The Problem with Ecumenism

Text: Ephesians 4:3-6 In a recent lesson, we talked about what would destroy a congregation. One of the things we discussed was a lack of unity. When a congregation is divided, it cannot stand. Yet it is possible to “overcorrect” on the problem of division and go beyond God’s will for our unity. That is […]

Unity of the Spirit

Text: Ephesians 4:3-6 Paul instructed the church in Ephesus to be “diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit.” He then went on to explain the basis for this unity. Our unity must be based upon this same foundation. Paul mentioned seven “ones” that provided the foundation for unity. If we want to know how […]

What Will Destroy a Congregation

Text: 2 Corinthians 12:20-21 When Paul wrote the first letter to the Corinthians, there were many problems he needed to address. When he wrote the second letter, they had definitely made some improvements. However, there were still issues that threatened the health of the church. Toward the end of the second letter, he described some […]

Members One of Another

Text: Romans 12:3-5 Paul told the saints in Rome they were “members one of another” as part of the same body. Therefore, they were to act in a certain way toward one another. The same is true for us today. As members of the church – and of a local congregation in particular – we […]

Understanding Unity through the Tower of Babel

Text: Genesis 11:1-9 Over the last couple of months, we have looked at a few events that happened in the beginning – the creation, the Garden of Eden, Cain and Abel, and Noah and the flood. In this lesson, we are talking about the Tower of Babel. Incidentally, this is the only one of these […]

Dwelling Together in Unity

Text: Psalm 133 This psalm describes the blessing of unity among the people of God, calling it good and pleasant. “Good” is a word used of God’s creation (Genesis 1:4, 31), so it is good because it has been made by God. “Pleasant” is often associated with the sweet sound of praise (Psalm 135:3; 147:1), so […]

Be Subject to One Another in the Fear of Christ

Text: Ephesians 5:21-6:9 Paul talked about being “subject to one another” and the various relationships in which we do this. This is the idea of placing ourselves “under” someone – not by force as if we were defeated, but willingly. Ultimately, we do this because we are subjecting ourselves to the Lord as it is done “in […]