Category Archives: Unity

Father, Unity

Abiding in the Father

Beloved, let us come continually before the presence of our Heavenly Father, for He is our nourisher and protector. As it is written, “I will be his father, and he shall be My son” (1 Chronicles 17:13), and again, “Blessed are You, O Lord God of Israel, our father, forever and ever” (1 Chronicles 29:10). The Lord is a father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holy habitation (Psalm 68:5).

Dear friends, do not forsake the love of the Father, who has called us to be His own. He who said, “You are My Father, My God, and the Rock of my salvation” (Psalm 89:26), also declares, “You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer from Everlasting is Your name” (Isaiah 63:16). Therefore, approach Him with confidence, crying out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15), for His love endures forever.

As our Lord Jesus taught us, let us pray, “Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name” (Matthew 6:9). Know that the Father cares for us more than the birds of the air, which neither sow nor reap, yet He feeds them (Matthew 6:26). If we, being evil, know how to give good gifts to our children, how much more will our Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! (Matthew 7:11).

Brothers and sisters, the Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God (Romans 8:16). Therefore, live as children of light, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 5:20). Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, holding fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:22-23).

In the abundance of His house, we will drink from the river of His delights (Psalm 36:8), and those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing (Psalm 34:10). Our Father, who richly blesses His people, gives abundantly so that all grace may abound to us, and we may have an abundance for every good deed (2 Corinthians 9:8). As Jesus declared, He came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

The Lord promises spiritual abundance, saying, “He who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance” (Matthew 13:12), and “For everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away” (Matthew 25:29). We are called to receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness to reign in life through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:17).

Remember the words of our Lord: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty (2 Corinthians 6:18). Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9). Come to Him continually, for He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture, the sheep of His hand (Psalm 95:7). Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

#Essays

  • Further reading:
  • 1 Chronicles 17:13
  • 1 Chronicles 29:10
  • Psalm 68:5
  • Psalm 89:26
  • Isaiah 63:16
  • Isaiah 64:8
  • Jeremiah 3:4
  • Jeremiah 3:19
  • Jeremiah 31:9
  • Matthew 5:16
  • Matthew 6:1
  • Matthew 6:9
  • Matthew 6:18
  • Matthew 6:26
  • Matthew 7:11
  • Matthew 12:50
  • Matthew 13:43
  • Matthew 16:17
  • Matthew 18:10
  • Matthew 18:35
  • Mark 13:32
  • Luke 11:2
  • Luke 12:32
  • Luke 15:17
  • John 16:25
  • John 20:17
  • Romans 8:15
  • Romans 15:6
  • 1 Corinthians 1:3
  • 2 Corinthians 1:3
  • 2 Corinthians 6:18
  • Galatians 1:4
  • Galatians 4:6
  • Ephesians 1:2
  • Ephesians 1:17
  • Ephesians 3:14
  • Ephesians 5:20
  • Philippians 4:20
  • Colossians 1:3
  • Colossians 1:12
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:11
  • 2 Thessalonians 1:1
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:16
  • 1 Timothy 1:2
  • Titus 1:4
  • 1 Peter 1:17
  • 1 John 2:13
  • 1 John 3:1
  • Jude 1:1
  • Psalm 34:10
  • Psalm 36:8
  • Psalm 37:11
  • Psalm 85:12
  • Psalm 116:7
  • Psalm 119:17
  • Psalm 142:7
  • Song of Solomon 5:1
  • Matthew 13:12
  • Matthew 25:29
  • Mark 4:24
  • Luke 6:38
  • Luke 8:18
  • Luke 14:22
  • Luke 18:30
  • Luke 19:26
  • John 10:10
  • Romans 5:17
  • 2 Corinthians 4:15
  • 2 Corinthians 9:8
  • Ephesians 1:8
  • Ephesians 3:20
Unity

Commanded Blessing

Psalm 133, composed by King David, is a profound reflection on the beauty and value of unity among believers, famously beginning with, “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Amplified Bible). This Psalm, though brief, encapsulates the essence of communal harmony and its divine reward. Within its lines, we can discern three prerequisites for experiencing what the scripture refers to as the “commanded blessing” – life forevermore. In a New Testament context, these prerequisites gain even deeper significance as they align with Christ’s teachings on unity and community.

A Heart of Unity:

The primary prerequisite highlighted in Psalm 133 is a heartfelt unity among believers. This unity goes beyond mere agreement; it is a profound oneness of spirit and purpose. Jesus Christ emphasized this same unity in His prayer in John 17:21, “That they all may be one, just as You, Father, are in me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe [without any doubt] that You sent Me.” The unity among believers is not only a source of blessing but also a testimony to the world of God’s love and the truth of the Gospel.

Anointing of the Holy Spirit:

Psalm 133:2 draws a beautiful analogy between this unity and the precious oil poured on Aaron’s head, signifying anointing. In the New Testament, the Holy Spirit’s anointing is crucial for maintaining unity in the Body of Christ. As the oil ran down Aaron’s beard and onto his robes, so does the Spirit flow through the Church, sanctifying, empowering, and maintaining harmony among its members. This anointing is essential for the Church to operate in its full capacity, demonstrating the fruits of the Spirit which include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23).

Continuous Fellowship and Prayer:

The dew of Hermon mentioned in Psalm 133:3 symbolizes the refreshing and life-giving aspect of unity. Hermon was a mountain known for its heavy dews that helped sustain the surrounding arid regions. Similarly, regular fellowship and prayer among believers keep the community spiritually vibrant and cohesive. Acts 2:42 highlights the early church continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayer, underpinning the importance of sustained communal interactions for spiritual growth and unity.

In a New Testament context, the “commanded blessing” of life forevermore promised in Psalm 133 transcends temporal and material blessings, pointing towards eternal life—a life that begins here through a relationship with Jesus Christ and continues forever in God’s presence. This eternal perspective reshapes how believers view unity, not just as a means to an end, but as the essence of Christian living that mirrors the eternal harmony of the Trinity.

In conclusion, Psalm 133 remains profoundly relevant for today’s Church, reminding us that unity is both a divine command and a conduit of immense blessing. As believers, embracing these prerequisites—heartfelt unity, anointing of the Holy Spirit, and continuous fellowship and prayer—ensures a vibrant community that not only thrives but also bears witness to the eternal truth of the Gospel. Thus, the commanded blessing of life forevermore is not merely hoped for; it is experienced daily as we live out the unity God desires.

#Essay #Unity

#commandedblessing

See Also

Unity

A Prophetic Call to the Body of Christ in Worcester

To the beloved congregations of Worcester, I bring to you a word that I ask you to consider prayerfully. Reflect upon it, and if it resonates with the Spirit within you, let it stir your hearts towards action. 

In the spirit of unity and love, hear these words from our Lord and Savior: “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:20-21).

I ask you to consider whether this prayer of Jesus speaks to your congregation today. Is there a calling within your hearts to set aside differences and come together as one body, united in Christ? Reflect on the power and significance of unity that Jesus so earnestly desired for us.

Reflect also on the words of Psalm 133: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe.” Is there a longing within you for this kind of unity, a unity that brings blessing and the anointing presence of God?

Consider whether God is inviting you to rise above denominational divides, theological disputes, and personal preferences. Is there a divine whisper urging you to embrace the true and living God together, to reflect His glory and love more powerfully to the city of Worcester?

Romans 15:5-6 says, “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Is this scripture resonating with your spirit, calling you to seek a unified voice in worship and mission?

Think about the fears that may be holding you back—the fear of losing control, the fear of the unknown, the fear of being vulnerable. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Does this resonate with your spirit, encouraging you to step out in faith and trust in His leading?

Finally, Revelation 3:20 reminds us of Jesus’ invitation: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.” Is this invitation from Jesus calling you to open the door to greater unity and fellowship among the believers in Worcester?

If these words speak to your heart and resonate with the Spirit within you, may you be moved to draw closer to one another, united in Christ, to better reflect His love and truth to the world around us.