The second resolution we all need to make apart from being functioning church members, is to be a unifying church member. This is because God desires it and it is the only way the world would identify us as Christ’s disciples. Unfortunately, the church today appears more divided than ever before. This is evident in the politics we see at different levels - denominational and inter-denominational, local church internal conflicts, bitterness, unforgiveness and irreconcilable differences in local churches. The foregoing are many more reasons why the church is sick and weak. There is no way we can advance the kingdom of God the way we should when we're scattered and divided. It would be foolhardy to face the enemy when we have not set our house in order. It is my prayer that the Lord would use this study to further heal and strengthen the bond of unity in IBC and in our homes, in Jesus' Name.
1. Have you ever been to an ugly church business meeting? How do you feel attending such a
meeting? What does it tell about that local church?
2. From last week and this week's studies - Why do you think God added you to the church? See pp. 16-17, 22.
3. According to the author, why is unity important? Pp.22- 23.
4. Mention the church killers that the author mentioned on p.24ff. Can these be found in IBC? What of in our families?
5. What is the effect of gossip and negative talk on a local church? P.25.
6. What lesson can we learn about the way the organization mentioned on p. 25 handled gossip? Does this challenge the way we handle gossip as Christians, especially in our local church?
7. From Psalm 52, list some of the harmful effects of the negative use of the tongue?
8. Who was Doeg in the Bible? What did he do with his tongue? 1 Sam. 22:6-19.
9. What are the author’s suggestions on how to deal with the problem of gossip in the local church?
10. What is unforgiveness?
11. What are the effects of unforgiveness on the believer and the local church?
12. How did the author deal with the problem of unforgiveness in his life? P.27.
13. Mention specific scriptural reasons why every member must have a forgiving heart?
14. Who are those who are bitter against the church, the leadership, each other
in IBC that we need to talk to based on this study?
15. What is the scriptural verdict for irreconcilable church members? Matt.
16. What is God saying to you from chapter two of our study book?
17. Highlight the challenges this book presents to us as a local church?
Mention some of the reasons why we must be united as a local church?
Thank God for the insights, the rebukes, the instructions, and the light the Holy Spirit has shed on our hearts through this study. It is my prayer that God will help me and you to be unifying church members in Jesus' Name. This would make us healthier as a people, as families, as a church, and as a Nation.