November 15 – 21, 2008

IT’S TIME TO COME TOGETHER

In this lesson you will learn that it is the hour for unity and harmony and that unity is the calling of God on every believer. You will learn the importance of staying in unity and not getting in strife.

I. It is the hour for unity and harmony – Psalm 133:1-3.

A. Verse 1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren (brothers, fellow countrymen) to dwell together in unity!” We need to see unity in our home, church, city, state, and nation.

B. Verse 2 – The “oil” represents the Holy Spirit and the anointing. (Luke 4:18 describes the anointing.) “Dew” represents growth and abundance where there is unity.

C. Verse 3 – Where there is unity you have the commanded blessing of God.

II. Unity is the calling of God on every believer – Ephesians 4:1-6.

A. Ephesians 4:1-6 – Bear with one another in love (appreciate the differences)…endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace… there is one body, one Spirit, one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father.

III. The importance of staying in unity.

A. James 3:14-17 – The enemy wants to magnify differences, but we are to magnify where we agree.

B. First Corinthians 13:4-8 – Love is.…

IV. Here is what to do if you have gotten out of love and honor.

A. Repent.

B. Make things right.

C. Decide to show and demonstrate God’s love.

D. Go out of your way to rebuild and restore.

V. Be a peacemaker.

A. Second Corinthians 5:17-21 – He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

B. Insensitivity can cause strife.

C. We are on this planet to build unity, harmony, and peace.

D. It is time to not just do random acts of kindness, but begin to do deliberate acts of kindness.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

• How are you bearing with one another (appreciating the differences)?
• Have you gotten out of love and honor and need to repent?
• How are you being a peacemaker?

BE A DOER OF THE WORD

What to do now the election is over: Join together in praying for the elected. Honor those to whom honor is due. Pray for our new President-Elect. Celebrate freedom.

SCRIPTURE MEMORY VERSE: Psalm 133:1 – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”