Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.
(John 4:14)

(LIVING WATER)
ISSUE: #243

MEM

(Messianic Email Message)
Psalms 119:97 - 104

Seeking The Truth
MEM Index
Article Index

And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb
(Rev 22:1)

For His Glory!

MESSAGE
What are some of the Fundamentals of the Church? Unity will be noted in His Church Yeshua (Jesus) is building His Church Matt 16:16-18 (NKJV unless indicated) Thus "church" in Scripture = "Of or belonging to the Lord" This series of lessons is based on the definition of "The Church" taken from the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE: J. C. Lambert’s commentary). church: IV. THE NOTES OF THE CHURCH 1. Faith 2. Fellowship 3. Unity 4. Consecration 5. Power Unity: Although local congregations sprang up wherever the gospel was preached, and each of these enjoyed an independent life of its own, the unity of the church was clearly recognized from the first. Though there were many churches, there was but one church. Psalm 133:1 *Behold, how good and how pleasant it is* For brethren to dwell together in unity! Ps 133:1 CJB Oh, how good, how pleasant it is for brothers to live together in harmony. Ps 133:1 EBR Lo! how good and how delightful, for brethren, to dwell together even as one. Ps 133:1 LXXE See now! what is so good, or what so pleasant, as for brethren to dwell together? Unity** (Note - the MEM has edited most definitions and commentary to stress the meaning of unity) Data from Oxford Languages The state of being united or joined as a whole: SIMILAR: Union; unification; integration; amalgamation; coalition SIMILAR: Harmony; accord; concord; concurrence; cooperation - a thing forming a complex whole: SIMILAR: Oneness; singleness; wholeness; entity; integrity ISBE: u'-ni-ti: Ps 133:1 for yachadh, "unitedness," and Eph 4:3; Eph 4:13 for henotes "oneness." ****** Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, unless they are agreed? Genesis 13:8 (NKJV unless indicated) So Abram said to Lot, "Please let there be no strife between you and me, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen; for we are brethren. Being one or single of minded Unity is the state of being one or single of minded. We are to be likeminded with Christ and renew our minds to the endurance and encouragement the scripture offers us. We should make an effort to dwell in the spirit of unity between believers; there should be no divisions or arguments among us. The Spirit of Unity among Believers Rom 15:5 Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that you may with one mind** and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Unity of the Spirit - Note the synonyms for Unity in other translations Eph 4:3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Eph 4:3 (BWE) The Spirit has made you all one. Try to stay like that. May you be at peace with one another. Eph 4:3 (EBR) Giving diligence to keep--the oneness of the Spirit in the uniting-bond of peace,-- Eph 4:3 (LBP) Endeavoring to preserve the harmony of the Spirit in the bond of peace, Eph 4:3 (NLT) Always keep yourselves united in the Holy Spirit, and bind yourselves together with peace. Barnes Verse 3. *The unity of the Spirit. A united spirit, or oneness of spirit. This does not refer to the fact that there is one Holy Spirit; but it refers to unity of affection, of confidence, of love. It means* that Christians should be united in temper and affection, and not be split up in factions and parties. ** Oneness If you look at the definition of unity in the Bible, you would find that ‘unity’ in its original language means oneness. God has made His people one together with Him through the Holy Spirit. We are bound as one body for the purpose of furthering His kingdom and His glory. Yeshua** (Jesus), The Head of His ‘church’ emphasized Oneness. Matt 19:5 "and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? 6 So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." John 17:20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; *21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are* in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me. The Apostle Paul understood the oneness of the church; which is the body of Messiah. 1Cor 12:12 For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 1Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body -- whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free -- and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For in fact the body is not one member but many. 1Cor 12:15** If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where would be the smelling? 1Cor 12:18 But now God has set the members, each one of them, in the body just as He pleased. 19 And if they were all one member, where would the body be? 20 But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you"; nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you." 1Cor 12:22 No, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary. 23 And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 1Cor 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28 And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. ** Antonyms & Near Antonyms for Unity disunity; Tension; Violence; imbalance; asymmetry; incoherence; disproportion; disorganization; confusion Prov 6:19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren. A big cause for division** (disunity; discord; confusion) in the church today is false ‘Doctrine’ Rom 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 1Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, 2Tim 4:3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; Heb 13:9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines… 2John 1:10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; Rev 2:14 "But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam… Rev 2:15 "Thus you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Give heed to the Doctrine (Teaching) of Messiah Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized. 1Tim 6:1 … *so that the name of God and His* doctrine may not be blasphemed. 2Tim 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, Titus 1:9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are proper for sound doctrine: Titus 2:7** in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, ** I believe the Apostle Paul had a good understanding about Unity and Consecration - Read Romans chapter 12. ** Next Issue Consecration

Proverbs
Unity Oneness Prov 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will be destroyed. Prov 1:19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain; It takes away the life of its owners. Prov 29:24 Whoever is a partner with a thief hates his own life… Prov 2:9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice, Equity and every good path. Prov 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Prov 3:17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, And all her paths are peace. H3605 (Strong) kole a. all, the whole of b. any, each, every, anything c. totality, everything

PSALMS
Unity / One Ps 34:20 He guards all his bones; Not one of them is broken. Ps 53:3 Every one of them has turned aside; They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one. Ps 139:16 Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them. H259 (Strong) 'echad properly **united that is one; - alike alone altogether** …

LIFE IN MESSIAH
Unity "Do you consider it important to study God’s word that you may understand its true meaning and be correct in your doctrine? For this He commends you. Do you find that other people who have an equally sincere faith read the same Bible and come to conclusions that differ in at least some minor points? Be very careful how you address these differences. Be aware of the way you present the common faith to an unbelieving world. For it would be a grievous thing for someone without to reject me because believers let a minor difference in doctrine become the focus of their relationship. How pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity, living the common faith in the bond of peace.". "As a believer do you hear a great deal about toleration and unity? These are familiar themes but they are different concepts and you should not confuse them. Toleration is not the approval of evil. It is a means for people who disagree to live in peace together. After Messiah’s resurrection His followers joined together for a lengthy time of prayer. They achieved unity and He poured out His Spirit upon them and The Word went forth in power with signs, wonders, and miracles. This will not happen where there is division and strife but it will still happen when true unity is present. Do you enjoy the peace that toleration brings? Do not be satisfied with this, but press on for real unity with your brothers and sisters and see His power manifested." (Adapted from a Dale Cresap blog)

Saying
Unity being part of the whole "Do you have as high a regard for unity* and avoiding offenses as you have for your own health?"?* - Dale Cresap "A book has but one* voice, but it does not instruct everyone alike."* ― Thomas à Kempis "God hath thus ordered it, that we may learn to bear one another’s burdens; for no man is without fault, no man without his burden, no man sufficient of himself, no man wise enough of himself; but we ought to bear with one another, comfort one another, help, instruct, and admonish one another." ― Thomas à Kempis, The Imitation of Christ

DID YOU KNOW
Symbolism Why did the US choose a US Navy Iowa-class battleship as the location for Japan's surrender in World War II even though they were in Tokyo Bay and could have used a building on land? Pure symbolism. Nothing says "you're utterly defeated" than having to board the enemy's massive battleship in the waters of your own capital city. A naval vessel is considered sovereign territory for the purposes of accepting a surrender. You just don't get that if you borrow a ceremonial space from the host country. In addition, the Navy originally wanted the USS South Dakota to be the surrender site. It was President Truman who changed it to USS Missouri, Missouri being Truman's home state. The Japanese delegation had to travel across water to the Missouri, which sat at the center of a huge US fleet. It's a bit like those movie scenes where someone enters a big-wig's office, and the big-wig is sat silhouetted at the end of a long room, behind a massive desk. The appellant has to walk all the way to that desk along a featureless space, feeling small, exposed, vulnerable and comparatively worthless before the mogul enthroned in dramatic lighting before him. By the time he gets there the great speech he had prepared is reduced to a muttered sentence or two. In addition, the USS Missouri flew the flag of Commodore Perry's 19th century gun-boat diplomacy mission that opened the closeted Edo-era Japan to the world and forced upon them the Meiji restoration which ended the rule of the samurai class. The symbolism here is pretty clear - "this is how we want you to be, and remember what happens to countries that defy us." It was particularly humiliating for a proud country like Japan, and that was entirely the point. The symbolism of the ceremony was even greater than that. The ship was anchored at the precise latitude/longitude recorded in Perry's log during his 1845 visit, symbolizing the purpose of both visits to open Japan to the West. Perry's original flag was also present, having been flown all the way from the Naval Academy for the ceremony. When the Japanese delegation came aboard, they were forced to use an accommodation way (stairs) situated just forward of turret #1. The freeboard (distance between the ship's deck and the water line) there makes the climb about twice as long as if it had been set up farther aft, where the freeboard of the ship is less. NOTE: This was even more of an issue for the Japanese surrender party as the senior member, Foreign Affairs Minister Shigemitsu, was crippled by an assassination attempt in 1932, losing his right leg in the process. The #1 and #2 turrets had been traversed about 20 degrees to starboard. The ostensible reason for this was to get the turret overhangs out of the way to create more room for the ceremony on the starboard veranda deck, but in fact this would have only required traversing turret #2 had it been the real reason. However, the turret position also put the gun tubes directly over the heads of the Japanese. They were literally boarding the ship "under the gun". The honor guard of US sailors (side boys) were all hand-picked to be over six feet tall, a further intimidation of the short-statured Japanese. The surrender documents themselves, one copy for the Allies and one for the Japanese contained identical English-language texts, but the Allied copy was bound in good quality leather, while the Japanese copy was bound with light canvas whose stitching looked like it had been done by a drunken tailor using kite string. After the signing ceremony, the Japanese delegation was not invited for tea and cookies; they were shuffled off the ship as an Allied air armada of over 400 aircraft flew overhead as a final reminder that American forces still had the ability to continue fighting should the Japanese have second thoughts on surrender. Now you know………

LIGHTER SIDE?
Yes, it's that magical time of year again when the Darwin Awards are bestowed, honoring the least evolved among us. Here is the glorious winner: When his .38 caliber revolver failed to fire at his intended victim during a hold-up in Long Beach, California would-be robber James Elliot did something that can only inspire wonder. He peered down the barrel and tried the trigger again. This time it worked. The honorable mentions: The chef at a hotel in Switzerland lost a finger in a meat cutting machine and after a little shopping around, submitted a claim to his insurance company. The company expecting negligence sent out one of its men to have a look for himself. He tried the machine and he also lost a finger. The chef's claim was approved. After stopping for drinks at an illegal bar, a Zimbabwean bus driver found that the 20 mental patients he was supposed to be transporting from Harare to Bulawayo had escaped. Not wanting to admit his incompetence, the driver went to a nearby bus stop and offered everyone waiting there a free ride. He then delivered the passengers to the mental hospital, telling the staff that the patients were very excitable and prone to bizarre fantasies. The deception wasn't discovered for 3 days.

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