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It is true a new church is now open in Murphysboro! First Christian Church and Berean Christian Church are now United In Faith Chrisitan Church.  There are several very good reasons for the union. The most important are the theological justifications for the new church. 

Unity

Unity is a key feature of the faith and is spoken about in depth and even by Jesus specifically in John the 17th chapter. Jesus said in John 17:20-23, “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." 

Beyond Jesus saying that he desired unity among belivers there are further references in Romans 12:3-8 and Ephesians 4:1-6. All speak to the need for being one. 

Reconciliation

It is also important to know that Berean split off from First Chrisitan Church in the late 1970's and as a result reconciliation is an important aspect of coming together. This does not mean that there were lingering hard feelings between the churches. They often worked together over the years. However, we are ambassadors for Christ and as a result even the appearance of hard feelings does not represent him well. By coming unifying we are showing our community that we are completely reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 makes our need for complete forgiveness and unity.

Outreach

Another important aspect of the union is the need to reachout to our community.  We are called to be witnesses of Jesus to our community in Murphysboro and the surrounding area. This is clearly indicated in Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  Our witness has more stregth and impact when we are one working in unity. 

We Are One

So now we are one. Berean and First Christian Church are now joined and in their place is Unity In Faith Christian Church. We are hoping to see many blessings and we honor God with our unity.