Unity

[0:00] Let us pray.

[0:12] Lord, we thank you for your word now, for our gathering to it.

[0:28] Lord, for each one that is represented here, each family. Lord, move in us, Lord, by your Spirit's power. Lord, receive our gifts and be glorified in your church.

[0:39] Be lifted up in our thoughts and praise as we pray. In Jesus' name, amen. Let's go to the word of God. If you've got your Bible, just Psalm 133. We're going to stand for the reading of God's word if we can.

[0:54] You can read the words. Read along with me if you like as we read just this psalm. It's a short psalm. Three verses, Psalm 133. Psalm 133.

[1:06] Amen. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments.

[1:25] As the Jew of Hermon and as the Jew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.

[1:35] Amen. Please be seated. Psalm 133 is a song. It's David's song. And he sings about a blessed unity among God's people.

[1:47] And I'm talking today about the unity of God's people. It's the quality that God commends for us. Not saying we don't have that here, but it's something we could always do better, isn't it?

[1:59] Something we could do well to strengthen as our church, as our gathering. God wants it for his people, for we, the people of God. He wants that real unity, a spiritual fellowship, a true fellowship, centered on Christ himself and grounded and lined up with God's truth, his word.

[2:18] So David talks about, I'll put to you three things. And the first one I'd like us to see is that David talks about benefits. He talks about some benefits here.

[2:30] Psalm 133, verse 1, it says, Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. Look at some of the benefits that we have from God's kind of unity, God's unified body is good and it's pleasant.

[2:48] That's what it says. It brings many blessings and benefits you could think. For example, peace. When there's a unity, when there's a togetherness, there's a comfort, there's an encouragement there, there's a support there, there's forgiveness, there's that blessed love.

[3:06] And look at the other side of the coin. Imagine if we were saying the opposite of what this verse says. We could say how bad and unpleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in disunity.

[3:17] Because we don't want that. We want to be encouraging one another so much the more as we see the day approaching. We see in Mark 3, verse 24 in part it reads, If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

[3:32] And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand. Now disunity, it brings discord. It brings disharmony and disagreement and destruction, disorder, disaster, disunity.

[3:48] Think of it. It brings misunderstandings and factions, hostilities and hurts, resentments, isolation. We see that happen at times.

[3:58] It's a sad thing when a church is divided like that. We want rather to aspire to be a united church. Someone has said, if Satan can't destroy the church from without, he will try to divide it from within.

[4:14] And we see that. It's his passage, isn't it? To divide and pull things apart. It reads in 1 Corinthians 1, verse 10, Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing.

[4:30] And that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

[4:41] The word divisions here, it means factions are tearing apart by something that is whole, like a piece of cloth being torn. That's what the devil wants, isn't it?

[4:52] To divide, to cause disorder and confusion. It's the author of it. Satan loves to create conflict and clashes and arguments and falling out.

[5:03] To divide brother from brother. To scatter us, to tear us apart. As someone put it, there's nothing more disappointing than to meet a brother who has his dispensations right, but his disposition wrong.

[5:17] You know, we could have it all down pat, all the doctrine, but our attitude, if that's wrong, that's a big disaster, isn't it? You know, some matters are secondary issues, and yet some make them such a big fuss.

[5:34] Real Bible-based fellowship doesn't mean we disregard sound Bible doctrines. This is not a unity at any price. We're not saying that.

[5:45] Of course, some would say we're all big one, happy, clappy family, and join together with all kinds of mishmash of religions. We see a trend to that, don't we, these days.

[5:57] Into the faith, not just the inter-denominational. Yet God commands a unity. A unity that's a biblical, scriptural, godly kind of unity. It's a wonderful unity.

[6:08] And many times we talked about the church of God being in one accord, hand in hand, arm in arm, with each other. That's a good and godly thing. There's certainly benefits there, isn't there?

[6:20] It says of the early church that they all believed and they were together. Often this word together. And they devoted themselves. They gave this constant attention to fellowship, as we read in Acts 2, 42.

[6:34] They continued, steadfastly. There's that sense that they were really committed. They were steadfastly continuing in the apostles' doctrine, the teaching of the word of God, in the fellowship, the getting together, in the breaking of bread, the communion, and other mutual meals and such.

[6:55] And in the prayers. We can do that today, can't we? And we can continue steadfastly, just like they did. And it says in Acts 4, 32, Wow, that's a unity, isn't it?

[7:21] That we could be so unified that we can sow. Paul urges believers literally here in Philippians 2, verse 2.

[7:32] You could say, fill up my cup of joy. That's the kind of sense of it. Fulfilling my joy. He says there by having that same love. That wonderful harmony.

[7:44] That one accord. That one mind. You know, as we read it, the same mind, the same kind of spirit, the same heart, the same love, of one accord, of one mind.

[7:55] What a harmony we see here. It's just a beautiful picture, isn't it? And Paul commends the Church of Philippi for that. And let's likewise aspire to that, as our fellowship, as other godly fellowships, as other like-minded fellowships across Adelaide and Australia, the world.

[8:15] That we can have that same heart, that same mindedness, that same one accord. Ephesians tells likewise of such a thing. As Paul writes to the church at Ephesus, he says, Endeavouring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.

[8:32] Beautiful bond. Beautiful togetherness there. That closeness there. And it goes on, verse 4, there is one body and one spirit, even as you have called in, one hope of your calling.

[8:49] And it reads further, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all. All those one things.

[9:00] There's a oneness. There's a unity. Blessed unity. And Hebrews 10 tells how the early church were commended to, let us consider one another to provoke unto love and see good works.

[9:14] Let's look out for each other, is what it's saying. What benefits could result if we obeyed the Lord in this area? To provoke unto love and see good works.

[9:26] We want to love one another, care for one another, look out for one another as God commends us to. Forsaking not, it says, the assembling of ourselves. Every time we get together, there's a benefit there.

[9:39] It's of eternal value. When you get together with other people who know the Lord, as you assemble together, it says, there's a blessing. And not as the man of son that would miss that, but exhorting one another, it says.

[9:52] And so much the more, if you see the day approaching. Who can see that day approaching? Things are a bit wacko, aren't they? Just now, it seems. And I don't think we're going to go back to any kind of normality.

[10:05] But we can see the day approaching, and that's something good. That's something to look forward to. The day of the Lord. The blessed hope. That's something to anticipate with joy, isn't it?

[10:18] With a glad, blessed hope. That's what it is. And so let's encourage one another, for the meantime, as we see that day approaching, let's keep on fellowshipping.

[10:29] That's the point. Whatever we can do. And who knows whether we're going to have to break the law one day. I'm not discounting that might happen. That we might have to meet when it's illegal to meet.

[10:40] Because God says to me, that's what matters, friends. So let's encourage, exhort, encourage one another. Urge one another in these things. Let's work at that reconciliation when there's a disharmony.

[10:54] Let's be peacemakers. And combine our energies together as God's people to constantly support one another. There's a truth here of pulling together.

[11:06] We're co-workers. We're a team. We're a unit of God's people. We've been unified by his Holy Spirit. There was a visitor to a mental hospital one day. And they were astonished to see there's only three guards over these, some over a hundred dangerous inmates in this place.

[11:22] And he asked this guy, don't you fear that these people will overpower the guards and escape? No, was the reply. Lunatics never unite.

[11:33] There's the truth to that, isn't there? It's a wise thing to unite. It's a godly thing. It's a good thing. It's a blessed thing to unite. And there's benefits in that kind of unity that's benefits.

[11:47] And they're out of this world. There's a benefit in the here and now and in the hereafter. Who knows? I'm just wondering who's going to be my next door neighbour in that mansion up in glory.

[12:01] I'm not sure that I've picked who it was amongst you. If it is one of you, you might be my next door neighbour in glory. But there's wonderful benefits, isn't there?

[12:12] And that's the point. There's benefits for you. Have that unity here below. We're going to spend eternity together. So let's get on with each other. Not saying we don't. But we could do better.

[12:23] I think every church could do better. To see that unity strengthened. So David talks about some benefits. He goes on to talk about brethren. David talks about this unity.

[12:33] That's the unity of brethren. Now, I don't have a brother, but I've got a couple of sisters. And sometimes in the family, brother and sisters don't always get on. But we're still family.

[12:45] That's the same in the church of God. There might be brothers and sisters in the spirit that you might have. It might have some rough edges. But nevertheless, we're brothers.

[12:56] We're brethren. And we've got to get on with each other. And I'm not saying we don't. I'm just putting it out there. But when it's brethren, there's a sense of brotherly love. That brother and sister relationship.

[13:07] And David sings of this. This unity. That it's a unity of brethren. Wow. That's close, isn't it? How much closer can you get? It's good. It's pleasant. And now we've seen the benefits.

[13:18] Now we're going to look at that unity of the brethren. The brethren. Now, think about the unity of brethren. That's much stronger than the unity of a footy team.

[13:29] Isn't it? Should be. Shouldn't it? That unity of a family unit. The family unit should be stronger than some army unit. As much as an army unit needs to be marching together.

[13:41] Lots there. But as brethren, it's a higher level of unity. I'll put to you. And as believers, we've got a wonderful family tie. Think of it. We're of the household of the faith.

[13:53] We're of the family of the faith. The family of God. Wow. That's precious, isn't it? Don't you think? And to think, we're related. We're related. We're adopted.

[14:04] No matter what your culture or country you've come from. Or the language you started out with. We are brothers. Amen. Sisters.

[14:15] Praise God. That's beautiful. And we're a family unit. We're of the household of God. We're adopted. And we're fellow adopted sons and daughters. Joined together by faith in Christ.

[14:26] That's precious, isn't it? God's brought us together. And it's like there's a kaleidoscope, isn't it? Of different kinds of people. Different kinds of people. We know we've all come from different backgrounds.

[14:37] Different situations. And circumstances. Yet God has pulled us all together. As his family. Different kinds of people.

[14:48] To be his church. Amen. And it's one of the key prayers of our Lord. As we looked at in the Bible study group. John chapter 17. For the unity of the church.

[14:59] Something our Lord specifically prayed for. He counted it very important. That he would pray for it. And he prayed including those that will believe. Which means for you and me.

[15:10] It says here in John 17. 21 for example. As he prays. That they may all be one. As our Father are in me. And I in thee. That they also may be one.

[15:23] In us. That the world may believe. That thou hast sent me. So friends. This unity. Is a dwelling in unity. Of believers dwelling together. Not abiding together with unbelievers.

[15:37] Of course that's not to say. People who don't believe. Are not welcome in our meeting place. In our meeting together. We want unbelievers to come. So they can hear the gospel.

[15:47] And they can find salvation. And we want to encourage them. That knowing Jesus is wonderful. And we want you to know him. If you don't know him today.

[15:59] But this unity that we're talking about. Is not a unity of believers and unbelievers. Or of a compromise of God's truth. It's a unity of brethren. It's a unity based on that family relationship.

[16:11] With our Lord. We're born again. We're adopted. Sons and daughters. So this unity of the brethren. It's a unity that's of the spirit. It's a unity with Christ. It's based on that faith commitment that we know.

[16:24] As saved people. It's based on God's saving truth. And saved people getting together. Yes. As brothers and sisters. Amen. In the Lord.

[16:36] Now someone said. Spurgeon said this. Unity without truth is hazardous. Only those sanctified through the word. Can be one in Christ. Christ. So again. There's that.

[16:47] There is a dividing line. If you're outside of Christ. You're not one of the brethren. You're not one of the brothers and sisters. But. Thank God. There's an invitation extended.

[16:57] That you can become. A believer. A brethren. You can know those wonderful privileges. And special fellowship. That unity that we enjoy together. So there's a unity with Christ.

[17:09] There's a unity in prayer. It says they pray together. That's a good thing isn't it? We pray together. This morning. Already. In effect. And we'll continue to pray. And keep on praying.

[17:20] And of course. As God's family met together. We see they had prayer times. Where they gathered together. St. And they all devoted themselves to prayer.

[17:39] And they all devoted themselves to prayer. So. That's a challenge isn't it? Not a tiny proportion of the church. But all. Got together to pray. So be encouraged in that.

[17:50] All were there to pray. There's a unity there. There was no problem. And Paul. And Paul. He attended meetings. There was a unity. There was a one accord. And there's a spiritual benefit that flows.

[18:02] As we read. Of this unity. David sings. It is like the precious ointment. It's like this anointment oil. This anointing oil. That ran upon the head.

[18:13] Ran down upon the beard. Even Aaron's beard. Went down to the skirts of his garment. And oil speaks in the word of God. As the Holy Spirit. Oil speaks also of separation.

[18:25] Of sanctification. Of setting apart. So there's a wonderful sense. You've been set apart unto God. He's granted you. His gift. He's made you his son.

[18:36] He's redeemed you. Out of the world. And made you. A set free. Man or woman. And he separated you from. The world. And he separated you unto.

[18:47] Himself. So biblical separation. Is a beautiful thing. It means we're joined together. Because we've left some things behind as well. We've left behind things. Like worldliness.

[18:57] Like false teaching. And error. And sin. We've left that. And we've joined unto our Lord. We're brought together. We're brought out. And we're brought together.

[19:08] That's church. Brought out of darkness. Brought into. His marvellous light. That's the church. They're called out. Separated. Called together. A holy nation. Think of that.

[19:19] You know. You hear these stories about someone starting their own nation. You know. There's some wacko people. People in country places. That mark out their property boundary.

[19:31] And say. I'm declaring this a different country. There is a real sense. We're a very different country. That's amazing to think of. Isn't it? You know. We're actually a different country from Australia.

[19:42] A holy nation. Think of that. You know. We could. We could explore that. A deal. Couldn't we? But. But. There's that sense where we. We're so distinct. And separated. And.

[19:52] And called. And made God's people. That we are actually. A holy nation. Even more than. The nation of Israel. We are. God's holy nation. It's a sense of.

[20:02] You could imagine. That's the church. In a way. You could reflect that. That. Means. We are. So special. In God's side. Made. God's own people. That's precious.

[20:13] Precious. Precious. Blessing there. And. Friends. A little leaven. Leavens the whole lump. So. We want to. We don't excuse a little wrong. Or error. Because it's dangerous.

[20:23] So. Got to. Keep. Careful watch. That nothing damages the unity. That special. Precious unity. And. Again. It's the unity of the spirit.

[20:33] It talks about. It's like that ointment. It's like that anointing oil. It's like the dew. That was upon. The. The grass of. Of hermit.

[20:45] Now. If you haven't. I was probably a bit out there. This morning. Bit of fog out there today. Wasn't there? You see that. The grass carpeted. With this layer of dew. This. This. Moisture.

[20:57] There's a picture there. Isn't there? Of the anointing. Of the Holy Spirit. Refreshing us. Revitalizing us. Giving us new life. Just like the water. On the grass.

[21:08] Sadly. Brethren. Can be divided. We read of that. In. Proverbs. Oh. That's. That's just another point there. Rather. That scripture.

[21:19] About the anointing. Aaron was set apart. He was anointed. As they. Set him aside. For the office. For the priest. That his sons. Likewise. They were consecrated.

[21:30] And what did they do? They anointed them. Friends. We're all anointed. As God's people. Every believer. Has that anointing. In the sense that. Christ is in you. He's given you. His Holy Spirit.

[21:40] You're a saved man. A woman. And you have that special. And human. But there is. The. Other side. Where brethren. Can be divided.

[21:52] And it's amongst. The six things. That God hates. You see. Or seven. Proverbs 6. 16. Tells. A false witness. That speaketh lies. He that soweth.

[22:03] Discord. Among the brethren. So. God is strongly. Against discord. So. And the causing. Of discord. So. We don't want that. We don't want. Discord.

[22:14] We want the opposite. Of that. To be. One accord. So. In a sense. I kind of joke. That we should be. A uniting church. A uniting church. Now. I'm not saying. Join the.

[22:24] The uniting church. Of Australia. Now. God forbid. But we are. We should be. A uniting church. In a sense. We should have a unity. That's good. That's godly. That's word based.

[22:35] Not a dividing church. Amen. We should be uniting. Uniting together. And Paul urges the Romans. To keep. Keep on the lookout. For those who stir up. Strife and scandal.

[22:45] He says. Mark them. That cause divisions. And offences. Contrary to the doctrine. That you've learned. And avoid them. So we don't want. As God's people. Let's be.

[22:56] Mindful. Of not causing. Stumbling blocks. Of offending. Of causing offence. Or unnecessary hurt. But rather. To work at the unity.

[23:07] Of the spirit. So as God's family. We're called to. To have. Yes. Some diversity. We're diverse. You know. We're all of different.

[23:18] Complexions. And cultures. And backgrounds. And situations. And families. There's diversity. But not division. We don't want division. We're united.

[23:29] But not the same. Amen. And that difference. Those differences. Are a good thing. As a blending together. That's a strengthening. We're one in Christ. So as brethren. We have.

[23:41] The fact that we stand together. We strive together. We work together. We worship together. I love the image here in Colossians 2. Where it talks about. That their hearts might be comforted.

[23:54] Being knit together in love. What a picture is that. They get their knitting needles out. And I need to brush up on my knitting. But we should be knit together. Amen. That's the point.

[24:05] That's a good thing. Knit together in love. And it likewise says in Colossians 2. 19. Of the nourishment. The picture of the body. Of the head. Christ Jesus.

[24:16] Of we as different parts in the body. Different sinews and ligaments. Joined together. There's nourishment there. We knit together. Knit together. And there's an increase there. So it tells how we knit together.

[24:27] That's a good thing. We want to have that. To be close knit. To be close together. It is easy. And look. I think it's very very easy. For us to get the pattern.

[24:38] And I've heard people say. Well they just have hello shit. You just say hello. Goodbye. We'd like more than that. Don't we? It's good. You know. Please be encouraged.

[24:49] If you've got time to. Linger. If you can. But I know. People are busy. Sometimes we've just got to shoot off. Understand that. No obligation. But it's opportunity.

[25:00] It's opportunity. I know some people are inviting people. To get together. After the meeting. That's a good thing. That's a blessing. Isn't it? That's what we want. We want to strengthen the church.

[25:10] And so as a community. As a fellowship. Like the believers in the book of Acts. Togetherness was a big thing. A recurring thing. When we say for example. They were gathering together.

[25:21] Praying together. They were praising together. Sharing together. They were singing together. Suffering persecution. Prison together. And they were witnessing. Even weeping together.

[25:32] So that togetherness is a good thing. It's how we get stronger. Amen. The body building. We're a body. We should be body building. Build that unity. That togetherness. And that will help us to be a stronger church.

[25:45] Talks about how we labour as together with God. Co-workers. Working together. Not only with God. But with one another. And we thank God for all the voluntary effort in this church. Keeps things going doesn't it?

[25:56] Those that are doing things. Faithfully. Behind the scenes. The unsung. Unthanked. Mostly. Labourers together.

[26:07] Labourers together. Thank you. Thank you. Labourers together with God. The walls of Jericho fell it says. Because Israel was quiet together. It was a moment to be quiet.

[26:18] They walked around. Didn't say anything. The walls fell because they marched together. The walls fell because they shouted together. Amen. That's why they got the victory.

[26:31] They were together. Friends, we're all going up together. Amen. We'll spend eternity together. Forever. Wow. Who's looking forward to that?

[26:42] Where does this vital quality of unity come from? It's from our Lord. It's been said 100 pianos all tuned to the same fork. You know they go ding and they tune everything to the ding, the tuning fork.

[26:58] They are automatically tuned to each other. They are of one accord by being tuned not to each other but to the ding, the tuning fork.

[27:09] In other words, oh there we go. That sound. We must bow to that sound. Amen. Thanks for the sound effects there. We've got to bow to the tuning fork. You know, to be those violins that are playing together.

[27:20] That orchestra. So too with fellowship, isn't it? Amen. It's been said that the heart of Paul's religion, of his faith, is union with Christ.

[27:32] That's our union with Christ. He's the tuning fork. We want to tune in to him and they will all be singing from the same song sheet. Every believer is one in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3, 28.

[27:44] So we're brethren. Brothers and sisters together in that common faith in Christ. So Christianity, really, in these relationships. Sometimes I think we miss that.

[27:55] Church can be, sometimes I like to, look we could be down at the Boy Scouts today. Or the soccer pitch. Or who knows what else. The rotary. Or some other good cause.

[28:07] And we're not a social club. We're the fellowship of God's people. That's precious. This is eternal. And it tells of that holy nation. A people of God. It tells of one vine, many branches.

[28:19] It tells of one body, many members. We've got a unity. It's one new man. It's different functioning parts of that body. And we're members of one another. In other words, we're interdependent.

[28:32] We need one another. Don't be afraid. I've got some that like to call me for prayer requests. That's a good thing. We should be asking for prayer. We should be asking to, brothers and sisters, pray for me.

[28:44] I've got this need. I've got this situation. Don't hesitate to call the pastor. But more so, call one another. Call one another. We're all in this together. I've only got so much I have to give.

[28:58] But we can all support one another. Interdependence. We're all part of this together. And God's joined us together in love. It's a unique bond of brothers and sisters.

[29:09] A lack of love can break fellowship. So let's show brotherly love to one another. I love this verse here. You know. Four words.

[29:20] This is your memory verse. Let brotherly love continue. Amen. Remember that one. Let brotherly love continue. Let's have that. Let's keep that.

[29:31] That unique bond. God joins us. He glues us together in love. And friends, we want to have that kind of strong brotherly bond. There's a blessing. There's a benefit. And we thank God for that.

[29:42] And then thirdly, we see there's a blessing. There's a wonderful unity. We've seen the benefits. We've seen the brotherly unity. Thirdly, we see the Lord's commanded something.

[29:55] He's commanded a blessing. God's commanded a blessing from unity. There's a maturity. There's a strength. There's a power in our togetherness. As we, friends, we're facing satanic onslaught and attack.

[30:08] Who knows what awaits us? These are the easy days still. This is easy right now. You know, a little mask. Honestly, is that going to be enough to put you off?

[30:20] A little mask to wear. What's going to happen next? The next stage. The next stage. We've got to pull together, people. Amen. Things are going to get tougher.

[30:31] I think things are going to get harder. I think we're going to see some massive persecution. Friends, for the meantime, we need to get stronger. And that's that togetherness that we need.

[30:42] That mutual support. Knitting together. Welding together. Cementing together. Ephesians talks about speaking the truth in love. Growing up into him. In all things.

[30:52] Which is the head. Even Christ. From whom the whole body fitly joined together. Notice that. Joined together. And compacted. It's the same word translated knit together. Now that compacting.

[31:03] That knitting. That welding. That closeness. That glue. Knits it together. Compacts it together. Every joint supplies. It says.

[31:15] Every part. Perfectually working. Edifying itself in love. Every part. Doing its part. Every one of us.

[31:27] Is the church. And every one of us. Has something we can do. But be stirred up. In a good way. To think. What can I do? Amen.

[31:39] Our unity brings blessing. We grow more dependent. On our Lord. There's a growing. It talks about. There. Growing up into him. In all things.

[31:50] And unity comes. As we exercise humility. Not pride. It's every part. Playing its part. You might feel. You're a relatively humble part. But every part. Does its part.

[32:01] The body works. You know. We've got some. In hospital. We know. John's had his. Health issues. We know. Dennis. Others. In our number. One part.

[32:12] Breaks down. Affects the whole body. It's the same. In the body of Christ. Isn't it? We've all got. Our parts. To play. To heal. Conflicts. To work. Effectively. As a body.

[32:23] When all its parts work. The body. Grows. And is healthy. So support. One another. The Bible talks about. Bearing one another's burdens. There's times.

[32:35] When that burden. You want to. You need to show it. Don't be. So proud. That you won't share your burden. There's a brother. A sister. That can help. Another quote here.

[32:47] The Christian life. Is not a solo flight. To heaven. With occasional formation. Flying. On Sunday mornings. You know. We're together. We should be like.

[32:57] A flock of geese. You know. They're quacking at each other. What do they do? Honking at each other. And keeping together. Amen. That's a good thing. That helps us grow.

[33:08] We grow together. We build together. We exalt one another. And maybe we can learn something. If only pride doesn't get in the way. Sometimes we think. We get. Like anyone.

[33:19] I think. I can get. You can get prideful. What can I learn from anyone else? We can. There's a whole pool of wisdom. There's counsel.

[33:30] Multitudes of counsel. There's a blessing there. Isn't there? We can. If we can be teachable. We can learn from each other. I can learn from you. It's not all one way. It's not some monologue.

[33:40] There's a. There's a sense where. We're exhorting one another. Every one of us. Exhorting one another. And we can learn from each other. That's another blessing. It talks about. Iron sharpening iron. You know. You might get some people.

[33:51] That. Ouch. That. They're sharpening you. That's a good thing. Amen. When someone say. Ah. Hmm. And they might give you some.

[34:02] Question. About this or that. That's a good thing. Sharpen each other. Keep sharp. There's a blessing of obedience. Think of it.

[34:13] Whenever we get together. What does it say? That. Someone. Is here. In the midst. So. It does make you think.

[34:24] Oh. If I miss that meeting. I'm going to miss that presence. Of my Lord. We don't. We don't. Put a heavy on people. To come to every meeting. For some.

[34:35] It's hard. We know that. But when we are together. He says. I'm here. That's something. That's a blessing. Isn't it? We don't want to miss that. And there's a blessing.

[34:46] To be part of God's family. So get together. Whenever you can. Make it. Make it something. You count important. And so friends. We read. That. The Lord's commanded.

[34:57] A blessing. He's commanded. The blessing. Psalm 133. That unity. That. As the Jew of Hermon. As the. As the anointing oil.

[35:07] On Aaron. And his beard. As the Jew of Hermon. As the Jew. That descended. Upon the mountains of Zion. There the Lord. Commanded the blessing.

[35:19] When you think of it. Really. I reckon. Really. This. Touches on. At least. That. Blessing. Of. Salvation. Salvation.

[35:30] Do you have this? It's the ultimate blessing. Isn't it? And. You know. Often we ask the question. When we're doing. Some witnessing. Door knocking.

[35:41] Whatever way. You might witness. You might question someone. Do you know. That you're going. To heaven. To heaven. And on what basis.

[35:52] What are the grounds. That you have. And. Really. It's about. Drilling it down to. Jesus. Is my passport. Jesus.

[36:04] Is my passport. He. He paid the price. He's given me the visa. I'm kind of being a little. White hearts there. But there's a sense where. He is our admission.

[36:15] He is our entry. He is the door. Lord. It's trusting him. Only him. Not only him. Plus. Him only. Only him. He is the one. He says.

[36:25] The only saviour. The only name that says. Jesus. Our Lord. And. Salvation. Please. You might be coming. Here.

[36:36] Morning. Night. Midweek. Every night. And miss heaven. Because it's not coming to church. That saves you. It's coming to a saviour. That saves you. Amen. He's trusting him.

[36:48] Friends. Look at this verse. It says. It was on the mountains. Of Zion. Where was our Lord crucified? On the mountains. Of Zion. Our Lord was crucified.

[37:00] On the hill of Calvary. It's part of that mountain range. The hill of Calvary. Was on the mountains. Of Zion. There. There. The Lord. Has commanded the blessing.

[37:12] What? Even life. Forever. More. Friends. Talking about unity. There's a godly unity.

[37:22] Now we should be. So unified. That we are unified. In our attack. On the enemy. There was a time. Where Lord Nelson. Was stood on. One of the. The ships.

[37:33] On the deck there. At the time of Trafalgar. And this. And he came up. From beneath. And he saw. These two. Of his officers. These British officers. Were quarreling.

[37:44] Some disagreement. And he whirled them about. And he pointed them. To the ships. Of the adversary. And he said. Gentlemen. There. Are your enemies. You know.

[37:55] Sometimes we can even. Divide amongst ourselves. And I don't believe. We are a divided church. But there might be moments. Where it can happen. We might differ. We don't want to disagree.

[38:06] About trivialities. There is the enemy. And we've got a united mission. We should be such a people. That we are united. As a. As a fighting force.

[38:19] Contending earnestly. For the faith. And not dividing. Unnecessarily. Over trivialities. We can miss out. From that.

[38:31] On what matters. So we seem. To recount. How good. How pleasant. It is. Brethren. To delve together. In unity. That unity. Of the faith.

[38:41] Strive to keep it. Let's fight the devil. Not one another. Let's enjoy the benefits we have. It's good. It's pleasant. Get together. Whenever you can.

[38:52] Don't miss it. Receive the blessing. Of the Lord. It's like the anointing oil. It's like the dew on the mountains. Receive the blessing. Of the Lord. The blessing. Of fellowship.

[39:03] And may he be. Pleased. With our fellowship. May he be glorified. Amen.