Unity in Diversity: Celebrating Our Oneness in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrated the beauty of diversity within our congregation, recognizing that while we may come from different backgrounds, cultures, and preferences, we are united in Christ. Growing up in the outback of Australia, I experienced firsthand the richness of different cultures and the simplicity of life. This International Sunday, we acknowledged that despite our visible differences, we are fundamentally the same, created in the image of God. The enemy seeks to divide us by making our preferences primary, but God's love transcends these differences, uniting us as one body.
We explored three key ways in which we are united: as a family, as a body, and as those who are alive in Christ. The Bible does not refer to race but emphasizes that we are all of one blood, descendants of Adam, and made in God's image. This unity is not about uniformity but about bringing together our unique gifts and strengths to form a beautiful, strong, and effective body of Christ. We are reminded that in Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female; we are all one.
The enemy's strategy is to separate and divide, but Jesus is the great unifier. He breaks down walls of hostility and brings peace, making us one people through His sacrifice on the cross. We must not let our differences divide us but rather celebrate our unity in Christ. The grace that saved us should also flow through us, enabling us to forgive and love others as Christ has loved us.
As we prepare to take communion, we are reminded of the power of Christ's sacrifice. His blood made a way for us to be united with God and with each other. Communion is a time to reflect on our unity in Christ and to let go of any divisions or judgments we may hold. It is a time to come back to the cross, where we find forgiveness, freedom, and restoration.
### Key Takeaways
1. Unity in Diversity: Despite our visible differences, we are fundamentally the same, created in the image of God. The enemy seeks to divide us by making our preferences primary, but God's love transcends these differences, uniting us as one body. We must celebrate our diversity while recognizing our unity in Christ. [03:14]
2. Family of God: The Bible emphasizes that we are all of one blood, descendants of Adam, and made in God's image. This unity is not about uniformity but about bringing together our unique gifts and strengths to form a beautiful, strong, and effective body of Christ. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. [08:14]
3. Jesus, the Great Unifier: The enemy's strategy is to separate and divide, but Jesus breaks down walls of hostility and brings peace, making us one people through His sacrifice on the cross. We must not let our differences divide us but rather celebrate our unity in Christ. [12:58]
4. Grace and Forgiveness: The grace that saved us should also flow through us, enabling us to forgive and love others as Christ has loved us. Even before someone apologizes, we should extend grace and forgiveness, reflecting the love and mercy we have received from God. [16:02]
5. Alive in Christ: Our unity is not based on external features but on whether we are alive in Christ or dead in sin. Christ's sacrifice made a way for us to be united with God and with each other. Communion is a time to reflect on our unity in Christ and to let go of any divisions or judgments we may hold. [27:40]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - Celebrating Diversity
[02:02] - Prayer for Unity
[02:40] - Differences Among Us
[03:14] - 99% the Same
[03:51] - Addressing Cultural Differences
[04:23] - Breaking Out of Fear
[05:04] - God's Grace and Healing
[06:01] - Satan as the Separator
[06:25] - Unity in the Church
[07:21] - Image We Possess
[08:14] - United as a Family
[09:19] - One Race: The Human Race
[10:23] - Jesus, the Great Unifier
[12:58] - Breaking Down Hostility
[16:02] - Extending Grace and Forgiveness
[27:40] - Alive in Christ
[30:35] - Communion Preparation
[31:50] - Power in the Blood
[32:11] - Softening Our Hearts
[33:17] - Prayer and Worship
[34:14] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[36:12] - Prayer of Salvation
[37:17] - Celebrating Decisions
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 3:26-29 (NIV)
> "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise."
2. Ephesians 2:14-16 (NIV)
> "For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility."
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 (NIV)
> "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Galatians 3:26-29, what does it mean to be "clothed with Christ"? How does this relate to our unity in Christ? [10:23]
2. In Ephesians 2:14-16, what did Jesus do to break down the "dividing wall of hostility"? How does this action promote unity among believers? [12:58]
3. 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 describes the church as a body with many parts. What does this metaphor suggest about the diversity and unity within the church? [22:46]
4. The sermon mentioned that the enemy seeks to divide us by making our preferences primary. Can you recall an example from the sermon that illustrates this point? [06:01]
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that we are all "one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:28) challenge societal divisions based on race, gender, or social status? [10:23]
2. What practical steps can believers take to "destroy the barrier" and promote peace as described in Ephesians 2:14-16? How can this be applied in our church community? [12:58]
3. Reflecting on 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, how can recognizing the unique gifts and strengths of each member enhance the effectiveness of the church as a whole? [22:46]
4. The sermon emphasized the importance of grace and forgiveness. How does extending grace to others reflect the grace we have received from Christ? [16:02]
### Application Questions
1. In what ways can you personally celebrate the diversity within our church while recognizing our unity in Christ? Are there specific actions you can take to foster this unity? [03:14]
2. Think of a time when you allowed a personal preference to create division between you and another believer. How can you address this and seek reconciliation? [06:01]
3. How can you actively participate in breaking down walls of hostility within your community, as Jesus did? Are there specific relationships or situations where you need to seek peace? [12:58]
4. Reflect on a recent situation where you found it difficult to extend grace and forgiveness. How can you apply the sermon’s message to offer grace more freely in the future? [16:02]
5. During communion, we are reminded of our unity in Christ. How can you use this time to let go of any divisions or judgments you may hold? What steps can you take to ensure this unity is reflected in your daily interactions? [27:40]
6. The sermon mentioned that we are all part of one body with unique gifts. How can you better use your gifts to serve and strengthen the church? Are there new ways you can get involved? [22:46]
7. How can you ensure that your actions and attitudes reflect the love and unity that Christ calls us to, especially in a world that often seeks to divide? What specific changes can you make this week? [12:58]
Devotional
Day 1: Unity in Diversity
Despite our visible differences, we are fundamentally the same, created in the image of God. The enemy seeks to divide us by making our preferences primary, but God's love transcends these differences, uniting us as one body. We must celebrate our diversity while recognizing our unity in Christ. This unity is not about uniformity but about bringing together our unique gifts and strengths to form a beautiful, strong, and effective body of Christ. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. [03:14]
"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." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13 ESV)
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt different from others in your church community. How can you celebrate those differences while recognizing your unity in Christ today?
Day 2: Family of God
The Bible emphasizes that we are all of one blood, descendants of Adam, and made in God's image. This unity is not about uniformity but about bringing together our unique gifts and strengths to form a beautiful, strong, and effective body of Christ. In Christ, there is no Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female; we are all one. This means that our differences should not be a source of division but a source of strength and beauty. We are called to love and support one another as members of the same family, united by our faith in Christ. [08:14]
"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:26-27 ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and strengths to support and uplift someone in your church family this week?
Day 3: Jesus, the Great Unifier
The enemy's strategy is to separate and divide, but Jesus breaks down walls of hostility and brings peace, making us one people through His sacrifice on the cross. We must not let our differences divide us but rather celebrate our unity in Christ. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross was the ultimate act of reconciliation, bringing us back into a right relationship with God and with each other. As followers of Christ, we are called to be peacemakers, breaking down barriers and building bridges of love and understanding. [12:58]
"For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace." (Ephesians 2:14-15 ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone in your life with whom you have a strained relationship? How can you take a step towards reconciliation and peace today?
Day 4: Grace and Forgiveness
The grace that saved us should also flow through us, enabling us to forgive and love others as Christ has loved us. Even before someone apologizes, we should extend grace and forgiveness, reflecting the love and mercy we have received from God. This means letting go of grudges and choosing to forgive, even when it is difficult. By doing so, we reflect the heart of Christ and create an environment of love and acceptance within our community. [16:02]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32 ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Alive in Christ
Our unity is not based on external features but on whether we are alive in Christ or dead in sin. Christ's sacrifice made a way for us to be united with God and with each other. Communion is a time to reflect on our unity in Christ and to let go of any divisions or judgments we may hold. It is a time to come back to the cross, where we find forgiveness, freedom, and restoration. As we partake in communion, we are reminded of the power of Christ's sacrifice and the unity it brings to the body of believers. [27:40]
"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience—among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:1-5 ESV)
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, is there any division or judgment you need to let go of? How can you embrace the unity and restoration that Christ offers?
Quotes
1. "You know, it's just so amazing to look around the room and just to think of how many beautiful cultures there are here. But at the same time, it's so cool because when you look around, there's just so many differences. Like when we break it all down, there are so many differences that we have. But I just want to declare today that in all of our differences, they do not divide. In all of our differences, they create something strong, something beautiful, something that's lasting. So as we go into the Word, we're going to share for a few moments and then at the end, we're going to have communion together. Because there's nothing that unites everybody like the wonderful name of Jesus." [02:02] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I love that it's amazing to think that this is a true stat, that to think of all of our differences, we are actually still 99% the same. Doesn't matter. You've got all your differences. You get someone from the other side of the world, this side of the world, likes everything completely different. The truth of it is, is we are still 99% the same. Difference in skin color seems so big, and has surely created a whole lot of divide among people. That only seems to be escalating in this day and age. But yet, even in that, there is only 0.2% difference between someone who has fair skin, and someone like me who has darker skin." [03:14] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Because who knows that love, pure love, true love, doesn't differentiate around differences. Come on, it comes and penetrates the heart. We've become so PC that we're fear. We're in fear of offending people all the time, misrepresenting people. An area that has now become cautioned rather than an area that's become, that was once confidence. All of a sudden, the complexities have taken away the reality that we can complement each other so much. It's become competition rather than actually completion. Now, I understand we need to be respectful. I'm not saying anything out of disrespect. But we have to understand that sometimes we do need to learn and grow in understanding." [04:23] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "What I love about God's love, it doesn't look at the image people project. But the image everybody possesses. And in that, everybody is equal. Don't you love that? He doesn't look at the image I project. He looks at the image I possess. What do I possess? I possess the reality I am made in his image. Come on, when God sees me, even when I was running away from him, even when I knew what was right, but I was doing everything that was wrong, it didn't repel his grace. It didn't repel his love. He's, that's my son. He's wayward. He doesn't know the decisions he's making. But my gosh, that's my son. I'm his heavenly father. And it's the same towards every person in society. They might go, I don't believe in God. Doesn't change the fact that God still believes in them. God has a purpose and a plan and he has a hope and it's a future. And I love the fact that Jesus is the great unifier." [07:21] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "See, the reality is that Satan is a separator. He's a divider. Basically, he makes preference the primary. It's a preference thing, but he'll make it the primary thing. What's your political position? Are you a right? Are you a left? And depending on your right or your left, therefore, that's your primary standpoint, who you are as a person. No, no, no, no. That's a preference. That's not a paramount. That's not a principle. That's a preference we have. Come on, the reality of our religion can be a separator. The reality of gender can be a separator. If we had led it over COVID, if you were vaxxed or unvaxxed, the desire that was communicated, that should be a separator. But I'm so proud of a church that declared, come on, it's not about whether you're vaxxed or unvaxxed. Come on, it's the fact that we are a body. It's the fact that we're a family. And yes, it's hard. And yes, it hurts, but we are united together. Come on, under a love that makes a way." [06:25] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "See, this is what I loved about Jesus. He was the great unifier. He was the great leveler. Society was the great unifier. He was the great leveler. He wants to put us on a scale from bottom to top and wherever you fit in what they approve and appease and whatever else is going on in the time. And the pendulum often will swing from side to side, but they'll put you in an order up and down. But what I loved about Jesus is Jesus would lift the low up and he would bring the high down. And he didn't bring the high that you should be down there and the low that you should be up there, but he brought them to a level playing field." [10:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Come on, the reality of our religion can be a separator. The reality of gender can be a separator. If we had led it over COVID, if you were vaxxed or unvaxxed, the desire that was communicated, that should be a separator. But I'm so proud of a church that declared, come on, it's not about whether you're vaxxed or unvaxxed. Come on, it's the fact that we are a body. It's the fact that we're a family. And yes, it's hard. And yes, it hurts, but we are united together. Come on, under a love that makes a way." [06:25] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "I love that Ephesians 2.4-10 says this, He loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sin, He gave us life when He raised Christ Jesus from the dead. For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms. Because we are united with Christ. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness towards us, as shown that all He has done for those who are united with Christ Jesus. Listen to this, God saved you by His grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this. It's a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things that we've done. No, it's not that any one of us can boast about it. For we are God. We are God's masterpiece. We are created anew in Christ Jesus so we can do the good things God planned for us long ago." [27:40] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "See, the thing is, the great equalizer isn't where we fit on the pole, but it's whether we come to the cross. It's whether we come to that point where we say, God, I'm sick of doing it on my own. God, I can't carry this anymore. God, I can't navigate this with the blindness of my own vision and my own eyes. No, I choose to surrender to you and say, God, I'm not here to wallow in the defeat of my life, but God, I'm here to receive the wonder of your truth, the wonder of your grace, and to live under the wonder of your name. It's the beauty in of our differences, the truth that comes back to two things. Are we alive? And I love that today we're going to take communion together. So many differences, so many strengths, so many variances, so many but all alive in Christ." [29:11] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "And I just love that. I love that. That whenever we think we're too big, whenever we try and build ourselves up, whenever we think we've got it too together, no, let's just come back, come back to the cross. Whenever we find it too hard to love someone, whenever we find it too hard to forgive someone, whenever we find it like we just want to close off, no, no, come back to the cross. Come back to the cross. Come back to the place where life flows. Come back to the place where hope flows. Come back to the place where forgiveness comes. Come back to the place where freedom's found. Come back to the place where you're restored again. Come back to the place where God makes all things new." [29:11] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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