Unity in Christ Amidst Conflict and Differences

Devotional

Day 1: Unity in Christ

Paul's letter to the Galatians emphasizes that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. This unity transcends all differences and should be the foundation of our community. Our shared identity in Christ is more significant than any social, political, or theological differences we may have. [23:40]

Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."

Reflection: Think of a person in your church community with whom you have significant differences. How can you reach out to them this week to build a bridge of unity in Christ?

Day 2: Conflict is Inevitable but Manageable

Conflict has been a part of the church since its inception. While it can be disorienting and disappointing, it is essential to manage it well to prevent damage to the faith community. Avoiding conflict is not a solution; addressing it directly is crucial for maintaining a healthy church environment. [26:58]

James 1:19-20 (ESV): "Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."

Reflection: Reflect on a recent conflict you experienced within the church. How can you approach the person involved to address the issue directly and constructively?

Day 3: The Importance of Addressing Differences

Differences, especially during election seasons, can be perceived as threats to community unity. However, avoiding discussions about these differences can lead to unhealthy manifestations. It is vital to learn how to talk about our differences directly and constructively. [32:57]

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: Identify a specific difference you have with someone in your church. How can you initiate a loving and respectful conversation about this difference?

Day 4: Commitment to the Community

Despite differences, commitment to the church community is paramount. The story of John, who despite his differing opinions, showed unwavering commitment to the church, serves as a powerful example. His dedication to serving others and participating in church activities highlighted the importance of community over individual opinions. [36:21]

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: Think about your level of commitment to your church community. What is one specific way you can increase your involvement or support this week?

Day 5: The Invitation to the Lord's Table

The Lord's table is a place where all are welcome, regardless of their differences. The invitation to partake in Communion is extended to all because of who we are as God's children, not because of our deeds. This meal symbolizes our unity in Christ and should inspire us to be ambassadors of good news, justice, and peace. [48:32]

1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."

Reflection: As you prepare for the next Communion service, reflect on the unity it represents. How can you embody this unity in your daily interactions with others?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Grace and peace to you all. Today, we gather to worship and partake in the Sacrament of Communion through intinction. We also celebrate Heather Herring's seven years of dedicated service as our Volunteer Coordinator for Child and Family Services. Heather has been instrumental in our outreach programs, particularly with Westerly Hills Academy, and we express our profound gratitude for her contributions. We also welcome Audrey Webb, our new Director of Youth Ministry, and look forward to getting to know her better.

Our sermon series this month focuses on preparing us for the upcoming contentious presidential election season by exploring the letters of the Apostle Paul. Today, we delve into Paul's letter to the Galatians, a church in conflict due to differing teachings. Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. This message is particularly relevant as we navigate our own differences within the church community.

Conflict in the church is not new; it has existed since the early days of Christianity. My personal experience with church conflict, even within my own family, has taught me that while conflict is inevitable, it must be managed well to prevent damage to the faith community. The church is a place of deep meaning and memory, making conflict within it particularly disorienting and disappointing. However, avoiding conflict is not a solution. We must learn to address our differences directly to prevent them from manifesting in unhealthy ways.

Paul's message to the Galatians is a reminder that our differences, whether they be political, social, or theological, are secondary to our shared identity in Christ. We are all clothed with Christ and are heirs to the promise. This unity in Christ should guide us in how we handle our differences, especially during divisive times like election seasons.

As we come to the Lord's table, let us remember that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. The invitation to this meal is extended to all, not because of our deeds, but because of who we are as God's children. Let us go forth, nourished by this meal, to be ambassadors of good news, justice, and peace.

###

Key Takeaways

1. Unity in Christ: Paul's letter to the Galatians emphasizes that in Christ, there is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. This unity transcends all differences and should be the foundation of our community. Our shared identity in Christ is more significant than any social, political, or theological differences we may have. [23:40]
2. Conflict is Inevitable but Manageable: Conflict has been a part of the church since its inception. While it can be disorienting and disappointing, it is essential to manage it well to prevent damage to the faith community. Avoiding conflict is not a solution; addressing it directly is crucial for maintaining a healthy church environment. [26:58]
3. The Importance of Addressing Differences: Differences, especially during election seasons, can be perceived as threats to community unity. However, avoiding discussions about these differences can lead to unhealthy manifestations. It is vital to learn how to talk about our differences directly and constructively. [32:57]
4. Commitment to the Community: Despite differences, commitment to the church community is paramount. The story of John, who despite his differing opinions, showed unwavering commitment to the church, serves as a powerful example. His dedication to serving others and participating in church activities highlighted the importance of community over individual opinions. [36:21]
5. The Invitation to the Lord's Table: The Lord's table is a place where all are welcome, regardless of their differences. The invitation to partake in Communion is extended to all because of who we are as God's children, not because of our deeds. This meal symbolizes our unity in Christ and should inspire us to be ambassadors of good news, justice, and peace. [48:32]
### [48:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[07:59] - Announcements and Recognitions
[09:14] - Children's Message and Heather Herring's Service
[17:28] - Heather Herring's Retirement
[19:04] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
[22:03] - Context of Galatians
[23:40] - Scripture Reading: Galatians 3:23-29
[24:53] - Personal Story of Church Conflict
[25:48] - Role of a District Superintendent
[26:58] - The Challenge of Church Conflict
[28:58] - The Issue in Galatia
[30:53] - Modern Church and Differences
[32:57] - Avoiding Discussions on Differences
[34:41] - Story of John and Commitment to Community
[36:21] - The Core Message of Unity
[38:00] - Conclusion and Invitation to Communion
[48:32] - The Significance of the Lord's Table
[54:41] - Communion Service
[64:31] - Closing and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does Paul mean when he says, "There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus"? ([23:40])
How did the conflict in the Galatian church arise, and what were the differing teachings that caused it? ([22:03])
What personal story did the pastor share about experiencing church conflict, and how did it affect his family? ([24:53])
How did John, despite his differing opinions, show his commitment to the church community? ([36:21])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul emphasize unity in Christ over social, political, or theological differences? How does this message apply to our current church community? ([23:40])
What are the potential consequences of avoiding discussions about differences within the church? ([32:57])
How can the story of John’s commitment to the church despite his differing opinions serve as a model for handling conflict and differences in our own church? ([36:21])
What does the invitation to the Lord's table symbolize about our unity in Christ, and how should this influence our behavior towards one another? ([48:32])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you experienced conflict within the church. How did it affect your faith and your relationship with the church community? What steps can you take to address conflicts constructively in the future? ([26:58])
How can you actively promote unity in Christ within our church, especially during divisive times like election seasons? What specific actions can you take to bridge differences? ([23:40])
Think about a person in our church with whom you have differing opinions. How can you engage in a respectful and constructive conversation with them about your differences? ([32:57])
In what ways can you show your commitment to the church community, similar to how John did, even if you have differing opinions on certain issues? ([36:21])
How does participating in Communion remind you of your shared identity in Christ? How can this reminder influence your interactions with others in the church? ([48:32])
What are some practical ways you can be an ambassador of good news, justice, and peace in your daily life, inspired by the unity we have in Christ? ([48:32])
How can you support and encourage others in our church to address differences directly and constructively, rather than avoiding them? ([32:57])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "One of the things I hope each of you know as children in this church is that your church cares for you and loves you and wants to support you because you are a part of our family. Do you know that? Good. Well, I want to tell you that God asks us to love and care for not only you as children in this church, but other children as well." [17:28] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The good news is that ever since there has been a church, there has been conflict. If you don't believe me, read your book. The bad news is that if it's not managed well, those conflicts can damage the family of faith and distract from what God needs the church of Jesus Christ to be." [27:58] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Paul wants us to know that we have been clothed with Christ, and not because of our doing. That we are one in Christ. That we are heirs, each of us, heirs of the promise. And in what other? In other ways that we are different. None of that matters as much as whose we ultimately are." [38:00] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "But what matters more than that difference is the invitation that Christ extends to us, not because of what we've done or what we haven't done, but because of who we are as God's children. So recognizing that that is what matters the most, you are welcome and invited to this meal." [48:32] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "There are a number of reasons why conflict in the church is so difficult. Church is often a place of deep meaning and memory. Church is a place where we celebrate milestones, weddings, confirmation, baptism. Church is a place that has provided comfort at the death of a loved one or by accompanying us through some hardship or struggle. Church is the place that helps us navigate life and the life of faith." [26:58] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Essentially, the issue was how to approach difference. The church in Galatia was made up of all different kinds of people with different backgrounds and experiences. And for those who taught opposite of Paul, the main reason that they argued to keep the Jewish law was to help claim a shared identity. An identity that you could notice, that you could literally see because of eating kosher and dressing a certain way and treating your body a certain way and saying certain things." [30:53] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "What if your Bible study leader, your circle leader, has a different opinion on gun violence than you do? What if the person who sits near you in the pew has a Trump sticker on their car? What if, gasp, the preacher has a different opinion than you do about the wisdom of supply side economics? What do we do with these differences? What do we do with these differences?" [32:57] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "I knew that what mattered most to John, even more than his completely ridiculous and annoying opinions that he shared freely with anyone who would listen, I knew that what mattered most to John was his commitment to the members of that church who were, by the love and grace of Christ, part of his family." [36:21] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "I want to be clear. If you know me, you're probably going to laugh. I really don't like conflict. I avoid it like the plague. It makes my stomach hurt. Being willing to have, to have and manage conflict is a perennial fixture on my areas for improvement part of my annual review. And I've learned the hard way that pretending that everything is fine when it's obvious that there are issues and areas of disagreement, that need to be addressed is not a winning strategy." [34:41] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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