Attitude check: II Timothy 2:23-26

As long as we unite on Jesus, isn’t that all that matters? (continued)

Ephesians 4:4 – There is one church/body.

There are no divisions in Christ’s church.

Take baptism as an example.

Ephesians 4:5

Mark 16:15-16 – Can one church start teaching that you don’t have to believe and be baptized to be saved – you can just believe?

Galatians 3:27 – Can one church start teaching that you’re not baptized into Christ – you are in Christ, then you are baptized as an outward sign?

How can we claim to be united in Christ when we change His doctrine? II Corinthians 13:5; John 14:6

Practical applications

Be a member of Christ’s one church

Matthew 16:18; Acts 20:28

Jesus bought it and built it with His own blood. I should:

Submit to His Headship

Make Him my Savior

Be baptized into His death and into His body (Romans 6:3-4; I Corinthians 12:13)

I John 1:6-7; 2:3-6

Study and learn Christ’s one truth

Ephesians 4:5 – We ought to study, learn, and practice this one faith!

We are fallible and will not be in perfect agreement, but we should be studying to unify on the truth in the Bible.

Shouldn’t we support Israel today to prepare for Christ’s kingdom?

Many people still believe that Israel is still the nation through which God will bless the rest of the world. This is part of a larger doctrine (with many variations) called Premillenialism.

Some believe that since Christ was rejected by most Jews when He came to earth, He set up the church instead of the kingdom.

Mark 9:1 – The kingdom of heaven was at hand.

Acts 2:30-33

Colossians 1:13 – The kingdom was already in existence!

Revelation 1:9

I Corinthians 15:20-28 – Jesus will hand over the kingdom – not start the kingdom.

I Thessalonians 4:13-18 – Those who are alive at Christ’s coming will meet Him in the air!

The kingdom of Christ is not a physical one based in Jerusalem, but a spiritual one (John 6:14-15; 18:36; Luke 17:20-21; Mark 12:34). Jesus reigns over us spiritually today!