ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE FAMILY

ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE FAMILY

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:1-6

Key Verse: “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:5-6)

Supporting Texts: John 17:20-23; Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-27; Galatians 3:26-29; Colossians 3:12-15; Psalm 133:1-3

Description: Every believer belongs to one spiritual family under one Lord, united by one faith and called to live in love, unity, and mutual service.

INTRODUCTION
The Christian faith is built upon the unchanging truth that there is only one Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, through whom all believers have received salvation. Regardless of our nationality, culture, language, or social background, everyone who has placed their faith in Christ belongs to one spiritual family. This truth should shape the way believers relate to one another and serve together in the body of Christ.

The Apostle Paul reminded the Ephesian believers that unity is not something believers create but something they preserve. The Church is one body because it has one Head, Jesus Christ. Every believer has been brought into this family through faith in Christ and is called to live in harmony with fellow believers. Our unity is rooted in our common relationship with God rather than our personal preferences or differences.

In a world divided by race, ethnicity, politics, denomination, and personal interests, the Church must stand as a testimony of God's unifying power. When believers recognise that they serve one Lord, share one faith, and belong to one family, they become stronger together and more effective in fulfilling God's purpose on earth.

1. ACKNOWLEDGING JESUS CHRIST AS THE ONE LORD
The foundation of Christian unity is the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Every believer submits to His authority and follows His example.

a. Christ is the Head of the Church (Colossians 1:18)
Jesus Christ governs His Church and directs every believer according to His perfect will. Our loyalty must always be centred upon Him.

b. Christ is the Only Way to the Father (John 14:6)
Salvation is found only through Jesus Christ. Every believer shares this common foundation of faith.

c. Christ Deserves Our Complete Obedience (Luke 6:46)
Calling Jesus Lord requires a life of obedience to His commands and teachings.

d. Christ Unites All Believers (John 17:21)
Our relationship with Christ brings us into fellowship with one another, regardless of our differences.

Biblical Example: The Apostle Paul completely surrendered to the Lordship of Christ after his conversion and devoted his life to advancing God's Kingdom (Acts 9:1-22).

2. STANDING FIRM IN THE ONE FAITH
The Christian faith is founded upon God's revealed truth. Believers must remain steadfast in biblical doctrine and faithful living.

a. Holding Firm to Sound Doctrine (2 Timothy 1:13)
Believers must remain faithful to the teachings of Scripture without compromise.

b. Defending the Faith Courageously (Jude 3)
Christians are called to contend earnestly for the faith that has been entrusted to God's people.

c. Growing in Spiritual Maturity (Ephesians 4:13)
A strong faith develops through continual learning, obedience, and dependence upon God.

d. Living by Faith Daily (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Faith is demonstrated through daily trust in God's promises rather than dependence upon circumstances.

Biblical Example: Daniel remained faithful to God despite opposition and persecution, refusing to compromise his convictions (Daniel 6:10-23).

3. LIVING AS MEMBERS OF ONE SPIRITUAL FAMILY
Every believer belongs to God's household. Christian relationships should reflect the love, care, and unity of a healthy family.

a. Loving One Another Sincerely (Romans 12:10)
Believers are called to demonstrate genuine affection, honour, and respect towards one another.

b. Bearing One Another's Burdens (Galatians 6:2)
Christian family life involves supporting fellow believers during times of need and difficulty.

c. Forgiving One Another Freely (Colossians 3:13)
Forgiveness preserves relationships and strengthens the unity of God's family.

d. Encouraging One Another Continually (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Regular encouragement helps believers remain faithful and steadfast in their walk with God.

Biblical Example: Barnabas welcomed and encouraged Saul when others doubted him, strengthening him for future ministry (Acts 9:26-28).

4. PRESERVING THE UNITY OF THE SPIRIT
Unity requires deliberate effort and spiritual maturity. Every believer has a responsibility to maintain peace within the body of Christ.

a. Walking in Humility (Philippians 2:3)
Humility prevents pride and promotes healthy relationships among believers.

b. Exercising Patience and Forbearance (Ephesians 4:2)
Patience enables believers to bear with one another in love despite personal differences.

c. Pursuing Peace Diligently (Romans 12:18)
Believers should actively seek reconciliation and harmonious relationships.

d. Rejecting Division and Strife (1 Corinthians 1:10)
The Church must reject attitudes and behaviours that create unnecessary divisions.

Biblical Example: The Jerusalem Council preserved unity within the early Church by seeking God's wisdom and reaching a godly agreement (Acts 15:1-29).

5. FULFILLING GOD'S PURPOSE TOGETHER AS ONE FAMILY
God's family has been called to fulfil His mission collectively. Every believer has an important role in advancing His Kingdom.

a. Serving According to Spiritual Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)
Each believer has unique gifts that contribute to the growth and effectiveness of the Church.

b. Supporting One Another in Ministry (1 Corinthians 3:9)
Believers are fellow labourers working together in God's service.

c. Proclaiming the Gospel Unitedly (Matthew 28:19-20)
The Great Commission is the shared responsibility of the entire body of Christ.

d. Glorifying God Through Unity (John 13:35)
The love and unity of believers reveal Christ to the world and bring glory to God.

Biblical Example: The believers in the church at Antioch worshipped, prayed, fasted, and sent missionaries together, contributing significantly to the spread of the Gospel (Acts 13:1-3).

CONCLUSION
God has called every believer into one spiritual family under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Our unity is founded upon one faith, one Lord, one baptism, and one heavenly Father. As members of God's household, we must love one another, preserve unity, and work together for the advancement of His Kingdom.

Let us therefore reject every form of division, pride, and selfishness, and embrace the unity that Christ purchased through His death and resurrection. As we walk together in love, faith, and obedience, the Church will become a powerful witness to the world, and God's name will be glorified through our lives.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, help me to remain faithful to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of my life, in Jesus name.

2. Lord, strengthen my faith and establish me firmly upon Your unchanging Word, in Jesus name.

3. Father, unite Your Church in genuine love and lasting harmony, in Jesus name.

4. Lord, remove every seed of division, pride, and strife from among Your people, in Jesus name.

5. Father, teach me to love and honour every member of the body of Christ, in Jesus name.

6. Lord, help me to preserve the unity of the Spirit through humility and patience, in Jesus name.

7. Father, empower me to use my spiritual gifts faithfully for the benefit of Your family, in Jesus name.

8. Lord, strengthen every Christian fellowship and congregation with peace and unity, in Jesus name.

9. Father, let Your Church become a powerful witness to the world through our unity and love, in Jesus name.

10. Lord, use me to advance Your Kingdom and bring glory to Your holy name, in Jesus name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You shall remain firmly established under the Lordship of Jesus Christ throughout your life.

2. Your faith shall grow stronger each day, and you shall never be moved away from the truth of God's Word.

3. You shall enjoy meaningful fellowship with God's family and never walk in spiritual isolation.

4. Every spirit of division and misunderstanding around you shall be destroyed by the power of God.

5. You shall become a builder of peace, unity, and reconciliation within the body of Christ.

6. The Lord shall use your gifts and abilities to strengthen His Church and bless many lives.

7. You shall walk in humility, love, and wisdom as a faithful member of God's family.

8. The favour of God shall rest upon your life as you remain committed to Christian unity.

9. You shall fulfil your divine assignment together with fellow believers for the advancement of God's Kingdom.

10. Your life shall continually reflect the beauty of one Lord, one faith, and one family, bringing honour and glory to God.