire for it’s unity.

* * * * * *

Some have attempted to bring Old Testament principles in to support divisions. This only confuses those who are not clear on what God’s desire is for His church. There was division in Israel and The Lord said,

“This thing is from me” (1 Kings 12:24).

But this is not what we find in the New Testament, though many New Testament Scriptures have also been misapplied in an attempt to support division, but we plainly read in the New Testament,

We also read in the New Testament,

“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.” (Romans 16:17)

This is the teaching for the church, division is contrary to this teaching (doctrine), and the New Testament also tells us,

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3)

Our instructions are very clear, each one is to make a conscious effort to keep this outward expression of the unity that was established by the Spirit at Pentecost. We are to promote a unity that is only based on the Spirit’s teaching and His teaching not only tells us what to do, but also that we are to do it with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love. If we remember what we were, before the Lord saved us, it would not be hard to seek to keep that unity with all lowliness and meekness, with long suffering, forbearing one another in love. After all what love did the Lord show to us before and after we were saved?

There are two verses of scripture that I believe we need to consider before we proceed. In Acts 20 Paul is speaking to the elders of Ephesus.

First For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

(Acts 20:29)

The Apostle Paul tells us that some people who have no heart for the flock will find a way in and be the cause of real sorrow.

Second Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

(Acts 20:30)

He also tells us that some of the elders thinking more highly of themselves than they should would also be the cause of sorrow by speaking things that are contrary to God’s word and doing so would draw some away.

The predictions in Acts 20 verses 29 and 30 have proven to be true throughout the history of the church.

The Lord intended His people to be marked by the oneness (unity) that displayed the character that was found in the Lord Himself. This unity was to be practical as they were to endeavor to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.^¹

There is never a scriptural reason to leave those that are gathered according to scripture, for if they are so gathered, they are both

Abiding in the doctrine of Christ and
Seeking to practically display the oneness that the Lord so desires for His people and not become a sect.^²

Again, this oneness (unity) is the Spirit’s unity, be it only a few believers endeavoring to maintain it.

Let us look closer at these two important items as they are the very foundation for the existence of the church.

Abiding in the doctrine of Christ has to do with:
1. His person (who He is) and
2. His finished work (what He has done).

a. His person - Definition from scripture of the doctrine of Christ, having to do with his person found in the following verses.

The Christ, the son of the living God. (Matthew 16:16)

God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. (1 Timothy 3:16)

the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, specially of those that believe. (1 Timothy 4:10)

Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. (2 John 1:7)

The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. (John 4:25-26)

b. His finished work^³ - Definition from scripture of the doctrine of Christ having to do with his finished work found in the following verses.

But now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself. (Hebrews 9:28)

Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:3-4)

A scriptural definition for the practical display of oneness that the Lord so desires for His people and not become a sect.

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (Romans 15:5-7)

Scriptural guidance for the serious Christian

who desires to keep His word

and not deny His name

in this day of general breakdown

of the display of practical unity.

* * * * * * *

Abiding in the doctrine of Christ

We have just discussed, on pages 8 and 9, the scriptural definition of abiding in the doctrine of Christ. Now we are going to look at some scriptures that tell us how to respond to those who are and who are not abiding in this doctrine.

But first it is necessary to point out that if you find any who claim to be believers in Christ, it is important that we speak the truth to them.

If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16)

Now we have clear instructions as to how we are to conduct ourselves depending on the response we get.

1. Receive them – If they acknowledge the truth of the doctrine of Christ and His finished work and there is no

scriptural reason not to, they should be received.^⁴

If I use my own thoughts to prevent believers from remembering their Lord I would be guilty of scattering the sheep.

The weak have ye not strengthened, nor have ye healed the sick, and ye have not bound up what was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought for that which was lost; but with harshness and with rigour have ye ruled over them.

(Ezekiel 34:4)

The doctrine of Christ – His person:

Because that for his name's sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

(3 John 1:7-8)

“No other doctrinal difference of any kind would prevent us from welcoming a professing believer into our homes”.^⁵

The doctrine of Christ - His finished work:

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (Romans 10:15)

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: if ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; (Colossians 1:21-23)

2. Refuse them – If they confess not the truth of the doctrine of Christ and His finished work as we find in the scripture, refuse them.

The second epistle of John gives us instruction as to those who do not abide in the doctrine of Christ. By not abiding in this doctrine, they have given up the truth of the person and/or work of Christ Jesus, the one who loved us and gave Himself for us and gave His own blood to wash away our sins.

The doctrine of Christ – His person:

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John verses 7-11)

The doctrine of Christ - His finished work:

But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:8)

Seeking to practically display oneness.

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. (Romans 16:17)

Please notice carefully; it is the leaders that Romans 16:17 is referring to, the followers are not to be treated in the same way.

Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. (Romans 14:1)

“True, there were divisions at Corinth as there are divisions in Christendom today; but that did not, in any wise, touch the truth of God. The apostle rebuked the divisions — pronounced them carnal. He had no sympathy with the poor low idea which one sometimes hears advocated, that divisions are good things as superinducing emulation. He believed they were very bad things—the fruit of the flesh, the work of Satan.”^⁶

When it comes to the practical display of the unity (oneness) that the Lord was praying about in John 17, it should not be necessary to point out that two or more are not one. To abide by the Spirit’s teaching found in the word of God is the only way to maintain this unity, this oneness. It would be inconsistent with the truth of unity to attend gatherings where the leaders promote separation (division) from those that are seeking to meet on scriptural ground. Though the followers should be received if they come simply in the name of the Lord. In the third epistle of John one was commended for helping brethren on in their service for the Lord, though they were strangers.^⁷

The Church (Some prefer to use the term “Assembly”, but it is exactly the same thing) is not a man made group (it is not a group at all); It is not an organization, it is not a denomination and it does not have an earthly headquarters. The Church is an organism, it is the body of Christ and its head is in heaven.

The Head, from which all the body by joints and bands having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. (Colossians 2 v 19)

It is not of earth, as it is heavenly in origin and it is heavenly in destiny and it is to be heavenly in character. As far as earth is concerned, those who make up the body of Christ are just passing through as pilgrims and strangers.

There are three important points that come to mind.

Taking an unscriptural name divides.

(1 Corinthians 1:12 and 3:4-5)

If some have been meeting on scriptural ground, but for some reason leave others that are continuing to meet scripturally, they have given up the scriptural ground of gathering and have become a sect. (1 Corinthians 12:21)

If those that have been meeting according to scripture are made aware of others that the Spirit has revealed this truth to, and they refuse to recognize the Spirit’s work with them, they have actually refused to display the unity that the Lord was praying about in John 17 and have become a sect.

We do not seek to establish a new unity, but to recognize it where it is found.

Content to be like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds.

Some, who wanted to be leaders, have tried to make the church something great. They promote great gatherings with large ornate buildings, rather than seek to influence others by a simple moral uprightness. They obviously are not aware of what the church (assembly) is intended to be.

The Kingdom of Heaven

In the Kingdom of heaven, there is a mixture of what is true and what is not while the king is away. Though the church is not the kingdom of heaven, it is part of it.

One thing that the Kingdom of Heaven is likened to is a grain of mustard seed.

In Matthew 13 we are told that the mustard seed is the least of all seeds, yet it becomes a tree. “This reads as if its normal class was that of a large herb, but by some mysterious means it became a tree.”^⁸ It is abnormal for a mustard seed to become a tree; this is what man has attempted to make the church while the Lord is away. This abnormal growth has provided a place for unscriptural principles and practices to get a foothold and grow.

Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. (Matthew 13:32)

It is helpful to notice that the word for “birds” in verse 32 is the same word for “fowls” in verse 4

And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up:

(Matthew 13:4)

Then the Lord tells us about the fowls in verse 19.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. (Matthew 13:19)

If we lose sight of what the church (assembly) is, we could easily fall into the snare of sectarianism and promote principles that will once again bring further shame on the testimony and further sorrow to the Lord’s people.

Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. (John 17:20-23)

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

(Romans 12:4-5)

If ye love me, keep my commandments. (John 14:15)

He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. (John 14:24)

Examples from History

of not maintaining the Spirit’s unity

as understood by the author

* * * * * * *

This sketch of history is what I have gleaned from my own reading. It is an attempt to be fair and not bias, yet knowing that we all have been influenced by our past contacts and associations. I have no desire to promote a party. If any think that what I have written is not correct, I would appreciate hearing from you that we may search the scripture together and find the mind of God so we can follow His word by saying the same thing.

It should be the desire of every dear believer in Christ, to glorify the Father and the Son by understanding the word of God and living according to what is found in the epistles in the New Testament. The Old Testament is valuable in its place. It was written for Israel and it contains pictures of better things that have been revealed in the New Testament to the Lord’s people today. The Gospels are also valuable, but great care must be taken as much of what is recorded in the gospels was addressed to the disciples that were with the Lord when He was here on earth and will be instructions for the disciples, that will make up the remnant, after the church is taken to the Father’s house.

If we understand history differently, what would hinder us from considering each other’s thoughts in the light of God’s word? If we could listen to each other and agree on the scriptural position that the Lord would have us to take, we should be able to also agree that any past actions that were not consistent with God’s word should have not been followed, as it would divide the Lord’s people.

Let us look at some of the events of history since the beginning of the Spirit’s work when the church was formed at Pentecost.

The early days of the church.

During the time of the Apostles the truth of the unity of the Spirit was revealed to the Lord’s people. There were some divisions as noted in 1 Corinthians and Galatians and The Apostle made every effort to correct this sad development. Unity, not division, is God’s mind for His people. To divide is to forsake the scriptural ground of gathering and become a sect.^⁹

The predictions in Acts 20 verses 29 and 30 began to come true.

Even before the Apostles went to be with the Lord, decline set in and the affections began to wane as generally many left their first love.

Shortly after that time persecution came in and this persecution drove many into the catacombs for personal safety.

300 AD

About 300 AD Constantine came to power in the Roman Empire and, because of a dream, he brought many out of the catacombs and gave them good positions in his government.

When some difficulties arose in the church, instead of dealing with it according to scripture, some went to Constantine to get his judgment on the matter. By doing this, a man was set in a place of authority that God never intended and over the years a system was formed that actually persecuted those that sought to meet in the scriptural way and would not bow to the demands of the system.

Some seeing the wrong of setting Constantine in such a position continued meeting according to scripture. We understand that such meetings were scattered throughout Western Europe into England and Scotland. These, we believe, remained on scriptural ground, though discrepancies were apparent, as they did not have many copies of the scripture to refer to. It is reported that many of them knew the whole New Testament by heart.

The Dark Ages – 500 AD to about 1500 AD

Through the dark ages their numbers did dwindle as they were greatly persecuted by Rome as it gained power and influence.^¹⁰ The Inquisition was established to exterminate those that did not bow to the authority of Rome and we understand it lasted until 1820 when the last known prisoners were rescued from torture in Madrid.^¹¹

About 1500 AD - The time of the reformation and the recovery of the truth of the gospel of the grace of God.

The reformation was a recovery of the truth of the Gospel of God’s grace (justification by faith). Though it had been privately held and preached, it then became more public and widespread.

At the time of the reformation a number who had previously been meeting to the Lord’s name alone had been drawn in to some of the groups that were formed at that time, yet some did remain separate. We understand that, mainly in France, there were still those that remained separate from the systems of men and continued to meet to the name of the Lord alone as instructed in the scripture.^¹²

The early 1800s - The truth of the scriptural ground of gathering.

In the early 1800’s the Spirit of God was stirring the hearts of some and they came out of the systems of men to just meet to the name of the Lord alone. In a number of locations and without knowledge of the Spirit working elsewhere some were being led by the Spirit to understand that all Christians made up the Church irrespective of what ever system of men they may or may not be involved in. Also they came to understand that taking a name that was not given in the word of God was practically denying the name of Christ. The, natural, next step would be to leave aside all unscriptural names and meet only to the name of the Lord.

By the beginning of the 1800’s, the testimony in France had become very weak and they had been absorbed into a number of the systems of men. But when some from Britain finally visited France they found that many were so exercised about the unscriptural practices in the systems of men, especially the corruption of the Church of Rome, that they were ready to embrace the truth when they heard it. Some had come out of the systems before any from Britain had made contact and were breaking bread at home. This resulted in a number of gatherings, meeting to the Lord’s name alone, being established in many parts of the country.^¹³

The truth of the one body was being worked out in a practical way. Every one that comes to Christ and has their sins forgiven is part of that one body. Maintaining the unity that we have in the Spirit is a practical expression of the truth of the one body. To be intelligent about what the unity of the Spirit is, would be very helpful in maintaining this unity, but it is not a prerequisite to be able to remember the Lord together. Unless there was some scriptural reason not to do so, all that know their sins forgiven were received.

As time went on there were many believers in different countries that were meeting only to the name of Christ. As these gatherings gained in popularity, they also attracted some that had no idea of what principles were to guide the Lord’s people, this led to a series of events that resulted in the scattering of the sheep. If there is any testimony that would be for the glory of Christ, it seems that the enemy is not far away to try to destroy it. After a short time of enjoying the new found liberty, in knowing the truth of the scriptural way of gathering, the apostle’s prediction in Acts 20 v 29 and 30 was proving to be true again. A few would be the cause of great sorrow for many.

I will not go into the details of all that has happened since that time. Some dear saints have no Idea of the events of the past and it would only occupy their minds with unprofitable things. For those that are aware of past events, I have found by listening to some that they were told one thing and listening to others they were told a different thing. I would like to suggest that if we find those who have a different understanding about past events, we should be willing to sit down together and look at what each one understands and compare it with scripture. We should be willing to judge those different understandings in the light of the word of God.

I am convinced, if all desire to do what is pleasing to the Lord, we be able to say the same thing and go on in unity with the Lord and each other.

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:2-3).

And there was also a strife among them, which of them should be accounted the greatest. And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors. But ye shall not be so: (Luke 22:24-26)

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2-3)

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16)

(Romans 15: 5-7)

For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.

(1 John 3:20-24)

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: (Philippians 2:1-5)

My dear brethren, I do not want to reject any Christian that is walking uprightly, if I do I am sectarian and guilty of dividing. In the present circumstances we seem to have an unnecessary separation of God’s people and by doing nothing is not endeavoring to maintain the unity.

Please let me hear from you that we, together, may be able to pray and search the word together to find common ground, scriptural ground, where we can go on together with the Lord and each other.

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (Matthew 5:9)

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We see Jesus

who was made a little lower than the angels

for the suffering of death

Crowned with glory and honor.

Hebrews 2:9

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Don Lewis

515 E. Carefree Hwy. Box #700

Desert Hills, Arizona 85085

WeSeeJesus.com

E-Mail: editor@weseejesus.com

May 10, 2013

Revised March 2, 2016

Further Revised July 27, 2018

1Ephesians 4:3

2The Bible Treasury vol. 9 page 191 January, 1872

3Necessary and sufficient for our salvation.

4See 1 Corinthians 5:11 – I would not want to be responsible for keeping a believer from responding to his Lord’s request, “This do in remembrance of me”, without having a definite scripture to guide.

5See the Bible Treasury vol 14 page 156

6CHM Notes on Deuteronomy Page 383

7The Bible Treasury vol. 14 page 316 August 1883

8New and Concise Bible Dictionary.

9The Bible Treasury vol. 9 page 191 January, 1872

10Millers Church History Chapter 29

11Millers Church History Chapter 26

12Millers Church History Chapter 52

13See “Ancient Dissidence” by W. J. Lowe

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