Unity – Word for the Soul

Our Message of Unity

June 30, 2025June 25, 2025 Loring Schultz

“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23 NLT

Have you ever given thought that Jesus has prayed for you? Jesus had a specific petition for all future Christians who would make up His church. Near the end of His “high priestly prayer” recorded in John’s gospel chapter 17, Jesus made His requests known soon before He was to go to the cross. He prayed that we would be with Him in eternity and see His Glory, but His specific request was that we all be one in complete unity. Imagine as Jesus was about to be crucified, His concern for us was for there to be unity. So how are we doing?

Before we answer, perhaps it would good for us to know why Jesus made this request. Jesus reasoned, ‘that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them.’ You made have heard the statement; ‘The only Christ the world will see, is the Christ they see in me.’ That is very true, and Jesus confirms it later in His prayer as He says, ‘O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you.’ (Jn.17:25 nlt) Indeed, most of the world does not know God. Many have heard of God and have somewhat of a knowledge of Him, but they do not know the true God and Jesus Christ His Son.

As the world looks at the church and individual Christians today, do they see unity? Do they see the love of Christ between us? Are we in a unifying fashion convincing the world that Jesus is God’s Son sent to save us from eternal damnation? Does the world see their spiritual need by observing authentic Christianity in unity, or is it muddled by in-fighting, pride, and disagreements in doctrine not essential to Salvation? There are legitimate differences of opinion in the teaching of scripture in churches today, but they should not be at the expense of alienating those outside of Christ from hearing the message of the Gospel. So how are we doing in displaying our message of unity?

Devotionals

Harmony in the Church

December 5, 2024December 4, 2024 Loring Schultz

“May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5-6 NLT

The Old fashion hymn sing has been resurrected over the last decade as the classic church hymns have vanished in many of today’s churches. However, there are still churches that include an occasional hymn as part of the worship service. Some churches will schedule a special hymn night throughout the year for the lovers of the old fashion hymns. Nationally, Gerald Wolfe’s Gospel Hymn Sing makes its rounds throughout the United States keeping the old gospel hymns alive by reintroducing them to the current and next generations. There is a hunger not only for the music, but for the deeply inspired lyrics from these songwriters of yesteryear.

As these old fashion hymns are sung, especially in church, they are an example of unity and harmony. There are those who sing the main melody and those who sing the harmony parts, my mother was always one of them. Those singing the main parts and those singing the harmony parts combine with those playing the instruments in worshiping and praising through God through music. It is an example of what harmony in the church looks like. We all have a different part to play and sing, and not only in the music. If we all do are part, a beautiful rendition of Christ’s church will be seen and heard.

Unfortunately, there is not always harmony among believers in the church and the music falls flat. Paul’s desire for the church was for it to “live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus.” (Ro.15:5b nlt) The outside world is watching the disharmony among us as many believers are exiting the church. Perhaps an old fashion hymn sing is just what we need to get back in tune with God and the truth of His Word, harmonizing with each other for the sake of the gospel to all generations.

Devotionals

Unity in the Body of Christ

September 18, 2024September 16, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” Ephesians 4:3 NLT

The more our politicians try to unite us, the more divided we become. That is true around the world and here in America. Promises of uniting the country fail on the first day in office for a new president and I’m sure it will happen again in January 2025 no matter who is elected. We cannot deny we live in troubling times of division in the United States. That is why it is crucial that Christians in America are united by their bond to each other through Christ. Ephesians 4:3 says, “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (nlt) Paul says, ‘make every effort.’ This is not a time to be laid back.

There is strength in numbers, but don’t let that encourage you. Our true strength is found in the Lord. Nehemiah says the ‘joy of the Lord is your strength.’ (Neh.4:10) Couple that with God’s awesome power and we will be encouraged for our days ahead. Believers in Christ need each other. Do not be a lone ranger traveling that dusty road ahead of you. Yes, you have the Holy Spirit with you, but God also gave you brothers and sisters in Christ as your family. We travel this road together having been united in the Spirit.

Jesus, in His High Priestly prayer, prayed that all who believe in Him would be one. He prayed we would be an example of perfect unity to the world, so that God’s great gift of salvation would be seen. Christians are blessed beyond measure and as we bless each other and live in peace in the strength of the Lord, others will see the love we have for one another through Christ.

In a time of such division in the United States, the only unifying factor that works is Jesus Christ. Christians can participate in the intensifying division in the nation or set the example of unity. May we all make every effort to remain united, encouraging each other as we present to the world the great unifier, Jesus Christ.

Read: Ephesians 4:1-6 NLT – Unity in the Body – Therefore I, a – Bible Gateway

Read: John 17:20-24 NLT – “I am praying not only for these – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Our Message of Unity

August 5, 2024July 31, 2024 Loring Schultz

“I am in them and you are in me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me.” John 17:23 NLT

Have you ever given thought that Jesus has prayed for you? Jesus had a specific petition for all future Christians who would make up His church. Near the end of His “high priestly prayer” recorded in John’s gospel chapter 17, Jesus made His requests known soon before He was to go to the cross. He prayed that we would be with Him in eternity and see His Glory, but His specific request was that we all be one in complete unity. Imagine as Jesus was about to be crucified, His concerned for us future believers were for there to be unity. So how are we doing?

Before we answer, perhaps it would good for us to know why Jesus made this request. Jesus reasoned, ‘that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them.’ You made have heard the statement; ‘The only Christ the world will see, is the Christ they see in me.’ That is very true, and Jesus confirms it later in His prayer as He says, ‘O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you.’ (Jn.17:25 a nlt) Indeed, most of the world does not know God. Many have heard of God and have somewhat of a knowledge of Him, but they do not know the true God and Jesus Christ His Son.

Read: John 17:20-26 NLT – “I am praying not only for these – Bible Gateway

Devotionals

Continue to Do Good and Don’t Worry

April 29, 2024April 27, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats.” 1 Peter 3:13-14 NLT

It goes against logic that someone would suffer for doing good things or standing up for what is right, but it does happen. The sad truth is this is becoming more common in the days we live. However, in our broken world there have always been those who would denigrate those who strive to live godly lives. The apostle Peter in writing to the newly converted Gentiles scattered throughout the world told he them to “Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong!” (1 Pt.3:17 nlt) Peter’s words were meant to encourage. It is a fact all Christians will suffer in one way or another during their lifetime by just living as God wants us to live. Peter’s words should encourage us today. Yes, it is better we suffer the consequences for obeying God than to suffer for doing wrong in the eyes of our neighbors.

Christians should not be surprised by the hatred towards those who speak the truth. Jesus, who is the essence of truth and always spoke it, said of those who follow Him, “And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.” (Mk.13:13a nlt) And “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” (Jn.15:18 nlt) Peter, who walk with Jesus as His disciple, tells us not to worry or be afraid of their threats. Perhaps he remembers Jesus saying to him and the other disciples, “Dear friends, don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I’ll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, he’s the one to fear. I tell you the truth, everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, the Son of Man will also acknowledge in the presence of God’s angels.” (Lk.12:4-5, 8 nlt)

The world will continue to despise anyone who attempts to tell the truth, especially those who claim the truth in Jesus’ name and according to Scripture. This should not discourage us from truth telling, for if all Christians are walking in unison as examples of Christ we are speaking the truth with our lives. Suffering for shining the light of hope in a dark world in the name of Christ will most likely escalate in the years to come, but let Peter’s words encourage us, ‘continue to do good and don’t worry.’

A Christian Perspective

The Temple of the Living God

April 24, 2024April 23, 2024 Loring Schultz

“Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God.” 2 Corinthians 6:14, 16a NLT

There are deep divisions in the world in which we live. We have come to notice it more in recent years due to the political landscape of our day, but divisions have always been throughout millenniums. The bottom line is all the divisions in the world stem from one source, one’s belief or non-belief in the creator of all things. Jesus Himself said, “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.” (Lk. 11:23 nlt) It is easy to see from Jesus’ words, why there is so much division between people, nations, communities, and all the religions of the world. Jesus’ words are divisive, and in today’s world divisiveness is not tolerated. The world is to be united.

The apostle Paul tells the church in Corinth they are the temple of God. Every individual in Christ is a temple of the living God. He stresses God’s temple cannot be in union with the religions of the world (idols). In the same way, Christians (God’s temple) cannot be in union with those who oppose God by living contrary to His teachings in Scripture. Christians are not to be supportive of legislation enacted that violates God’s moral laws, but we are to pray for all those in authority. Paul again writing to Timothy says, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.” (1Tim. 2:1-2 nlt)

Christians are to be a beacon of light in a dark world, always being careful not to have our light dimmed by sin in our lives, but to live righteously. Christians are also to be careful not to alienate ourselves from others. We are to live in the world but not be part of it. (Ro.12:2) The command from Christ to tell others about Him cannot be realized if we isolate ourselves. The world must see the temple of the living God in our lives. It is a delicate balance, but scripture points to the fact no union is possible with those outside of Christ no matter how much the desire for unity.

Read: 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 NLT – The Temple of the Living God – Don’t – Bible Gateway

A Christian Perspective

Unity in Our Faith

April 13, 2024April 12, 2024 Loring Schultz

“This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13 NLT

This past Monday millions of people across North America felt a sense of unity experiencing a once in a lifetime totality of a solar eclipse. Comments heard on social media, major news networks, and the NASA telecast all celebrated the coming together of humanity as the sun, the moon, and the earth all lined up. Sadly, in most cases, it didn’t last more than four minutes, and it will be years before it will be experienced again in this part of the world. People do have a longing to belong and to be a part of something bigger than themselves to be shared with others. How important it is to have that longing fulfilled not only for a matter of minutes, but for a lifetime and through all eternity.

Another weekend is here and again this Sunday church doors will be opened. These doors will lead into all different structures to conduct worship services. From the little white church in the country, to major cathedrals across the world, to modern theater assemblies, to rented spaces in various buildings, to a house church around the corner, the church doors will be opened. If you are looking for something to fill the empty space in your life going through those doors this weekend is a good place to start. There will be others there to share in the experience of hearing of the love of Christ being preached.

The apostle Paul was very concerned about the unity of believers in their faith. He knew the only thing that would cement them in unity with others was sound teaching from the Word of God. Unity among believers is only possible when built on the strong foundation of biblical truth. In writing to the church at Ephesus Paul explains the gifts the Lord gave to the church was for their benefit, “Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.” (Eph. 4:11-13 nlt)

Unity is a wonderful and beautiful thing if held together by truth. Make sure as you make your way through the church doors that truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the foundation of their unity. If so, you have found a place to belong filling that empty space through Christ. You will be with others who also need a touch of God’s grace and you will not need to wait years to return, you can return next week.