No Other Image

No Other Image "Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing." (Exodus 20:4) There are several reasons why idolatry is forbidden. The most obvious it that the triune Creator is too great to attempt to visualize (Exodus 34:5-7). There is no thing or experience in human existence that can represent the immortal and invisible Creator (1 Timothy 6:16). Thus, God sees any effort to "picture" Him (idolatry) as rebellion (Jeremiah 5:19-25). It does not matter how we may attempt to "see" God. "Any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth" (Exodus 20:4) are all totally incapable of expressing God's person. Romans 1:18-32 reveals the heart of an idolater. Those who hold the truth in unrighteousness (v. 18) will not glorify God as God (v. 21), even though they know Him by the creation itself (v. 20). Instead, they change God's inestimable glory into an earthly creature (v. 23) and consciously change God's truth into a lie (v. 25). Thus, by open choice and willing rebellion, idolators worship and serve the creature rather than the Creator (v. 25), thereby abandoning God for a despicable and unnatural lust, for an ungodliness that, in turn, causes them to despise the very thought of God in their knowledge (v. 28). Ultimately, the only pleasure they can find is among other idolaters (v. 32). Paul taught the "philosophers" in Acts 17:22-29 that the heart of idolatry is rejection of God as Creator. Idolatry, in any form or practice, strikes at the heart of salvation, because "he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him" (Hebrews 11:6). HMM III Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

Almost

 

Judges 1:28  "And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the Canaanites to tribute, and did not utterly drive them out."   Almost is probably the biggest word in the Bible, if you think about it.  Is there a difference between winning and almost winning?  There is a huge difference!  In the book of Judges, almost is the difference between the blessings of complete obedience to God and the turmoil of not utterly driving out the Canaanites.  In the matter of salvation, almost is the difference between Heaven and Hell.  King Agrippa said to Paul, "Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." (Acts 26:28)  The word almost carries a lot of weight, but it holds no weight in God's court!   Are you winning, or are you almost winning?  Are you obeying, or are you almost obeying?  The children of Israel chose compromising instead of conquering.  Although this compromise was more lucrative, almost obeying was simply delayed defeat.  Ultimately, Israel was defeated by women, not warriors; by religion, not heathenism.  In other words, Israel set themselves up for a prolonged defeat.  They were investing in something that would ultimately conquer them!   In stark contrast to almost obeying, we find that Caleb "expelled thence the three sons of Anak." (verse 20)  The sons of Anak were not wimpy weaklings-they were giants!  (And Caleb wasn't exactly a spring chicken, either!)  Caleb's complete obedience was not because he had more ability than the other Israelites; the difference was that he "wholly followed the LORD." (Joshua 14:8)  There is a profound difference between almost following God and wholly following God!   The key to completely obeying versus almost obeying lies in the decision you face today to obey or to compromise.  In what area of your life are you most likely to almost obey?  That is the area that you are almost going to win!  May we be the "wholly" kind of Christians, not the "almost" kind of Christians!         Prayer Requests: - Day of Champions youth event this Saturday (4.2)    Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

March 29 - Remembered through All Generations

Remembered through All Generations March 29, 2011   "I will make thy name to be remembered in all generations: therefore shall the people praise thee for ever and ever." (Psalm 45:17)   The 45th psalm is a beautiful Messianic psalm, speaking prophetically of the coming Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, the psalm is quoted by the writer of Hebrews, calling Him "God," and promising not only eternal remembrance, but also everlasting dominion: "But unto the Son, he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of thy kingdom" (Hebrews 1:8, citing Psalm 45:6).   But the writer also said He would be remembered in all generations. That has proved true, so far! As others have frequently noted, this man lived on earth only thirty-three years, never traveled more than a few miles from His home, never wrote a book, never raised an army, never ruled over so much as a village, let alone a kingdom, never married or had children, never enrolled for any formal education, and finally was executed as a criminal.   Yet He has, indeed, been remembered through all generations following His all-too-short career two thousand years ago--and remembered with love and deep reverence and gratitude by millions of people in all nations ever since. Furthermore, though He never wrote a book, others have written innumerable books about Him, while another psalmist assured us that His words would also be preserved "from this generation for ever" (Psalm 12:7).   And all this has come to pass! Herein is a marvelous thing! Indeed, He was, and is, God and this was demonstrated by His flawless character, His amazing teachings, His unique miracles, His volitional, sacrificial death, and His mighty defeat of death itself by His bodily resurrection and ascent into heaven. HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

Three Kinds of People

 

Joshua 21:45  "There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass."   There are three kinds of people in the world: promise makers, promise breakers, and promise takers.  Which title best describes you?  Are you a promise maker?  It's not wise to make many promises!  The more promises you make, the harder you make it on yourself.  Are you a promise taker?  A promise taker relies on the promises God has given.  Are you a promise breaker, or do you keep your word when you make a promise?   The ultimate promise Maker is God Himself.  He never makes promise that He doesn't remember, have the courage or foresight to follow through, or have the power to enforce.  God is a promise Maker!   Has there ever been a time when you've kept your word, but it didn't appear that way to someone else?  Keep in mind that the more you keep your word, the better your track record and the more slack people will cut you.  On the other hand, no matter how great you are, there are always going to be people who dislike you and do not think the best of your intentions.  I wish this were not so, but I know it to be true.  The best way to respond to folks like that is to keep your promises.  Don't be a promise breaker!   To be a promise taker, you must know what God has promised and then act on what He has promised.  Joshua 23 is full of promises that God had made to the children of Israel.  In the midst of Joshua's challenge to the people of Israel about conquering Canaan, you read phrases like "as the LORD your God hath promised you" several times throughout the chapter.  God's promises are meant to be acted upon.  Faith itself is not what is valuable; Who you place that faith in gives the faith value!    Because God is a promise Maker and always keeps His word, strive to be a promise taker today.  Take comfort in the fact that God is already in the future.  He owns the future; it is in His hands!  Your actions today should be based on what God will do.  Are you a promise maker, a promise breaker, or a promise taker?   Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

Bill Rice Ranch | 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road | Murfreesboro | TN | 37128

Rejection at Home

Rejection at Home "But Jesus, said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." (Mark 6:4) A town will give great honor to a "hometown boy" if he makes good in athletics or the entertainment world. But if he becomes known as an influential Christian, the hometown folks usually are embarrassed about it. Jesus Himself experienced this. He grew up in Nazareth, and it was there that He had "increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man" (Luke 2:52). When He returned to Nazareth, however, after the early days of His ministry, "as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read" (Luke 4:16). He was already recognized there as proficient in the Scriptures, and they had heard tales about His miracles, so the invitation to speak was natural, but there were certain mumbles. "Is not this the carpenter's son?" they asked. "Whence then hath this man all these things?" (Matthew 13:55-56). At first, "all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth" (Luke 4:22). But then, as He applied a key prophecy to Himself, and rebuked them for their unbelief, they "were filled with wrath" and tried unsuccessfully to slay Him (Luke 4:28-29). "Neither did his brethren believe in him" (John 7:5), and only His mother was with Him when He was crucified (John 19:25). As David had written prophetically, "I am become a stranger unto my brethren. . . . For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up" (Psalm 69:8-9). Perhaps those Christians who have been rejected by their family and former friends can identify with Jesus when He said: "For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother" (Mark 3:35). We still have a family--an eternal one! HMM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

Question of the Week: Wasn't the Ark built by just eight people?

 

answersingenesis.org | newsletter archives | contact us March 26, 2011 a weekly look at answersingenesis.org
In this issue . . . Q&A: Wasn't the Ark built by just eight people? Video On Demand: Nuclear Strength Apologetics, Part 2C (Sidebar) Ken's Blog (Sidebar) News to Note Quick Look Biblical Authority Devotionals Answers ... with Ken Ham After Eden Network with Us! Job Opportunities at Answers in Genesis (Sidebar) Q: Wasn't the Ark built by just eight people? A: It is true that only eight people were on board the Ark during the Flood. Genesis 7:13 states, "On the very same day Noah and Noah's sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and Noah's wife and the three wives of his sons with them, entered the ark." This number is confirmed by the Apostle Peter in the New Testament, who stated that only "eight souls" were saved from the Flood (1 Peter 3:20; see also 2 Peter 2:5). Notice that the Bible tells us how many people were on board the Ark, but it does not tell us how many people were involved in building it. God told Noah to build it and gave him specifications regarding the Ark's construction materials (Genesis 6:14), size (Genesis 6:15), and cargo (Genesis 6:18-21). It is likely that Noah hired people to help him build the Ark. The Bible does stress the wickedness of man prior to the Flood, but just like today, ungodly people may have been willing to work for a godly man. Answers in Genesis had several unbelieving contractors who helped at different stages of the Creation Museum's construction, and we praise God that we had opportunities to witness to them and that some of them trusted in Christ. As a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5), Noah would have certainly used this opportunity to proclaim God's message to unbelievers working for him. Continue reading to learn more about the building of the Ark. News to Note Quick Look Old science, old views, old news: Believe it or not, the famous Miller–Urey experiment of the 1950s is still making headlines in the creationâ€"evolution controversy. Read more. More mutant pets: In a society obsessed with youthfulness, wrinkles are features non grata. For some pet lovers, however, it's the extensive wrinkling of one breed of dog that makes it so adorable. Read more. Also: One power of prayer The planet our ancestors called home? "Raided" by atheists—and a pastor And Don't Miss . . . Biblical Authority Devotionals What about the "Gray Areas" of Morality? Why Do Naturalistic Ethics Fail? (Part Two) Why Do Naturalistic Ethics Fail? (Part One) Why Is Scripture the Ultimate Standard for Morality and Ethics? How Does Fulfillment in Christ Affect Us? Answers ... with Ken Ham radio program Visiting a famous . . . well, infamous . . . house! Refuting compromise—what in the world is entropy? Monarchs and milkweed . . . weird and wonderful! The first atonement—now, when was it? Carbon dating—what dates can be found? After Eden Network with Us! Answers in Genesis Answers in Genesis Creation Museum Creation Museum Ark Encounter Ark Encounter Answers Magazine   Note: Facebook and Twitter are both social networking sites with user-contributed content. Children should not visit the sites without parental supervision.  Free app for iPhone / iPod Touch / iPad	This Week . . . Feedback: Eight People to Build the Ark? (Mar 25) Kicked Out of Two Homeschool Conferences (Mar 25) Chapter 3: The Theologian in Each of Us (Mar 24) Where in the World Is the Tower of Babel? (Mar 23) How Do We Know that the Bible Is True? (Mar 22) Letter from Ken, March 2011 (Mar 21) Spring Answers Magazine Sneak Peek: Archaeological Finds (Mar 20) Video On Demand Nuclear Strength Apologetics, Part 2C Watch Video Ken's Blog Hear the Talks I Won't Be Giving in Cincinnati and Philadelphia Listen to This A Stirring Devotional Is AiG Unloving? Ark Park News Article Previous entries Prayer Requests View the current prayer requests to keep track of and pray for current ministry needs. Resources Answers Magazine Subscription: United States Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs Answers for Kids II: The Seven Cs of History - Student Handouts Answers Book for Kids Complete Set (The) More current bestsellers Upcoming Events Ohio Mansfield Answers in Genesis Conference, March 26–28 Ohio Dayton Answers in Genesis Conference, April 9–11 Wyoming Sunday Speaking, April 17 Missouri Branson Worldview Weekend, April 29–30 Georgia Atlanta Georgia Home Educators Convention, May 6–7 More events Job Opportunities Advancement Specialist Application Developer I Constituent Data Administrator (CDA) General Accountant Housekeeping Staff Java Script Web Developer Outreach Event Coordinator Seasonal Food Service Support Staff Other Seasonal Staff Senior Database Administrator (Senior DBA) Warehouse Specialist Web Developer—Python Web Designer Web Operations Coordinator Web Order Associate Zoo Keeper
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The Good Part

The Good Part "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her." (Luke 10:42) The two sisters, Mary and Martha, both loved the Lord Jesus and wanted to please Him. Jesus also loved them (John 11:5) and apparently was an occasional guest at their home in Bethany. Martha evidently felt that activity and service were pleasing to the Lord (and these, indeed, are good and important), whereas Mary simply "sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word" (Luke 10:39). To Martha's surprise and chagrin, Jesus said that Mary had chosen the "good part"--a part more important even than service and food. Long, long before, the patriarch Job, whom God had said was "a perfect and an upright man" with "none like him in the earth" (Job 1:8), had also chosen that good part. "I have esteemed the words of his mouth," Job said, "more than my necessary food" (Job 23:12). We today can sit at Jesus' feet and hear His Word only by reading and meditating on the Scriptures. Important as our daily responsibilities may be to meet our material needs and those of our families, we should make priority time available for this "good part." The same surely applies especially to Christian leaders. They may have many important tasks to perform in the service of God, but it is still more important for them to take time to "hear His word" in the Scriptures. The unknown psalmist who wrote the grand 119th psalm had learned this truth: "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. . . . How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding" (Psalm 119:97, 103-104). We today have a higher privilege than Job, or the psalmist, or even Mary, for we have all the Scriptures! If we truly desire "that good part," the Lord will surely provide the time, as He did for Mary. HMM Print this article More Days of Praise articles Institute for Creation Research 1806 Royal Lane Dallas TX 75229

QUOTES OF THE WEEK!

Doctrine without practice leads to bitter orthodoxy; it gives correctness of thought without the practical vitality of the life of Christ. Practice without doctrine leads to aberrations; it gives intensity of feeling, but it is feeling apt to go off in any (and often a wrong) direction. What we need is both, as Paul's letters and the whole of Scripture teach us. - James M. Boice

Paul is quite concerned that Christians not break the unity of the Spirit by agreeing with false doctrine (Rm. 16:17-20), and the Apostle John echoes this warning (2 John 6-11). The local church cannot believe in peace at any price, for God's widsom is "first pure, then peaceable" (James 3:17). Purity of doctrine itself does not produce spiritual unity, for there are churches that are sound in faith, but unsound when it comes to love. This is why Paul joins the two: "speaking the truth in love" (Eph. 4:15). - Warren W. Wiersbe

If God promised His servants an unbroken run of prosperity, there would be many counterfeit Christians. Don't be surprised at famine... it is permitted to root you deeper just as a whirlwind makes the tree grapple deeper roots into soil. - F.B. Meyer

You can get bitter or you can get better. - Unknown

When you become bitter you don't make sense. - Evangelist Matt Downs

Goliath- a basketball goal with muscles. - Downs

God marks some of our days "WILL EXPLAIN LATER." Vance Havner

Heaven and Hell are both located in dry counties. - Unknown

IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS

Pastor Rick Jackson

Acts 17:23 For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.
Romans 1:13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Romans 11:25 For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
1 Corinthians 10:1 Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;
1 Corinthians 12:1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Corinthians 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.

God does not put a premium on ignorance and nor should we. The lost are ignorant, young Christians are ignorant, and alas, older Christians are ignorant.

I. IGNORANCE OF UNBELIEVERS IS EXPECTED

1. Their Ignorance of Christ’s Person can be Forgiven [Acts 3:12-19]

2. Their Sins Can Be forgiven [I Tm. 1:13-14]

3. Their Ignorance should Change when they Do [Eph. 4:17-20]

II. IGNORANCE OF BABES IN CHRIST IS UNDERSTANDABLE

1. Growth in Grace is Characterized by Godliness [I Peter 1:13-16]

2. Growth in Grace is Based on God’s Word [I Peter 1:23-25]

3. Growth in Grace is Commanded for Christians [1 Peter 2:1-3]

III. IGNORANCE OF MATURE CHRISTIANS IS SHAMEFUL

Ignorance often leads to conceit. [Romans 11:25] For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

1. It is Carnal [I Cor. 3:1-4]

2. It is Babyish [I Cor. 3:1]

3. It is Spiritual Laziness [Heb. 5:11-6:3]

March 23 - Moses and Elijah

Moses and Elijah   March 23, 2011   "And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem." (Luke 9:30-31)   This is a mysterious passage. Peter, James, and John watched in awe as Christ was "transfigured" before them as Christ had promised (Mark 9:2). But how could Moses and Elijah be there? Moses' body had been buried by God in an unknown tomb in Moab some 1,500 years before, and no resurrection had yet taken place (Deuteronomy 34:5-6; 1 Corinthians 15:22-23). Elijah had been taken alive into heaven in a chariot of fire over 900 years previously (2 Kings 2:11).   The fact is that this whole experience was a remarkable vision! Jesus said, after it was over: "Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead" (Matthew 17:9). Although they had just been awakened out of sleep (Luke 9:32), the disciples knew this was not a dream. All three had seen it together and "were sore afraid" (Mark 9:6).   This vision of the future kingdom was for the disciples' encouragement (and for ours, as well), for the Lord had just been warning them of His coming death, as well as the cross which they, themselves, must take up to follow Him (Luke 9:23). The kingdom of God would come on earth, in all its future power and glory. But first, He must die and rise again, and they must be His witnesses of these things.   But when He did return in glory, there would be two groups of people sharing His glory with Him: Moses, representing the resurrected saints, and Elijah, the "raptured" saints. "The dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). HMM   Print this article | More Days of Praise articles     Institute for Creation Research | 1806 Royal Lane | Dallas | TX | 75229

O' Boy!

Joshua 18:3 "And Joshua said unto the children of Israel, How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?" My grandfather gave me my second horse when I was seven years old. He was a fine animal but a feisty little fella! What a cowboy needed was a sure and snug rein to keep control of him. One summer day, I was riding O' Boy through the back lot off of the East Pasture. All of the sudden, the clip on the rein came loose, and my right rein was just dangling from the bit in his mouth! The balance of power had shifted! I did not have the reins; O' Boy now did. Well, I decided my only course of action was to crawl off the back of the horse before he knew what was happening. Too late! He knew that I knew, and he bolted across the pasture. I was left holding on with only one rein as I was dragged behind him. At that moment, though I was given the horse by my grandfather, I did not possess the horse by any means! A slack rein means a loose horse. That story came to mind this morning when I read Joshua 18. The Bible speaks of seven tribes "which had not yet received their inheritance." They had been given it, but they did not possess it. Joshua said, "How long are ye slack to go to possess the land, which the LORD God of your fathers hath given you?" The words slack, possess, and given are important words! The lesson to learn is, you will never lack what you need when you are not slack with what you have. "Slack" is lack with weakness, laziness, or inaction attached to it. A slack rein equals a lost horse; a slack life is the result of not possessing what God has given. There is a profound difference between slack and lack, "I won't" and "I can't", and "God gave" and "I possess." Lack speaks to what I need; slack speaks to what I do with what I have. "Can't" speaks to your ability; "won't" speaks to your will. "Give" speaks to what God does; "possess" speaks to what I do. You can be sure that God is not a slack God. 2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness. . . ." Anything that we have of any worth is totally based on the work of Christ; but all that Christ has given awaits our obedience to God to possess it. My great-grandfather, Earl Widner, was man who overcame much adversity to become quite successful in the business world. His motto was, "I am. I can. I will. I do." I am, as opposed to I am not. I can, as opposed to I won't. I will and I do, as opposed to I don't. In the end, you will never lack what you need in order to do what you need to do. You will never lack what you need when you are not slack, loose, or lazy with what you have. Prayer Requests: - Services Wednesday night in Howard, PA, Colonial Beach, VA, and Deltona, FL Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

Bill Rice Ranch 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road Murfreesboro TN 37128

ARE YOU HAPPY?

Joshua 17:14 "And the children of Joseph spake unto Joshua, saying, Why hast thou given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing I am a great people, forasmuch as the LORD hath blessed me hitherto." Are You Happy? When you take stock of your life, are you happy with your lot in life? People think they want material things, but what they really want is satisfaction and happiness. Someone may say, "If I just had that car, then I would be happy." He does not want the car; he really wants the happiness. Another person may say, "If I had that house, then I would be happy." He does not want a house; he wants happiness. Ironically, the people who are unhappy even with those cars and houses have even more reason to be unhappy. They acquired everything they thought they needed to be happy, yet they are not happy! In Joshua 17, sections of the Promised Land were literally being divvied up among the children of Israel. The tribe of Manasseh had so much going for them. They were God's people, they had a great heritage, and they had a rich land; yet none of this was enough! They thought they needed more land; what they really needed was more faith and more obedience. Instead of driving the Canaanites out, the tribe of Manasseh "put [them] to tribute." Money could not replace obedience to God! And then the tribe of Manasseh complained to Joshua because they thought they deserved better than what they got. In life, there are two kinds of people: complainers and conquerors. You cannot be one while being the other. Are you complaining about why you can't do what you should do, or are you simply obeying in God's strength? The truth is, you will never be greater than the measure of your obedience to God. Period. You can have a great heritage, be a great person, and have great possessions, but you will never be greater than the measure of your obedience to God. The tribe of Manasseh had pride; they lacked humility and obedience. They had complaints; they lacked action. They had excuses; they lacked solutions. Once you make the one necessary decision-obedience-several ways to solve your problem may be available to you. If you face a command by saying, "I can't!", you are already locked into defeat! Begin instead by saying, "If God said it; I will do it," and the answers will present themselves. The real problem for these Israelites was not what they lacked; their problem was obedience! What about you? Are you happy with your lot in life? Don't blindly chase "things" while neglecting the most important thing: obedience to God. Looking for more devotionals? Visit the archives here

Bill Rice Ranch 627 Bill Rice Ranch Road Murfreesboro TN 37128

UNITY

EPHESIANS 4:1-6

Pastor Rick Jackson

Why unity and not union? If you take two strange cats and tie their tails together you will have union but not unity. If you take two animals that are the best of friends and put them in the same area you have both union and unity. God desires unity amongst Christians.

Though there are many Christians each Christian must make up his or her mind that they will serve God regardless of the actions of others. This then is:

I. THE UNITY OF THE LONE WALK [v. 1]

1. It is to be a Contented Walk “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord” [Philippians 4:11]

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

2. It is to be a Worthy Walk “beseech you that ye walk worthy” [Colossians 1:10]

That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

3. It is to be a Responsive Walk “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called“ [Ph 3:14]

I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

II. THE UNITY OF THE LIFE’S WORK [v. 2-3]

1. Considering Ourselves “With all lowliness and meekness” [v. 2, Philippians 2:3]

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Matthew 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
2 Corinthians 10:1 Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you:

2. Considering Others “with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love” [v. 2, 1 Peter 3:20]

Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing…
2 Peter 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;

3. Considering Our Indwelling Friend- the Holy Spirit [v. 3]

The Greek word translated “Endeavoring” here is also translated Study, diligence, forward

III. THE UNITY OF THE LORD’S WORD [v. 4-6]

1. One Body- the Church [v. 4, 1:20-23]

2. One Spirit- the Holy Spirit [v. 4, 1:13-14]

3. One Hope- the Blessed Hope [v. 4, Galatians 5:5]

For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. are called in one hope of your calling;
Colossians 1:5 For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;
Colossians 1:27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
1 Thessalonians 2:19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
1 Thessalonians 4:13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;
Titus 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

4. One Lord- Jesus Christ [v. 5, John 13:13]

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Romans 10:9-13 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

5. One Faith- the Body of Truth [v. 5, 4:13, 1 Timothy 4:1]

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

6. One Baptism- the Work of the Holy Spirit [v. 5]

There are several kinds of baptism in the Scriptures. In fact Luke records John the Baptist mentioning three in Luke 3:16, John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:

So what One baptism is in view here. There is a difference of opinion of good men on this matter. Some believe it refers to water baptism while others believe it refers to the work of the Holy Spirit mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

It is this baptism, not water baptism, that I believe is in view here for the simple reason of the context. It’s all about things associated with our salvation and it would seem inconsistent or out of place to mention something that is after salvation and not part of it.

7. One God- the Father [v. 6, Romans 3:30]

Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
1 Corinthians 8:6 But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;