Embracing Unity in Christ: A Call to Action
Summary
Unity in Christ is the central theme of our journey as a church community. As we embark on this new year, we are called to embrace the vision of unity that God has set for us, as outlined in Ephesians 4. This unity is not just a superficial agreement but a deep, spiritual bond that requires humility, love, and a shared purpose. We are reminded that we are not just a local congregation but part of the larger body of Christ, the Big C Church, which transcends buildings and denominations.
The power of the Holy Spirit is likened to a continuous source of energy, much like a car engine or a steam locomotive, propelling us forward in our mission to love God, love our neighbors, and spread the gospel. This power is not a one-time event but a constant renewal that enables us to live out our calling in community. We are encouraged to support one another, meeting each other's needs and living in a way that reflects the love of Christ.
Living in community means being there for each other, as illustrated by personal stories of helping friends in need. It is about putting others before ourselves, as taught in the simple yet profound children's song "Joy." This selflessness fosters unity and allows us to live in harmony, even amidst disagreements. We are reminded that our preferences should not overshadow the greater purpose of building God's kingdom.
The foundation of our unity is our shared beliefs: one Lord, one faith, one baptism. These core tenets bind us together and guide us in our mission to spread the gospel. Our goal is not just to grow our local church but to contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. This involves collaboration with other churches and recognizing that each church has its unique identity and role in God's plan.
As we move forward, we are called to be present and active in our church and community. Through various outreach events and initiatives, we have the opportunity to work together to share Christ's love. By committing to unity and focusing on our common mission, we can effectively build God's kingdom and live out our calling as one body in Christ.
Key Takeaways
- Unity in Christ requires humility, love, and a shared purpose. It is a spiritual bond that transcends individual preferences and focuses on the collective mission of spreading the gospel. [01:48]
- The Holy Spirit empowers us continuously, much like a car engine or steam locomotive, enabling us to live out our calling in community and share God's love with others. [04:32]
- Living in community means supporting one another and putting others before ourselves. This selflessness fosters unity and allows us to live in harmony, even amidst disagreements. [09:09]
- Our unity is founded on shared beliefs: one Lord, one faith, one baptism. These core tenets guide us in our mission to spread the gospel and build God's kingdom. [15:23]
- We are called to be present and active in our church and community, working together through outreach events and initiatives to share Christ's love and build God's kingdom. [20:53]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Vision for Unity
[02:46] - God's Call to Love
[04:32] - Power of the Holy Spirit
[06:19] - Living in Community
[07:03] - Supporting Each Other
[09:09] - Unity in Action
[09:58] - Importance of Togetherness
[12:58] - Avoiding Division
[14:06] - Joy in Serving Others
[15:23] - Foundation of Unity
[17:08] - Building God's Kingdom
[17:43] - Collaboration with Other Churches
[18:57] - Living in Harmony
[20:53] - Call to Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Ephesians 4:1-6
- Acts 2:1-4
- Colossians 3:12-14
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#### Observation Questions
1. What does Ephesians 4:1-6 say about the qualities needed to maintain unity in the church? [01:48]
2. How is the power of the Holy Spirit described in the sermon, and what analogy is used to explain it? [04:32]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate living in community and supporting one another? [07:03]
4. According to the sermon, what are the core beliefs that form the foundation of our unity? [15:23]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of unity in Ephesians 4 challenge the way individuals typically view their role in the church community? [01:48]
2. In what ways does the continuous empowerment of the Holy Spirit influence our daily lives and interactions with others? [04:32]
3. How do personal stories of helping others, as shared in the sermon, reflect the biblical call to live in community? [07:03]
4. What does it mean to prioritize the growth of God's kingdom over personal preferences or the growth of a local church? [17:08]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you prioritized your preferences over the needs of the church community. How can you shift your focus to align with the vision of unity described in Ephesians 4? [12:58]
2. The sermon compares the Holy Spirit's power to a car engine or steam locomotive. How can you ensure that you are continuously fueled by the Holy Spirit in your daily walk? [04:32]
3. Think of a recent disagreement you had within the church. How can you apply the principles of humility and love to resolve it and maintain unity? [09:58]
4. Identify a specific way you can support a fellow church member in need this week. How does this action contribute to living in community? [07:03]
5. How can you actively participate in outreach events or initiatives to share Christ's love in your community? What steps will you take to be more involved? [20:53]
6. Consider the shared beliefs mentioned in the sermon. How do these beliefs guide your actions and decisions within the church? [15:23]
7. What practical steps can you take to collaborate with other churches in your area to build God's kingdom? How can this collaboration enhance your church's mission? [17:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity Through Humility and Love
Unity in Christ is not merely about agreeing on the surface but involves a profound spiritual connection that requires humility, love, and a shared purpose. This unity transcends individual preferences and focuses on the collective mission of spreading the gospel. It calls for a selfless attitude where personal desires are set aside for the greater good of the community. By embracing humility and love, believers can foster a deep bond that reflects the unity of the body of Christ. This unity is essential for the church to effectively carry out its mission and witness to the world. [01:48]
Ephesians 4:2-3 (ESV): "With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Reflection: Consider a situation where your personal preferences have overshadowed the collective mission of your community. How can you practice humility and love to foster unity in that situation today?
Day 2: The Continuous Empowerment of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is likened to a continuous source of energy, much like a car engine or a steam locomotive, propelling believers forward in their mission to love God, love their neighbors, and spread the gospel. This empowerment is not a one-time event but a constant renewal that enables believers to live out their calling in community. The Holy Spirit provides the strength and guidance needed to overcome challenges and remain faithful to the mission. By relying on the Holy Spirit, believers can experience a dynamic and vibrant faith that impacts their lives and the lives of others. [04:32]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what ways do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your life right now? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to renew and guide you in your daily walk?
Day 3: Selflessness in Community
Living in community means supporting one another and putting others before ourselves. This selflessness fosters unity and allows believers to live in harmony, even amidst disagreements. By prioritizing the needs of others, believers can create a supportive and nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and loved. This selflessness is exemplified in personal stories of helping friends in need and is a reflection of Christ's love for the church. By living selflessly, believers can build strong relationships and a united community that reflects the love of Christ to the world. [09:09]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: Think of a specific person in your community who could use your support. How can you selflessly serve them this week, putting their needs before your own?
Day 4: The Foundation of Shared Beliefs
The foundation of unity in the church is built on shared beliefs: one Lord, one faith, one baptism. These core tenets bind believers together and guide them in their mission to spread the gospel and build God's kingdom. By focusing on these shared beliefs, believers can overcome differences and work together towards a common goal. This unity is essential for the church to effectively carry out its mission and witness to the world. By embracing these shared beliefs, believers can experience a deep sense of belonging and purpose within the body of Christ. [15:23]
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 (ESV): "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on the core beliefs that unite your community. How can you focus on these shared beliefs to strengthen your unity and mission as a church?
Day 5: Active Presence in Church and Community
Believers are called to be present and active in their church and community, working together through outreach events and initiatives to share Christ's love and build God's kingdom. By committing to unity and focusing on their common mission, believers can effectively live out their calling as one body in Christ. This active presence involves being engaged in the life of the church and participating in efforts to reach out to the wider community. By being present and active, believers can make a meaningful impact and contribute to the growth of God's kingdom. [20:53]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Reflection: How can you be more present and active in your church and community this week? What specific steps can you take to engage in outreach and share Christ's love with others?
Quotes
"Unity is God's vision for his people. It requires humility, love, and shared purpose as we begin this new year together. If you look at that word community, the word unity is in that community. There's a communal unity that brings us together for a common purpose." [00:01:16]
"Therefore, there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over and through all and in all." [00:02:29]
"God's vision for us as a church, as a people, as a lowercase church, not just the Crossings Community Church, but the Big C Church, the Church of God. We don't have a church building, but we are a church, and we are part of the kingdom of God, which is God's church." [00:02:46]
"In Acts it says, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And it's a power that is not this one-time explosion like a stick of dynamite. It is a power that is rebuilt and renewed. Think about the idea of a car engine." [00:04:11]
"Well, this same idea that the power God gives us is to share his love with everyone we meet and with one another. Remember, Jesus said, this is how they will know you're my disciples if you have love one for another. God has called us to living a life in community." [00:05:59]
"When one of us has a need, another of us should be there to meet that need. Not too long ago, my Facebook memories reminded me, opportunities. The opportunity that I had as a person to help a friend. I've told you guys about this a dozen times, but I'll say it again." [00:06:38]
"And that's what God's called us to, this unity. God wants us to live together. God didn't make us to be lone rangers. He didn't make us to live by ourselves. Remember, the lone ranger had a friend who was with him. His name was Tonto." [00:09:20]
"God has called us to unity and he says in here in this passage that we should maintain that bond of unity one of the things that happens when churches get divisive is people start to think about what do I want and what do I need instead of what does God want." [00:10:46]
"When we focus on other people, and when we focus on serving, and give ourselves away, then we can more easily live in unity. When we're focused on helping other people, when we're showing them the love of God, when we're serving, that's when we are the most blessed." [00:14:06]
"God's call for the foundation of unity. What is the unity that we're calling for? There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." [00:14:33]
"Every church has its own personality. Every church has its own identity. And not every church is for every person, and that's okay. When we're spreading the gospel, when we're giving the good news, we're not always going to hook that person into our church." [00:17:43]
"And as a result of our focus of uniting together to build God's kingdom, our church will grow as a result. Next we need to live in unity we need to live together we need to do things together we're going to have multiple opportunities this year through outreach events to work together." [00:18:57]
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