So We Being Many Are One Body In Christ, And Every One Members One Of Another, Be of The Same Mind To One Another - Part 1788

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, [which] is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.

For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly that be ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office. So we, [being] many are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Having then gifts differing ACCORDING TO THE GRACE THAT IS GIVEN US, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or he that exhorteth, on exhortation; he that gives, let him do it with simplicity; he that rules with diligence; he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another ...

Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you; bless and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men ... be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:1-21)

Indeed, the Lord Jesus summarized the Law and ordinances of the old covenant into two commandments. That is, to love the Lord with all thy heart, soul, mind, and strength, and from His love flowing through us, to love one another. (Deuteronomy 6:4; Mark 12:29-31) The Law being a schoolmaster to bring our hearts back to Christ, who loved us without measure. And now, when we love the Lord our God -- our Saviour -- we "owe no man any thing, for he that loves another hath fulfilled the law." (Romans 13:8)

Why? Because love works no ill to his neighbour -- therefore love is the FULFILLING of the law. (Romans 13:10) And we witness a perfect example on the day of Pentecost. Therein, 3,000 souls were saved. Those who gladly received the Word [Jesus] -- recognizing that this same Jesus whom they crucified was both Lord and Christ, were baptized in His Name -- the NAME OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST! (Acts 2:36-47) As a consequence, these sold their possessions and goods and parted them to all, as every man had need, so that no one was without. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

And in Acts 4 also, wherein the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul, having all things common. (Acts 4:32)

In other words, the love of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ dictated/should dictate the love these/we have for one another. And in this -- your heart love for one another, let no man judge you because to your own master will you stand or fall.

And as the scripture declares, " ... if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely -- thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Romans 13:9)

Oh, if we could only understand the simplicity of the gospel! It is no wonder the apostles spoke the things which they had seen and heard, and glorified God for that which was done, lifting up their voices to God with one accord, and saying, "Lord, Thou art God, which hast made heaven and earth, and the sea and all that in them is ..." (Acts 4:24-25)

Yes, as the mouth of Thy servant David hast afore said, there will always be heathen who rage, and people who imagine vain things. And similarly, there will be kings of the earth who stand up, and rulers who gather together against the Lord, and against His Christ. "For of a truth against Thy holy child Jesus, whom Thou hast anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever Thy hand and Thy counsel [purpose] determined before to be done."

But when, as servants of the Lord, we proclaim with boldness the Word, showing forth His love and mercy and kindness and grace to one and all -- love that can only come from understanding how much the Lord loved us as His beloved from the very beginning, to have paid the ultimate price on a cross for us once and for all, so that we can be forgiven of all our transgressions, then can we as believers in Him be of one heart and of one soul. (Acts 4:32) One accord in the good news gospel of our Lord God and Saviour Jesus the Christ, knowing that this same Lord -- Thou art God Almighty.

In Him did all the fullness of the Godhead dwell bodily. (Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6)

JESUS -- King of kings and Lord of lords, Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11)

Stand in the offering plate.