The Script

²⁷ Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News. ²⁸ Don’t be intimidated in any way by your enemies. This will be a sign to them that they are going to be destroyed, but that you are going to be saved, even by God himself. _{Philippians 1:27-28}

The Plot

One of my biggest frustrations is when believers in Jesus identify themselves as members of a particular denomination, rather than followers of Christ. They’re Lutheran (ELCA, LCMS, AALC, LCWS, etc.), Baptist (First, Southern, Independent, Reformed, etc.), Assembly of God, Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist. The list goes on and on. Sometimes I run into people who are from denominations that I have never even heard of! They state it like, “I’m [insert denomination here].” In that small statement, there is an underlying insinuation that “What we believe is right and if you don’t agree with our belief, you’re wrong.” Is it any wonder why some people don’t want any part of church? As Paul says, aren’t we all citizens of heaven? Shouldn’t we stand together with one spirit and one purpose?

One recent example of people of different denominations working together is the recent Luis Palau event in Omaha. Thousands of volunteers from hundreds of churches around metro-Omaha came together to help put on this event. You couldn’t drive around town without seeing the signs in yards. “It was a glorious celebration,” Luis said. “The cooperation and unity of the churches, city officials, business and civic leaders was spectacular. We’re confident that, with God’s grace, the spirit of unity and purpose that was borne out of the festival will continue in the Heartland for years to come.” The single message? Jesus loves you and wants a personal relationship with you.

Between divisions of denominations to divisions within the local church, much effort is wasted on trivial things. We should take Paul’s advice and stand united in spreading the message of Christ.

Walk Through

1. How does Paul want the Philippians to conduct themselves?
2. What will the courage of the Philippians show to their opponents?
3. What are some other examples you can think of when different groups united in presenting one message? What was the effect?

Ad Lib

An old adage, attributed both to Augustine and Rupert Meldenius, states, “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, love.”