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The Seven Keys to Unity


And
Revival of the Church
Over the last 2 yrs the Lord has been speaking to me heavily about what He
called the 7 Keys to Unity and Revival of the Church. He said these
things needed to be done with one mind and one accord without
selfish ambitions or conceits. I feel the Lord reminded me of the Acts
Chapter 2 and how they were all together with one mind and one
accord; they had all things in common, and did all things for the glory
of God. In this the Lord showed me seven Keys to unlocking unity in
the body of Christ and seeing true revival and growth in the Church.
The Sevens Keys are; Humbleness/Humility, Repentance, Forgiveness,
Giving, Prayer, Praise, and Worship. Humbleness is the key, without
humbleness none of the others are possible. And Worship is the
culmination of all the others. It has been humbling and encouraging
testing this word to scripture.

1. Humility
Humility is the most important because without it none of the others
are possible, or received.

hum•ble
Pronunciation: (hum'bul, um'-), [key]
—adj., -bler, -blest,
—v., -bled, -bling.
—adj.
1. not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful.
2. having a feeling of insignificance, inferiority, subservience, etc.: In the
presence of so many world-famous writers I felt very humble.
3. low in rank, importance, status, quality, etc.; lowly: of humble origin; a
humble home.
4. courteously respectful: In my humble opinion you are wrong.
5. low in height, level, etc.; small in size: a humble member of the galaxy.
—v.t.
1. to lower in condition, importance, or dignity; abase.
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2. to destroy the independence, power, or will of.


3. to make meek: to humble one's heart

Philippians 2

Unity Through Humility


1
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being
like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let
nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not
only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

1 Peter 5:5 (New King James Version


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Likewise you younger people, submit yourselves to your elders. Yes, all of
you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God
resists the proud,
But gives grace to the humble.”[a]

I was at a 6th of July picnic in 2008 and there were 3 different churches
there. Each church was in its’ own group, and there were sub groups among
the 3 main groups. I was sitting by myself just observing things and was
troubled in my spirit. I have this funny idea of what heaven will be like, and it
is that there will be one huge table where we will all sit down to eat. Just
when we are about to eat, God will come in and make us play musical chairs,
and make us sit down next to someone we don’t know, and get to know
them. That just seems to be how God is, He always likes to mess with us just
a little, He is funny like that. Now I know that in heaven we will be like the
angels, and we will all know each other, the point is it should be like that
here. And so I was troubled in my spirit because I seen these three churches
in their own separate groups, and separate groups among those groups, so I
closed my eyes and began to pray. I said “Father, why can’t we come
together with one mind and one accord”? I just want us all to sit down
together and get to know one another, why can’t we do that? The wind
began to blow, and the pages of my Bible started to turn…I got Jesus
bumps….and when the wind stopped and the pages stopped, I looked down,
and the first verse I seen was Philippians 2:2 fulfill my joy by being like-
minded, having the same love, being of one mind and one accord… I was like
wow, this is exactly what I asked…so I read down further to verse three….let
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nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind


let each esteem others as better than himself… verse 4, let each of you look
out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Wow!!!
SO the whole reason we can’t come together with one mind and one accord
is because we are not of one mind and one accord…we run around here
doing our own thing, we won’t help others because that might take way from
what we are doing…and we are all supposed to be doing the same thing…
SPREADING the GOSPEL of Jesus CHRIST!!!! Not for our own personal gain,
not because we can do it better than someone else, but because Jesus died
on the cross for us!!!! For all of us!!! Philippians 2 goes down to say that we
should have the same attitude as Christ Jesus, who even though He was God
in the flesh He humbled Himself even to the point of death. Jesus didn’t go
around saying well I’m Jesus, or I’m God bow down to me…He didn’t make
himself out to be of any reputation, like a lot of us do…no…He came in the
form of a homeless bond servant riding on an donkey, on the colt of a
donkey even….church we need to humble ourselves and turn to God with
everything we have, or it’s going to be real bad…

The Humbled and Exalted Christ


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Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of
God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no
reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8
And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became
obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has
highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at
the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on
earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Romans 3:19-20 (New King James Version)


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Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under
the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become
guilty before God. 20
Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be
justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

We have nothing to boast in except for Christ, none of us are perfect, and
when we realize that, we can begin the healing process.
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2 Chronicles 7:14 If my people who are called by My name would humble


themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways,
then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chron 7:14 shows us how humbleness, prayer and repentance work hand
in hand, first, we must humble ourselves, (only then will God hear out
prayers) pray and seek His face and turn from (or repent), the God will hear
usand heal our land…we need some healing in this land,
AMEN!!!

2.Repentance
Ver 1 repent - turn away from sin or do penitence
b . atone
2 repent - feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be
. contrite about

There are three Greek words used in the New Testament to denote
repentance.

(1.) The verb _metamelomai_ is used of a change of mind, such as to


produce regret or even remorse on account of sin, but not necessarily a
change of heart. This word is used with reference to the repentance of Judas
(Matt. 27:3).

(2.) Metanoeo, meaning to change one's mind and purpose, as the result of
after knowledge. This verb, with (3) the cognate noun _metanoia_, is used of
true repentance, a change of mind and purpose and life, to which remission
of sin is promised.

So there is a difference between feeling sorry, or guilty of our


sins, and actually turning from them and correcting them.

As the church we need to be the example of what our communities,


cities, towns, states, and nations need to be. All have sinned and
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having fallen short of the glory of God, and we need to admit our
mistakes, and our faults one to another, and repent, and forgive. We
all need to do it together with one mind and one accord, for the
healing of our lands. And if we continue to sin, and commit the same
injustices then it is not true repentance, we must correct the wrongs
that we have committed, these are fruits of repentance.

Repentance requires humility, for some will say:


Jeremiah8:6
I listened and heard, But they do not speak aright. No man repented of his
wickedness, Saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to his own course,
As the horse rushes into the battle.

How is it that we are not willing or able to see our sins, yet we can so easily
see the sin of others? We cannot look at ourselves and see how we hurt
people or cause them to stumble, yet we can point out how they have
stumbled. And when someone points it out, we will not receive it…it is
pride…straight and simple…

Luke 15:7
I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner
who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people who are called by My name would humble themselves, and pray
and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Jeremiah3:6
[A Call to Repentance] The LORD said also to me in the days of Josiah the
king: “Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on
every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the
harlot.

For those of you who are not familiar with what a harlot is, that is a woman
that sells her body for money. Church we need to repent for making the
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Word of God into something that is a business, it is not about making money,
it is not about making a profit…yes the one with an “f”…

Mark1:4
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of
repentance for the remission of sins.

Mark 1:14-16 (New King James Version)

Jesus Begins His Galilean Ministry


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Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the
gospel of the kingdom[a] of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the
kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Matthew 3:8
Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance,

3.Forgiveness

For and from ourselves; for and from others; have the same attitude as
Christ who said Father forgive them for they know not what they do
(humility).

forgive
Verb[-giving, -gave, -given]
1. to stop feeling anger and resentment towards (a person) or at (an action
that has caused upset or harm)
2. to pardon (a mistake)
3. to free from (a debt) [Old English forgiefan]

Luke23:34

Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”
And they divided His garments and cast lots.
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Psalm86:5
For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in mercy to all
those who call upon You.

Matthew 6:14-15 (New King James Version)


14
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will
also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses,
neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:34-35 (New King James Version)


34
And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he
should pay all that was due to him. 35 “So My heavenly Father also will
do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his
trespasses.”

Matthew 5:22-24 (New King James Version)


22
But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause[a]
shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’
shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in
danger of hell fire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there
remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift
there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother,
and then come and offer your gift.

4. Giving(in humility)

There are at least ten different ways in which the word give can be used, we
tend to look at giving in a monetary sense, but there are many ways to give,
biblical giving is sacrificial giving and comes from the heart this is done out
of honor and reverence. There is also giving out of love.

give
Verb
[giving, gave, given]
1. to present or hand (something) to someone
2. to pay (an amount of money) for a purchase
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3. to grant or provide: to give an answer


4. to utter (a shout or cry)
5. to perform, make, or do: the prime minister gave a speech
6. to host (a party)
7. to sacrifice or devote: comrades who gave their lives for their country
8. to concede: he was very efficient, I have to give him that
9. to yield or break under pressure: something has got to give
10. give or take plus or minus: about one hundred metres, give or take five

Sharing in All Things


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Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul;
neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but
they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave
witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them
all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were
possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the
things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they
distributed to each as anyone had need. 36 And Joses,[d] who was also named
Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a
Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the
money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Mark 12:42-44 (New King James Version)


42
Then one poor widow came and threw in two mites,[a] which make a
quadrans. 43 So He called His disciples to Himself and said to them,
“Assuredly, I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all those
who have given to the treasury; for they all put in out of their abundance,
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but she out of her poverty put in all that she had, her whole livelihood.”

Philippians 2

Unity Through Humility


1
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any
fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being
like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let
nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind
let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not
only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others 5 Let this mind
be in you which was also in Christ Jesus
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Polluted Offerings
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“ A son honors his father,
And a servant his master.
If then I am the Father,
Where is My honor?
And if I am a Master,
Where is My reverence?
Says the LORD of hosts
To you priests who despise My name.
Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’
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“ You offer defiled food on My altar,
But say,
‘ In what way have we defiled You?’ (remember pride from
earlier)
By saying,
‘ The table of the LORD is contemptible.’
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And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,
Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame and sick,
Is it not evil?
Offer it then to your governor!
Would he be pleased with you?
Would he accept you favorably?”
Says the LORD of hosts.
9
“ But now entreat God’s favor,
That He may be gracious to us.
While this is being done by your hands,
Will He accept you favorably?”
Says the LORD of hosts.
10
“ Who is there even among you who would shut the doors,
So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain?
I have no pleasure in you,”
Says the LORD of hosts,

“ Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.


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For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,
My name shall be great among the Gentiles;
In every place incense shall be offered to My name,
And a pure offering;
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For My name shall be great among the nations,”


Says the LORD of hosts.
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“ But you profane it,
In that you say,

‘ The table of the LORD[b] is defiled;


And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’
13
You also say,

‘ Oh, what a weariness!’ (complaining about serving God)


And you sneer at it,”
Says the LORD of hosts.

“ And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick;
Thus you bring an offering!
Should I accept this from your hand?”
Says the LORD.
14
“ But cursed be the deceiver
Who has in his flock a male,
And takes a vow,
But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—
For I am a great King,”
Says the LORD of hosts,
“ And My name is to be feared among the nations.

5.Prayer
Peter in prison, The Upper room, synergy, one mind one accord

prayer 1
Noun
1. a thanksgiving or an appeal spoken to God
2. an earnest request

pray - call upon in supplication; entreat


beg, implore
crave - plead or ask for earnestly
supplicate - ask humbly (for something)
plead - appeal or request earnestly;
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Exodus 34:8-10 (New King James Version)

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So Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth, and
worshiped. 9 Then he said, “If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord,
let my Lord, I pray, go among us, even though we are a stiff-necked people;
and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us as Your inheritance.”

2 Chronicles 6:28-30 (New King James Version)

28
“When there is famine in the land, pestilence or blight or mildew, locusts
or grasshoppers; when their enemies besiege them in the land of their cities;
whatever plague or whatever sickness there is; 29 whatever prayer, whatever
supplication is made by anyone, or by all Your people Israel, when each one
knows his own burden and his own grief, and spreads out his hands to this
temple: 30 then hear from heaven Your dwelling place, and forgive, and give
to everyone according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for You alone
know the hearts of the sons of men),

Genesis 4:26 (New King James Version)


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And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh.[a]
Then men began to call on the name of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (New King James Version)


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if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray
and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from
heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

Acts 1:12-14 (New King James Version)

The Upper Room Prayer Meeting

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Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is
near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey. 13 And when they had entered, they
went up into the upper room where they were staying: Peter, James, John,
and Andrew; Philip and Thomas; Bartholomew and Matthew; James the son of
Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot; and Judas the son of James. 14 These all
continued with one accord in prayer and supplication,[a] with the women and
Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.

Acts 12:4-6 (New King James Version)


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4
So when he had arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to
four squads of soldiers to keep him, intending to bring him before the people
after Passover.

Peter Freed from Prison

5
Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant[a] prayer was offered to God
for him by the church. 6 And when Herod was about to bring him out, that
night Peter was sleeping, bound with two chains between two soldiers; and
the guards before the door were keeping the prison.

James5:16
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you
may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

6.Praise
God and each other, we are to give honor to those who labor among us.
That doesn’t mean put them on a pedestal, or put them above others,
that simply means to recognize the efforts, and labor and to encourage
them. We are to give God praise for everything (One mind and one
accord).

Nou 1 praise - an expression of approval and commendation; "he always


n . appreciated praise for his work"
congratulations, extolment, commendation, approval - a message
expressing a favorable opinion; "words of approval seldom passed his
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lips"
superlative - an exaggerated expression (usually of praise); "the critics
lavished superlatives on it"
good word, recommendation, testimonial - something that
recommends (or expresses commendation of) a person or thing as
worthy or desirable
compliment - a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration
2 praise - offering words of homage as an act of worship; "they sang a
. hymn of praise to God"
worship - the activity of worshipping
hallelujah - a shout or song of praise to God
Ver 1 praise - express approval of; "The parents praised their children for
b . their academic performance"
appraise, assess, evaluate, valuate, value, measure - evaluate or
estimate the nature, quality, ability, extent, or significance of; "I will
have the family jewels appraised by a professional"; "access all the
factors when taking a risk"
salute - express commendation of; "I salute your courage!"
applaud - express approval of; "I applaud your efforts"
exalt, extol, glorify, laud, proclaim - praise, glorify, or honor; "extol the
virtues of one's children"; "glorify one's spouse's cooking"
blandish, flatter - praise somewhat dishonestly
eulogise, eulogize - praise formally and eloquently; "The dead woman
was eulogized at the funeral"
compliment, congratulate - say something to someone that expresses
praise; "He complimented her on her last physics paper"
gush, rave - praise enthusiastically; "She raved about that new
restaurant"
commend - express approval of
recommend, commend - express a good opinion of
advertize, advertise, promote, push - make publicity for; try to sell (a
product); "The salesman is aggressively pushing the new computer
model"; "The company is heavily advertizing their new laptops"
puff up, puff - praise extravagantly; "The critics puffed up this
Broadway production"
sonnet - praise in a sonnet
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Exodus 15 (New King James Version)

Exodus 15 (The first praise and worship service)

The Song of Moses


1
Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the LORD, and
spoke, saying:

“I will sing to the LORD,


For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!

2
The LORD is my strength and song,
And He has become my salvation;
He is my God, and I will praise Him;
My father’s God, and I will exalt Him.
3
The LORD is a man of war;
The LORD is His name.
4
Pharaoh’s chariots and his army He has cast into the sea;
His chosen captains also are drowned in the Red Sea.
5
The depths have covered them;
They sank to the bottom like a stone.
6
“Your right hand, O LORD, has become glorious in power;
Your right hand, O LORD, has dashed the enemy in pieces.
7
And in the greatness of Your excellence
You have overthrown those who rose against You;
You sent forth Your wrath;
It consumed them like stubble.
8
And with the blast of Your nostrils
The waters were gathered together;
The floods stood upright like a heap;
The depths congealed in the heart of the sea.
9
The enemy said, ‘I will pursue,
I will overtake,
I will divide the spoil;
My desire shall be satisfied on them.
15

I will draw my sword,


My hand shall destroy them.’
10
You blew with Your wind,
The sea covered them;
They sank like lead in the mighty waters.
11
“Who is like You, O LORD, among the gods?
Who is like You, glorious in holiness,
Fearful in praises, doing wonders?
12
You stretched out Your right hand;
The earth swallowed them.
13
You in Your mercy have led forth
The people whom You have redeemed;
You have guided them in Your strength
To Your holy habitation.
14
“The people will hear and be afraid;
Sorrow will take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia.
15
Then the chiefs of Edom will be dismayed;
The mighty men of Moab,
Trembling will take hold of them;
All the inhabitants of Canaan will melt away.
16
Fear and dread will fall on them;
By the greatness of Your arm
They will be as still as a stone,
Till Your people pass over, O LORD,
Till the people pass over
Whom You have purchased.
17
You will bring them in and plant them
In the mountain of Your inheritance,
In the place, O LORD, which You have made
For Your own dwelling,
The sanctuary, O Lord, which Your hands have established.
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“The LORD shall reign forever and ever.”
19
For the horses of Pharaoh went with his chariots and his horsemen into the
sea, and the LORD brought back the waters of the sea upon them. But the
children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea.

The Song of Miriam


16

Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the timbrel in her
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hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21
And Miriam answered them:
“Sing to the LORD,
For He has triumphed gloriously!
The horse and its rider
He has thrown into the sea!”

2 Samuel 22:49-51 (New King James Version)

49
He delivers me from my enemies.
You also lift me up above those who rise against me;
You have delivered me from the violent man.
50
Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the Gentiles,
And sing praises to Your name.
51
He is the tower of salvation to His king,
And shows mercy to His anointed,
To David and his descendants forevermore.”

Psalm28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am
helped; Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise
Him.

1 Peter 1:6-8 (New King James Version)

6
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you
have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith,
being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire,
may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8
whom having not seen[a] you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet
believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

7.Worship
Worship, or War Ship as I have begun to think of it as, is the culmination of
all these things: humbleness, repentance, forgiveness, giving, prayer, and
praise are all acts of worship.
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Not that there will be any sense of time in Heaven, but we will be praising
and worshiping God 24/7. We have begun to worship that which was created
more than Him who created all things. We are to worship God with one mind
and one accord, with all our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits. In the upper
room they were praising and worshiping God with one mind and one accord,
while waiting on the Holy Spirit.

worship
verb 1. REVERE, praise, respect, honour, adore, glorify, reverence, exalt, laud,
pray to, venerate, deify, adulate << OPPOSITE dishonour
verb 2. LOVE, adore, idolize, put on a pedestal << OPPOSITE despise
noun 3. REVERENCE, praise, love, regard, respect, honour, glory, prayer(s),
devotion, homage, adulation, adoration, admiration, exaltation, glorification,
deification, laudation
Collins Essential Thesaurus 2nd Edition 2006 © HarperCollins Publishers
2005, 2006

worship
v worship [ˈwəːʃip]
1 to pay great honour to to worship God.
2 to love or admire very greatly She worships her older brother.
n
the act of worshipping A church is a place of worship; the worship of God / of
money.
n worshipper

John4:24
God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”

I believe that if we would do these things together with one mind and one
accord we would see revival like never before. Yes I used the “R” word; I
don’t understand why people treat it like a bad word, and anyone who
doesn’t want to see revival may need to check their heart, motives, and
probably what profession they are in.

The Bible says that in the end times the world will be as it was in the days of
Noah, and in the days of Lot, and Sodom and Gomorrah. In this time of
uncertainty with wars, rumors of wars, famines, pestilences, economic
collapse, global warming, earthquakes in diverse places, other unheard
natural disasters, and many other horrible things, the Spirit of the Lord
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is speaking to many people about getting His Church in order. The


book of Ephesians says that the Lord will present His Bride (the
Church) without blemish, spot, or wrinkle.

Ephesians 5:26-27 (New King James Version)


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that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the
word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having
spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without
blemish.

I feel like the Lord has showed me seven keys to coming together as He
intended us to be, a fully working, functioning body of believers, without
spot, or wrinkle, and without blemish. Many people believe that we are
already that way. I guess that would explain why there are nearly 600
churches within only five miles of downtown Seattle. I was curious and
wondered just how many denominations there are? According to the World
Christian Encyclopedia (in 2000), there were 33,820 denominations with
3,445,000 churches being reported. According to Lever 2000 bar soap there
are only 2000 body parts, so where did the other 31,820 come from???

Alright so the Lord spoke to me about seven keys to unlocking unity in


the church. They are humility, repentance, forgiveness, giving, prayer,
praise, and worship. I believe humility is first because without humility we
will be hindered in all of the others. The Bible says that God gives grace to
the humble and He resists the proud (scripture). Without humility we can not
even see that we have faults the require repentance or forgiveness. The
Bible says when you give alms do not be as the hypocrites who sound
trumpets so that they can be noticed, but give your alms in secret (find exact
scripture) so that you will be rewarded openly. The Lord loves a cheerful
giver, not a proud giver, not someone who boasts in what they do for others.
We have to be humble in our prayers just as in the parable of the Pharisees
who was praying Lord do not let me be like this man, and the other guy who
prayed Lord I am a no good dirty rotten scoundrel, and shouldn’t even be
talking to you (paraphrasing, scripture) The Bible says that if we would fall
upon our faces and humble ourselves and repent the Lord will heal our land
(scripture). Honestly I am not sure how humility works in praise and worship,
I suppose giving God the glory and not boasting in ourselves. Can we
worship, and praise God with a humble heart? Find out!!!
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In the Acts chapter 2 we get a glimpse of Church the way it was


intended to be. We see the disciples coming together daily breaking bread
together, praying together, fellowshipping together, praising and
worshipping God together, they even went as far as selling everything they
had and giving it to The Church because it wasn’t about them, it was about
Jesus. We talk about other people making painful offerings, and painful
sacrifices, but we never want to give everything of ourselves. We look at the
scripture it is better to give than to receive and throw it around like other
people should be the ones to give, and we should be the ones receiving. But
what we see in the early church was one church in every city: the church in
Ephesus, Laodicea, Corinth, Philippi, Jerusalem, Smyrna, and Philadelphia.
There was no my church, your church, this church, that church
attitudes….there was One Church….and there is only one Church today.
There are many little “c” churches, but only one Big “C” Church, and that is
The Bride of Christ. We need to come back into a time of the Acts, where it is
about The Church, and not about our Church, we don’t even know what the
church down the street is doing, how is that working together.

Also, Philippians chapter 2 speaks of unity through humility, and being of one
mind and one accord, doing nothing out of selfish ambitions or conceit, this
is the attitude of Christ. He died for our sins, not His sins. He gave up
everything for us, and only asks the same from us. Every single time Christ
asked someone to follow Him, He required them to give up everything. Or at
least leave it behind. People who try to say, it is not required for us to give
up everything serve this world. Jesus said to a man whose dad had just
died…let the dead bury their dead…but you …follow me. When He called His
disciples each every one of them dropped what He was doing and followed
Jesus. You cannot serve two masters, or else you will cling to the one, and
serve the other, or you will love the one and hate the other…you cannot
serve God and Mammon. But we sure try to… The reason why The Church
seen such growth was because one God added to The Church daily…no one
took credit for it…they were humble servants.

If a friends of yours asked you to come to dinner, and you knew the
children would be running around the house throwing mashed potatoes at
each other, and the husband was going to be smacking ion the wife, and
20

they would be arguing about everything, I think it is safe to say you would
decline the offer to go to dinner there. We are the children. And instead of
mashed potatoes, we are throwing mud at one another. We are smacking
the bride around (and some of us are literally smacking our wives around).
We argue over just about everything, and instead of submitting to scripture
we make scripture submit to us. It was never intended to be this way, and
this is why churches are dying, dead, or stagnant, this is why no one wants
to come over for dinner…. We need to humble ourselves, repent of our
wickedness, ask for and give forgiveness, give one to another as needed
( without expecting anything in return), pray together with one mind and one
accord with supplication ( humbly asking), we need to praise God for
everything whether it is five dollars, food stamps, a food bank, a BMW, a
pinto, a bus pass, or whatever….we need to praise God whether we are
being persecuted, whether we are rich, or poor, sick or healthy, yes I know
these are wedding vows, but how many of you have made this vow to God?
Well, each of us need to. We need to worship God with all of our hearts,
minds, bodies, and souls, with our money, with our thoughts, with our
actions, with our words, and I know none of us are perfect, trust me I am the
least perfect person, but htat is why we must humble ourselves, and submit
one to another.

I never intended this to be a book, or anything more than a few words


about coming together as “The Church” but it seems that there is so much
here for us a species, on a global, national, regional, statewide, citywide, and
community level, that I am praying that this will reach the masses and that
people from all walks of life, all faiths, all ethnicities, etc…. will read this and
be touched enough to work out our differences, and recognize our greater
potential as the human race. Jesus Christ has been my inspiration for this
book, and in no way could I ever add to His story, I am humbled, blessed,
and encouraged however, to be a part of it.

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