Philippians 2:2

Every believer will be accountable before God for how he or she protects, promotes, and participates in the unity of their local church!!! Friends, this is not a little deal, it is a huge deal! Paul knows that the true living-out of the gospel by the people of God will always result in beautiful, deep unity. And when this happens it brings joy to his heart (and God’s heart as well!) And when it does not happen, which is far too often, it breaks the heart of God! Paul includes an emphasis on unity in nearly all of his letters. This gospel unity is characterized by a like-minded commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and to the disciple-making mission of His church. And it is characterized by deeply loved Christians (loved by Jesus!) turning towards one another and loving each other with that same love. The great Christian writer Francis Schaeffer calls this deep unity of the church the “final apologetic.” What he means is that the very best argument for the truth of the gospel to a watching world is the church living in unity and love. It is like a magnet that Christ uses to draw people to Himself. So, how are you protecting, promoting, and participating in the unity of The Chapel? 

PASSAGE: Philippians 2:2 - "...then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."

PAUSE: In Christ, we are one! We are all part of the same team, family, and community. The goal of our relationship with Christ Jesus is to be united. Unity is expressed best with our love for each other and thoughts about life!

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, forgive me for my selfish ways! I desire to unite with my fellow believers in how I think about You, life, and our church family.