We continue our new sermon series entitled ‘Unity’, with preaching from Robin Brenchley and our (virtual) service led by Nathan Gordon.
Sermon Notes
First, because we keep getting it wrong. We act as if we were in charge & forget we have been called to serve. Second, because;
35 …“everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” [John 13:35]
It doesn’t matter whatever else we do, if we are seen to behave hatefully towards each other, people will never take us seriously when we tell them about the love of God, and neither will God (1 John 4:20). The unity of love is central to all we do. We cannot even claim to love God if we don’t love one another. It is not enough to come to church. We need to love each other.
It doesn’t matter how much good we do, whether we volunteer for the food bank or as a Street Pastor, if we don’t love our brothers and sisters in Christ, then scripture is clear that our faith is worthless, that we cannot say that we love God, and that no-one will take our witness seriously. As Paul himself said;
3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to
hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
[1 Cor. 13:3]
“Is Unity a precondition for The Blessing?”
If we think that the blessing is being saved from our sins, then no. There is no precondition for salvation. There is nothing we can do to earn God’s favour and forgiveness.
But, if the blessing is that of a life well-lived in the presence of Christ, a life spent witnessing on his behalf in the power of the Holy Spirit, and if unity amounts to loving for our brothers and sisters in Christ; then perhaps our psalm is telling us that when God’s people are united in love, then they will truly experience God’s blessing on their lives and yes, in that case, I think that we can say “Unity is a precondition for the Blessing.”
Sermon Details
Sermon Title: Is unity a precondition for blessing?
Bible Reading: Psalm 133
Preacher: Robin Brenchley
Worship Leader: Nathan Gordon
