Bible, Obedience, Purpose, Faith

Uncommon In Unity

We are more divided as a country now than we ever have been in our lifetime. Between political and social unrest, it seems that division defines not only our country, but most of us. And sadly during this time, the church has not presented itself as the solution. Christians are just as contentious, angry, bitter, and divisive on social media as anybody else. But this was never God’s plan for the church. In fact, God’s plan for unity is our responsibility. It’s mine and it’s yours. So what needs to change?

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MESSAGE NOTES

[1 Corinthians 1:9-10]
 In fact, we expected to die. But as a result, we stopped relying on ourselves and learned to rely only on God, who raises the dead. 10 And he did rescue us from mortal danger, and he will rescue us again. We have placed our confidence in him, and he will continue to rescue us.
[Ephesians 2:13-14]

But now you have been united with Christ Jesus. Once you were far away from God, but now you have been brought near to him through the blood of Christ.

14 For Christ himself has brought peace to us. He united Jews and Gentiles into one people when, in his own body on the cross, he broke down the wall of hostility that separated us.

What unites us is Jesus. Everything else is secondary.
[Ephesians 2:15-16]
He did this by ending the system of law with its commandments and regulations. He made peace between Jews and Gentiles by creating in himself one new people from the two groups. 16 Together as one body, Christ reconciled both groups to God by means of his death on the cross, and our hostility toward each other was put to death.
[1 Corinthians 3:3]
 for you are still controlled by your sinful nature. You are jealous of one another and quarrel with each other. Doesn’t that prove you are controlled by your sinful nature? Aren’t you living like people of the world?
[Ephesians 3:4-7]

As you read what I have written, you will understand my insight into this plan regarding Christ. 5 God did not reveal it to previous generations, but now by his Spirit he has revealed it to his holy apostles and prophets.

6 And this is God’s plan: Both Gentiles and Jews who believe the Good News share equally in the riches inherited by God’s children. Both are part of the same body, and both enjoy the promise of blessings because they belong to Christ Jesus.[a] 7 By God’s grace and mighty power, I have been given the privilege of serving him by spreading this Good News.

Your ability to empathize with people who disagree with you is directly related to your faith.
[Ephesians 3:8-9]
Though I am the least deserving of all God’s people, he graciously gave me the privilege of telling the Gentiles about the endless treasures available to them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to explain to everyone[a] this mysterious plan that God, the Creator of all things, had kept secret from the beginning.
[Acts 16:27-31]

 The jailer woke up to see the prison doors wide open. He assumed the prisoners had escaped, so he drew his sword to kill himself. 28 But Paul shouted to him, “Stop! Don’t kill yourself! We are all here!”

29 The jailer called for lights and ran to the dungeon and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

31 They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.”

If being opposed to something someone is doing is keeping you from ministering to them, then you have a higher standard than Jesus.

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Application Questions

1. What stood out to you from this message and why?

2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?

3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?

4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?

We are more divided as a country now than we ever have been in our lifetime. Between political and social unrest, it seems that division defines not only our country, but most of us. And sadly during this time, the church has not presented itself as the solution. Christians are just as contentious, angry, bitter, and divisive on social media as anybody else. But this was never God’s plan for the church. In fact, God’s plan for unity is our responsibility. It’s mine and it’s yours. So what needs to change?

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