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Jude said, "I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints" (v. 3). It's my contention that unless there is a unity of the Holy Spirit among Christians, we cannot live out the full gospel which was with finality (in perfect form, nothing lacking) delivered to the Saints. I find more questions than answers among Christians today, and I can see that it seems difficult for so many Christians to live out New Testament Christianity. Doctrines and fellowship are disjointed or lack unity; there is a common lack of solidarity. Some people don't know what Bible version to use; others don't know what denomination to join; still, others don't understand the basic tenets of the faith; and others don't know where to begin when it comes to matters of spiritual warfare and the fact that there are two kingdoms at war for the souls of people. There is often no real common ground when it comes to where to start when approaching the things of God. I believe that Christianity is 'made' to function correctly only where two or three are gathered in His Name-- i.e. gathered in unity. I believe that to the extent that the unity of the Spirit lacks among Christians, to that extent the Kingdom of God is chained or fettered from making inroads into and thriving in the lives of Christians and unbelievers alike. Before the unity of the Spirit became such a big deal, David said, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brethren dwell together in unity... For there, the Lord commanded the blessing-- even life forevermore" (Ps. 133). I believe that as it was for the prosperity and success of the early Church, so it is for Christianity today: unity in the Spirit is the starting line and the common ground from which all the good will and works of God grow and flourish among Christians and in the Church. I believe that unity is not just a good idea but is good, that it isn't just God's preference but is pleasant to Him. As Christians walk united in the Holy Spirit, God's Kingdom is loosed to manifest in the Church and His will allowed to be done on earth as it was in the early Church and is in Heaven. The faith which was once for all delivered to the Saints was delivered to one Body of believers and was formed to work only when that body is one/united in the Holy Spirit. "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all who is above all, and through all, and in you all" (Eph. 4:3-6).
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