Continuing Daily in One Accord
The Sapphire Review Vol. 1 | No. 12 • August 13, 2024
“And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,”
What wonderful blessings of joy are found amongst the fellowship of those who are united in Christ. When individuals, in their own lives, determine that they will no longer live for the world nor the things of the world, but rather for the purposes and glory of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, they become consecrated and useful for the Master’s work.1
When such consecrated individuals gather in fellowship, in prayer, in faith, and in evangelism they will find that there is gladness and singleness of heart between them. Such a body of believers is one that can truly be effective for the Lord and His work. Such a body is one that we should all strive to be a part of. As we each do our parts, in full surrender to Christ, He will do His part in our sanctification and unification.
There must be no place for division amongst us, for a true servant of the Lord does not strive.2 Where there is disagreement, it must be done away with and reconciled with haste.3
Additionally, we must not have a half-hearted attitude toward the opportunities that we have for fellowship. But rather, we must take full advantage of the time that God gives us each week to gather and encourage one other. In the book of Hebrews, Paul gives this admonishment, and emphasizes that these times should be even more highly regarded “as you see the day drawing near.”
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
As we look at the world around us, it is clear that “the day” is rapidly approaching. We must be united now and strengthening one another so that we can be ready to carry out the necessary work of proclaiming the truth, and not fall away when the time of great difficulty comes.
Ecumenism is Satan’s false version of unity. It strives to find common ground amid a collage of errors. This movement seeks to bring about a unified worldwide religion under the banner of Babylon. Through this movement there will be unification on the major pillars of Babylon’s false doctrines, while dismissing other differences.
The early church, on the other hand, was unified in the doctrine that came through the apostles:
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
The true church of today will seek to be unified in this same manner. Standing on the truths of scripture alone, it will shun false teachings and traditions of men that stand in contradiction to the Word of God.
It has been estimated that there are over 45,000 Christian denominations around the world. This number is staggering to consider. Paul’s question to the Corinthians of “Is Christ divided?” comes to mind.4 How can such a number be a reflection of a God in whom there is no confusion?5
As the ecumenical movement presses forward to create an all-inclusive false form of unity, let us press forward with being united in the clear doctrines of the Bible, in fellowship, in prayer, in faith, and in proclaiming the truth with boldness.6
Let worldly matters not entangle us or ever be a cause of discord or division. There is much work to be done! We are drawing near to the end and God desires us to be ready as bold witness for Him both now and in the coming trials and tribulations.7
God Bless,
Charles
