[By Ron Halbrook]

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UNITY IN TRUTH

Introduction

1. Religious world divided: major religions, denominations, sects, factions

2. Families divided over religion

3. Result: confusion, doubt, unbelief!

4. Division & its result: symptoms of sin,

separation from God

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UNITY IN TRUTH

Introduction

5. CHRIST is the answer: Jn. 17:17-21

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17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. 18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 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.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

5. CHRIST is the answer: Jn. 17:17-21

The Son of God embodies the truth of God17 Sanctify them through thy truth:

thy word is truth.

19 …that they also might be sanctified through the truth.

20 …believe on me through their word

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

5. CHRIST is the answer: Jn. 17:17-21

He saves, unites us with God21 That they all may be one;

as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

5. CHRIST is the answer: Jn. 17:17-21

He unites us with each other21 That they all may be one;

as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

5. CHRIST is the answer: Jn. 17:17-21

Result: many believe, saved, united!

21 …that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

6. Only the teaching of CHRIST can save, united us

Bible ground is unity ground: preach, practice what he clearly taught in text

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

6. Only the teaching of CHRIST can save, unite us

Human theories divide: speculate what is not clearly stated in text

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

6. Only the teaching of CHRIST can save, unite us

Apostles wrote what he revealed, men depart from it

2 Pet. 3:15-16

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Apostles wrote what he revealed, men depart from it

2 Pet. 3:15-16

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; 16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIntroduction

6. Only the teaching of CHRIST can save, unite us

Unity in truth!

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UNITY IN TRUTH

I. Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior

A. Fulfilled Prophecies Matt. 5:17-18

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

17 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

I. Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior

B. His Miracles Jn. 20:30-31

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: 31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

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C. His Resurrection Jn. 20:27-29

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

27 Then saith he to Thomas, Reach hither thy finger, and behold my hands; and reach hither thy hand, and thrust it into my side: and be not faithless, but believing. 28 And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. 29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

I. Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior

D. He Is the Truth: Salvation, Unity

Jn. 14:6

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

I. Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior

D. He Is the Truth: Salvation, Unity

Jn. 8:31-32

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

31 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

I. Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior

E. Human Theories DivideAtheism

Muhamed

Idols (Buddah, Hindu, Shinto, etc.)

No evidence

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UNITY IN TRUTH

I. Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior

E. Human Theories Divide

Jesus accept all religions as true in Jn. 10:16 (“other sheep”)?

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Jesus accept all religions as true in Jn. 10:16 (“other sheep”)?

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. No! Jew & Gentile “hear” him,

abandon all other religions: saved & united in him

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Jesus accept all religions as true in Jn. 10:16 (“other sheep”)?

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. No salvation or unity outside Christ

Jn. 8:24

24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

24 I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

I. Jesus Christ: Son of God, Savior

E. Human Theories Divide

No salvation, no unity

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation

A. The Words of Jesus Clear

Believe Jn. 3:16

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation

A. The Words of Jesus Clear

Repent Lk. 24:47

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation

A. The Words of Jesus Clear

Confess Christ Matt. 10:32

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation A. The Words of Jesus Clear

Baptism Mk. 16:16

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

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UNITY IN TRUTHII. How to Receive Salvation B. Gospel: “One Lord, One Faith,

One Baptism” (Eph. 4:5)In water Acts 8:35-36

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?

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UNITY IN TRUTHII. How to Receive Salvation B. Gospel: “One Lord, One Faith,

One Baptism” (Eph. 4:5)Burial Col. 2:12

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

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UNITY IN TRUTHII. How to Receive Salvation B. Gospel: “One Lord, One Faith,

One Baptism” (Eph. 4:5)For remission of sins Acts 2:38

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation

C. “Thy Word Is Truth:” Salvation, Unity

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation

D. Human Theories Divide

Baptism only—sprinkle, pour water on infants in Acts 16:15?

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Baptism only—sprinkle, pour water on infants in Acts 16:15?

15 And when she was baptized, and her household…

15 And when she was baptized, and her household…

No! Speculate: Lydia married Infants Baptize infants Sprinkle or pour

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Baptism only—sprinkle, pour water on infants in Acts 16:15?

15 And when she was baptized, and her household…

15 And when she was baptized, and her household…

No! Jesus said faith & baptism Mk. 16:16

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation

D. Human Theories Divide

Faith only in Jn. 3:16?

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Faith only in Jn. 3:16?

No! Water baptism in vs. 5

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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Faith only in Jn. 3:16?

No! Jesus said faith & baptism Mk. 16:16

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

II. How to Receive Salvation

D. Human Theories Divide

Baptism only

Faith only

“Spiritual” not water baptism

Baptism: show already saved

No salvation, no unity

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UNITY IN TRUTHIII. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

A. Jesus Teaches True Way of Worship

Jn. 4:24-26

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

III. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

B. The First Day of the Week Acts 20:7

7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

7 And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

III. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

B. The First Day of the Week 1 Cor. 16:2

2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIII. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth” C. First Day of Week:

Teaching of Christ thru His Apostles1 Cor. 16:2 Direct commandActs 20:7 Approved example

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UNITY IN TRUTHIII. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth” D. Congregational Singing

When Assemble to Worship

Eph. 5:19

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

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UNITY IN TRUTHIII. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth” D. Congregational Singing

When Assemble to Worship

Col. 3:16

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

III. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

E. Congregational Singing: Teaching of Christ thru His Apostles

Eph. 5:19 Direct command

Col. 3:16 Direct command

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UNITY IN TRUTHIII. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

F. “Thy Word Is Truth,”

Worship “In Spirit & Truth:”

Salvation, Unity

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UNITY IN TRUTH

III. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

G. Human Theories Divide

Collection every Sunday, not Lord’s Supper

Collection every day

Lord’s Supper ordained on Thursday (but Matt. 26:29 L.S. observed in the kingdom)

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UNITY IN TRUTH

III. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

G. Human Theories Divide

Solo, choir when assemble No! Eph. 5:19

“speaking to yourselves…” No! Col. 3:16

“teaching and admonishing one another”

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UNITY IN TRUTH

III. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

G. Human Theories Divide

Instrumental music in worship in Rev. 5:8?

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Instrumental music in worship in Rev. 5:8?

No! Figurative “vials:” prayers No! Figurative “harps:”

Each one holds a vial & a harp Vs. 9 “They sung” not played

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.

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UNITY IN TRUTH

III. Worship “In Spirit & In Truth”

G. Human Theories Divide

No salvation, no unity

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UNITY IN TRUTH

IV. Work of the Church

A. Evangelism: Preach the Gospel 1 Tim. 3:15

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIV. Work of the Church

B. Edification: Build Up Faith of Saints 1 Cor. 14:26

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIV. Work of the Church

C. Benevolence: Needy Saints Acts 2:44-45

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIV. Work of the Church

D. “Thy Word Is Truth:”

Salvation, Unity

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UNITY IN TRUTHIV. Work of the Church E. Human Theories Divide

Church sponsored social meals, “fellowship hall,” recreation, gym allowed by Jude 12?

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Church sponsored social meals allowed by Jude 12?

No! Speculate: Church action Church treasury Church facilities

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

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Church sponsored social meals allowed by Jude 12?

No! Figurative language: Feasts: service to God 1 Cor. 5:8 Clouds: empty Trees: dead

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

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Church sponsored social meals allowed by Jude 12?

No! Contradict 1 Cor. 11:34

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

12 These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear: clouds they are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots;

34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation.

34 And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation.

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UNITY IN TRUTHIV. Work of the Church E. Human Theories Divide

Church sponsored social meals, “fellowship hall,” recreation, gym allowed by Jude 12? No salvation, no unity

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UNITY IN TRUTHV. Gospel: “One Hope” Eph. 4:4 A. Eternal Life in Heaven 1 Pet. 1:3-5

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

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UNITY IN TRUTHV. Gospel: “One Hope” Eph. 4:4

B. “Thy Word Is Truth:” Salvation, Unity

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UNITY IN TRUTHV. Gospel: “One Hope” Eph. 4:4

C. Human Theories Divide

1,000 Years political kingdom on earth in Rev. 20:4?

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1,000 Years political kingdom on earth in Rev. 20:4?

No! Souls not resurrected bodies No! Christ on heavenly throne 5:6

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.

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UNITY IN TRUTHV. Gospel: “One Hope” Eph. 4:4

C. Human Theories Divide

1,000 Years political kingdom on earth in Rev. 20:4?

No salvation, no unity

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UNITY IN TRUTHVI. Divorce & Remarriage A. The Words of Jesus Clear

Matt. 19:9 Only one ground

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.

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UNITY IN TRUTHVI. Divorce & Remarriage

B. “Thy Word Is Truth:” Salvation, Unity

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UNITY IN TRUTHVI. Divorce & Remarriage C. Human Theories Divide

God forgives—we maintain adulterous marriage

No! Must repent & show works of repentance: not maintain adulterous marriage Acts 2:38; 26:20

God not join us to a new mate after sinful divorce Matt. 19:6, 9

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UNITY IN TRUTHVI. Divorce & Remarriage

C. Human Theories Divide

Law of Christ not apply to sinners in world

Wrong! Jn. 12:48

48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.

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UNITY IN TRUTHVI. Divorce & Remarriage

C. Human Theories Divide

No salvation, no unity

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UNITY IN TRUTHInvitation

1. Religious division reality Sinful Causes unbelief

2. Only the teaching of CHRIST can save, united us

Jn. 17:17-21 Bible ground is unity ground:

preach, practice what he clearly taught in text

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UNITY IN TRUTHInvitation

3. Living in sin?

Alien sinner: Mk. 16:16

Christian in sin: Ja. 5:16