Grown through Trials
Unity Insights | Posted on October 3, 2024 at 7:35 AM by Jeff Bennett
Count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. – James 1:2-4 NKJV – In his letter to a suffering saint, John Newton conveyed a precious truth of Scripture [...]
Joints and Bones
Unity Insights | Posted on September 26, 2024 at 7:35 AM by Jeff Bennett
“Joined and knit together by what every joint supplies.” – Ephesians 4:16 – I know some brothers who would make splendid people if everyone else were dead, for they are very loving and friendly toward themselves. They would be just the sort of folk to become hermits—shut them up in a cave with a bucket [...]
Are We in a Battle?
Unity Insights | Posted on September 19, 2024 at 7:50 AM by Jeff Bennett
Among the divisions of Reuben there were great resolves of heart … Gilead stayed beyond the Jordan, and why did Dan remain on ships? Asher continued at the seashore, and stayed by his inlets. – Judges 5:15–17 – When the Lord called His people to fight against the king of Canaan, several tribes refused to come. [...]
The Profit of All
Unity Insights | Posted on September 12, 2024 at 8:02 AM by Jeff Bennett
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. – 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – [...]
Stirring up Love, Good Works, and Unity
Unity Insights | Posted on August 22, 2024 at 7:24 AM by Jeff Bennett
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24–25 Our Lord’s return often feels distant, but in reality [...]
The Pursuit of Peace
Unity Insights | Posted on August 15, 2024 at 8:15 AM by Jeff Bennett
Let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another. – Romans 14:19 – Peace does not happen by accident. We must pursue the things that make for peace. Human beings naturally quarrel and manipulate to get what they want. However, it takes effort to resist our [...]
One in Christ
Unity Insights | Posted on August 8, 2024 at 8:07 AM by Jeff Bennett
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:28 Throughout church history we have struggled to embrace the truth of this verse. All of us are one in Christ Jesus, which means ethnicity, socioeconomic status, [...]
Called to Something Better
Unity Insights | Posted on August 1, 2024 at 10:16 AM by Jeff Bennett
You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world? – 1 Corinthians 3:3 NLT Followers of Jesus Christ are not to live like people of the world. We are not to live in envy, strife, [...]
The Lamb is Worthy
Unity Insights | Posted on July 11, 2024 at 7:46 AM by Jeff Bennett
“You are worthy to take the scroll, and to open its seals; for You were slain, and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation, and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10, NKJV) [...]
Love Is a Duty
Unity Insights | Posted on July 3, 2024 at 8:25 AM by Jeff Bennett
“Believers have a duty of affectionate, sincere, genuine love in all things towards one another; a love compared to that of Christ for the church.” ~ John Owen* The modern mind finds these kinds of statements quite offensive. Christians tend to find them offensive as well. How dare anyone tell them who to love, and [...]
Spurgeon Answers, “What Is the Unity of the Spirit?”
Unity Insights | Posted on June 20, 2024 at 8:54 AM by Jeff Bennett
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3) Let us ask ourselves, “Do we have the unity of the Spirit?” No one can have it except those who have the Spirit, and the Spirit only dwells in born again, believing souls. By virtue of having the Spirit, every [...]
If Possible, Live at Peace with All People
Unity Insights | Posted on June 13, 2024 at 7:24 AM by Jeff Bennett
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18) Some people like to fight. No matter what we do, they won’t live at peace with us. They hate our convictions. They are alienated by our love for God. They hate our gospel and our devotion to Jesus [...]
The Profit of All
Unity Insights | Posted on April 4, 2024 at 8:02 AM by Jeff Bennett
There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all. – 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – [...]
If Possible, Live at Peace with All People
Unity Insights | Posted on February 8, 2024 at 8:08 AM by Jeff Bennett
If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (Romans 12:18) Some people like to fight. No matter what we do, they won’t live at peace with us. They hate our convictions. They are alienated by our love for God. They hate our gospel and our devotion to Jesus [...]
Unity with Christ Is Essential
Unity Insights | Posted on January 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM by Jeff Bennett
[That we] may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ (Ephesians 4:15). Unity with Christ is essential to the life of His church. People sometimes lose a foot or a leg or an arm or an eye or an ear. It is remarkable how a person can continue to exist after [...]
Unity Through Joy
Unity Insights | Posted on July 20, 2023 at 8:14 AM by Jeff Bennett
Finally, brothers, rejoice. – 2 Corinthians 13:11 ESV – In closing his second epistle to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul offers a few final words of exhortation. He begins these words with an affectionate address, “brothers,” and then a call to joy. Though his words in the letter were heavy and challenging, he wants them to know [...]
Be Joined to Some Visible Church
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on April 13, 2023 at 8:12 AM by Jeff Bennett
The whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies – Ephesians 4:16 – You by yourselves are not the church, and you must not keep on saying “we” if you are not doing anything in connection with your church. You must consider yourself as a distinct individual, and your first concern in [...]
Forgiven Much, love Much
Unity Insights | Posted on March 23, 2023 at 8:35 AM by Jeff Bennett
To whom little is forgiven, the same loves little. – Luke 7:47 – Jesus was dining at a Pharisee’s house when a sinful woman came and washed His feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and then anointed them with fragrant oil. The Pharisee was upset. If Jesus were truly a prophet, then [...]
The Master Plan of Reconciliation
Unity Insights | Posted on March 9, 2023 at 10:13 AM by Jeff Bennett
God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:19 – The work of reconciliation is not a small, peripheral aspect of God’s plan of salvation. Reconciliation is central to it. From the moment sin entered the world, [...]
One Flock under One Shepherd
Unity Insights | Posted on February 23, 2023 at 8:05 AM by Jeff Bennett
Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. – John 10:16 – Christians are united to one another because of their common unity with the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. We are one flock [...]
Do Not Be a Cause of Stumbling
Unity Insights | Posted on February 16, 2023 at 7:57 AM by Jeff Bennett
Let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a cause to fall in our brother’s way. – Romans 14:13 – Passing judgment on other Christians is easy. Supporting their freedom in Christ is hard. Yet this is what the Lord requires. Some Christians feel free [...]
Walking in the Daylight
Unity Insights | Posted on February 9, 2023 at 7:50 AM by Jeff Bennett
Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in revelry and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. – Romans 13:13 – When the Lord redeemed us from sin and death, He called us out of the darkness into the light (1 Peter 2:9). God shined on our hearts and [...]
Our Citizenship is Not of this World
Unity Insights | Posted on February 2, 2023 at 8:17 AM by Jeff Bennett
Our citizenship is in Heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20 – Citizens from the same country have a passport and an allegiance in common, especially when competing against rival nations. During the Olympic games we witness the enthusiasm and joy of people united under [...]
Staying Focused on the Gospel, not Arguments
Unity Insights | Posted on September 8, 2021 at 8:31 AM by Jeff Bennett
As Christians, we're called to relate to each other with love. In this video Robert Pavlich, CEO of Adult & Teen Challenge Ohio Valley, opens up Colossians chapter 3 to point out why this is and how it should affect our actions.
Be Joined to Some Visible Church
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on March 25, 2021 at 7:25 AM by Jeff Bennett
The whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies – Ephesians 4:16 – You by yourselves are not the church, and you must not keep on saying “we” if you are not doing anything in connection with your church. You must consider yourself as a distinct individual, and your first concern in [...]
What is the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry?
Learn about Be United in Christ | Posted on March 4, 2021 at 7:19 AM by Jeff Bennett
What is the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry? The Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry is a non-denominational, non-profit organization committed to teaching and promoting Christian unity in accordance with God’s Word in order to bring about real change in the body of Christ. Through carefully researching, writing, publishing, and promoting a library of [...]
Sharing Our Books With Believers in Australia
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on January 26, 2021 at 7:10 AM by Jeff Bennett
A member of a church in Ringwood, Australia, was selected to receive a copy of the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry’s Premium Collection book, Essentials of Unity. She expressed her thanks and excitement to learn what the Bible really says about Christian unity and how she can apply this in her relationships with other [...]
Everyday Acts of Love Open the Door for the Gospel
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on January 12, 2021 at 8:19 AM by Jeff Bennett
A hot day in Florida is best enjoyed with a cup of fresh lemonade, so Christian workers at a local homeless ministry pass out lemonade to those less fortunate. It is a small act of kindness, but it opens the doors for the receiver to also receive the truth of God’s love for them and [...]
Spurgeon on our Union with Christ at Christmas
Unity Insights | Posted on December 23, 2020 at 7:17 AM by Jeff Bennett
That they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and You loved them, just as You loved Me. – John 17:22-23 – We have nearly arrived at the great merry-making [...]
Caring for the Homeless in Ohio
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on November 17, 2020 at 7:13 AM by Jeff Bennett
By God’s grace, the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry was able to bless City Rescue Mission, a Christian homeless shelter in Ohio, with a donation to help lodge and feed 25 to 30 people each day. “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to [...]
Teaching and Promoting Christian Unity in Ghana
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on November 3, 2020 at 4:41 PM by Jeff Bennett
Students at a Christian university in Accra, Ghana, receive funding from the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry. This university is devoted to training students to be critical thinkers, morally sound, entrepreneurial in outlook and able to provide solutions to societal challenges. The students pictured here are being trained for ministry so that they can [...]
Supporting Humanitarian Work after Hurricane Irma
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on October 27, 2020 at 8:28 AM by Jeff Bennett
Unaltered Ministries, a ministry helping people to experience fullness of life through the gospel, and the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry joined together to serve families who had been devastated in Hurricane Irma's descent upon Florida. Volunteers showed up at the first trailer home not knowing what the conditions would be like. The roof [...]
Supporting Outreach to the Homeless in New Jersey
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on October 13, 2020 at 11:36 AM by Andrew Mackay
This Christian homeless shelter in New Jersey offers emergency shelter to the homeless men and women of their community. They also offer a 36-week rehabilitation program designed to assist individuals in the recovery and healing of their lives — spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Through spiritual mentorship, life classes, and accountability, those who participate regain [...]
Supporting Medical Outreach in Mexico
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on September 29, 2020 at 2:55 PM by Andrew Mackay
This Christian soup kitchen in Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, meets the needs of indigent families through the supply of food and friendship with local believers. On Saturdays, a medical doctor visits the kitchen, examining those who need medical attention. This service is of great importance to the underprivileged, as there are not any medical clinics nearby [...]
Teaching Christian Unity in the Philippines
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on September 8, 2020 at 7:00 AM by Andrew Mackay
Ministry students receive Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry resources to help further their education on the important topic of biblical Christian unity. In the Philippines, just 2% of the population considers themselves to be Protestant/Christian. There is much work to be done here, and these students will now be prepared with training on what [...]
Partnering to Feed the Homeless
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on August 25, 2020 at 7:42 AM by Andrew Mackay
The Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry provides funding for a homeless outreach in Ohio, cared for by Only Believe Ministries Christian Center. Each week, 75 to 100 less fortunate individuals come out to be fed and are taught the Word of God while they are eating. This is another example of two Christian organizations [...]
Providing Hands on Help in Rural Mexico
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on August 4, 2020 at 10:11 AM by Andrew Mackay
A church worker sponsored by the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry paints the school compound of a tiny village in rural Mexico. Later on, she and other workers assisted a local pastor who has been struggling to acquire a piece of land upon which to build a permanent location for their church. "The greatest [...]
Sharing the good news
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on July 21, 2020 at 7:00 AM by Andrew Mackay
By God’s grace, the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry was honored to partner with Jewish Voice Ministries International to reach the children of Chitsungo, Zimbabwe. During this school outreach, 238 children learned about the Christian faith and the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ. They also received Personal LifeStraw water filters, which will [...]
Supporting a Christian School in Meru, Kenya
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on July 14, 2020 at 9:00 AM by Andrew Mackay
It is shocking to think that more than one million children do not attend school in Kenya. For those that do, many walk several miles each way to class and do not eat until they return home each evening. Getting an education takes sacrifice, both personal and familial. This is why the Be United in [...]
Supporting Christian Schools
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on July 7, 2020 at 7:00 AM by Andrew Mackay
Here you see the first class of a new Christian school established in Paynesville, Liberia. Liberia is Africa’s first republic. The nation has undergone great unrest in the last twenty years, including a violent civil war, which left more than 250,000 dead, and a 3-year outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus, which killed approximately 11,000. [...]
Feeding Hungry Children
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on June 30, 2020 at 9:00 AM by Andrew Mackay
Rio Blanco, Honduras is a shanty town, home to 3,000 men, women, and children. Networking with a local church, by God's grace, the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry was able to help the church build a new sanctuary and start a feeding program for impoverished children in their community. Today, over 100 children are [...]
Reintroducing the Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry
Unity Insights | Posted on June 25, 2020 at 11:09 AM by Andrew Mackay
In case you’ve missed it, with all the hubbub of the last few months, we want to invite you to explore our website! And, since you’re here, we thought we’d take this opportunity to reintroduce ourselves to you. The Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry was created by more than fifty individuals in ten states, [...]
Breaking the Chains of Addiction
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on June 16, 2020 at 4:30 PM by Andrew Mackay
The Be United in Christ Outreach Ministry has partnered with Ohio Valley Teen Challenge to provide funding to a 250,000 sq.ft. Teen Challenge facility in Ohio. While attending this program, clients begin to break addictive habits and learn who God is and why they should entrust their lives to His leading. By the time the [...]
Truth and Unity
Unity Insights | Posted on June 4, 2020 at 10:58 AM by Andrew Mackay
“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17). Soon after Solomon died, Israel divided into a northern kingdom ruled by Jeroboam and a southern kingdom ruled by Rehoboam. Fearing he would lose his people’s allegiance if they kept returning to the temple in Jerusalem, Jeroboam made two gold idols for his subjects [...]
Partnering with the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley
Impacting the World with Christian Unity | Posted on June 2, 2020 at 11:50 AM by Andrew Mackay
One way we are impacting the world with Christian unity is through partnering with the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley, a Christian-based homeless shelter in Ohio. Their goal is to serve and glorify God through a Christ-centered outreach of love and compassion that responds to the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of the disadvantaged [...]
The Last Word
Unity Insights | Posted on May 28, 2020 at 12:40 PM by Andrew Mackay
Starting a quarrel is like opening a floodgate, so stop before a dispute breaks out. (Proverbs 17:14 NLT) It takes courage and humility to let someone else have the last word in the midst of a disagreement. We want to get the last word in—to have the final say. We should exercise self-control and refrain [...]
The Important Distinction Between Unselfishness and Love
Unity Insights | Posted on May 14, 2020 at 10:58 AM by Andrew Mackay
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13 In his sermon titled the Weight of Glory, C.S. Lewis observes the significant shift in the understanding of virtue during modern times. “If you asked twenty good men today what they thought the highest of the [...]