"...the only way that we as the people of God and a Church Family can stand is by doing so together."

PAST MESSAGES:

IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME

WHAT'S YOUR RESPONSE

DOING A NEW THING

DEFINED BY LOVE

BELIEVERS ARE TO LIVE IN LOVE

FAITH THAT'S ALIVE

GOD'S WORD

BELIEF IS NOT ENOUGH

HOW I VIEW MY CHURCH

PSALM 92:1-4

FOUR GREAT VISIONS

COMPLETE SURRENDER

"Together We Stand"

Someone once said, "together we stand, but divided we fall." This phrase has stood as the mantra for those espousing the urgency to unite amid the temptation to spread out and scatter. More often than not, this impetus is driven by the principle that one’s chances for survival are drastically depleted if they separate from rather than unite with other individuals within their particular group identity. Under these conditions and circumstances, the clarion’s call for solidarity is sounded throughout every rank and file, culminating with the words, "together we stand, but divide we fall."

This is the same sentiment expressed by Jesus Christ in Matthew, chapter twelve and verse twenty-five. In the passage we find him saying to his disciples "…[a] house divided against itself shall not stand:." He makes this statement in response to some of his disciples who had a concern regarding polarizing activity within the broader context of Godly ministry. Upon hearing his disciples' grievances, he says to them "…[a] house divided against itself shall not stand:.”

One of the things that I find most comforting in this text is the fact that Jesus doesn't allow his disciples to view diversity as a cause for division. It is an unfortunate reality that the lines of conflict are generally drawn by those who allow diversity to be their ruling standard for divisive discourse and deportment. Simply put, they believe that peoples' differences are a substantial enough reason for them to be divided asunder. To this dilemma, Jesus speaks and lets it be known that differences don't necessarily have to result in division.

Beloved, as we consider these words of the Master Shepherd, I want to encourage us not to allow our differences of the past or even the present to divide us as a people of God. One of the most effective weapons known to humanity is that of division. It has its own place of honor within the tactical armory of every adversarial force. In more contemporary language, the enemy holds near and dear the fundamental principle of “divide and conquer.” We who are the people of God would be well advised by these words. Indeed, Jesus said it best when he uttered the words "...[a] house divided against itself shall not stand:."

I declare that the only way that we as the people of God and a Church Family can stand is by doing so together. The bonds of solidarity have proven to be the source of great strength and power upon countless occasions throughout our history. A case in point would be the civil rights movement, which would not have been the success that we claim it to have been today without us knowing how to stand together. I would go further by saying that Mount Horeb is where she is today because in days gone by, the Mount Horeb Church Family knew how to get beyond their differences and stand together.

As we move forward in our journey as pastor and people, we must do so by standing together. Whatever the issues may be and wherever they may have arisen, let us get beyond our differences and stand together. As for me, let it be known right here and right now that I'm taking a stand for the cause of Christ. I wonder who is willing to stand with me. Mothers, are you with me? Fathers, are you with me? Brothers, are you with me? Sisters, are you with me? Youth and Young Adults, are you with me?!!! Remember beloved, together we stand, but divided we fall.

Going Forward
Pastor H.B. Sampson III, D.Min.