 Scripture
Study for the week of January 8th, 2006
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Maintaining unity in the local church is the way church members walk worthy of their calling. Unity is therefore to be ardently pursued (Eph 4:1-3). Without unity believers will not be known as Christ’s disciples (Jn 13:35). Without unity the world will not believe the testimony of the church concerning Christ (Jn 17:21). Without unity there is no consolation in Christ, comfort of love, fellowship of the Spirit, or tender mercies (Philippians 2:1-2). Several fundamental issues are involved for a church to have unity . . .
Local congregations must have unity in the doctrine of Christ (Gal 1:6-10).
Local congregations must have unity in a baptism that confesses their unity in the doctrine of Christ (Eph 4:4-6).
Local congregations must have a unity in partaking of the Lord’s Supper that is derived from their unity in doctrine and baptism (I Cor 10:15-17).
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