God and His people are scandalized by unnecessary division. The gospel of Christ is, indeed, an instrument of division, separating the sincere from the insincere (see John 6). But the gospel is also intended to be the great unifier of those who believe, overcoming all obstacles as Christians submit to the will of God (see Eph. 2:11-22). Saints should be characterized by a spirit of oneness.
Jesus recognized the obvious link between unity and its apologetic value upon unbelievers when he prayed, “that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us: that the world may believe that thou didst send me” (Jn. 17: 21, ASV). The world was greatly impressed by the unity of Christ’s followers in the first century; it suggested the mutual recognition of a single authority. Hardly anyone is impressed these days as “Christendom” has been splintered into countless sects. And even among New Testament Christians, division and mistrust continue to weaken the gospel’s appeal to people who are searching for authoritative answers. “Giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in …

by Kenneth Chumbley
There are few things we do in life more important than talking. Yet few things are done more thoughtlessly. The exercise of the tongue is never a trivial matter. Jesus taught that every word we speak is imprinted with eternal consequences (Mt. 12:36-37). James underlines this truth, too, when he cautions, “so speak you…as men that shall be judged” (2:12).
But it’s in the third chapter of James’ epistle that we find the definitive New Testament statement on the tremendous power of the tongue. In this text, the Spirit of God underscores three distinct capabilities: the tongue’s potential Direction, 3:3-5a; Destruction, 3:5b-8; Dissimulation, 3:9-12.
You would be hard-pressed to find inspired language more scathing or shocking in its severity, than what is here used to describe the inflammatory power of the tongue. In fact, apart from Jesus, James is the only New Testament writer to use the word “hell” (gehenna). The picture he describes is that of the whole course of nature being ignited with a spark (the tongue) fueled by hell itself (3:6).
Satan is ever trying to use our tongue as his flame-thrower. One unguarded word, be it ever …

In the four centuries preceding the advent of Christ, conservative Jews, later known as Pharisees, developed a series of rules and regulations governing Jewish life and custom. As the Pharisees grew in influence and political power, their rules came to supplant the actual Law of Moses in their minds. Their teaching became known as the “oral law” or “the traditions of the elders.” Repeatedly they criticized Jesus and His disciples for violating it, and Jesus condemned them for elevating the words of men above God’s.
To be fair, it should be stated that the forebears of the Pharisees truly intended to honor God. They set out to draw up guidelines which, if followed,  should have kept people from sinning. They viewed their work not as a usurpation of divine authority but as a helpful guide to personal obedience and righteousness. However, in any kind of religious fellowship, things change in succeeding generations. Original piety and diligence, often in the face of persecution, give way to social acceptability and a comfortable orthodoxy. In time, the teaching of forebears is refined into traditional beliefs used to maintain the status quo. This evolution can …

One of God’s greatest blessings is that of fellowship, both with Him and with each other as Christians. But just what does the term mean? It is often used in ways that fail to capture its true force and beauty.
Our English word fellowship is translated from two different word families in Greek. Though having differing shades of meaning, they both convey the idea of sharing together in something, of a joint participation, or of contributing to a common purpose. Fellowship involves an active involvement in things together. And fellowship is multidirectional. That is, we have a “vertical” relationship as individuals with God and a “horizontal” relationship with brothers in Christ. 
The basis for biblical fellowship is a critical point to understand. It’s not just that we like each other or that we may even agree on certain Bible principles. The basis for our fellowship with God is that we accept the eye-witness testimony of the apostles concerning Jesus and seek to live by it (1 John 1:1-4). Obviously, we cannot have any joint participation with God if we reject His word.
Likewise, our fellowship with each other is to be based on …

Historical evidence abounds that man can, indeed, worship as he pleases. As creatures of choice, God affords us the privilege of opting for His guidance or striking out on our own. The real question, however, is whether or not humanly-designed worship will be acceptable to Him.
The very nature of the term worship demands careful attention to the instructions of God. Worship denotes reverence or obeisance (bowing down). One can hardly “bow down” reverently before the Creator while ignoring His divine will. So much has been introduced into modern worship, not because of biblical instruction, but because of human tastes and preferences. It is the height of presumption to assume that God will be pleased simply because we are. “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jer. 10:23). Not only does that principle apply to man’s general course of life, it also has application to our public expressions of worship and devotion to God.
At the core of this issue lies not the matter of “forms” or “acts of worship,” but the matter of love …