Emphasis Preaching Journal

Jesus prayed that his followers would be one. It is as if he foresaw the many threats to unity. A glimpse through the Yellow Pages or a read of any church history book reveals that unity in the body of Christ has been and remains a real struggle. Martin Luther, in his typical outspoken style, posited a reason for this struggle: "Therefore, wherever the Gospel flourishes, factions and sects that again spoil and check it must follow. For the devil must sow his seed among the good seed; and where God builds a church, Satan builds a chapel or a tabernacle next door.