The Glory of Unity

By Nosayaba Evbuomwan PhD

This book uses Psalm 133 as a launching pad for espousing the importance and benefits of unity in the body of Christ. Unity as a subject is constantly discussed in the church, but the practical demonstration is generally ignored. The first two chapters attempt an exposition on Psalm 133. The metaphors, that is, the precious ointment (anointing oil) and the dew of Hermon used by David to describe the goodness and pleasantness of brethren dwelling together in unity, are extensively elucidated. Further chapters in the book in addition to discussing barriers to unity adopt a prescriptive approach in enunciating the rationale for unity in the body of Christ. Practical steps on how we might achieve or at least advance the cause of Christ as we seek to walk in unity is discussed within the context of a local church, denomination, and the church at large. The book in the final chapters sets out the benefits of unity while challenging the church to do all she can about this very important subject. It is my prayer that as you read this book, apart from learning new truths, you will be encouraged, emboldened, and challenged to champion and promote unity in the body of Christ.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 13, 2018
• ISBN: 9781546222842

Nosayaba Evbuomwan PhD

Nosayaba Evbuomwan, acept al Seor Jesucristo en su vida en 1976, mientras estaba en la escuela secundaria en Edo College, Benin City, Nigeria. Su compromiso con el Seor Jesucristo lo empuj hacia posiciones de liderazgo que continu a lo largo de sus estudios universitarios en la Universidad de Benin. Entre 1980 y 1982, sirvi dos periodos consecutivos en la rea ejecutiva de la Unin Cristiana. Desde que se gradu de la Universidad de Benin, Nigeria en 1983, donde estudi Ingeniera Civil, ha estado involucrado en el ministerio en varios medios en Nigeria, el Reino Unido y Estados Unidos. En 1988, se hizo con una MSc y DIC grados en estructuras de hormign del Imperial College de Ciencia, Tecnologa y Medicina, Londres, Reino Unido. En 1994, por su trabajo en el diseo de ingeniera, fue galardonado con un doctorado en Ingeniera Mecnica por City University, Londres, Reino Unido. Entre 1988 y 1998, trabaj como ingeniero, investigador y profesor de ingeniera y diseo estructural en el Reino Unido. Desde 1998 hasta la fecha, ha sido un consultor (Panel de Asesores Cientfico, SAP) de informtica en Fortune 500 y 1000 empresas en Estados Unidos. Se convirti en pastor fundador del Eagle Believers International Church (www.eaglebelievers.com), en 2001. Su pasin singular es la de supervisar Iglesias de Todas Las Naciones. Su fuerte principal es el desarrollo espiritual, el crecimiento y la madurez de los creyentes bajo los dones del ministerio quntuple de apstoles, profetas, pastores, maestros y evangelistas. Sus intereses incluyen varios entre otras cosas: tocar las guitarra acstica y bajos, tenis, ftbol, cine/obra de teatro, pintura y jardinera. Tambin ha escrito una docena de canciones. Vive en Grapevine, Texas, con su esposa Anne Funmi Evbuomwan, un ministro del Evangelio en su propia cuenta y sus dos hijos Uyioghosa y Oluwademilade.

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© 2018 Nosayaba Evbuomwan, PhD. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/08/2018

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2285-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2283-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-2284-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017919613

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Scripture quotations marked KJV are from the Holy Bible, King James Version (Authorized Version). First published in 1611. Quoted from the KJV Classic Reference Bible, Copyright © 1983 by The Zondervan Corporation.

Scripture quotations marked NKJV are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and to all my teachers and mentors in the faith, especially in the early years (1976 – 1983).

Acknowledgements

My very special thanks go to my able and loving wife Pastor Anne Olufunmilayo Evbuomwan for her continuous encouragement and support during the writing of this book. She was the primary catalyst who encouraged me to put in print those messages I shared with her in private.

Many thanks are also due to my friend and co-labourer Pastor Taiwo Ayeni, for his meticulous editing, suggestions and formatting. Thanks too to Funmi Coker in London, UK, who in November 2004 without any prior leading or indicators encouraged me to start writing books. Hearty thanks to a beloved brother and friend Hope Ovwah. His contribution on the relationship between the Unity of the Spirit and the Unity of the Faith, is gratefully acknowledged.

Contents

Dedication

Acknowledgements

Introduction

Chapter 1   Defining Unity

Chapter 2   A Tale of two Metaphors

Chapter 3   Barriers to Unity

Chapter 4   The Necessity For Fellowship – Koinonia

Chapter 5   Unity: A Necessity

Chapter 6   Foundational Principles

Chapter 7   The Glory of the Unity of the Saints

Chapter 8   Is Unity Possible?

Chapter 9   Lord Make us One

Introduction

Looking through the scriptures we see that right from the beginning of creation, the unity and harmony of the Godhead are clearly exemplified. For example, when God said "Let us make man in our own image and likeness…." in Gen 1:26, the "us" in that verse is obviously referring to God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in unison. The unity demonstrated in the God head is the foundation of all of God’s operations and activities both in heaven and on earth. If God our Father operates in unity, then we as His children cannot afford to do anything less. We must imitate Him in this all important matter.

Furthermore, the unity of the Godhead is seen in the consistency of the plan and program of God. We see promises made by God the Father fulfilled in God the Son and declarations made by God the Son accomplished by God the Holy Spirit. There was neither any conflict nor contradiction in the activities of the three persons of the Godhead. There was always agreement and coherence in the plans of God. This means without any doubt that our God and Father is a God of order.

The expression of unity in the Godhead is an offshoot of divine order. Whenever there is order, unity results. Disunity in the body of Christ therefore is an indication of orderly disorder or managed conflict. The order of God is already set in His word as a pattern for the body of Christ to follow. If we consistently follow His word, it would be easier to fall in line with His order and thus be able to achieve better unity than we presently know.

The Psalm of David Chapter 133, which forms the basis for this book, demonstrates that we can and should celebrate our unity as brethren in the body of Christ. It furthermore shows the benefit and the resulting glory if we dwell together in unity. As I invite you to a glorious call to unity, the process and the joy it brings to the body, may you be richly blessed as you respond and take time to digest the content of this book to your spiritual benefit.

Chapter One

DEFINING UNITY

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! - Ps 133:1

Introduction

What is Unity one might ask? It can be described as oneness, accord, harmony or agreement to a common cause or purpose. It can also be seen as the elimination of dissention and having the same view point, mind, vision and focus. Unity also invokes the need to move in the same direction, preferring others, submitting to one another, expression of loyalty and the cultivation of covenant relationships (David and Jonathan being a good case in point).

The concept of Unity, although might sound idealistic to some in the Church today, is however not an unrealizable experience for us as Christians. Clearly from the scriptures, God desires that the Body of Christ be united. The Church however in my observation, does