The Tie That Binds Us

THE TIE THAT BINDS US

(Philippians 2:1-2)

“…if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, [2] fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.”

These days we hear many quotes about what is wrong with the Church of our Lord. Yet, there are very few quotes about what is right with the Church. This perplexes and frustrates me. The Scripture tells us that God designed a place that would serve His purposes; this place is called the Church.

*The Church is purchased by the blood of Christ.

(Acts 20:28; Paul instructs the preacher in Ephesus) – “…take heed to yourselves, and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.”

*The Church is here [for us] to encourage one another through corporate gathering of worship.

(Colossians 3:15-16) – “…let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. [16] Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:11) – “Therefore, comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

*The Church is here [for us] to testify of its individual redemption.

(1 Peter 2:9-10) – “…you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.”

* The Church is here to proclaim the complete truth of God unto a lost people living in a lost world.

(Mark 16:15-16) – “…Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. [16] He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but, he who does not believe will be condemned.”

(1 Corinthians 2:1-2) – “…brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”

Let’s talk a little more specifically about the Church – Have you ever noticed how different the individual members of the same family can be? One child may be melancholy, while another is a live wire. One may be especially gifted in music; and, another – who has no interest in music at all – may excel in sports. In some cases they look nothing like each other, or even their parents. Yet, the members of a family share a bond stronger than their differences.

Much in the same way the Church – the Body of Christ (as Scripture puts it) – develops unique relationships. There are various approaches to worship; some are traditional, and some are what we call ‘contemporary.’ However, the most important thing that we must retain our focus upon is not the superficial that make us different. We must keep our focus upon those things that bind us together…And, that must be that were are ALL saved and enabled with divine grace by the same Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ the Righteous!

However, it would be a tragedy for me to leave this thought in such ambiguity. There are some things that are absolute; that have stood the test of time and culture. There are Biblical truths that MUST be preached, taught, believed, inwardly accepted, and outwardly obeyed to with hearts and lives who love the Lord their God with their all-in-all! These Biblical doctrines are unalterable; they cannot be compromised in any way. These are non-negotiable. Yield on any one point, and the Church ceases to be the true Church of our Lord. I would like to share 5 foundational truths that truly distinguish us from the false Church and its un-Biblical doctrines (and, there IS a false Church, false gospel, and false doctrine today).

I. A HIGH, REVERENT VIEW and ATTITUDE TOWARD GOD and HIS EARTHLY WORKS (Church).

(Isaiah 6:3, 5) – “…one cried to another and said: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory!’” [5] “So I said: ‘Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips; and, I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts.’”

(Psalms 72:19) – “…blessed be His glorious name forever! And, let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.”