Do we really know who our enemy is? Far too many churches see think other churches are our competition or even our enemy. Some Christians think that people, even other Christians, are our enemies. That could not be further from the truth. Yet our real enemy, Satan, wants us to keep on thinking that way.
Knowing our enemy will help make the church one. That will unify us, says Craig Groeschel of Lifechurch.tv. During Craig's ONE PRAYER message, he asked the church to see some things that would help us become one. One in the way we think. One in the way we act, and one in the way we worship.
John 10:10 (nlt) --- The enemies purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. Jesus' purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.
1 Peter 5:8 (nlt) --- Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.
How can knowing our enemy make the church one? Great question. It is about focus. When people have no focus, they tend to run in all kinds of direction. Focus comes with vision. But Satan causes division, which literally means "divided vision" as Craig illustrated for us.
If we put our eyes on Jesus and know what makes us take our eyes off of Jesus, it will be easier to stay strong and get stronger. So, what makes the church weak and ineffective? It is letting the enemy win. It may be even less than that. It may just be listening to the enemy before you even give Him a chance to win. So, if you don't know who the enemy is, you may mistake the enemy for a friend or even your leader.
It is time for each of us to focus. It is time for the church to understand why God so often said we are to have the "same mind". God knows that we will be much better off and much more effective when we turn our eyes, minds and actions toward God and not let the enemy distract or divide us. Lord, Make Us One!
Philippians 2:2 (nlt) --- Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
Join the ONE PRAYER conversation at www.oneprayer.com. The Community Fellowship and over 1,500 churches are focusing on God together for four weeks. Spend time praying, fasting, sharing and seeking God. It will change your life and your focus. Join us.
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