Unity in Christ: Embracing Our Divine Mission
Summary
In our gathering today, we explored the profound unity and mission that God calls us to as His children. We are reminded that we are part of a divine family, bound together by the Spirit and the bond of peace. This unity transcends our differences and backgrounds, creating a supernatural oneness that is evident when we gather in His name. Our experiences in Myanmar, where we shared the gospel with those who had never heard of Jesus, highlighted the power of the Holy Spirit working through us. It was a testament to the joy and fulfillment found in obeying God's call to make disciples of all nations.
We also reflected on the importance of grounding ourselves in ancient truths rather than being swayed by new and fleeting ideas. The world is full of voices and opinions, but we are called to tremble at God's Word, which is eternal and unchanging. This is a time of unprecedented opportunity, with the Great Commission nearing completion and the church and Israel existing together once more. We are living in a unique moment in history, and it is crucial that we anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word and the fellowship of believers.
Furthermore, we discussed the need for repentance, particularly in how we value the words of people over the Word of God. We must repent of caring too much about what others think and instead focus on what God says about us. His Word should be the ultimate authority in our lives, and we should tremble at it, allowing it to shape our identity and actions.
Finally, we emphasized the importance of unity within the body of Christ. Despite the divisions and denominational splits that have occurred over the centuries, we are called to be one family, devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This unity is essential for fulfilling God's mission on earth and experiencing the fullness of His presence and power.
Key Takeaways:
1. Unity in the Spirit: True unity is found in the Spirit and the bond of peace, transcending our differences and backgrounds. This supernatural oneness is evident when we gather in Jesus' name, creating a family bound by divine love and purpose. [01:38]
2. The Joy of Obedience: Sharing the gospel with those who have never heard of Jesus brings immense joy and fulfillment. It is in these moments of obedience that we experience the power of the Holy Spirit and the beauty of God's mission. [10:30]
3. Grounding in Ancient Truths: In a world full of fleeting ideas and opinions, we must anchor ourselves in the eternal truth of God's Word. This ancient truth provides stability and direction, guiding us through the complexities of modern life. [46:06]
4. Repentance and Trembling at God's Word: We must repent of valuing human opinions over God's Word. His Word should be the ultimate authority in our lives, and we should tremble at it, allowing it to shape our identity and actions. [27:02]
5. Unity in the Body of Christ: Despite historical divisions, we are called to be one family, devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This unity is essential for fulfilling God's mission and experiencing His presence. [57:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to the Family Room
- [01:10] - Unity in the Spirit
- [02:08] - Mission in Myanmar
- [04:18] - Miracles and Faith
- [06:14] - Sharing the Gospel
- [08:07] - Centering on Christ
- [10:43] - Preaching to the Unreached
- [12:34] - The Great Commission
- [14:43] - Experiencing God's Power
- [18:29] - Call to Action for Myanmar
- [26:23] - Repentance and Trembling at God's Word
- [34:21] - The Unique Time We Live In
- [46:06] - Grounding in Ancient Truths
- [57:15] - Unity in the Body of Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:19-22
2. Isaiah 66:2
3. Matthew 28:19-20
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 2:19-22 say about our identity and unity as believers? How does this passage describe the foundation of our faith?
2. In Isaiah 66:2, what qualities does God look for in those who follow Him? How does this relate to the concept of trembling at God's Word? [26:44]
3. According to the sermon, what was the significance of the experiences shared in Myanmar, and how did they demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit? [02:08]
4. How does the sermon describe the current time in history regarding the Great Commission and the unity of the church and Israel? [36:26]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being "fellow citizens with the saints" in Ephesians 2:19-22 challenge our understanding of community within the church? What implications does this have for our relationships with other believers?
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that we might be valuing human opinions over God's Word? How can this affect our spiritual growth and decision-making? [27:23]
3. The sermon highlights the joy and fulfillment found in sharing the gospel. How does this align with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, and what does it suggest about our role in God's mission? [10:30]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of grounding ourselves in ancient truths, and how does this relate to the challenges of modern life? [46:06]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationships within the church. How can you actively contribute to the unity described in Ephesians 2:19-22? Are there specific actions you can take to strengthen these bonds?
2. Consider a time when you prioritized human opinions over God's Word. How did it impact your decisions or actions? What steps can you take to ensure God's Word remains the ultimate authority in your life? [27:23]
3. Think about your personal involvement in the Great Commission. Is there someone in your life who has never heard the gospel? How can you share the message of Jesus with them this week? [10:30]
4. Identify a modern idea or trend that challenges your faith. How can you anchor yourself in the eternal truth of God's Word to navigate this challenge? [46:06]
5. The sermon emphasizes the need for repentance. Is there an area in your life where you need to repent for valuing human opinions over God's Word? How can you make this change starting today? [27:02]
6. Reflect on the supernatural unity experienced in Myanmar. How can you seek similar experiences of unity and the Holy Spirit's power in your own community? [02:08]
7. The sermon mentions the unique time we live in with the church and Israel existing together. How does this awareness influence your perspective on global missions and your role in it? [36:26]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in the Spirit
In a world filled with division and strife, the call to unity in the Spirit is a profound reminder of the supernatural oneness that believers share. This unity is not based on human efforts or similarities but is a divine gift, transcending differences and backgrounds. When believers gather in Jesus' name, they become a family bound by divine love and purpose, creating a bond of peace that is evident to all. This unity is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit, who brings together diverse individuals into one body, reflecting the heart of God for His people. [01:38]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 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."
Reflection: Consider a relationship in your life where division exists. How can you actively seek the unity of the Spirit in that relationship today?
Day 2: The Joy of Obedience
Obedience to God's call brings a deep sense of joy and fulfillment, especially when sharing the gospel with those who have never heard of Jesus. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a profound experience of the Holy Spirit's power working through believers. As they step out in faith, they witness the beauty of God's mission and the transformation it brings to lives. The experiences in Myanmar serve as a powerful reminder of the joy found in obeying God's command to make disciples of all nations, highlighting the eternal impact of such obedience. [10:30]
Acts 5:29-32 (ESV): "But Peter and the apostles answered, 'We must obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. And we are witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.'"
Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity to share your faith that you hesitated to take. What step of obedience can you take today to share the gospel with someone in your life?
Day 3: Grounding in Ancient Truths
In a rapidly changing world filled with fleeting ideas and opinions, grounding oneself in the eternal truth of God's Word is essential. This ancient truth provides stability and direction, guiding believers through the complexities of modern life. The call to tremble at God's Word is a reminder of its unchanging nature and authority. As the Great Commission nears completion and the church and Israel exist together once more, believers are living in a unique moment in history. Anchoring oneself in God's Word and the fellowship of believers is crucial for navigating this time with wisdom and discernment. [46:06]
Isaiah 40:8 (ESV): "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."
Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you have been swayed by fleeting ideas. How can you intentionally ground yourself in God's eternal truth today?
Day 4: Repentance and Trembling at God's Word
The call to repentance is a call to realign one's values with God's Word, recognizing its ultimate authority in life. Valuing human opinions over God's Word can lead to misplaced priorities and actions. Trembling at God's Word means allowing it to shape one's identity and actions, acknowledging its power and truth. This repentance involves a shift in focus from what others think to what God says, leading to a life that is aligned with His will and purpose. It is a transformative process that requires humility and a willingness to be changed by God's truth. [27:02]
Isaiah 66:2 (ESV): "All these things my hand has made, and so all these things came to be, declares the Lord. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."
Reflection: Reflect on an area where you have prioritized human opinions over God's Word. What steps can you take today to repent and realign your focus on God's truth?
Day 5: Unity in the Body of Christ
Despite historical divisions and denominational splits, believers are called to be one family, devoted to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This unity is essential for fulfilling God's mission on earth and experiencing the fullness of His presence and power. The call to unity is a call to embrace diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that each member plays a vital role in the mission of the church. By focusing on what unites rather than what divides, believers can experience the richness of community and the strength that comes from being one in Christ. [57:15]
1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (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. For the body does not consist of one member but of many."
Reflection: Think of a way you can contribute to the unity of your church community. What practical step can you take this week to foster unity within the body of Christ?
Quotes
I love this that it's the unity of the spirit and the bond of Peace we find unity in the spirit, not just in the flesh you know I know we look alike and you think we're from the same background but we're a little bit different, but when we are together in the spirit there is such a friendship and a Oneness and a Unity it's just amazing. [00:01:29]
I promise you guys when people talk about it being a drag to do obey God sacrifice a little bit or whatever there's nothing sweeter in the world. [00:10:27]
I want to beg you to ground yourself, attach yourself to ancient truth, rather than new thinking. Okay, you're going to attach yourself to something and I am saying I'm believing in truth that started at the beginning of time, and it's just now that people are coming up with these new thoughts that contradict this, and people are falling for it. [00:46:06]
We value the words of people too much, so if someone says something whether it's a recording artist or or an actor or an athlete or whoever it may be we want to know that we care about what they say we care about their opinion. [00:27:11]
I just want to see the kingdom of God let's go for it and the joy when you're together, you know when it's just unity and we're just all after the one thing of God I just want to see you move I want it to be you I don't want to make up something I don't want to Hype anything I don't want to manufacture anything. [00:25:36]
I want to read a passage that I just noticed a couple weeks ago, maybe it's this week Psalm 81. Look at this this is this is awesome Psalm 81 verse 10. I am the Lord your God who brought you up out of the land of Egypt open your mouth wide and I will fill it but my people did not listen to my voice Israel would not submit to me, so I gave them over to their stubborn Hearts to follow their own counsels. [00:55:06]
I mean that because I was thinking you guys already love the word of God and you love the mission of God and you love the Church of God. There's not a lot of groups like that group of people who love your word, who love your church and love your mission, like it's almost intimidating because it's like wow don't screw this up. [00:34:21]
I mean if he left in 33 A.D then we're right around that 2 000 year mark and here's the thing that someone pointed out but, you guys know second Peter chapter 3. um where it says uh verse 8 he says do not overlook this one fact beloved that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years and a thousand years are like one day the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness but is patient towards you not wishing that any should perish but it all should reach repentance. [00:41:08]
I mean the numbers that are just getting nuts, where they say by 2025 we will start the last translation of the Bible, it's like whoa, first time in history and I was reading how in like uh 2005 how there were 3158 unreached unengaged people groups and now there's only 144. [00:36:30]
I mean I've preached thousands of times but I had never preached in a village where the people had not heard the name Jesus, and so I I it's hard to explain I mean our translator first of all was terrified because he had been in that area before and was chased out and and was running for his life and so we there's part of me that doesn't know what's going to happen here. [00:10:43]
I mean you guys have heard all the stats about just just where we're at with a Great Commission and how we actually have like bible-believing Christians in every nation for the first time in history. [00:35:30]
I mean that because I was thinking you guys already love the word of God and you love the mission of God and you love the Church of God. There's not a lot of groups like that group of people who love your word, who love your church and love your mission, like it's almost intimidating because it's like wow don't screw this up. [00:34:21]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?