Unity in Faith: Passing Down Our Legacy
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the importance of unity and the responsibility we have as believers to pass our faith to the next generation. We began by acknowledging our need for God in all circumstances, whether in joy or in confusion, and prayed for His guidance and inspiration to be His hands and feet in our community. We celebrated the recent Harvest Festival, thanking God for the new and familiar faces and praying for the continued impact of the seeds planted during that event.
We then delved into the significance of passing down our faith, drawing from personal stories and the legacy of family heirlooms to illustrate how faith and values are transmitted through generations. This led us to John 17, where Jesus prays not only for His disciples but for all future believers. Jesus' prayer emphasizes unity among believers, mirroring the unity He shares with the Father. This unity is crucial for the world to recognize and believe in Jesus.
We discussed the recent General Conference of the Global Methodist Church, highlighting the spirit of unity that pervaded the event despite language barriers and technical difficulties. The new mission and vision statements of the Global Methodist Church were introduced, focusing on making disciples and spreading scriptural holiness across the globe. This mission aligns with Jesus' Great Commission, urging us to make disciples as we go about our daily lives.
Finally, we were reminded that the unity among believers is a powerful testimony to the world. Jesus' prayer for unity is not just about agreement but about a deep, life-giving connection that reflects the relationship between the Father and the Son. As we live out this unity, we fulfill our calling to make disciples and spread the love of God to all nations.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Prayer and Community: We are called to come to God in all circumstances, trusting that He hears us and is moving in our lives. Our prayers should extend beyond our immediate needs to include those who are suffering within our community and the world. This intercessory prayer is a powerful act of love and faith. [14:00]
2. Passing Down Faith: The legacy of faith is a precious gift that we must intentionally pass down to the next generation. Just as family heirlooms carry stories and values, our faith stories and experiences are vital for nurturing the spiritual growth of those who come after us. [24:42]
3. Unity Among Believers: Jesus' prayer in John 17 emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. This unity is not just about agreement but about a deep, spiritual connection that mirrors the relationship between Jesus and the Father. Such unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and truth. [29:40]
4. Living Out the Great Commission: Jesus' command to make disciples is not a one-time event but a continuous lifestyle. As we go about our daily lives, we are to share the gospel and make disciples, embodying the teachings and love of Jesus in every interaction. [48:05]
5. The Role of the Global Methodist Church: The new mission and vision statements of the Global Methodist Church emphasize making disciples and spreading scriptural holiness. This focus on scriptural holiness is a heart issue, calling us to live out our faith with integrity and passion, empowered by the Holy Spirit. [43:24]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[14:00] - Opening Prayer and Community Intercession
[15:33] - Reflections on the Harvest Festival
[23:48] - The Importance of Passing Down Faith
[29:40] - Jesus' Prayer for Future Believers
[32:56] - Unity Among Believers
[37:26] - Reflections on General Conference
[41:00] - New Mission and Vision Statements
[44:19] - Spirit of Unity at General Conference
[48:05] - Living Out the Great Commission
[50:19] - Closing Prayer from General Conference
[54:32] - Announcements and Benediction
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 17:20-26 - Jesus' Prayer for All Believers
2. Psalm 78:4 - Passing Down Faith to the Next Generation
3. Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission
#### Observation Questions
1. In John 17:20-26, what does Jesus pray for concerning future believers?
2. According to Psalm 78:4, what are we instructed to do for the next generation?
3. What command does Jesus give to His disciples in Matthew 28:19-20?
4. How did the recent General Conference of the Global Methodist Church reflect the spirit of unity despite challenges? [37:26]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is unity among believers so important according to Jesus' prayer in John 17? [29:40]
2. How does the legacy of faith compare to the passing down of family heirlooms, as illustrated in the sermon? [24:42]
3. What does it mean to live out the Great Commission in our daily lives, as described in Matthew 28:19-20? [48:05]
4. How does the concept of scriptural holiness, as emphasized by the Global Methodist Church, relate to our personal faith journey? [43:24]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced the power of prayer in your life. How can you incorporate more intercessory prayer for others in your daily routine? [14:00]
2. Think about the faith stories and experiences that have been passed down to you. How can you intentionally share your faith with the next generation? [24:42]
3. In what ways can you contribute to fostering unity within your church community? Are there specific actions you can take to build deeper connections with fellow believers? [29:40]
4. How can you live out the Great Commission in your everyday interactions? Identify one person you can share the gospel with this week. [48:05]
5. The Global Methodist Church emphasizes scriptural holiness. What steps can you take to deepen your understanding and practice of scriptural holiness in your life? [43:24]
6. Reflect on the recent Harvest Festival. How can you continue to nurture the relationships and seeds of faith planted during that event? [15:33]
7. Jesus' prayer for unity is about a deep, life-giving connection. How can you cultivate such connections within your family, workplace, or community? [29:40]
This guide is designed to help your small group delve deeper into the themes of unity, faith transmission, and living out the Great Commission, as discussed in the sermon. Use the questions to foster meaningful discussions and encourage practical applications in your daily lives.
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Prayer and Community
Description: Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and with each other. It is not just about asking for our own needs but also about interceding for others, showing love and compassion through our prayers. In times of joy and confusion, we are called to come to God, trusting that He hears us and is actively working in our lives. Intercessory prayer is an act of love and faith, extending beyond our immediate circle to include those who are suffering within our community and the world. This communal aspect of prayer strengthens our bonds and unites us in our shared faith. [14:00]
Bible passage: "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness." (1 Timothy 2:1-2, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your community who is going through a difficult time. How can you specifically pray for them today, and perhaps even reach out to let them know you are praying for them?
Day 2: Passing Down Faith
Description: The legacy of faith is a precious gift that we must intentionally pass down to the next generation. Just as family heirlooms carry stories and values, our faith stories and experiences are vital for nurturing the spiritual growth of those who come after us. This involves sharing personal testimonies, teaching biblical truths, and living out our faith in a way that is visible and impactful. By doing so, we ensure that the seeds of faith we plant today will grow and flourish in the lives of future believers. [24:42]
Bible passage: "Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children." (Deuteronomy 4:9, ESV)
Reflection: Think about a faith story or lesson that has significantly impacted your life. How can you share this story with someone from the next generation this week?
Day 3: Unity Among Believers
Description: Jesus' prayer in John 17 emphasizes the importance of unity among believers. This unity is not just about agreement but about a deep, spiritual connection that mirrors the relationship between Jesus and the Father. Such unity is a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and truth. When believers are united, it reflects the divine relationship and serves as a witness to the transformative power of the gospel. This unity requires intentional effort, humility, and a commitment to love one another as Christ loves us. [29:40]
Bible passage: "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a relationship within your church community that may need healing or strengthening. What steps can you take today to foster unity and reconciliation in that relationship?
Day 4: Living Out the Great Commission
Description: Jesus' command to make disciples is not a one-time event but a continuous lifestyle. As we go about our daily lives, we are to share the gospel and make disciples, embodying the teachings and love of Jesus in every interaction. This involves being intentional in our relationships, looking for opportunities to share our faith, and living in a way that reflects the character of Christ. By doing so, we fulfill the Great Commission and contribute to the growth of God's kingdom on earth. [48:05]
Bible passage: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: Identify one person in your daily life who does not know Jesus. How can you intentionally build a relationship with them and share the love of Christ in a practical way this week?
Day 5: The Role of the Global Methodist Church
Description: The new mission and vision statements of the Global Methodist Church emphasize making disciples and spreading scriptural holiness. This focus on scriptural holiness is a heart issue, calling us to live out our faith with integrity and passion, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The church's mission aligns with Jesus' Great Commission, urging believers to make disciples as they go about their daily lives. This involves a commitment to personal holiness, community engagement, and a global perspective on spreading the gospel. [43:24]
Bible passage: "As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, 'You shall be holy, for I am holy.'" (1 Peter 1:14-16, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on your own life and identify one area where you can grow in holiness. What practical steps can you take this week to align your actions and attitudes more closely with the teachings of Jesus?
Quotes
1. "We ask, O God, that you continue to bring to mind those who are suffering within our own ranks, but also those who are suffering in our community and in our world. And when you draw them to our mind, may we stop and pray for them. May we lift them up to you, whether they know that we're doing that or not. Whether we know all the specifics or we know every detail. We ask, O God, that we lift them up in prayer because you know every detail about them, about who they are, what they're going through, what they need. And so, God, we intercede on their behalf for them. We ask for transformation of their lives because you are moving in their life." [15:00] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We pass the faith from one generation to the next. Because that's how the story keeps being told. That's how we do this thing called faith. Is that we learn something and we pass it to the next generation. That's our responsibility. That's why we do what we do as people of faith." [29:06] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus prays that those who, those new believers who come into the faith will be just as one in one another as they are as Jesus and the Father are one. That same unity that he prayed for for he and the disciples. The same unity that he has with the Father. He prays that for every generation following. And that includes us. That includes those of us now who are building into new generations that are coming to faith." [32:16] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus isn't praying for the disciples to have all the right words. To have, you know, here's three basic things you need to tell, you know, somebody who doesn't know Jesus. Or, it isn't in, okay, I memorized these 17 verses in Scripture and therefore now I'm good and I know all the things. It's in the fact that there is unity among the believers. And I have a feeling that that's one of the hardest things in our world today for people who are outside the faith. To overcome. That it feels like there is complete fracture within what they think of as the church." [35:31] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus is praying that the new believers themselves will come to complete unity. That the disciples will be in unity and that the new believers will come in unity. And again, this isn't just words. This isn't just like go along to get along. This isn't just, yeah, we'll fake it till we make it. This is true unity. This is unity that brings peace. It brings tranquility. It brings this sort of stillness of the soul. That's what the word there talks about. And it brings life. It brings life that's active and vigorous that is devoted to God." [37:01] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The Global Methodist Church exists to make disciples of Jesus Christ and spread scriptural holiness across the globe. Now, for those of you who've been Methodists for a while, that phrase scriptural holiness is a John Wesley phrase. It's been around for several hundred years. It's never actually made its way into a particular mission statement of any of the Methodist denominations until now. And the best part about it is, is that when you get down to it, we are to make disciples. That's what Jesus calls us to do." [41:53] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, the Global Methodist Church envisions multiplying disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the earth who flourish in scriptural holiness as we, and here's that phrase from before, as we worship passionately love extravagantly and witness boldly. So, the vision statement for our denomination is that the Holy Spirit empowers those who call it home and call it their, you know, their denomination and their body of believers to multiply disciples of Jesus Christ throughout the earth who flourish in scriptural holiness." [43:24] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "In the unity, that Jesus wants to give to the new believers, it's the world that will witness that oneness that cannot be denied. It was far surpassing anything seen or heard before. The world will know the name of the Lord because the Father loves them. And that's the message that's proclaimed. Loves them just as much as he loves Jesus. Just as much as he loves the disciples. He loves all of them. They will learn and know and witness that God is for them and not against them." [45:32] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Jesus has accomplished the task that he was sent for. He was sent to make the Father known to the disciples. And to those around him. Those people in general. So that's, you know, I have made you known. That's past tense. He says, and I will continue to make you known. This is in the active tense. This is present. This is ongoing. This is, we'll keep doing. He will keep making the Father known. Even in these final hours of his life. He will keep making the Father known." [46:14] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "As you go, as you go to the store, as you go to church, as you go to school, as you go to work, as you go about your neighborhood, as you go wherever it is you go, Jesus says make disciples. Jesus says make disciples as you go. As you live out Psalm 78 and tell one generation the glories of God. As you share the story of Jesus as you go, they will hear the stories. They will see your witness. They will measure does this line up? And they will know the name of God. As you go, make disciples." [49:25] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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