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Harmony with God and the Brethren
Sermonette by Ted E. BowlingGod's people are like a musical ensemble, each having unique pitches and timbre. As we yield to our Conductor, we also blend with one another, creating harmony.
God's Orchestra
CGG Weekly by John ReissAn orchestra serves as a profound metaphor for unity and cooperation, demonstrating how individual talents can blend into a harmonious whole. In a symphony, each musician plays their instrument at precisely the right moment, guided by the conductor and the composer's vision, resulting in a fabulous musical piece. Despite joining the orchestra at different times, with some members having served for just a few years and others for over 25 years, they harmonize marvelously. This mirrors the unity in God's church, where long-standing members work seamlessly with the newly converted. The beauty of this cooperation is reflected in Psalm 133:1, which declares how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, using the Hebrew word yachad, meaning a unit or to be one. In an orchestra, the music excels because each member defers to the others, allowing their skills to shine at the proper times, creating a symphonic masterpiece under the Conductor's lead.
'Sons of God?'
Sermonette by Bill OnisickGod gave Jesus Christ to us to restore peace, reconciliation, and harmony with God. In the Beatitudes, the peacemakers are called 'sons of God.'
Unity and Division: The Blessing and the Curse (Part One)
'Ready Answer' by Charles WhitakerUnity connotes order, harmony, and integrity, essential to the peace that Christ has bequeathed us. God facilitates this extraordinary peace by calling us into a unified body, as seen in the admonition to let Christ's peace control us, for we are brought into one body. This unity, lacking friction or competition between parts, supports the foundation of God's truth and fosters the peace established between Jews and Gentiles. In contrast, division represents randomness, chaos, and disorder, starkly opposing the harmony unity provides.
Hijacking Peace
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityThe world has no idea where peace comes from because they have long ago rejected the Prince of Peace and His prescription for tranquility.
A Peaceful Spirit
CGG Weekly by Gary MontgomeryAs Christians being transformed from the ways of this world, we are called to embody a spirit of harmony, reflecting God's high standards in our character. Sin, regardless of justification, cannot produce godly peace or harmony, as it shatters unity, much like it did with Adam and Eve. The apostle Paul urges us to live peaceably with all men, as much as it depends on us, emphasizing that our conduct toward others reflects the value we place on our calling and relationship with God. Humility, the opposite of pride, works to soothe, calm, heal, and unify, while a meek and gentle manner cultivates peace with others. Paul advises us to forbear with each other in love, enduring contention patiently and interacting humbly to make peace. He further exhorts us to pursue things that make for peace and edify one another, encouraging a significant change in attitude among those who disturb peace, refocusing their aims toward a spirit of peace. Christians should find more points of agreement on major doctrines leading to salvation than differences over minor matters, demonstrating love for all who bear God's image. James counsels that godly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, and willing to yield, urging us to sow righteousness in peace to grow harmony. God desires to eliminate contention among His children, preparing them for the Kingdom where peace will reign in the New Heaven and New Earth. Imitating Christ's peacemaking example and following His instructions would foster more peace and fewer disputes among brethren, guiding our feet into the way of peace as He intended.
Psalm 133 (1998)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughUnity comes only through the initiation of God. If we would follow the suggestions in Romans 12, we could do our part in promoting unity in God's church.
Antidote For Disunity!
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe will become united as we draw closer to God. If we regard a brother in Christ as a competitor rather than as a trusted ally, unity will be impossible.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Peace
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughThe world has little or no idea what true peace is or how it is achieved. Yet we can produce godly peace even in the midst of turmoil—and we must.
Unity
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughEach member of Christ's body must choose to function in the role God has ordained to produce unity, emulating Christ in striving to please the Father
Unity (2006)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike the symphony orchestra, only as an instrumentalist submits to the leader, working with the other members of the ensemble, can unity be accomplished.
Of One Accord
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughConfusion and separation have been man's legacy since Eden. Christ is working to put an end to division, enabling us to be one with the Father and each other.
Together We Stand - But on What?
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsPaul, using the body analogy in I Corinthians, focuses on the need for unity and inter-relatedness by concentrating upon sound doctrine.
A Portable Peace
Article by David F. MaasPeace is less of an external situation than an internal state. We can create this state by occasionally getting away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
James and Unleavened Bread (Part Two)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe epistle of James stresses both faith and works, emphasizing those factors necessary for growth, enabling us to produce a bountiful harvest of fruit.
Separation and Oneness With God
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughSince the beginning, God's purpose has been to bring all things into harmony with Him, giving mankind a respite from the heaviness of a sin-laden world.
All Sifted Like Wheat (Part Three)
Sermon by Mark SchindlerThe peace of Christ does not take place in a democratic compromise and tolerance of evil as the politics of the world advocates, but in submitting to God.
Grace, Faith, and Love
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughPride condemned Satan to a fate of manipulating rather than serving. This presumptuous self-centered trait creates disunity and ultimately destruction.
The Peacemakers
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen people are not in a right relationship with God, peace is impossible. Sin (the breaking of the law or covenant) automatically breaks the peace.
John (Part Seventeen)
Sermon/Bible Study by John W. RitenbaughThe shepherd and door analogies in John 10 depict the close relationship of Jesus with His flock as the security and stability provided by His protection.
Purpose-Driven Acts of Conciliation
Sermon by Mark SchindlerConciliation involves placating others with the intent to bring harmony and peace. By esteeming others better than ourselves, we become a force for peace.