Embracing Togetherness: Unlocking Divine Blessings

Explore the profound significance of unity among believers and how it invites God's blessings in our lives. Dive into insights from scripture and history.

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Finding Unity: Where God Commands His Blessing

Unity among believers is a powerful theme that resonates deeply within the Christian community. It’s not just a call for togetherness; it’s about creating an environment where God’s blessings flow abundantly. In this exploration, we will delve into the significance of unity, drawing insights from the book of Exodus and the teachings of scripture.

The Desire for God’s Blessing

Every believer has a longing to be under God’s blessing. The idea that God commands a blessing is not just a hopeful thought; it’s a promise we can claim. Throughout scripture, we see instances where God’s blessings are tied to obedience, faithfulness, and unity among His people. This unity is essential, as it sets the stage for God to pour out His blessings.

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The Heritage of Our Faith

Understanding the heritage of our faith is crucial for grasping the importance of unity. The book of Exodus serves as a foundation for this heritage, showcasing how God’s word shaped the very fabric of our society. Influential figures like the founding fathers of America were inspired by biblical principles, which in turn birthed the values of liberty and justice we cherish today. This heritage is not just historical; it’s a living legacy that informs our present and future.

Lessons from History

Rabbi Jonathan Sacks emphasizes that the dialogue of historical figures was heavily influenced by the Hebrew Bible. The aspirations for a free society emerged from a deep understanding of God’s word. This insight highlights the necessity of grounding our beliefs in scripture, ensuring that we are not swayed by empty slogans or ideologies that lack substance.

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The Call for Leaders

Today, we need leaders who understand biblical social architecture—those who can discern how God designed relationships and communities to function. Without this understanding, leaders risk making decisions that lead to division and destruction rather than unity and growth. It’s essential to pray for leaders who will guide us in accordance with God’s principles.

Unity in the Body of Christ

Psalm 133 beautifully captures the essence of unity: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity!” This verse reminds us that unity is not just pleasant; it is powerful. When believers come together in harmony, it creates an atmosphere where God commands His blessing. It’s like a precious oil poured out, bringing life and vitality to the community.

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The Role of Moses and Aaron

In the book of Exodus, we find the partnership of Moses and Aaron, two leaders with unique gifts who operated as one. Their unity in purpose and action exemplifies how God can bless a community when leaders work together harmoniously. Despite their differences, they were united in their mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, showcasing the power of working together for a common goal.

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Breaking Down Barriers

Unity transcends personal differences and backgrounds. Moses and Aaron had different upbringings—Moses was raised in Pharaoh’s palace, while Aaron grew up in a slave camp. Yet, their common faith in God forged a bond that allowed them to work together effectively. This teaches us that faith can bridge divides and foster connections, even among those who have vastly different life experiences.

The Power of Common Faith

When we embrace our shared faith in Jesus Christ, we can overcome barriers that often divide us. It’s not just about coming together physically; it’s about cultivating a spiritual connection that allows us to support and uplift one another. This unity is essential for the growth of the church and the manifestation of God’s kingdom on earth.

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Unity in Action

To experience God’s blessings, we must actively pursue unity. This involves open communication, understanding, and a willingness to put aside personal agendas for the greater good of the community. When we function as one body, with each member playing their part, we create an environment ripe for God’s presence and blessings.

Building a Culture of Unity

Creating a culture of unity requires intentional effort. It involves fostering relationships within the church, encouraging one another in faith, and sharing testimonies of God’s goodness. When we celebrate each other’s victories and support one another through challenges, we strengthen the bonds of unity that God desires.

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The Blessing of God’s Presence

When unity is present, God’s blessings follow. Psalm 133:3 states, “For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” This verse encapsulates the promise that where unity exists, God’s blessings are sure to flow. It’s an invitation to experience the fullness of His presence and the richness of His blessings.

Expecting God to Move

As a community of believers, we should expect God to move among us. This expectation is rooted in faith and unity. When we come together with a shared purpose, believing in God’s ability to transform lives, we position ourselves to witness His miraculous works. It’s essential to cultivate an atmosphere of faith where God’s power can be unleashed.

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Conclusion: The Call to Unity

In conclusion, unity is not merely a suggestion; it’s a divine command that leads to God’s blessings. As we reflect on the lessons from Exodus and the example of Moses and Aaron, let us commit to fostering unity within our communities. By doing so, we can create a space where God’s presence dwells, His blessings flow, and lives are transformed.

Let’s embrace our heritage, pray for godly leaders, and actively pursue the unity that God commands. Together, we can be a powerful force for change, reflecting His love and grace to a world in need.

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Where God Commands His Blessing

(Sermon Outline)

Today we are continuing our series on the book of exodus
1. This series is about reconnecting with our heritage:
  1. If we look at the “birth of the modern” – at figures like Milton, Hobbes and Locke in England, and the founding fathers of America – the book with which they were in dialogue was not Plato or Aristotle but the Hebrew Bible. Hobbes quotes it 657 times in The Leviathan alone. Long before the Greek philosophers, and far more profoundly, at Mount Sinai the concept of a free society was born.[1]
    1. Filling the world with the word of God!
  1. The leadership we need today!
1. Exodus is about the birth of a nation – God’s plan from the beginning
  1. It is the key to the rebirth of our nation.
  1. 1776 – a vision of what to build vs. 1789 a vision of what to destroy
1. Remembering the sabbath – connecting the two tables – Seek first the Kingdom of God!
  1. That surely is the enduring power of the book of Exodus. It is utopian in its aspirations. It envisages a society that will be the opposite of Egypt, in which justice prevails, human life is held sacred, and every individual has equal dignity as the image and covenant-partner of God. But it is a realistic utopia.[2]
  1. It is about love, mercy, compassion and real life.
The two leaders of the Exodus – Moses and Aaron
1. Psalm 133:1–3 (NKJV) — 1 (A) Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 (C) 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 (B) It is like the dew of Hermon, Descending upon the mountains of Zion; For there the Lord commanded the blessing— Life forevermore.
  1. (Go through the psalm)
1. History of Brothers in scripture:
1. There is an identifiable pattern to this set of narratives, best seen in the way each ends. The story of Cain and Abel ends with murder – fratricide. Isaac and Ishmael, though they grow up apart, are seen together at Abraham’s funeral. Evidently there had been a reconciliation between them, though this can only be read between the lines (and spelled out in midrash), not directly in the text. Jacob and Esau meet, embrace and go their separate ways. Joseph and his brothers are reconciled and live together in peace, Joseph providing them with food, land, and protection.[3]
Moses and Aaron are examples of where God commands the blessing
1. God told Moses that Aaron would rejoice to see him.
1. Reasons you would not expect this to be the case
1. They function as one in scripture
1. Even more striking is the grammatical oddity of the phrase. Both times, the third person singular is used. Literally, they read: “He was Aaron and Moses,” “He was Moses and Aaron.” The text should have said, “They” – all the more so since the pronoun “they” is used in the middle of the passage: “They were the ones who spoke to Pharaoh.”… The unmistakable implication is that they were like a single individual; they were as one.[4]
1. KINGDOM MINDED PEOPLE
Many members with different gifts functioning as one.
1. Moses and Aaron exemplify this
1. Exodus 4:27 (NKJV) — 27 And the Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him on the mountain of God, and kissed him.
1. (From the midrash), based on the verse in Psalms (85:11) “Loving-kindness and truth meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” Loving-kindness – this refers to Aaron. Truth – this refers to Moses. Righteousness – this refers to Moses. Peace – this refers to Aaron.[6][5]
1. Moses and Aaron were quite different in temperament and role. Moses was the man of truth, Aaron of peace. Without truth, there can be no vision to inspire a nation. But without internal peace, there is no nation to inspire. Aaron and Moses were both necessary. Their roles were in creative tension. Yet they worked side by side, each respecting the distinctive gift of the other.[6]
United in mission and vision to not only bring people out of bondage but into liberty
1. The great commission – make disciples of Jesus
1. Delivered from bondage into liberty to corruption – raise up mature sons of God
1. Mark 3:24–25 (NKJV) — 24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.
1. Revive the church, transform the nation
1. Moses & Aaron – Mt. Hermon and Mt. Zion –
1. The Holy Spirit
That we may be one!
1. Proverbs 6:16–19 (NKJV) — 16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.
1. Loving and forgiving
1. Grace and patience
1. “This shouldn’t happen in church”
1. Authentic relationships
1. Transformation takes time
The type of church we want to be
1. Unity – A church where God commands the blessing!
1. Structuring for maturity
1. Team
1. Expectation & how people respond
1. Discerning and guarding life
1. A culture of hunger, faith and expectation – prayer
What I am seeing at Life Springs Church
1. Authenticity
1. Team
1. Relationships
How we need to respond individually
1. Personal discipleship
1. Personal ministry
1. Guarding the spirit and unity of the church
1. How we relate to others in the church
1. How we relate to those outside the church
1. Walking in the light
1. Pressing for the upward call
1. There is no problem that can’t be solved personally or nationally
1. As though Jesus is present in the flesh
1. A people united where God commands His blessing