“…the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT YOU TO BE in holy conduct and godliness, LOOKING FOR AND HASTENING (speudō: hurrying to prepare yourself for) the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? Nevertheless WE, according to His promise, look for NEW HEAVENS and A NEW EARTH in which righteousness dwells.” (2 Peter 3:10-13)
According to an article by Donavyn Coffey at Livescience.com, “Estimations show there are more than 200 Christian denominations in the U.S and… 45,000 globally.” Is this what Jesus wanted? In Matthew 16:18, “…on this rock (the mutual understanding of one another) I will build MY CHURCH (not 45,000 churches), and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18-19)
Jesus told Peter after his revelation, “I will build MY church.” Notice that He did not say “churches.” The Lord came to establish HIS church. Jesus called for a unified, single body of believers. What we have today is the furthest thing from it.
So, how do we COME TOGETHER in “ONE MIND AND ONE ACCORD?”
- MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE MUST ASK FORGIVNESS: Jesus said, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is BORN AGAIN (saved), he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) You do this by asking God to forgive you because, “ALL have sinned…the wages (results) of sin is DEATH (eternal separation from God in hell)” (Romans 3:23, 6:23) “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalms 32:1) Then we invite Jesus into our hearts. “Look! I have been standing at the door, and I am constantly knocking. If you hear me calling and OPEN the door, I WILL COME IN (to your life) and fellowship with you…” (Revelation 3:20)
- WE MUST THINK AS JESUS THINKS: “Let this mind BE IN YOU which was also in Christ Jesus…” (Philippians 2:5) “For we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 2:16) We do this by reading and studying the Bible because, “…the word of God is LIVING and POWERFUL, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) It’s alive and it’s full of power all because, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be THOROUGHLY EQUIPPED for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
- WE MUST READ OUR BIBLES AND PRAY: This instills in us God’s will and Gods way.
Your Personal Pastor -Bill Stockham