Sunday Sermons CSI Church, Toronto Sunday, January 25, 2015 ECUMENICAL SUNDAY UNITY FOR JUSTICE & PEACE

Transcription

1 ECUMENICAL SUNDAY UNITY FOR JUSTICE & PEACE

2 Bible Portions Ezekiel 37:15-28 Philippians 4:8-20 Psalm 4 Matthew 5:21-26

3 Key Verses Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand. Ezekiel. 37:17. First go and be reconciled to our brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:24

4 Growth of Ecumenical Movement Movement toward unity or cooperation among the Christian churches. I Major step: International Missionary Conference (1910) - a gathering of PROTESTANTS. Life and Work Conference (1925) (Social Ministries / International Affairs / Relief Services) Faith and Order Conference (1927) (Theology / Sacraments / Ordinances) After World War II ( ), around 1948, WCC (World Council of Churches) was established.

5 Growth of Ecumenical Movement International Missionary Conference (IMC) joined WCC in The ROMAN CATHOLICS showed strong interest in improving interchurch relations since the II VATICAN COUNCIL ( ) The EASTERN ORTHODOX church was active in the movement since Another important factor in 20th-century ecumenism was the creation of united churches that reconcile splintered sects, such as the Church of South India (1947) Church of North India (1970) United Church of Christ (1957) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1988).

6 Growth of Ecumenical Movement The World Council of Churches is a fellowship of churches. Confesses the Lord Jesus Christ as God and Saviour according to the scripture. Seek to fulfil together their common calling to the glory of the one God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Community of churches on the way to visible unity in one faith and one Eucharistic fellowship, expressed in worship and in common life in Christ. It seeks to advance towards this unity, as Jesus prayed for his followers, "so that the world may believe." (John 17:21)

7 I. Unity is by Reconciliation Matt. 5:24 first be reconciled. reconciliation = understanding, bringing together, preparedness to accept, acquiescent your brother has something against you understand or prepared to accept the other making precise or proper the relationships reconciliation is not necessarily compromise

8 II. Unity is for making nations know the Lord Division of Kingdoms under Rehoboam (SK J) & Jeroboam (NK I) B.C. 930 I Kings 12:1 22:53 Ezekiel 37:15 ff parable of the two sticks; Judah (SK) & Ephraim (NK) B.C. 571 God initiates unity by making Israel Holy (37:28) Purity is essential for Unity

9 III. Unity results in Justice Justice = Heb. sedeq,mispat ;Gk. dikaiosyne It conforms to his moral law Job 34:12 Dt 32:4 Ps 9:16 It is seen in his perfect will Ps 99:4 Ps 40:8 Isa 53:10 God acts with justice Ps 33:5 15 Ne 9:33 He punishes wickedness Eze 18:20 Ex 34:7 Dt 32:35 He rewards righteousness Ps 58:11 Isa 62:11 Mt 5:12 God requires people to reflect his justice Pr 21:3 Lev 19:15 Dt 16:20

10 IV. Unity results in Peace Peace = Heb. shalom Gk. Eirene God is the sole giver (Lev. 26:6) Available to all who trusts (Isa. 26:3) Available to all who loves the law (Ps. 119:165) Uprightness (Mal.2:6) & faithfulness (Isa 59:8; Zech 8:16) Made one with God (Eph. 2:14) Freedom from distress & fear (John 14:27; 16:33) Security (I Thess. 5:9,10) Mercy (Gal. 6:16) Grace (Phil 1:2) Love (II Cor. 13:11) Life (Rom.8:6) Fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22)

11 Relevance of Unity Are we well aware of the state of our fellow believers all over the world? It is high time that we earnestly pray for them & work for them. Justice & Peace should be sought for our brothers & sisters in affliction. Our disunity should not hinder God s love for those undergoing brutal life situations. Not to fight against but to get them the right to live as humans with dignity. WE NEED TO BE UNITED for our siblings in faith. WE NEED TO PROCLAIM THE NAME OF THE LIVING GOD.

12 Challenges to Unity Forgetting the fact that all believers are saved by the Blood of Jesus. Over emphasis on traditions, method and beliefs on worship. Non acceptance of the other believer in Jesus Christ. Communal feelings Racism Conversion Ethnic cleansing by our sister religions. Non caring attitude by us for our suffering siblings in faith. Inability to prioritize Jesus Christ in our decisions

13 The Threefold Unity of a Believer Unity present within the believer. (Spirit, Mind & Body to be of one accord.) Unity of a believer with GOD. Unity of a believer with the fellow believer. UNITY is not UNIFORMITY. DIVERSITY is not DIVISION.

14 Unity for Justice & Peace I. Unity is by Reconciliation II. Unity is for making nations know the LORD III. Unity results in Justice IV. Unity results in Peace Relevance of Unity Challenges to Unity The Threefold Unity of a Believer