As we examine the first four books of the New Testament, also known as the Gospels of Jesus Christ, we notice a great wealth on uniqueness within each one.
In the Book of Matthew, Christ is presented as the "King of the Jews." The book of Mark presented Him as the "Servant of God." In the book of Luke, He is presented as the "Son of man," while the book of John presents Him as the "Son of God." Although these gospels painted four different portraits of Jesus' character, they all presented the one gospel message of repentance and the kingdom of God; in which He came to establish. Nevertheless, these four different accounts of Jesus' life are examples of our different perceptions as people, and a sign of an authentic design by God the Designer. Moreover, as we study the entire volume of the Bible, all 66 books, though historical in content, presents Jesus Christ (Luke 24:27,44; John 5:39; Heb 10:7). Hence, when fitly joined together, the entire Bible presents one gospel message of salvation through Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God.
When Jesus came to this earth, He preached one Gospel; "repentance, for the kingdom of God is at hand." Let us look at the four gospels. Matthew 4:23 confirms, "And Jesus went about Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people." Mark 1:14-15 says, "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God. And saying, the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel." Luke 4:43 states, "And he said unto them, 'I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, for therefore I am sent.'" John 3:3 also confirmed, "Jesus answered and said unto him, 'I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.'" In Acts 1:1-2, we see Jesus commanding His followers to do the same: "Until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom he showed himself alive and after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking the things pertaining to the kingdom of God."
There is no doubt that Jesus Christ was the Promised Messiah whom Israel was waiting for. However, He came to save all nations and establish a spiritual kingdom. While establishing the kingdom of God, He gave many teachings, did many miracles, and spoke in parables specifically to his followers. At times, his disciples were confused by His teachings but always relied on Him for clarification and discernment. One of Jesus' most memorable sermons was the Sermon on the Mount, in which He taught all his followers many different things about our new life, and some things to expect in the kingdom of God. After His death, resurrection, and ascension to the Father, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit as a "Comforter" to abide with them and guide them into all truth (Jn 14:16,17; 16:13; Acts 2:1-4).
The Holy Spirit first descended unto the Christians in Jerusalem as they prayed and fellowshipped in unity and one accord. Even though these followers may have had different perceptions of Jesus' teachings, they relied solely on the Holy Spirit for their direction, discernment, strength, courage, clarification, conviction, and comfort, as they preached and proclaimed the gospel of the Kingdom of God and salvation through Jesus Christ (Acts 8:12; 28:30-31).
Jesus' Apostles continued preaching and teaching the Gospel of the Kingdom in unity; building on the foundation that the Lord had established. And, as followers grew in numbers, the Apostles established congregations in various locations throughout the known world; wherever the Holy Spirit led them. However, because of the differences in locations, it was only a matter of time before the unity of the kingdom was threatened.
For the most part, the Kingdom of God was united for the first 1000 years. Primarily because when their were disagreements, our predecessors came together and dealt with these issues in love. They understood that the unity of Spirit and faith were essential. However, in the year 1054, a major split took place which resulted in the two denominations known today as Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox. Five hundred years later, another schism took place which, in turn, gave birth to a third denomination called the Protestants.
Thus today it is said that there are hundreds of different denominations within the Kingdom.. Some with differing beliefs and perceptions of the Gospel. Why did we allow our perceptions to divide the Kingdom of God? The birth of each division evolving from pride and unforgiveness; the works of the flesh. Although we may all have different perceptions, we are still responsible to preserve the unity for the effectual work of the Kingdom. Hence, Jesus said "if a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand" (Mark 3:24). No wonder one of His last recorded prayers was that "we are one."
It is written in Ephesians 4:1-6, "I Therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, and long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through you all.
For centuries, unity was sought within the kingdom of God. However, because of differences in locations, this was hardly possible. Today, by the grace of God, we are able to unite with other members from all corners of the earth in preparation for His return.
We realize that because of our fallen nature, we are unable to fully understand everything about God. Therefore, although we may have different perceptions of His Word, we do not lose sight of His grace. We do not boldly separate from the rest of the Body, but humbly submit to Jesus. Just as He reconciled us to God, we are willing to reconcile with each other. Jesus is the Head, and He instructs us through the Word. Hence, in His Word, we are told to always endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit.
Brothers and Sisters, although we may have different ministries and operations, we must be united and in one accord, as in Jerusalem, to fully utilize the power given to us through the Holy Spirit. If we want the Spirit's power to work among us, we must be open to talk and listen to other denominations and other groups within our denomination. The Spirit may also be working among them. If we are too suspicious to have anything to do with them, we might deprive the Kingdom of something very important that the Spirit is trying to tell us or is doing through them.
It is written in Ephesians 4:11-16, "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the working of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: Till we all come together in the unity of one faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ: That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; But speaking the truth in love, may all grow up in Him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."
Obviously, we may still have differences in perception, however we are to continue to bring all of these things captive to our Lord Jesus Christ. Our differences should not seperate us but draw us closer to God. They are to remind us of our frailties while we focus on our Author and Finisher of our faith. We must continually grow together in love. Hence, it is only when we grow together as one, as the Father and Son, that we will fulfill our purpose as a Body; and become an effective witness to the rest of the world.
As we fellowship in the chatrooms, it is important that we have our Bible at hand; always demonstrating love by exhorting and edifying each other. Although we may be in different locations, the Holy Spirit will bind us together and make us one. Then, and only then, can we confront and overcome the problems plaguing our body; thus reconciling us and making us an effective witness to the rest of the world. "But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another and the blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanses us from all sin." (1 Jn 1:7)
Two all-important factors for edification are our prayers and testimonies. As we pray for each other and ourselves, every answered prayer becomes a testimony. So please do not neglect to share your testimonies because they are encouraging to the rest of us. We also have prayer warriors ready and willing to pray for anyone in need.
The United kingdom of God also has many members in prison. Due to their predicament, we are dedicated to serving them in their areas of need. We have allocated many services for prisoners including; Bible Study Correspondence, College Correspondence Courses, Support for those on Dearth Row, Support and information for those with HIV/AIDS, Advocacy groups, and Legal help. Some services also cater to the families of those incarcerated, but our most important service is extending the love of Christ to them.
Many devout brothers and sisters are diligently serving the Lord but being in prison, they may feel lonely and separated from the rest of the Body. In some cases, their immediate families have passed or deserted them; nevertheless, they are part of God's family. Fact is, just as we have a spiritual void that only God can fill, we also have an emotional void that needs companionship from others. On our Pen-pals page, we are able to unite with them for fellowship, friendship, and/or relationship. This will give them some comfort and will definitely help unite the rest of the Body.
As we know, some of the most gifted brothers and sisters are in prison but are often denied an opportunity to show their talents and gifts. On our Art and Writings page, we will give them an opportunity to display these talents, while encouraging them to seek the Giver of their gifts.
Ultimately, we hope to provide a platform for our brothers and sisters getting out of prison to be firmly established within the Body; to build a solid foundation in the Lord; and to become productive members of society when they get out. A person getting out is like fresh meat to the enemy and will need all the support they can get. Therefore, we will continue to assist them in their various areas of need as they make their transition. For our brothers and sisters not getting out, they will need our support to stay strong in the Lord in order to endure to the end. Through the help from the rest of the Body, unified in the love of Christ, a difference will be made in the lives of prisoners throughout the country.
The United kingdom of God is open to all believers and ministries of Christ; regardless of denomination, congregation, or sect. We even invite you to be a part of this unification. Upon acceptance of this invitation, you will be a member. Your only obligation is that you truely accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. Please spread the word of this unification.
It is our prayer that we all come together as one even as the Father and Son are one.
Forever in Christ,
members@unitedkingdomofGod.com