Striving for Unity in the Body of Christ

“Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3)

As disciples of Christ, we are part of something much greater than ourselves. We are part of the Body of Christ, a diverse and beautiful worldwide community of individuals, each uniquely gifted and called to serve God’s Kingdom. Yet, in the midst of our diversity, there is a call for unity—a call to come together as one, reflecting the love and character of our Saviour. In the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of striving for unity. He emphasizes that unity is not something we passively stumble upon, but rather something we actively pursue. It requires effort and a deliberate attitude to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
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Scripture Minute – Psalm 90:2

“Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God.” (Psalm 90:2)

This passage is a part of a prayer attributed to Moses, the great leader and prophet of ancient Israel. In this verse, Moses is expressing praise and acknowledgment of the eternal nature of Almighty God.

Moses speaks of the timeless and eternal nature of the Lord, stating that God has existed before the creation of the world and will continue to exist for all eternity. It reflects on the greatness and majesty of our God as the Eternal Being, unbounded by time and space.

Today we share that same song with Moses, when we proclaim that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today, yea and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8; cf. Malachi 3:6)

Scripture Minute – Romans 8:1-2

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus made me free from the law of sin and of death.” (Romans 8:1-2, ASVBT)

In this passage, the Apostle Paul is explaining that for those who are in a relationship with Jesus Christ and live according to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, there is no condemnation. “Condemnation” refers to the judgment and punishment for sin that humanity deserves according to God’s law. Therefore, repentant sinners would not be condemned. Those who remain “in Christ Jesus” and who follow the leading of the Holy Ghost are free from this condemnation. This means that through their faith in Jesus and their submission to the Spirit’s guidance, they are no longer held guilty for their sins and do not face eternal punishment.
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Trusting in God’s Timing

One of the most challenging aspects for many believers is learning to patiently wait for God’s timing. We live in a world that demands instant results and immediate gratification. We want everything to happen according to our own schedules and preferences. However, God’s ways are not always the same as our own, and His timing is often different from what we expect.

Throughout the pages of the Bible, we find numerous examples of individuals who had to wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Abraham waited for years for the birth of his promised son, Isaac. Joseph endured the darkness of a prison cell before rising to become a ruler in Egypt. The Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years before entering the Promised Land. These Bible accounts remind us that waiting is an essential part of our sojourning on this earth.
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Scripture Minute – John 16:7

“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.” (John 16:7)

In this verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure, indicating that He will be leaving them. He tells them that although His physical presence will no longer be with them, it is advantageous or beneficial for them that He goes away. He explains that if He does not go away, the Comforter, also known as the Holy Spirit, will not come to them. However, if He departs, He promises to send the Comforter to them.

In this verse, Jesus is referring to His approaching death, resurrection, and ascension to heaven. He is assuring His disciples that His departure will bring about the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will provide guidance, comfort, and support to them in His absence.

Strengthening our Relationship with Jesus

In the course of time, some new believers might ask, “What am I missing in my relationship with Jesus?” It is also natural for seasoned, or mature believers to ask the same thing. This question often arises during some of the most difficult times in life, or when facing challenging situations.

Hopefully the following will be of assistance.

Prayer
Regular and sincere communication with Jesus through prayer can help foster a closer relationship. Share your joys, struggles, and concerns with Him, and listen for His guidance and wisdom.

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (CSB)
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Scripture Minute – Isaiah 26:8

“Yea, in the way of thy judgments, O Lord, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee.” (Isaiah 26:8)

This verse expresses a deep longing and anticipation for God’s judgments and divine guidance. The verse speaks of patience in waiting for the Lord’s judgment, emphasizing a strong desire for God’s name and remembrance. It is clear that this is a plea for God’s presence and intervention – seeking His wisdom and righteousness to guide their actions and decisions.

We can apply this verse in our lives by cultivating a patient and trusting attitude towards God’s judgments and timing. Instead of rushing into decisions or seeking instant gratification, patiently wait for God’s guidance and direction in our life. We can develop a sincere desire for God’s presence and remember His name in all aspects of our life, seeking to honour and live according to His principles. We should allow this verse to remind us to prioritize our connection with the Lord above all else, valuing His wisdom and seeking His will in our choices and actions. By aligning our desires and aspirations with God’s purpose for our life, we can find fulfilment, guidance, and peace in our journey of faith.

Faithful in All Circumstances: Following Jesus Through Life’s Darkest Moments

In the journey of life, we often face challenges, trials, and storms that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, and even hopeless. In these moments, it is essential to remember the unwavering love and faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ. No matter how difficult the situation may be, He remains our constant companion, guiding us through the darkest moments and leading us toward a life filled with hope, joy, and eternal significance. Let’s take a closer look at a few passages from the Bible and discover the unyielding assurance we have in following our Lord Jesus, even through the worst situations in life.

(1) The Promise of God’s Presence
” When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” (Isaiah 43:2)

In times of trouble and despair, the Lord promises to be with us. Just as He protected the Israelites through the Red Sea and preserved Daniel in the lions’ den, He will never abandon His children if they remain faithful to Him. The waters may rise, the flames may rage, but our faith in Jesus allows us to trust in His provision and guidance.
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Scripture Minute – 2 Corinthians 5:17

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

The Apostle Paul was inspired to write a thorough message about the life-changing power of being in a relationship with Jesus Christ. This verse is only one example of Paul’s testimony about having a new life in Christ. When someone becomes a genuine follower of Christ, that person undergoes a fundamental change in their identity and nature. A believer is referred to as a “new creature” or a “new creation.” This transformation exhibits itself as a departure from one’s previous way of life. The past sins, burdens, and patterns of ungodly behaviour no longer define the “new creature”. Instead, they are given a fresh start, and their life takes on a new direction and purpose, encapsulated by the statement “all things are become new.”

Being in Christ brings about a radical transformation in a person’s life. The believer experiences a departure from their old self and a complete renewal of their identity and purpose. By accepting Christ, the believer is freed from the weight of their past and given a fresh start, embarking on a new journey guided by faith and a closer connection to God through the Holy Spirit.

Trusting in the Heavenly Father

“Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, American Standard Version)

In the journey of life, there are moments when we face challenges, uncertainties, and trials that test our faith and strength. It is during these times that our trust in the Heavenly Father becomes even more crucial. Trusting in the Lord is not always easy, especially when our own understanding is limited, and circumstances may seem overwhelming. Yet, when we anchor our trust in God, our hearts find solace and our souls find rest.

The book of Proverbs beautifully captures the essence of trust in the passage above. It encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts, acknowledging that our human understanding is insufficient to navigate life’s complexities. Our finite minds can often lead us astray or cause us to doubt, but when we place our trust in the infinite wisdom and providence of our Father, we find stability and security.
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