Unity, Love, and Forgiveness in Christ's Church

Devotional

Day 1: The Church as Christ's Holy Assembly

The church is not a building or an organization but the people of God, called out of darkness into His marvelous light. This "ekklesia" is a sacred assembly of believers who are united in their faith and mission. Understanding this helps us see the church as a living, breathing community that transcends physical structures and denominational boundaries. The church is a collective of individuals who have been transformed by the grace of God and are now called to live out their faith in the world.

The concept of the church as "ekklesia" emphasizes that we are a people set apart for God's purposes. We are called to be a light in the darkness, to bring hope to the hopeless, and to share the love of Christ with those around us. This understanding should shape how we view our role within the church and our responsibility to one another. We are not just attendees of a service; we are active participants in God's mission on earth. [08:30]

1 Peter 2:9 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community this week to reflect the light of Christ to others?

Day 2: Love and Unity as Marks of Discipleship

Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us, which is the true mark of His disciples. This love is not just an emotion but an active, servant-hearted commitment to each other. Unity in the church does not mean uniformity but striving for understanding and peace, reflecting the oneness of the Father and the Son. Love and unity are essential for the health and witness of the church.

When we love one another as Christ loves us, we demonstrate to the world the transformative power of the gospel. This love is sacrificial, patient, and kind. It seeks the best for others and is willing to lay down personal preferences for the sake of unity. Unity in the church means that we work through our differences with grace and humility, always seeking to maintain the bond of peace. [28:30]

John 13:34-35 (ESV): "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

Reflection: Is there someone in your church community with whom you need to reconcile or show more love? How can you take a step towards unity today?

Day 3: The Church as a Family, Body, and Bride

The church is described as a family, a body, and the bride of Christ. Each metaphor highlights different aspects of our relationship with God and each other. As a family, we are adopted into God's eternal relationship. As a body, each member is vital and needed. As the bride, we are called to an intimate, covenant relationship with Christ. These metaphors help us understand the depth and significance of our connection to the church and to Jesus.

As a family, we share in the joys and sorrows of one another, supporting and encouraging each other in our walk with Christ. As a body, we recognize that every member has a unique role and function, and we are interdependent on one another. As the bride of Christ, we are called to a pure and devoted relationship with our Savior, anticipating the day when we will be united with Him forever. [16:30]

Ephesians 5:25-27 (ESV): "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

Reflection: In what ways can you contribute to the health and unity of your church family, recognizing your unique role within the body of Christ?

Day 4: Forgiveness as a Daily Practice

Forgiven people forgive others. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of forgiveness, and we are called to extend that same grace to those who hurt or offend us. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice to refuse revenge and to let go of grudges, reflecting the forgiveness we have received from God. This daily practice of forgiveness is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and a clear conscience before God.

Forgiveness is a powerful act that frees both the forgiver and the forgiven. It breaks the cycle of bitterness and resentment, allowing for healing and reconciliation. As followers of Christ, we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven, recognizing that holding onto unforgiveness hinders our relationship with God and others. By choosing to forgive, we reflect the heart of God and demonstrate the transformative power of the gospel. [35:30]

Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."

Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive today? Ask God to help you release any bitterness and extend His grace to that person.

Day 5: Living Out Our Faith in Community

To live with God's people, we must honor the church, walk in love, strive for unity, and practice forgiveness. This involves active participation in the life of the church, including pursuing relationships, serving, and contributing financially. By doing so, we become the healthiest version of ourselves and the church, impacting our communities for Christ. Living out our faith in community is not optional but essential for spiritual growth and effective witness.

Active participation in the church means more than just attending services; it involves engaging in meaningful relationships, using our gifts to serve others, and supporting the mission of the church through our time, talents, and resources. When we commit to living out our faith in community, we experience the fullness of what it means to be the body of Christ, and we become a powerful witness to the world of God's love and grace. [20:13]

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 more actively participate in your church community this week? Consider one specific way you can serve or support your church.

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Shalom, everyone. Today, we gathered to worship the one true God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We are reminded of the greatness, goodness, and love of God, and how essential it is to have a proper perspective of Him in our lives. We are in a series called "We Believe," focusing on the Apostles' Creed, which is a summary of the essential teachings of the Christian faith. Today, we explored three key statements: belief in Christ's holy church, the communion of saints, and the forgiveness of sins.

We discussed the significance of the church, which is not a building or an organization but the people—the "ekklesia" or "called out ones." The church is Christ's holy assembly, called out of darkness into His marvelous light. We emphasized that the church is a family, a body, and the bride of Christ. Each of these metaphors highlights the deep, intimate, and interconnected relationship we have with one another and with Jesus.

We also talked about the importance of love and unity within the church. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us, and this love is the true mark of His disciples. Unity does not mean we always agree, but it means we strive for understanding and peace, reflecting the oneness of the Father and the Son.

Finally, we focused on the forgiveness of sins. Forgiven people forgive others. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of forgiveness, and we are called to extend that same grace to those who hurt or offend us. This forgiveness is not just a feeling but a choice to refuse revenge and to let go of grudges.

As we move into communion, we remember that it is a celebration of our unity in Christ and a reminder of His sacrifice for us. We are called to be the church, to live out our faith in love, unity, and forgiveness, impacting our communities and the world for Christ.

###

Key Takeaways

1. hearted commitment to each other. Unity in the church does not mean uniformity but striving for understanding and peace, reflecting the oneness of the Father and the Son. [28:30]
3. The Church as a Family, Body, and Bride: The church is described as a family, a body, and the bride of Christ. Each metaphor highlights different aspects of our relationship with God and each other. As a family, we are adopted into God's eternal relationship. As a body, each member is vital and needed. As the bride, we are called to an intimate, covenant relationship with Christ.

4. Forgiveness as a Daily Practice: Forgiven people forgive others. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the ultimate example of forgiveness, and we are called to extend that same grace to those who hurt or offend us. Forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice to refuse revenge and to let go of grudges, reflecting the forgiveness we have received from God.

5. Living Out Our Faith in Community: To live with God's people, we must honor the church, walk in love, strive for unity, and practice forgiveness. This involves active participation in the life of the church, including pursuing relationships, serving, and contributing financially. By doing so, we become the healthiest version of ourselves and the church, impacting our communities for Christ.

### [28:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[04:30] - Opening Prayer and Series Introduction
[05:40] - The Apostles' Creed and Its Significance
[06:41] - Christ's Holy Church
[07:33] - The Communion of Saints
[08:30] - The Church as Ekklesia
[09:18] - The Church is Not a Building
[10:58] - Love and Unity in the Church
[11:47] - Honor the Church
[12:30] - Jesus Builds His Church
[14:10] - Big C and Little C Church
[16:30] - The Church as a Family
[20:13] - All In at Novation
[21:17] - The Church as a Body
[25:04] - The Church as the Bride of Christ
[28:30] - Walk in Love and Strive for Unity
[35:30] - The Importance of Forgiveness
[40:09] - Communion Preparation
[47:15] - Communion
[48:31] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the three key statements from the Apostles' Creed discussed in the sermon? ([05:40])
How does the sermon describe the church in terms of its metaphors? ([16:30])
According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus' command to love one another? ([28:30])
What does the sermon say about the relationship between forgiveness and being forgiven? ([35:30])

Interpretation Questions

How does the metaphor of the church as a family, body, and bride help us understand our relationship with God and each other? ([16:30])
In what ways does the sermon suggest that love and unity are essential marks of discipleship? ([28:30])
How does the concept of "forgiven people forgive others" challenge our daily interactions and relationships? ([35:30])
What does it mean to honor the church as described in the sermon, and how can this be practically applied in our lives? ([11:47])

Application Questions

Reflecting on the metaphor of the church as a family, how can you contribute to fostering a sense of belonging and support within your small group or church community? ([16:30])
Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us. What are some practical ways you can show servant-hearted love to someone in your church this week? ([28:30])
Think of a recent conflict or disagreement you had within the church. How can you strive for unity and understanding in that situation, reflecting the oneness of the Father and the Son? ([31:26])
Forgiveness is described as a choice rather than a feeling. Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take this week to begin that process? ([35:30])
The sermon emphasizes the importance of active participation in the life of the church. How can you get more involved in serving, building relationships, or contributing financially to your church community? ([20:13])
How can you remind yourself daily of the forgiveness you have received from God, and how might this impact your interactions with others? ([35:30])
The sermon mentions the importance of being the church outside the building. What is one specific way you can be salt and light in your community this week? ([48:31])

Sermon Clips

1. "The church is not a building. It's not an organization. It's not a denomination. It's not a country club. It's people. Look to your left. Look to your right. You're the church. You're seeing the church. You are the church. We don't go to church. We are the church. Jesus said, I will build my church in the gates of heaven. And the gates of hell will not prevail. He loves his church. He loves his church. The church is a big, big deal to Jesus. He gave his life for the church." [09:18] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We have an opportunity as the body of Christ to show a torn world what it means to walk in love and unity in spite of our differences, in spite of our differences. At the end of the day, regardless of what side of the spectrum somebody lands on, you're still American. That's what unites us. In two weeks, Colorado University is going to play Colorado State University in football. And the Buffaloes will win that game. Handily. Oh, come on now. Don't shut me down. But at the end of the day, in all this rivalry and it stinks to be a CSU Ram chance and all that goes on. Got that one in that we're Coloradans at the end of the day. Right. Whoever wins that football game." [10:58] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Honor the church. Because it's his church. It's not our church. It's not your church. It's not my church. It's his church. Honor the church in Christ's holy church. We believe in Christ's holy Ecclesia. Great speeches often do not become great speeches until much later. But great speeches usher in a movement. You think about I wasn't even born. But when Martin Luther King, Jr. What was his famous speech? What did he say? I have a dream. And we've heard that over and over that he had a dream that that black kids and white kids and every color would play together, get educated together. And there'd be an end of racism. That's a good dream." [11:47] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "His church is a family. You've been called not just to believe, but to belong, to belong to a family. The Apostle Paul puts it this way. God decided in advance. To adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. Catch that adopt us into his family. What does that mean? What means Father, Son and Holy Spirit, a eternal relationship between the Father, Son and Spirit, an eternal family, an eternal community, one God, three persons he through Jesus has brought us, adopted us into that very relationship." [16:30] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "You are needed in the body of Christ. Every single one of us, you are needed in the body of Christ. You are needed in this local church, an expression of his body. Here's the other truth, though. You need the body of Christ. You need the people of this church. You need the vision of this church for you to be the healthiest version of you. The Apostle Paul uses the analogy of a physical body in First Corinthians 12, where he says, like this infighting that was happening at the church at Corinth about who was greater and who was more important in their role or whatever, and he says, Jesus is the head." [22:16] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "The church is his bride. Now, that might seem a little weird to us guys, right? Does that mean I'm wearing a veil and walk in the aisle with Jesus? And I'm not trying to just be funny. Like when we use our earthly analogies of we're the bride of Christ. I was like, I just gave my daughter away and she was dressed in white. And that's not what that means. It is a allegory for intimacy. The intimacy between a man and a woman in the covenant of marriage, the commitment of marriage is what Christ and his bride and we as the church are his his bride." [25:04] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "Walk in love and strive for unity. We believe in the communion of saints, that common union, common unity. And it's all wrapped together in these two words of love and unity, love and unity. On the night Jesus was betrayed, he did something amazing. He took the role of a servant and he washed the disciples feet, one of which was going is Judas, his betrayer. He washed his feet. He washed the disciples feet. And he goes on to tell them after this amazing thing, he says, so now I'm giving you a new commandment, love each other just as I have loved you. You should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." [28:30] (56 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "Jesus is saying that when we walk in unity, the unbelieving world around us sees us walking in love and unity, and it validates that the father sent the son. That's big, big responsibility. Apostle Paul put it this way. Make every effort to keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called. One faith, one baptism, one God and father of all who is over all and through all and in all around us, there's local churches that maybe do expression in worship differently, maybe a little bit different beliefs." [31:26] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "Forgiven people, forgive people. When you realize how much you've been forgiven, how much I've been forgiven, not just in my past, but on a daily in thought, word and deed. I am in need of his forgiveness. When you remind yourself daily, of the grace and forgiveness that's been extended to you. Forgiveness will ooze out of you when somebody betrays you or offends you. Think about Jesus on the cross. They humiliated him. They tortured him, called him names. He died at the hands of wicked, sinful men. And he says, Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." [35:30] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "Forgiveness is not a feeling. It's a choice to refuse to take revenge and refuse to keep bringing the offense up. So important. Jesus loves his church. We believe in Christ's holy church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins. We're going to move into communion this morning. I can't think of a better day to do communion than a message about the communion of the saints, right? When we take the bread and when we take the juice, we're reminding ourself of what unites us together is what Jesus did for us through his life, death and resurrection." [39:00] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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