Monday: Church Connectivity
Daily Lesson for Monday 23rd of March 2026
In a world connected by the internet, social media, and countless devices, it is difficult to imagine the challenge that Paul faced in helping churches feel they were a part of something bigger than their own local congregations.
Read Colossians 4:10-11. Besides sending news back and forth through emissaries (Colossians 4:7-9), what other ways did Paul encourage connectivity? In view of some of the problems Paul has addressed in this epistle, what message might be conveyed through these greetings?
Image © Lifeway Collection at Goodsalt.com
With these greetings, Paul creates and fosters connectivity among fellow believers. We learn here that Mark was Barnabas’s cousin. Paul thus paves the way for Mark’s probable visit to Colossae. Aristarchus is described literally as a “fellow prisoner-of-war”; that is, he was imprisoned with Paul. They were both soldiers with “the armour of God” (Ephesians 6:10-11), fighting to set Satan’s captives free for service in the kingdom of God (see 2 Timothy 2:1-4). Jesus/Justus (Jewish and Roman names that sound very similar in Greek, like Saul/Paul) is also commended to them as a trustworthy fellow laborer in the gospel.
Paul makes a point of mentioning that Aristarchus, Mark, and Justus are Jewish believers (“of the circumcision”). He then goes on to mention three Gentiles: Epaphras, Luke, and Demas (Colossians 4:12-14). It is significant that, despite some tensions in the church between Jews and Gentiles, these coworkers are able to labor effectively together, unitedly and harmoniously. By saying “only,” though, Paul seems to imply a certain disappointment that more Jewish Christians have not stood by him in his sufferings. Nevertheless, it is significant that by this time, John Mark, who had some years before deserted Paul and Barnabas during their first missionary journey (Acts 13:13), proves not only loyal but a “comfort” to Paul (Acts 15:36-40).
Threats to unity are nothing new. In recent years, the Adventist Church has undergone profound changes as it has spread globally, and forces have hammered away at its unity. This stress on unity can be felt at every level of the church.
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How can you, at your local church, work to lessen the things that threaten our unity? What are these tensions at the local level, and what can be done about them? |
Tonight, I listened to a concert developed from an Australian TV series, called, “The Piano” The idea behind the program was to take a piano into public spaces and people could come and play. The players were invited to tell their stories. They came from all sorts of backgrounds. One woman played because her father, a well-known football player was fading into dementia. Another woman had a Down’s syndrome child and music was the special bond between them. A young man was dealing with mental issues. A woman was using music to work with a ninety-year-old Aboriginal man who was the last speaker of his language. The concert at the culmination of the series was outstanding because the combination of stories and music blended together so well. The really special part of the concert for me was that out in the back room, there was just so much support for one another. There were hugs and tears. They all knew each other’s stories. They were all different, yet they shared, laughed and cried together. This wasn’t a competition; it was emotional support and collaboration.
While I was listening to the concert, the thought came to me that to a large extent we have forgotten the importance of sharing our stories with one another. Christianity has become a deeply personal thing and we do not share very much about ourselves. We become focused on doctrine and beliefs, definitions of salvation, interpretations of prophecy to the extent that we forget about people. We need to revive our storytelling.
We should remind ourselves that the Bible is full of stories. In the context of this week’s lesson, Luke is the storyteller. He wrote the stories of the New Testament, not as an academic analyst but as a participant. Luke was there with Paul and wrote the stories not only as a record, but for our enjoyment.
The beauty of the music in tonight’s concert was made meaningful by the personal stories of the players. We have got to get back to storytelling the Gospel. Not just a sanitised versions that fit the parameters of perceived Seventh-day Adventist correctness, but our real-life stories as Christians, the exciting and the mundane, the success, and failures. Christianity is not a high-level abstraction. Its strength is in shared stories we can empathise with. When we share our stories, we can make beautiful music together. That is community building.
Thank you Maurice. Well said.
You got me so choked up with this illustrative story. It’s true, we’ve lost the personalization of shared human life stories, hard but inspiring and instead of support, there is judgement or turning away. That makes my heart so sad. I ADORE hearing how God has worked, transformed and changing lives through various means, art, music, mission, etc. It’s so incredibly uplifting.
I work in an international evangelical school, this is one thing that in every morning devotion, people just share their stories. As one coming from traditional adventist family I thought “these people are wasting devotion time”.
Without unity, the church ceases to exist as God’s mouthpiece here on earth. Jesus prayed for the church (believers) to be united as the Godhead is united (John 17:20-23). Without unity, believers’ witness simply becomes empty, powerless and hollow. Unity gives the church (believers) identity. It is a witness to the whole world (John 17:21) that we belong God. It is a hallmark of true discipleship. Unity is visible evidence that we love one another. Unity is a manifestation of love. It gives the church credibility. It gives the church power to carry out its mandate. Church unity must start from me as a member. I must value, cherish and nurture. I must be mindful of my words, actions and behaviour. This is the foundation of the local church unity which extends to the highest church structure if individuals uphold unity. ” Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.” (Romans 12:18, NLT).
One commentary (William Ramsay) suggests that Aristarchus made himself Paul’s slave so that he could travel with him on his journey to Rome under his Roman imprisonment, thereby raising Paul’s status with the centurion. Another commentary says, “It would make more sense that Dr. Luke went on as the ship’s doctor, and Aristarchus was his assistant so they could follow the ‘two by two’ pattern of missions and accompany Paul to Rome.” Either way, while Paul was under house arrest in Rome, Aristarchus proved to be a comfort Paul (Col. 4:10-11). Aristarchus put his life on the chopping block for a friend….actually for two friends, Paul and Jesus. What exactly he did or said, we are not told. Yet I’m sure if I was imprisoned, just my friend’s faithful presence and being able to pray together would encourage and strengthen me.
Remember that dream Paul had where a man from Macedonia was asking for help (Acts 16:9)? Well, turns out Aristarchus was a Macedonian from Thessalonica (Acts 27:2). Interesting. Maybe he came to Jesus from all the sermons Paul preached in Thessalonica, three Sabbaths in a row (Acts 17:1-4)? Or if Aristarchus’ mother was one of the “leading women” mentioned in that passage who were persuaded to convert from Jewish tradition to Jesus, she could have shared the gospel with him. The name “Aristarchus” means “aristocrat” and so he was probably born into a noble family and therefore would have been part of the ruling class. If this is true, it is even more a demonstration of Christ’s character of humility that he would give up the comforts of life – maybe even acting as Paul’s slave – to use his God-given spiritual gift…to be a traveling evangelist in dangerous times, becoming a “prisoner of war”, spiritual war, with Paul. Aristarchus was not afraid to identify himself with his friend and mentor, the Apostle Paul. Nor was he afraid to identify with his friend and Lord, Jesus. Religious tradition says that Aristarchus was martyred in Rome at the command of Nero.
Maybe we think of “witnessing” as a one-way street, but those who accept Jesus as Lord in part through our testimony may also turn around and minister to us and encourage us in return. We are all plants growing in the Sower’s field, sprouting and bearing fruit at different rates, and helping to shield each other from the heat of trials, just like green growing things prop each other up and shade each other in the heat of the day.
“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (I John 3:16).
Jesus’ model of church was a diverse group of people working together for a common purpose. In His inner circle were individuals from very different walks of life—a zealous political activist, a thoughtful yet skeptical disciple like Thomas, an unpopular tax collector, and several fishermen with strong, impulsive personalities. Despite their differences, they were united by their loyalty to Him. As Scripture reminds us, “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function” (Romans 12:4). Their gatherings were not marked by comfort or sophistication, but by teaching, outreach, and healing. Some, like Peter and John, became widely known, while others, like James the Less, remained less recognized. Yet each played a vital role in the mission Christ entrusted to them.
The art of reaching out goes beyond delivering messages from the pulpit; it involves connecting with the hearts and minds of those we serve and work alongside. The apostle Paul labored to build this kind of unity in the early church, understanding that believers differ in personality and disposition because they live in a broken world. Still, he urged them toward harmony, writing, “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). As we continue our work on earth, sent into a lost and hurting world, we must not allow our differences to divide us. Instead, we should see them as expressions of our uniqueness—strengths that, when united in Christ, enable us to serve more effectively together.
Church unity has always been a hot topic among members, but 9 times out of 10, there is a power struggle from within that can lead to disarray, spite, contentiousness, jealousy, pettiness, and if worst comes to worst, animosity. These negative factors slowly destroy unity within our brethren. However, if we ask God for guidance and strength, and allow the Holy Spirit to move among us, our attitudes towards each other would change that there will be no petty gripes, division, and animosity towards our church families, because we are one in The Lord, we have one goal, and at the end of the day, we all have the same desire to see Jesus when he comes back again.
Differences in ideas and opinions, as well as classism, and cultural differences can create tensions. The Lord works with anyone who is ready to work with Him. We need to pray for love and respect for one another.
As Believers we naturally think from the “inside” looking “out”- Fellow Saints, God’s chosen people, the Called, the Sanctified and the Elect of God – and this is our Right; for indeed this is who we are in Christ.
Now let us imagine that we are “outside” looking “in”- looking at this strange group of people, who worship a man who died 2026 years ago and more than that claims that he was resurrected from the dead and now lives in Heaven.
Yes they have their holy book – the Bible – just as other religions have their holy book on which they base their faith. What would be the first step, as small as it might appear to some eyes – that would give us some degree of credibility in their eyes. I am suggesting OUR UNITY.
Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ was so certain of this fact, that He unambiguously stated – “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35 kjv.
Many years ago we used to sing the words of this song :
…Oh the games people play now
Every night and every day now
Never meaning what they say now
Never saying what they mean.
Our genuine love , demonstrated towards each other compels a skeptical and watching world to confess that we are disciples of Christ. We are not on games. They may argue against our theological reasoning; but they cannot “argue” against our love; a love that is manifested in our unity.
The lesson asks, “How can you, at your local church, work to lessen the things that threaten our unity? What are these tensions at the local level, and what can be done about them?”
I’ll be honest in my response—coming from an older generation of Adventists, I grew up really focused on strict Sabbath observance and worship style, modest dress, and careful attention to diet. These things were central to my faith, and I followed them closely.
Worshipping now alongside younger members who approach these things more loosely has been tough for me. I’m still figuring out how to find peace with it. It’s not easy to feel fully connected when our practices and priorities seem so different.
A lot of the tensions in our local church seem to come from differences in conviction—what each of us sees as essential to faith—and differences in approach, whether it’s worship style, lifestyle choices, or how we interpret Scripture. I’m learning to focus on what unites us: our love for Jesus and our desire to serve Him together. I am trying to be patient and humble, remembering that younger members are seeking God, too. Listening to their perspectives without judgment has helped me understand them better, and I try to lead by example in living out my convictions rather than insisting others do the same. Above all, I pray for unity, trusting that God can soften hearts and help us appreciate each other across generations.
I don’t have it all figured out, but keeping the focus on Christ and His love helps me let go of tension and work toward unity, even when it’s hard.
Just the other day a situation came about in the Church and Matthew 18:15-17 was the model suggested to follow. The Word does have the answers to our struggles in the Church and our daily lives today.
Some excellent comments have already been made on today’s lesson and I affirm them and their contributors. This is what Ssnet is supposed to be, a virtual Sabbath School, and Bible study and discussion. I appreciate when people are genuine and make themselves vulnerable by sharing their personal views and struggles. We don’t have to always have the answers, nor pretend that we do. That was the problem of the Pharisees. They had to put on a show of piety, of having it all together, of being God’s “frozen Chosen.” Today’s lesson dovetails nicely with Pastor William’s feature article, “I Used to Be a People-Person, but People Ruined it for me”
It’s refreshing when we realize that we don’t have to have it all together or have all the answers to the perplexities of life. This is why we need to cut one another some slack. We are all at different stages of spiritual development and growth. We, as a church should seek unity, not division, yet we must allow for individuality. Unity doesn’t necessarily mean or require uniformity. It requires us all working together for a common cause and purpose, the furtherance of the Gospel and the building up of God’s Kingdom.
We are like instruments in an orchestra, each unique or similar but all playing together in harmony and unity to produce beautiful music. If you have ever heard an orchestra warming up for a performance you know it sounds completely different than when the concert begins. When one Conductor brings all the members of the orchestra into harmony and unity, the result is a symphony that blesses many people.
We are members of that heavenly orchestra, that heavenly choir, lifting up our voices and using our unique or similar talents, gifts, and abilities to bless the world and invite them to join in as together we unite to praise the Lord our God.
Thank you, Tim – seeing ourselves as the heavenly orchestra lead by our beloved conductor, is the beautiful reflection of what is at the heart of unity – the believer’s love for God and therefore for one another. Lack of love for God keeps us in a constant state of ‘tuning/practicing’ the gifts given to us, instead of engaging them to make the beautiful music coming from a loving heart.
Today, I was impressed by the Holy Spirit to explore the section “Discuss on the Daily Blog” of our Sabbath School lesson. I am now a fan and will read/include these reactions in my lessons. This was a blessing and I was really touched by the following people: Maurice Ashton on March 22, 2026 at 3:07 pm Who told the beautiful story about a piano–I will not forget it; omwenga mwambi on March 22, 2026 at 4:23 pm who gave various definitions of unity; Esther Pelletier on March 22, 2026 at 9:34 pm who shared some historical information/moments: Motanya Dan on March 22, 2026 at 10:33 pm who pointed out “various walks of life” and quoted ” Romans 12:4. Jonathan Williams on March 23, 2026 at 6:23 am by condensing unity as embracing it “with love”: Obeng-Akrofi Priscilla on March 23, 2026 at 7:54 summarized what we must do for unification in 3 short sentences: Steve Cole on March 23, 2026 at 8:21 am said “Our genuine love” is the key; Beverley Joseph on March 23, 2026 at 9:26 am said “I don’t have it all figured out, but keeping the focus on Christ and His love helps me let go of tension and work toward unity, even when it’s hard”; there were a couple I didn’t understand so I didn’t give thumbs up; Lastly, I love the ending with Tim Heischberg on March 23, 2026 at 10:47. he encapsulated the lesson without condemnation and ended with Hallelujah paragraphs: “We are like instruments in an orchestra, each unique or similar but all playing together in harmony and unity to produce beautiful music. If you have ever heard an orchestra warming up for a performance you know it sounds completely different than when the concert begins. When one Conductor brings all the members of the orchestra into harmony and unity, the result is a symphony that blesses many people.
We are members of that heavenly orchestra, that heavenly choir, lifting up our voices and using our unique or similar talents, gifts, and abilities to bless the world and invite them to join in as together we unite to praise the Lord our God.”
Fantabulous! P.S. I read the article: “I Used to Be a People-Person, but People Ruined it for me”. I only commented on the people who were there on Monday at 11:16AM Las Vegas, NV time. Thank You All and especially the Holy Spirit.
I’d say most just for if you love your Church and if it may feel things are changing to what is there to say for when did this take place? Times just for if even a reason such as those in the Church go through different seasons, if a not for meaning, I want to take it away from you. I’ve seen most just when a time the Church was to undergo a remodel, if it were to say, “well, much work to do if who will do it all?” Only a voice ever heard in my head. Also, “to what the cost, however will it all be covered?” Mostly, when you give your all to God. That’s what he asks for from all of us but to say when things must exchange hands for what you felt so dearly towards, imagine how God felt letting his Son go for us? I say this, thank You God and thank You Lord for change in the Church. We love You as we say time and time again. Lord, we mean it even if our actions don’t show that we do. You are our God! Church members the same to say for you. We love you! You are our Church even if our actions don’t show what our heart wants for each other. I’d a dream a few nights ago and a time it was in heaven with the Church. Amen.
Eating together is a simple act that can unite people. This can be done in a church, at work, or at home. “Tell me who you are eating with, and I’ll tell you who you are.”
How does your church connect? Ours we are so many miles apart we connect twice a week, Sabbath School church service, and fellowship/connectivity dinner shortly after, every week, except for icy roads or illnesses, which is infrequent. And Bible study and prayer group once a week. Paul advocated. Seems as a modern prophet did also.
“Seek every opportunity to go where prayer is wont to be made. Those who are really seeking for communion with God will be seen in the prayer meeting, faithful to do their duty and earnest and anxious to reap all the benefits they can gain. They will improve every opportunity of placing themselves where they can receive the rays of light from heaven.” Steps to Christ 98.1
Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there. Matthew 18:20.
I appreciate the focus on unity and one mission. But when I read Paul’s ministry, I see that he focused a lot on making disciples who would continue the work. I think unity should lead us to active disciple-making, not just supporting the mission from a distance. Otherwise, it can result in passive Christianity.