Happy & You Know It 9 | Reuniting Happiness

Division within the body of Christ will destroy the unity that Jesus came to bring. In Philippians chapter four, we are considering Paul's exhortation towards unity within the body. So, open your Bible to Philippians chapter four with us and follow along as we consider the important reality of reuniting us to one another within the body of Christ.

As we do this, we remember that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Because it has been inspired and given to us by God, we are told that it is useful. It is useful to teach us what is true. When we begin to understand and recognize what is true and what is real, it helps us to realize what is wrong. We see very quickly, in light of the truth of Scripture, the areas where we have fallen short and the areas where we are wrong.

The awesome thing about the Bible is that it doesn't leave us in that place of despair, realizing how wrong we are. It also corrects us when we are wrong and provides further instruction to show us how to walk in righteousness. All of this is written for us in the New Testament. In Second Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 and 17, the Apostle Paul speaks about the truth that Scripture gives, the correction it brings, and the way it instructs us in righteousness. He writes that these things are given so that we would be mature, that we would become complete—this is the word he used—ready for every good work.

God has given us this inspired Scripture, the Word of God, the Bible, to make us mature and to make us more like Him. When we open the Scriptures, we recognize that everything in these 66 books compiled for us is useful. It is all useful; every page is important. I am convinced that in every verse, God wants to teach and instruct us and to give us insight about who He is and who we are.

We are told in the Scriptures, specifically in Hebrews chapter 4, that the Word of God is living and powerful. Because it is a living word to us, there are certain times, due to various circumstances in our lives, when certain passages of Scripture are more applicable than others. God has an incredible way of directing us to those passages at the perfectly right time.

As I have been reading through and studying this passage this week, I believe we are at one of those moments where the right passage is indeed the right one for our church. When I was putting together the teaching schedule earlier in the year, I looked ahead to see where we would be in certain passages of Scripture. My plan for today was to go through Philippians chapter 4, verses 1 through 9, focusing primarily on what it has to say about living a life without anxiety.

How many of you would like to live a life without anxiety? Good! Come back next week because we will talk about that then. However, as I was reading through Philippians, I got stuck on verses 1 through 3. I believe this is the right word for us at the right time.

A few weeks ago, on a Wednesday night, I gathered with a friend of mine, Victor Marks. Some of you may know him; he has been a friend of our church and has a ministry that God has led him to both here in the U.S. and in many other parts of the world. We came together for a time of prayer, and I can say that it was clearly a time of genuine spiritual warfare. I truly appreciated the opportunity to pray with Victor, who is not only an actual physical warrior—a sixth-degree black belt in judo and martial arts—but also possesses spiritual strength.

The day after that prayer time with Victor, I shared with the church that some of our staff members found a package in our parking lot. It was a basket containing a dead chicken with its head cut off, along with a couple of dead fish and some other miscellaneous strange items. It was quite odd, to say the least.

Following Saturday, just a couple of days after that, I had to call the Escondido Police Department to file an incident report about some wild accusations that came against me on an online social media platform. In the last three weeks, as I look at the things that have been happening here at our church, it has become very clear that we are in a very real spiritual battle.

Now, I'm not a hyper-spiritual kind of person, but I do recognize, as we studied when we were in the book of Ephesians not too long ago, that we are in a spiritual battle. In Ephesians chapter 6, verse 12, the Apostle Paul writes that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places. If you've been a Christian for any length of time, you understand this reality: there is a spiritual dynamic to the walk that we're in. When there's a spiritual battle that we come against, you did not experience this before you were a Christian, but now that you are a Christian, you understand this to a greater extent. We wrestle not against flesh and blood; there are spiritual things going on.

This spiritual battle is always happening. The way I describe it from time to time is that it's like a cold war—it's always going on under the surface, and we experience it in various ways. However, there are times when that cold war comes to the surface, and it gets a little bit hotter for a period of time. Over the last three weeks, I've seen that in a significant way through these spiritual attacks.

The Apostle Paul also tells us in his second letter to the Corinthians that we are not ignorant of the ways of the enemy. He refers to them as the devices or schemes of the devil. We are not ignorant of his tactics; they tend to be the same things over and over again. He uses the same basic sort of weapons against the church, the body of Christ, as he comes against us. There are well-worn tools, implements, instruments, and weapons.

The problem is that sometimes we arrogantly let down our guard, thinking that we can handle this. That's when we need to take heed: when you think you stand, lest you fall. His well-worn tactics come against us, and one of the most effective tools, one of the most effective weapons that the enemy has in his arsenal is...

The weapon of division has been evident, and our leadership has seen this in a greater way over the last three weeks. It is very clear that the enemy has been seeking to divide us, the body of Christ, and this local church. Many churches over the last 2,000 years of church history have been rendered useless, ineffective, and some even destroyed by the weapon of division. Therefore, we as a church, as the people of God, need to be on guard. We need to be aware and not be ignorant of the schemes, devices, tactics, and weapons of the enemy.

I am absolutely convinced that God, by His sovereign direction, has placed us in this text that we will be looking at today: Philippians chapter 4. You can open your Bibles there if you'd like. We will focus on only the first three verses. I believe God has brought us here for such a time as this because all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and it is useful, living, and powerful.

Before we read the text, I want to give you point number one on your outline for your sermon guide in your bulletin this morning: division destroys joy. After you've written that down, please stand with me as we begin at verse one of Philippians chapter 4. The Apostle Paul, 2,000 years ago, was inspired by God, by His Spirit, to write this: "Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and my crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved. I implore Euodia and I implore Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."

Father, would You speak to us today? Would You open our hearts, our ears, and our minds to hear and receive from Your Word? By Your Spirit, would You help us to glean application from this text?

Would be relevant to where each of us are. Lord, I pray against division. I pray against the deceptive and divisive work of the enemy that would seek to destroy the unity that You have brought to Your church and to Your people. I pray that You would enable us to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, because in You there is one body and one Spirit, just as we were called in one hope of our calling. You are one Lord, one faith, and one baptism for the glory of one God, the Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.

God, we pray against the deception and division that the enemy would love to bring to Your people, who are called to bring glory to Your name. So, would You help us to be aware and to be on guard, and to put on the whole armor of God? Lord, may we be those who have the breastplate of righteousness, the belt of truth, and the helmet of salvation. May our feet be shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, and may we have the shield of faith with which we will be able to quench the fiery darts of the wicked one. And, Lord, may we wield the sword of the Spirit, which is Your Word, and be those who are praying always. God, work in us, Your church, for Your glory and for Your name's sake. We ask this in Jesus' name, and all those that agreed said, "Amen." You can be seated.

In the previous 82 verses that we've studied together over the last nine weeks here in Philippians chapters 1, 2, and 3, we have seen a lot of great encouragement that the Apostle Paul has written to the gathering of Christians who lived in a city called Philippi 2,000 years ago. He has spoken a lot about joy, rejoicing, peace, and contentment. That's why this book has often been referred to as the letter of joy or the Epistle of happiness, and that's why our series has been called "Happy." You know it, and this letter is among Paul's other letters.

Of the New Testament, Paul wrote 13 letters that we have in the New Testament. This letter, among all the other letters, is unique in that it is primarily joyful, and there is not a lot of caution, challenge, rebuke, or correction. Many of Paul's letters were corrective because he was writing to people who are imperfect, and from time to time, we need correction. Amen.

However, this letter is unique. In the previous 82 verses, there has been really no correction, and after the verses that we will look at today, there will be no correction. But nestled in this little opening passage of Philippians chapter 4, there is one, maybe two, if you read verse 3 into it as well, words of corrective rebuke.

Notice how Paul begins Philippians chapter 4, verse 1: "Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and my crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved." In this first verse of Philippians chapter 4, Paul uses five different terms of endearment to refer to the Christians in the city of Philippi, which reveals his heart for this group of people that occupied that church in that city.

Paul had a close relationship with them. He calls them his beloved and refers to them as his longed-for brothers and sisters. He truly desired to be with them. We have already seen that back in Philippians chapter 1, where he said that he hoped to be released from the situation he was in presently in Rome and to be able to come and visit them again.

He says, "You are my beloved and longed-for brothers and sisters." He also says, "You are my joy." When Paul thought of the Christians that made up the church in the city of Philippi, he was filled with joy. They were, to him, his joy, and not only that, they were his crown. They were, if you will, like a prize in his ministry—somebody that he pointed to when he talked about all the great things that God had done in and through his life over two and a half decades of ministry. This would be the group that he would say, "Those are the ones."

Time he would share, he would express how wonderful the church at Philippi was. They were his joy and his crown. A second time, he calls them his beloved, revealing the heart he had for them. Paul genuinely loved the church at Philippi. It’s not that he didn’t love the other Christians in the city of Corinth, Ephesus, or Galatia, but quite frankly, when Paul ministered in Corinth, he had nearly nothing but trouble. In Ephesus, he was constantly in contention with the people. In Galatia, while in a city called Lystra, they dragged him outside the city, stoned him with rocks, and left him for dead. You can see why he might have some animosity, perhaps just a little, when he thought about Galatia.

However, there was something about the Philippian church. Whenever he thought about them, he said they were his joy and his crown. "My longed-for brothers and sisters, if I could go anywhere, I would want to go to Philippi." That would be Paul's remark. He is the only one he writes to while he was in prison, saying, "Listen, if I get out of this, I’m coming to see you guys." You can sense the special place the Philippian church had in Paul's heart; there was a deep relational connection between Paul and the Philippians.

Point number two on your outline: there is no joy without connection. I have shared this many times before because this is a part of who we are as a church. We were created to live life in connection with God and one another. When God originally designed us, as described in the Bible in the book of Genesis, the very first book of the Bible, He fashioned us in His image. He created you and me to live in an unhindered relational connection with Him. He made us to be united with Him. That’s why He created us in His image. Humanity is unique among all of God’s creation because He took the time to make us in His image, connected with Him. But not only did He intend for us to live life in connection with Him, but He...

It was intended that we would live life in connection with one another. This was true thousands of years ago, it is true now, and it will be true until the Lord returns and takes us to be with Him. It is not good that man should be alone, as stated in Genesis chapter 2, verse 17. As God beheld His creation, there in the midst of it was man, whom He had made in His image. God said it is not good for man to be alone.

Adam, the first man described in the book of Genesis, did not realize this yet. In a very unique way, God revealed to Adam that it was not good for him to be alone. The book of Genesis describes how God caused all of the animals He had created to pass before Adam. It was committed to Adam's care to give them names. As these animals passed by, Adam observed something rather interesting: there was a part and a counterpart. There would be a lion and a lioness, a bull and a cow, a stallion and a mare. However, the Bible says there was not found a helper comparable to Adam.

Adam came to the same conclusion that God had spoken of previously: it is not good for man to be alone. The Bible describes that God caused a deep sleep to come upon Adam. From Adam's side, most English translations say a rib was taken, but that is not the best translation. God fashioned a woman from that and brought her to man. From one, God made two for the intent that He would join them together as one. As they were joined together as one, they would multiply and create more connections, experiencing this oneness in relationship. This is how God intended it.

However, if you have read through the Bible before, you know that things change when you get to chapter 3 of Genesis. In chapter 3, the deception of the deceiver, who causes division, comes in the form of the serpent. Through the deceptive work of the devil, we see that something new entered into the realm of man: sin. Through sin came death, and death means separation and division. Thus, in the very early words of Scripture, Genesis chapter 3, we see that there was a division; connection was lost because of the fall, including connection with God. Immediately following this, we see the consequences unfold.

God comes down into the garden to commune and fellowship with Adam and Eve. As He does, He asks, "Adam, where are you?" This signifies a separation; there is a division, and the connection has been lost. It is not just the connection between God and man that has been severed, but also the connection among humanity. There was shame and fear, and ever since that point, there has been a loss of connection. All humanity is born into a broken world, and we all recognize this at the deepest core. Whether a person believes in God or the Bible or not, there is a recognition that we are broken, and that brokenness involves division.

We see division throughout the world. We see it in our own country, whether it is racial division, economic division, or educational division. All these divisions exist in the fallen world in which we live. This is the reality of what we observe. However, we were created for connection, and there is joy in that connection. This understanding is part of why our name is Cross Connection. It plays into our vision of life in connection with God, one another, and the world through Jesus.

A lot of this comes from a passage of Scripture in the book of Ephesians. If you are in the book of Philippians, turn one book to the left to Ephesians chapter 2. Look at verse 13 of Ephesians chapter 2. The Apostle Paul, the same author of the book of Philippians, writes, "But now in Christ Jesus," which describes the experience of the Christian. If you are a Christian today, you are in Christ Jesus.

"But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off, you who once were disconnected and separated, have been brought near by the blood of Christ." You were alienated; you were separated, and He has brought you near. Verse 14 states, "For He, Jesus Himself, is our peace." There once was enmity; there once was warring and division between God and man because of sin. We see the reality of this division among humanity.

The manifestation of this division is evident in the constant warring, but Jesus Himself is our peace. What has He done? He has made those who were divided one, and He has broken down the middle wall of separation—the division created because of sin and death. Jesus has broken that down by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, the warring, and the division. He destroyed it in His flesh, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace.

That He might reconcile—reconciling is when you take two warring parties and bring them together—Jesus might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the warring and the enmity. He came and preached this good news, this gospel. Jesus came and preached this peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. For through Him, we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.

Now, look at this verse: "Now therefore, you Christians who are in Christ, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." We were once afar off; we were once disconnected from God and from one another because of sin and death, as described in Genesis chapter 3 at the time of the fall.

But Jesus Christ came to this earth to bring us near, to bring us back together. He does this as He takes all of that sin that brings division and takes it upon Himself. The Bible describes in the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that Jesus took all of that sin upon Himself. On the cross, He bore the judgment for that sin, which was causing separation and death. He died on the cross and was buried in the tomb, and three days later, He rose from the dead.

Through His resurrection, He claims victory over sin and death, making it possible for those who were once far apart to be brought back together once again. The Bible describes Him, 700 years before He came, as the Prince of Peace—the Prince of Peace who has made warring and separation cease.

Parties one by destroying the very thing that caused the separation in the first place: sin and death. He did this by dying for our sins on the cross 2,000 years ago. Then He Himself restores and reconciles us back to God and back to one another.

Now, look around this room real quick. Just look at all the different people here—different races, different nations of origin, different languages, different socio-economic categories, and different educational backgrounds. This diversity happens within the body of Christ. What Jesus does is reconcile people. This is the only place where you see this. In fact, as you look around, there are people in this room that, if it weren't for what Jesus has done in His church, you might avoid if you saw them walking down the street. It's just a reality.

There are people within the body of Christ, and I've said this to people before: it's a miracle we're friends, right? Apart from Jesus, we would never interact with each other. But He reconciles us. This is the very thing that the world is desiring and looking for. They are constantly trying to develop community, trying to bring people together, and to destroy all the things that divide us. Our nation is really committed to this, trying to find ways to restore and bring that sort of unity back. Most of the time, it just causes more trouble because Jesus is the one who reconciles.

Beyond that, He who came and preached this good news of peace has now given you, if you're a Christian today, the ministry of reconciliation. You have been reconciled to God and to one another. He has given you the message that brings restoration and reconnection—the very thing that humanity is desiring. You have that message; I have that message. It has been committed to us.

In fact, you're in Ephesians chapter 2. Again, turn to the books to the left. You'll pass Galatians and then Second Corinthians. Look at Second Corinthians chapter 5, verse 18. The same author, the Apostle Paul, who wrote Philippians and Ephesians, writes this: "Now all things are of God."

Who has reconciled us to Himself? He has restored us back to relationship with Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us, who have been reconciled, the ministry of reconciliation. That is, God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them. He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

Now then, in verse 20, we Christians are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us to the world. We implore you on Christ's behalf: be reconciled to God. Our mission, our vision here at Cross-Connection Church, is life in connection with God, one another, and the world through Jesus. We have been brought back into connection with God and one another through the cross of Christ. Cross-Connection—that's where that comes from; that's what it's all about. That is the Gospel message summed up in a simple statement: life in connection with God, one another, and the world through Jesus.

Point number three on our outline: we were created for connection. We were created for this. God made us to experience this oneness, this unity, and relationship with Him and with one another. This is why Jesus, on the last night that He was alive, in John chapter 17, prays to God the Father and says, "Father, I pray that you would make them one, as I am one with You. Make them one." That was His last prayer for the church.

So, what do you think the enemy, our adversary the devil, wants to do? He wants to come back in and divide, to bring destruction. This connection comes through the cross of Christ, which is found only in the Lord. It is interesting that Paul, back in Philippians chapter 4, as he addresses his beloved longed-for brothers and sisters, his joy and his crown, says to them, "Stand fast in the Lord." This joy of connection is found only in Christ.

Paul says, "Stand fast, stand firm on the foundation in the Lord. Don't be moved from that place." This is a reoccurring theme throughout Paul's letters. He is constantly calling out to and exhorting Christians to stand firm in Christ. Don't be moved from that position, because that's the only place where this connection is found.

A kind of connection and joy is found in the love Paul has for his brothers and sisters in Philippi. However, the enemy wants to come in, disrupt, and destroy this connection, bringing division. That's what he did in Genesis chapter 3, and he has been trying to do it for thousands of years. He is very effective at it.

Look at the fracturing within what is called the church. There are two billion Christians in the world, yet there is a lot of division within the church. The enemy is very good at causing division, and division leads to ineffectiveness. It causes the work of God to cease and be seized up.

In response to this, Paul exhorts the Christians he loves. His joy is crowned in his beloved community in Philippi. In Philippians chapter 4, verse 2, he implores, begs, and beseeches Euodia and Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. He calls out to them, urging them to be reunited.

I say "reunited" because in the very next verse, Philippians 4:3, Paul mentions that these two individuals, Euodia and Syntyche, used to be co-laborers with him. However, something has changed, and now there is division between them. Paul begs them to be restored to each other and to share the same mindset.

In the previous verses, Paul has spoken only of great things like joy, rejoicing, contentment, and peace—no challenges, corrections, or rebukes. Now, he addresses this issue directly. He says, "Listen, I’m going to use your names, Euodia and Syntyche. I’m going to call you out and write your names down, immortalizing them in Scripture for all time." He tells them they need to stop their division.

You might think that this could have made some people uncomfortable in the Church of Philippi. You would hope to have your name written in one of the Apostle Paul's letters, but not like that. Why does Paul do this? Well, point number four on your...

Division must be corrected because it destroys connection and joy. Paul says, "I beg you that you would be reunited, that you would be of the same mind, that you would be restored to one another, and that this division would stop." The enemy is very good at creating division, and we don't know what the division was between these two ladies. We know they are women because he refers to them as "these women" in the church. We have no clue what the problem was, but the church in Philippi knew about it, and Paul heard about it. Even though they didn't have text messages or Twitter, and he was 800 miles away, he heard about what was going on there. It was significant enough to cause disruption.

As part of a church, we can use our imaginations about what might cause division between two women, but we won't speculate. At the core of this, you can be guaranteed that this was the work of the enemy trying to destroy the work of God in the church. It was a big enough deal that Paul said this needs to be dealt with. In the New Living Translation, Paul says, "I appeal to you, please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. Deal with it, whatever it is." In the New King James Version, we read, "Be of the same mind."

It is very interesting because, prior to this point, Paul has urged the Christians at Philippi eight times in the previous 82 verses to be like-minded, to be of the same mind, and to be unified in mind. In Philippians chapter 1, verse 27, he says, "With one mind, work together for the faith of the gospel." In Philippians chapter 2, verse 2, he said, "Make me happy by being like-minded and with one mind." In Philippians chapter 2, verse 3, he said, "In lowliness of mind, esteem others better than yourself." In Philippians chapter 2, verse 5, he said, "Be like-minded with Jesus." In Philippians chapter 2, verse 20, he said, "Timothy is like-minded with me." In Philippians chapter 3, verse 15, he said, "A mature-minded Christian leaves the past behind, forgets the past and all the issues and all the things that have hurt you, and they press on toward the future." In Philippians chapter 3, verse 16, he said, "Let us therefore be of the same mind."

In verse 19, he says that carnally minded people set their minds on the things of this world. Now, here in Philippians 4:2, he says, "I beg you, be of the same mind." All of this points in a direction that many commentators have noted regarding this passage. Philippians chapter 4, verse 2, is often seen as the purpose for why Paul wrote this letter. He references encouraging them to be like-minded, to be unified in their work.

Then he addresses two women directly, urging them to straighten up and settle their disagreement. We don't know what the problem was between them, but one great preacher, Ray Stedman, referred to these two ladies as "odious" and "touchy." There might be some wisdom in that observation. In another one of Paul's letters, he emphasizes that there should be no schism or division within the body of Christ, as division is like a cancer that will destroy the body.

Thus, point number five on your outline is that division must be eradicated at all costs. Why? Because Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, specifically in Matthew chapter 12, states in verse 25, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided will not stand."

Paul, working by the inspiration of the Spirit of God, calls out—he uses the Greek word "parakaleo," which means "to implore." He comes alongside them, urging them to be restored to one another. Then he continues in Philippians 4:3, saying, "I urge you also." Here, he is directing his letter away from the two women; he is no longer talking to them. Instead, he addresses an individual in the church at Philippi, referred to as a "true companion." We don't know who this individual is; he or she remains unnamed, but they are recognized as a fellow yoke-fellow in the ministry. Paul calls out to this true companion.

Somebody there in the Church of Philippi, you true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life. Paul says to this individual in the church, "Listen, you need to reach out to them and help them fix this issue."

Sometimes there is the need for a mediator when you have two warring parties. A mediator comes in to help mediate and fix the problem. That's exactly what happened between us and God. The warring was so difficult on our end against God, us fighting against Him, that God sent a mediator to deal with that. Who's the mediator? We find in 1 Timothy 2:5 that there is one God and one mediator between God and man, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the mediator.

So, Paul calls out to a person we don't know at the Church at Philippi and says, "Listen, help these women fix this." These women used to be co-laborers, which implies that they are no longer co-laboring. It implies that the work has ceased. Division causes the ministry and work of God to stop, and so Paul says, "You need to deal with this. It must be dealt with. You need to work it out and settle your dispute, whatever it is."

Why? Look at the last eight verses of verse 3; I think they are important. Whose names are in the Book of Life? In these verses is a gentle reminder that these divisions, these disagreements, and these disputes within the body of Christ are among people whose names are in the Book of Life. This means deal with it because you are going to be with them for eternity.

The enemy would love to come in and disrupt this church, and every church, through division. I have found that nine times out of ten, maybe ten times out of ten, when division happens in the church, you know its core is gossip. Titus 2:3 says that gossip destroys, and the Greek word translated as gossip is the Greek word "Diabolus."

The work of the devil is a serious matter, and Paul calls out to the church at Philippi because it is so important for the ministry of this great church. He emphasizes that this needs to be settled: be of the same mind. He has already shared with them eight times the importance of being like-minded—like-minded with Jesus, like-minded with one another, and following the pattern of Timothy, who was like-minded with the Apostle Paul.

We are not to be carnally minded like those who are of the world, who set their minds on earthly things. Instead, we are citizens of heaven, and our names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life if we are Christians today. Therefore, there ought not to be any schism or division within the body.

You may wonder how to deal with division. Jesus provides great information on this in the Sermon on the Mount. If you turn to Matthew chapter 5, right before Mark and Luke and John, and right after the book of Malachi, you will find Jesus teaching His disciples. In verse 23, He says, "Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you," or you could even read it the other way, "or you have something against your brother, leave your gift before the altar. Go your way; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

If you come to church to serve in children's ministry, to sing worship songs, to give an offering, or to study the Bible together, and you remember that there is an issue between you and a brother within the body of Christ, go and leave your gift at the altar. Deal with it; be reconciled. God created us to live life in connection, and there is no joy apart from it. There is no joy where division exists, so division must be corrected and eradicated at all costs.

Amen. Would you stand with me as we close in prayer? Father God, thank You for Your word and for this short three-verse exhortation. Lord, I pray that we would receive this word of exhortation, even if it is small, and that our lives would be affected for the better.

Because of it, Lord, transform us as we prepare to go from this place today. God, would You bring restoration of relationships? If there is any division here, let there be no root of bitterness that springs up and defiles many. We pray that we would not see the work of this fellowship, this church, brought to a halt because of the sin of division getting in the gears of what is going on.

Would You pour out the oil of Your Holy Spirit to free any of that up? Lord, may we be a church that brings glory to Your name. Help us to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, that You would be honored and glorified by the light that shines from this body.

Tomorrow, each of the people in this room will carry Your light into places of darkness, shining brightly with Your glory. Let us extend this life and connection that we have with You and with one another to those in the world. We thank You and praise You in Jesus' name. All those who agreed said, "Let's sing one last song."