There is Power

Nations on earth today are seeking power. The United States of America has become quite a strong power on this earth today. They have their soldiers in many different countries, with the notion of keeping peace in these countries, however that is not their only motive. In the latest war that was conducted against Saddam Hussein in Iraq, the United States of America did not go alone.

They called upon the nations of the world to join in, acknowledging the fact that there is more power in the united forces of many nations. The war went on with relative success and it was not long before the nation was taken over by the foreign powers, deposing the existing rulers.

What I want to illustrate here is the fact that the united forces had great power. If the British got into a squabble with the Americans over some trivial matter, and started to fight against the Americans, the power would have been broken. Even if there are mistakes made, such as when the Americans shot and killed some Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, the Canadians still supported the Americans in the military effort. Yes, united together they have great power on this earth.

How much greater power can the church of God have if we showed the same kind of unity in our midst? For the most part, this unity does exist and it is getting stronger as time continues, since the half-hearted, unconverted ones are slowly being shaken out. Those of us that are remaining, must do all in our power to preserve this unity and it is not easy since we all come from a variety of different backgrounds. We have different cultural customs, different religious backgrounds, and social backgrounds. Some of us grew up in happy, well-adjusted homes. Some have come from
poverty stricken or broken homes, causing emotional scars. Each individual though, is a soul for whom Christ has died and each one of us should be doing our utmost for the good of others – for the good of the church – the body of Christ.
“Union is strength; division is weakness. When those who believe present truth are united, they exert a telling influence. Satan well understands this. Never was he more determined than now to make of none effect the truth of God by causing bitterness and dissension among the Lord’s people.” 5T 236

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments; As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the LORD commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.” Psalm 133

David sang this Psalm when he was hiding in the cave of Adullum with his relatives and friends (PP 658). David was alone, fleeing from King Saul. He thought he was all alone in the cave of Adullum, however some of his family and friends heard of his hideout and came to support him. He had 600 supporters and they were a mighty army – they easily eluded the army of King Saul and regularly protected the borders of Israel – as seen in the case of Nabal – wife of Abigail. David knew, first hand, how pleasant it was for brethren to dwell together in unity.

“And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Eccl. 4:12. A rope with ?three strands can support a considerable amount of weight. In unity there is power.

JESUS PRAYED FOR UNITY AMONGST HIS FOLLOWERS

“That union and love might exist among His disciples was the burden of our Saviour’s last prayer for them prior to His crucifixion. With the agony of the cross before Him, His solicitude was not for Himself, but for those whom He should leave to carry forward His work in the earth. The severest trials awaited them, but Jesus saw that their greatest danger would be from a spirit of bitterness and division.

Hence He prayed:
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.’ John 17:17-21.” 5T 237

“Christian unity is a mighty agency. It tells in a powerful manner that those who possess it are children of God. It has an irresistible influence upon the world, showing that man in his humanity may be a partaker of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. We are to be one with our fellow men and with Christ, and in Christ one with God.” ML 276.

There is a mighty power in unity. When the Latter Rain is poured out, God’s church will be fully united and a marvellous work will be done – a work that far exceeds the Early Rain. During the Early Rain the believers were, “all with one accord in one place.” Acts 2:1. When the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them in the upper room, thousands were baptized in one day. So many people, and other churches look at God’s church today and they see a small church, with few members. They criticize God’s church as having no impact in the world. It is impossible to have any effect anywhere with such few numbers.

However they are only looking from the outside. When God’s people are fully united – a mighty work will be done. God is not dependent on large numbers – He is looking for a united group of believers to pour out His Spirit with great power.

UNITY DEFINED

From these following Bible verses I am going to define unity. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3

“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7

“Take my yoke upon you,” Matthew 11: 29.
Unity means to be with someone with whom you agree. It means to have fellowship with others, also to be yoked together with Christ. And finally it means to be “one” as written in John 17.

Therefore disunity means to be separate. Perhaps not physically separate, but separate in our thoughts, purposes of life and direction our lives are headed. In Jesus’ prayer in John 17, He prayed for unity for His followers, but He mentioned whom they were to be united with. They were to be united with each other as well as with Christ.

Now here is a Bible verse giving more details about whom we should unite with and whom we should not.
“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and ?I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” 2 Cor 6:14 – 17.

We are to be united with: Believers, Jesus, righteousness, Temple of God, and not with: Infidels, unrighteous, idols.
These verses talk concerning any close relationship that you may have, whether it is a very close friend, marriage partner, business partner or church. Many churches unite with Governments placing themselves in Babylon. Only in uniting with the appropriate people, and with God’s church, will we have a power in the world, and power to resist and overcome sin.

WHAT DESTROYS UNITY

“The cause of division and discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ. To come near to Christ is to come near to one another. The secret of true unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, not management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties- -though there will be much of this to do– but union with Christ.
“Picture a large circle, from the edge of which are many lines all running to the centre. The nearer these lines approach the centre, the nearer they are to one another.

“Thus it is in the Christian life. The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. God is glorified as His people unite in harmonious action.” AH 179.

“Nothing so manifestly weakens a church as disunion and strife. Nothing so wars against Christ and the truth as this spirit. “He in whose heart Christ abides recognizes Christ abiding in the heart of his brother.

Christ never wars against Christ. Christ never exerts an influence against Christ. Christians are to do their work, whatever it may be, in the unity of the Spirit, for the perfecting of the whole body.” ML 276

“Satan works to make the prayer of Christ of none effect. He makes continual efforts to create bitterness and discord; for where there is unity there is strength, a oneness which all the powers of hell cannot break. All who shall aid the enemies of God by bringing weakness and sorrow and discouragement upon any of God’s people, through their own perverse ways and tempers, are working directly against the prayer of Christ.” 6T 151

“Reformers are not destroyers. They will never seek to ruin those who do not harmonize with their plans and assimilate to them. Reformers must advance, not retreat. They must be decided, firm, resolute, unflinching; but firmness must not degenerate into a domineering spirit. God desires to have all who serve Him firm as a rock where principle is concerned, but meek and lowly of heart, as was Christ. Then, abiding in Christ, they can do the work He would do were He in their place. A rude, condemna- tory spirit is not essential to heroism in the reforms for this time. All selfish methods in the service of God are an abomination in His sight.” 6T 151

SOCIAL RELATIONS

We cannot hide ourselves away from society for fear that we will be offended, or that we will offend someone else. It is by the social contacts that the world will be warned – the world will be reached. Jesus could have sent His angels to minister to the needy and to bring the message of salvation for those who are seeking for the truth, but rather He decided to use you and I. We will meet all kinds of people during our life. Some people we will befriend easily and enjoy their company, but we will also meet people who are disagreeable to us. Some are disagreeable due to their unconverted habits, speech and attitudes. Others are disagreeable simply because of the way they are. Their character is contrary to ours and our spirits often chafe when we are in their company.

Yet, we must love them all with the love of Christ.

Are we all perfect in the church? Who can say that they have never made mistakes? Have you seen mistakes and errors in your brethren? I am sure we can all say that we have seen mistakes and errors in our brethren. It is impossible to not see them, however in order to maintain unity we must associate with each other in the spirit of Christ. We must seek to help our brothers when we see mistakes, rather than seek to destroy or separate them. Our social contacts within the church must be Christ- centred, in order for Christ to work His mighty power in our midst.

Jesus said that there would be tares in the church and it would be almost impossible to tell the difference between the wheat and the tares. Yet we cannot try to figure out who is who. The separation of wheat and tares is left to Christ in His good time. Our social relations must be Christ centred with everyone in the church, whether they are the best of Christians or the ones who are struggling strongly with sin. “Often we regard as hopeless subjects the very ones whom Christ is drawing to Himself. Were we to deal with these souls according to our imperfect judgment, it would perhaps extinguish their last hope. Many who think themselves Christians will at last be found wanting. Many will be in heaven who their neighbours supposed would never enter there. Man judges from appearance, but God judges the heart. The tares and the wheat are to grow together until the harvest; and the harvest is the end of probationary time…

“The world has no right to doubt the truth of Christianity because there are unworthy members in the church, nor should Christians become disheartened because of these false brethren. How was it with the early church?

Ananias and Sapphira joined themselves to the disciples. Simon Magus was baptized. Demas, who forsook Paul, had been counted a believer. Judas Iscariot was numbered with the apostles. The Redeemer does not want to lose one soul; His experience with Judas is recorded to show His long patience with perverse human nature; and He bids us bear with it as He has borne. He has said that false brethren will be found in the church till the close of time. ” COL 73/4

What will win some people to the truth? It is love in the midst of God’s people. This will be a mighty power that will draw people to the Saviour.

HOW CAN WE PRESERVE UNITY?

It is quite simple. The way to preserve it is to think of others before ourselves and help them.
“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Phil. 2: 3

“Judge not that ye be not judged” –“Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” Mat. 7:1,2

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;” Rom. 12:10.
“Every association of life calls for the exercise of self-control, forbearance, and sympathy. We differ so widely in disposition, habits, education, that our ways of looking at things vary. We judge differently. Our understanding of truth, our ideas in regard to the conduct of life, are not in all respects the same. There are no two whose experience is alike in every particular. The trials of one are not the trials of another. The duties that one finds light are to another most difficult and perplexing.

“So frail, so ignorant, so liable to misconception is human nature, that each should be careful in the estimate he places upon another. We little know the bearing of our acts upon the experience of others. What we do or say may seem to us of little moment, when, could our eyes be opened, we should see that upon it depended the most important results for good or for evil.” MH 483. Be careful and think of helping others, more than thinking of helping yourself.

“FOREBEARANCEUNDERWRONG.”

It is times when we have been wronged that we often get upset or offended. When we try to do what is right and our motives are misinterpreted, it tends to hurt our feelings. These things happen on occasion in our associations with others. Satan will do his utmost to bring divisions because he knows that he will have more power and influence in the church this way, rather than God. And God allows it also to test our characters. Are we in the church to seek the approval or Christ or to seek the approval of our fellow man? However, “We cannot afford to let our spirits chafe over any real or supposed wrong done to ourselves. Self is the enemy we most need to fear. No form of vice has a more baleful effect upon the character than has human passion not under the control of the Holy Spirit. No other victory we can gain will be so precious as the victory gained over self.

“We should not allow our feelings to be easily wounded. We are to live, not to guard our feelings or our reputation, but to save souls. As we become interested in the salvation of souls we cease to mind the little differences that so often arise in our association with one another. Whatever others may think of us or do to us, it need not disturb our oneness with Christ, the fellowship of the Spirit. “What glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” 1 Peter 2:20.

“Do not retaliate. So far as you can do so, remove all cause for misapprehension. Avoid the appearance of evil. Do all that lies in your power, without the sacrifice of principle, to conciliate others. ‘If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.’ Mat. 5: 23, 24.” MH 485

Stop thinking of yourself, start thinking of the salvation of souls. Days when you feel discouraged (and we all have them) get up and do something for someone else. Retaliation in anger. Some people retaliate in anger. This is the wrong way to handle situations when you have been treated wrongly. Anger does not show how much power you have. It shows how weak you are in that you are unable to control your passions. Christ’s power does not dwell in you. “You have repeatedly said: “I can’t keep my temper.” “I have to speak.” You lack a meek, humble spirit. Self is all alive,
and you stand guard continually to preserve it from mortification or insult. Says the apostle: ‘For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.’ Those who are dead to self will not feel so readily and will not be prepared to resist everything which may irritate. Dead men cannot feel. You are not dead. If you were, and your life were hid in Christ, a thousand things which you now notice, and which afflict you, would be passed by as unworthy of notice; you would then be grasping the eternal and would be above the petty trials of this life.” 2T 425

“Christ has given us His life as a pattern, and we dishonour Him when we become jealous of every slight, and are ready to resent every injury, supposed or real. It is not an evidence of a noble mind to be prepared to defend self, to preserve our own dignity. We would better suffer wrongfully a hundred times than wound the soul by a spirit of retaliation, or by giving vent to wrath.” 2T 426/7

“If impatient words are spoken to you, never reply in the same spirit. Remember that ‘a soft answer turneth away wrath.’ Proverbs 15:1. And there is wonderful power in silence. Words spoken in reply to one who is angry sometimes serve only to exasperate. But anger met with silence, in a tender, forbearing spirit, quickly dies away.” MH 486

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21
“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.” Ps. 119:165

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” 1 Pet 2:21- 23. Jesus is our perfect example and when He suffered wrongly He left, committed Himself to His Father, who took care of things.

“Cultivate the habit of speaking well of others. Dwell upon the good qualities of those with whom you associate, and see as little as possible of their errors and failings. When tempted to complain of what someone has said or done, praise something in that person’s life or character. Cultivate thankfulness. Praise God for His wonderful love in giving Christ to die for us. It never pays to think of our grievances. God calls upon us to think of His mercy and His matchless love, that we may be inspired with praise. “Earnest workers have no time for dwelling upon the faults of others. We cannot afford to live on the husks of others’ faults or failings. Evilspeaking is a twofold curse, falling more heavily upon the speaker than upon the hearer. He who scatters the seeds of dissension and strife reaps in his own soul the deadly fruits. The very act of looking for evil in others develops evil in those who look. By dwelling upon the faults of others, we are changed into the same image. But by beholding Jesus, talking of His love and perfection of character, we become changed into His image. By contemplating the lofty ideal He has placed before us, we shall be uplifted into a pure and holy atmosphere, even the presence of God. When we abide here, there goes forth from us a light that irradiates all who are connected with us.

“Instead of criticizing and condemning others, say, ‘I must work out my own salvation. If I co-operate with Him who desires to save my soul, I must watch myself diligently. I must put away every evil from my life. I must overcome every fault. I must become a new creature in Christ. Then, instead of weakening those who are striving against evil, I can strengthen them by encouraging words.’

We are too indifferent in regard to one another. Too often we forget that our fellow labourers are in need of strength and cheer. Take care to assure them of your interest and sympathy. Help them by your prayers, and let them know that you do it.” MH 492.

As we help and strengthen one another, we will all have a greater power for good. If a brother is in fault – what should we do? Condemn their evil character traits? Push them away? Separate from them? No, it is our duty to help them. Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do” when they nailed Him to the cross.

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1

“For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them. And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” Luke 6:32-35

“Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.” Romans 12:20

“So long as we are in the world, we shall meet with adverse influences. There will be provocations to test the temper; and it is by meeting these in a right spirit that the Christian graces are developed. If Christ dwells in us, we shall be patient, kind, and forbearing, cheerful amid frets and irritations. Day by day and year by year we shall conquer self, and grow into a noble heroism. This is our allotted task; but it cannot be accomplished without help from Jesus, resolute decision, unwavering purpose, continual watchfulness, and unceasing prayer. Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we become co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose the strength and joy of victory.” MH 487

“We need not keep our own record of trials and difficulties, griefs, and sorrows. All these things are written in the books, and heaven will take care of them. While we are counting up the disagreeable things, many things that are pleasant to reflect upon are passing from memory, such as the merciful kindness of God surrounding us every moment and the love over which angels marvel, that God gave His Son to die for us.” MH 487

“But and if ye suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;” 1 Peter 3:14. If ye suffer for righteousness sake? Be happy.

Be HAPPY! When people treat you badly for doing good. It sounds strange, but that is what Jesus did and that is how many are won to the faith. This is how the power of God is felt in the midst of God’s people. “For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing” I Peter 3:17

“Satan is constantly seeking to cause distrust, alienation, and malice among God’s people. We shall be often tempted to feel that our rights are invaded, when there is no real cause for such feelings. Those whose love for self is stronger than their love for Christ and His cause will place their own interests first and resort to almost any expedient to guard and maintain them. When they consider themselves injured by their brethren, some will even go to law instead of following the Saviour’s rule. “The world is against us, the popular churches are against us, the laws of the land will soon be against us. If there was ever a time when the people of God should press together, it is now. God has committed to us the special truths for this time to make known to the world. The last message of mercy is now going forth. We are dealing with men and women who are judgment bound. How careful should we be in every word and act to follow closely the Pattern, that our example may lead men to Christ.

With what care should we seek so to present the truth that others by beholding its beauty and simplicity may be led to receive it. If our characters testify of its sanctifying power, we shall be a continual light to others–living epistles, known and read of all men. We cannot afford now to give place to Satan by cherishing disunion, discord, and strife.” 5T 236.

“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9. As we all do our duties faithfully and in unity in the church, then God will pour out His Spirit with great power upon His people. There is power to be had and may we all be able to access that power.
Amen

Wendy Eaton, Australia