Klaus, we are indeed in agreement on all of these issues.  The fact that we are
saved by Grace and that Grace will bring forth Good Fruits.  Also, good fruits
does indeed signify works that we must do because of the grace we have received
and not in order to receive the grace.

But, what I am attempting to figure out is,  how can we obtain "true-unity" within
the Body of Christ with all of the doctrinal divisions;  this one saying "no works
no faith", and the other one saying "no faith no works" and still others saying
that "it takes works to obtain Grace from God" (which I believe is still a free
gift).  Personally, I have seen denominational divisions within the same
denominations of churches that argue over things such as baptism.  All agreeing
that one must be baptized but one saying that you must be baptized in "Jesus name"
and the other saying that you must be baptized in the name of the" Father, Son and
the Holy Ghost".  These two factions or divisions causing a great divide among the
people and therefore creating more disharmony among the children of God.

To me, if one believes in Jesus Christ and him crucified, buried and resurrected
then they have the foundation on which our eternal life is based.  All else is
icing on the cake.  Never the less the cake is still the same cake.  All are
partakers of that one particular cake.  In the natural, some may like lemon icing,
others chocolate, pineapple, etc. This is good and suits the various tastebuds but
the cake that is under the icing is still the "Bread of Life" which is Jesus
Christ.  Is this too simple for us to understand and be able to come together in
the true unity of harmoneous worship and praise of a loving God who has given to
all of us the same "Bread of Heaven?

I submit to you that if we all have the foundation that we say we have, then the
outcome must be "True Unity".

Blessings,

Buena L. Price
Lily Of the Valley Evangelistic Ministries, International


Klaus Meier wrote:

> Greetings to you Lilly of the Valley
> many thanks for your words. I agree with all of them. I would like to add
> that , yes we are saved by Grace , but we also have to see that this Grace
> will bring forth GOOD Fruits. i think this means good works. Sadlyto say ,
> even on this issue churches and peoples have separated. Some say by Grace
> only others say by works only. I say both together , the rest is human
> speculation. i also have no theological training what so ever , but read the
> Bible.
> I also believe that the desire and the longing for true Unity starts deep
> within the heart of a person. It is a call from God through jesus and the
> Holy Spirit. This call needs to be followed  and the truths revealed by God
> must be put into practice.
> A good word is: Halleluja. If we only say Halleluja  and never get any
> further in the daily life it is like saying: Have a good meal, when sitting
> around a banquet , BUT NEVER getting to eat what is on the table.
> Greetings
> Klaus Meier
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: lilyofthevalley [SMTP:lilyofthevalley@...]
> > Sent: Wednesday, September 22, 1999 7:09 AM
> > To:   Klaus Meier
> > Subject:      Re: [CU] true unity
> >
> > Greetings in the Name of OUR Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ:
> >
> > I don't exactly know how to respond to these messages but I have been
> > receiving them now for a little over a week and am enjoying what I am
> > reading.  I must make a comment about "true unity" as it has been given to
> > me.  Firstly, please allow me to say that I do not have a theological
> > degree and have not graduated from a Theological Seminary, University,
> > College or any institution of higher learning.  I have never written a
> > book but know what I know.
> >
> > The desire for true unity must begin from deep within ourselves.  We must
> > first put aside all of our titles, accolades, degrees and whatever and
> > begin to accept the plain and simple fact that we are all equals when it
> > comes to God and the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  Jesus did not come to
> > save only those who had obtained high scholastic averages neither did he
> > die to save only those who had studied at the best schools.  Jesus came to
> > save those who were lost.  That means all of us who were sinners.  The
> > scriptures tell us that "All have sinned and come short of the glory of
> > God."  There was no distinctions made between the learned and unlearned,
> > the slave and the master, the individual with the "Doctor of Divinity
> > Degree" or the illiterate person who has never read a word in his/her
> > life.
> >
> > Denominational barriers are merely an excuse to sub-divide people even
> > futher than they have already been divided by their social, economic,
> > racial or sexual divisions.  Jesus loves all.  He came that all persons
> > would have the opportunity to receive him as Lord and Saviour.  He died
> > that all could have a right to the tree of life.
> >
> > If we can't get along here on earth while we are still in the flesh, how
> > will we be able to get along in the "sweet by and by"?  Divisions are not
> > of God.  They were thrown in by destructive forces to keep us, God's
> > children, bickering and fighting over minute things which really have no
> > significance on the "Saving Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ".  We are saved
> > through "faith" not by works.
> >
> > Again, please allow me to reiteriate that "true-unity" comes from within
> > and what is on the inside, if planted, watered and grown by the power of
> > the Holy Spirit will bring forth "true-unity".
> >
> > I love you all and so does God
> >
> > Buena L Price
> > Lily Of the Valley Evangelistic Ministries, International
> >
> >
>
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