Church Culture Part 3

Acts 2:41Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Culture – A system of beliefs shared by a group of people

Cultivating Culture

A Spirit of Unity

Acts 2:44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, And all that believed were together, and had all things in common

A Picture of Unity

Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron, Running down on the edge of his garments. 3 It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing—Life forevermore.

“And there the Lord commands the blessing!”

A Prayer for Unity

John 17:20 “I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.

That the world may believe

The Power of Unity

Deuteronomy 32:30 How could one chase a thousand, And two put ten thousand to flight, Unless their Rock had sold them, And the Lord had surrendered them?

It goes up exponentially when there is unity

Unity is a powerful force in the world

We can do together so much more than any one of us can do alone

The Principle For Unity

Philippians 2:1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Unity is not uniformity but diversity

(An Orchestra)

Truths About Unity

We can disagree, but not be disagreeable

We can fellowship on the basis of 90% of what we agree on – or fight over the 10% about which we disagree

Your maturity is often measured by your ability to walk in agreement

God intends us to do everything together

The Prescription for Unity

Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.

Not inferior or superior