I. THE BIBLE TEACHES RELIGIOUS UNITY AND CONDEMNS DIVISION

A.     The Bible commands religious unity:

1.      John 17:20-21

2.      1 Corinthians 1:10-13

3.      Ephesians 4:1-6

4.      Romans 12:5

5.      1 Corinthians 12:20

B.     The Bible condemns religious division:

1.      Proverbs 6:16-19

2.      Romans 16:17

II. THE BIBLE IS THE MEANS OF ACHIEVING UNITY

A.     We must only speak only what the Bible teaches:

1.      2 Timothy 4:1-2

2.      Acts 20:27

3.      1 Peter 4:11

B.     We must be silent where the Bible is silent

1.      Proverbs 30:5-6

2.      Deuteronomy 29:29

C.     We must always practice Biblical love! Philippians 2:1-2

III. THE BIBLE IS THE BASIS FOR MAINTAINING RELIGOUS UNITY

A.     We must stand upon the teaching of Christ, and must never depart from it.

1.      2 John 9-11

2.      Philippians 3:16

3.      2 Timothy 1:13

B.     Thereby, we can be united in purpose, speech, and mind.

1.      1 Corinthians 1:10

2.      Romans 12:16

3.      Romans 15:6

CONCLUSION

Jesus predicted unity (John 10:16), prayed for it (John 17:20-21), and the early church practiced it (Acts 2:44-46)

John M. Brown