Introduction:

• The religious lady and the obnoxious teenager who lived across the street from her.

• Learn the lesson of prayer from Paul’s life.

Paul writes to the church at Rome to prepare for his upcoming visit. His plans are altered by his arrest and his subsequent imprisonment in Rome. Paul lays out a systematic theology throughout the book and concludes with a beautiful picture of unity in the church body. (Basic rough outline is from Ryrie.)

In context, Psalm 133 is one of the fifteen Psalms of ascent. These were sung as the worshippers approached the temple from the south side. Unity is something that God desires for His body. One author states, “Unity is not uniformity, unity comes from within and is a spiritual grace while uniformity is a result of pressure from without.” We are to be regularly doing all that He commands. When we obey those commands heartily we enjoy the following:

Unity in the body is something that is rare, often unexpected, and yet commanded by God. His plan is sure, yet somewhat difficult. It is not an easy road, but the purpose is clear.

Last week we examined briefly the basis for unity which is the Godhead. Today we see how the concept of unity is constructed. I owe a debt of gratitude to Bruce Ware and his book on the Trinity from which some of this series has been developed. God intends for the characteristics of the Trinity be demonstrated in our human relationships.

Unity in the body is something that is: expected by God, commanded to the church via Holy Spirit via inspiration, and recorded throughout the Bible. Unity is fundamental to the body and is demonstrated in the Godhead. Just as our physical body is one so should the CBC body function as one. Unity all begins with the Godhead.

Are you qualified?

Are you in the Performance Trap? Get back to Grace!

This passage is one of the lesser known stories about Jesus which happens shortly after His birth. He is about 41 days old at this time and the setting is in the temple. Edersheim tells of the huge Messianic expectation at this time. People know they are in the 4th kingdom and are longing for Him.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service