The emphasis in this series, so far, has been on worship as an experience within our own heart, mind, and soul. Worshipping through our life, using our body has also been considered. See Deuteronomy 6:4-6; John 4:23-24; I Corinthians 6:19-20; Philippians 1:20-21. We have emphasized that we cannot separate our attention on loving God and behave in a contradictory manner towards people. See Matthew 22:36-40; 7:1-5, 12; I John 4:20; 3:11-19; James 2:1-13; 3:8-18; Romans 13:8-10. This then led us to look at worship as an act of testimony, to reach those who do not believe. See Psalm 145:4-7; 31:19; Matthew 10:32-33.

Now, our focus is on worshipping God, not just before men, but with men.

We need to coordinate with others, of like faith, whose minds and hearts are united in the purpose of worshipping and serving God through Jesus Christ our Lord. See Romans 15:1-7; Ephesians 5:1-20; Colossians 3:12-17.

Now, if you actually looked at those last Scripture references seriously, then you know this is no simple task. The unity of the believers, in a loving, working relationship, focused on worshipping God, is not going to happen automatically or effortlessly! People naturally divide and go their separate ways. It almost always looks easier to quit and go somewhere else…or stay at home. There are times when doctrine and practice become issues that must cause Christians to look for other situations, where they can follow their conscience (Amos 3:3; II Timothy 3:1-5). However, so many times brothers and sisters in Christ separate or cause divisions when love and grace could have produced a great teaching moment, making many stronger. In other words, hundreds of reasons can be offered for why followers of Christ separate and divide. Only one good reason exists for why followers of Christ should work out their issues and stay united in a working relationship. That reason is the glory of God and the love of Christ. See John 13:34-35; 17:16-23; Ephesians 3:21; 4:1-6, 24-32; Romans 16:17-20; II Corinthians 13:11-14.

The time is short.

We can't afford the luxury of splitting up and creating our own "perfect" place where we are going to get everything done "the right way!" (i.e. "my way"). Look at the countries where people are brutally persecuting Christians. Denominational barriers between Christians are handled very gently and lovingly. They need each other! Our independent Yankee spirits have deceived us into thinking that we do not need each other! It's time to wake up! By the way, the goal is not to unite churches. Rather, it is to unite Christians. Loving each other for Christ's sake and prayerful concern for each other is the call of the hour. Who knows how we might help each other and learn from each other, if we actually paid attention to each other (I Corinthians 12:18-27; Ephesians 6:23-24).

The time is short. Our lives are short. The World is uniting in a spirit of antichrist. The return of Christ is at hand. See Romans 13:8-14; James 5:7-19; I Peter 4:7-11; I John 2:15 - 3:19.

See the early churches involved together: learning, growing, sharing, uniting in understanding and desire to serve Christ together. See Acts 2:42-47; 4:22-35; 6:1-7; 11:1-18; 12:1-16; 13:1-3; 15:1-31; 20:17-21, 26-35; II Corinthians 8:1-9; Philippians 2:1-5; I Thessalonians 1:2-10; 3:12 - 4:1, 9-12; 5:11-26.

Those who would worship God in spirit and in truth should be very concerned with the New Testament instructions on how we should treat "each other" / "one another" (or, how to behave "among yourselves")

• Mark 9:50.
• John 13:14, 34-35; 15:12, 17.
• Romans 1:12; 12:10, 16; 13:8; 14:13, 19; 15:5, 7, 14; 16:16.
• I Corinthians 1:10; 11:33; 12:25; 16:20.
• II Corinthians 13:12.
• Galatians 5:13, 15, 26; 6:2.
• Ephesians 4:2, 16, 25, 32; 5:19, 21.
• Philippians 2:3-5; 4:2.
• Colossians 3:9, 13, 16.
• I Thessalonians 3:12; 4:9, 18; 5:11, 13, 15.
• II Thessalonians 1:3.
• Hebrews 3:13; 10:24, 25; 13:1.
• James 4:11; 5:9, 16.
• I Peter 1:22; 3:8; 4:8-10; 5:5, 14.
• I John 1:7; 3:11, 23; 4:7, 11-12.
• II John 1:5

Most of these Scriptures pertain to behavior and attitudes within a church or towards the whole brotherhood of Christ. They all can and should be applied to marriage, family and, as much as possible, to all other human relationships (Romans 12:18). As worshippers of God, in spirit and in truth, we must combine passion for God and His Word with compassion to our fellow man - especially the household of faith (Galatians 6:7-10). It is our life, empowered by a godly spirit, guided by the true light of Scripture that produces the acceptable offering of worship and service to God (Romans 14:17-19 cp. Hebrews 12:28; I Corinthians 4:20; Psalm 51:15-17). This offering is never more glorious than when many work together as one to offer it unto their Lord (Romans 12:1-5).

"O magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together." - Psalm 34:3