PART II

Let’s conclude this study with Paul’s exhortation to the Philippian church concerning the unity that produces JOY (2:1-4). The CONSEQUENSE of unity -- is joy.  Paul exhorted them to outdo one another in this regard - "in honor giving preference to one another" - Ro 12:10b. “ Make my JOY complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose,"  (Phil. 2:2-3).
 

As mature “sons,” we become "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment."  This is the place where we stop trying to “act” like a church or “have” church, but where we BECOME the church.  One thing is certain: there must be a human commitment to reverence a God Who cannot be divided. Knowledge of our unity becoming LIKE THAT-- is a step toward our complete realization of wholeness.

1) Many hierarchical and STRUCTURALLY focused churches will weaken as believers become unified around greater RELATIONAL truths. 

2). Dead religion will be abandoned for LIFE giving truths.

3). A more extensive scope (full counsel) of the intentions and implications of the timeless truths of the Word will be presented.

4). Believers will be released to do the work of ministry. Miracles will profoundly increase.

5). The church will be world-conscious rather than nationally biased.

6). Music lyrics and style will focus around the Lordship of Jesus and not totally polarized around ethnic style and meaningless person-centered lyrics.

7). Pulpit messages will change from the needs of the believer to the CAPITAL concerns of God.

8). The government of the church will return to the plurality of elders and 5 fold teams (Acts 11:1, 13:1, 15:22, 20:17, Titus 1:5).

9). Compassion will rise up for the underprivileged and responding solutions will spring forth.

10). Secularization will not be known; equality will be the norm.

11). The influences and consequences of redemption, restoration, and reconciliation upon the believer will be visible.

12). Spiritual strategies will invade and influence the world.

This arising group recaptures that spirit of spontaneous accord, awe, and teamwork that characterized the first century church.  Whole cultures will be impacted by their unification. Nations will be born in a day.

You and I are alive for this day and this hour. Be Ready! Enter in. Unity enables me to join with you NOW.  We are all literally part of God’s holy family, brothers and sisters in Christ.  It’s time to highly value this relationship -- and not treat it lightly. “Above all things,” we must love each other with a white hot love (1 Pet. 4:8).

~ Pastor Kluane