Introduction

Our nation has been shaken. We've seen men fail and leaders fail. There are divisions over politics, race, and even faith. However, the message is that we must follow Jesus (Luke 23:34).

The Objective: Be Vigilant

The enemy seeks to divide, so we must

be vigilant in our:

  • Nation

  • City

  • Family

  • Church

We should be like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13).

Key Verse

The key verse is Mark 3:25:

"If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand".

I. Jesus Restored the Divided

Jesus saw inner conflict where others saw outer condition (1 Samuel 16:7). Examples of Jesus restoring the divided include:

  • Casting out demons (Mark 1:23-28)

  • Healing Peter's mother-in-law (Mark 1:30-31)

  • Cleansing a leper (Mark 1:40-42)

  • Healing a paralytic (Mark 2:1-12)

II. Division Destroys

Division leads to destruction in various areas:

  • Marriage leads to Divorce

  • Nation leads to War

  • Economy leads to Poverty & injustice

  • Community leads to Prejudice & violence

  • Faith leads to Sin

III. What Is the Church's Response?

In response to division, the church should follow the guidance in Ephesians 4:1-6:

  • Walk worthy of our calling

  • Be humble, gentle, patient, and loving

  • Keep the unity of the Spirit through peace

  • Acknowledge there is one body, one Spirit, one Lord, and one God

IV. Handling Differences

We should pursue peace and mutual edification (Romans 14:19) by categorizing differences:

  1. First-order doctrines (non-negotiable): Trinity, salvation

  2. Second-order doctrines: Baptism, church government

  3. Third-order doctrines: Worship style, order of service

V. Our Mission

A united church is a testimony to the world39. Our mission is to:

  • Proclaim the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20)

  • Love one another (John 13:35)

VI. Lessons from Corinth

We are guided by the Wisdom of God (Proverbs 9:10; 1 Cor. 1:30-31) and sustained by the Love of God (1 Cor. 13:4-8). We are united by the Cross (1 Cor. 1:18; 6:11). We are to be united in mind and judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10).

VII. Putting Unity into Action

We are encouraged to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25) by:

  • Inviting someone to lunch

  • Greeting someone new

  • Joining a Bible study

  • Praying for each other

Conclusion

Christ heals what divides and restores what is broken. "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1).

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