Francis Chan on Until Unity

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message reminds us that as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to a life of unity and oneness with one another. Despite our differences, we are part of the same body of Christ, and God desires for us to be perfectly one, just like He is with His Son. Our unity is not just a good idea, but it's sacred, and it's essential for the world to believe in Jesus' message.

Key Scripture References

• Ephesians 4:1-3 - This passage emphasizes the importance of walking in a manner worthy of our calling, with humility, gentleness, patience, and love. We are called to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, just as we have been called to one hope that belongs to our call.
• Ephesians 4:4-6 - This verse highlights the oneness of the body of Christ, with one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God who is over all and through all and in all. God wants us to be eager to maintain this oneness.
• John 17:21-23 - In Jesus' prayer for unity, He says that the world will believe in Him because of our oneness. This shows that our unity is not just a personal goal but also a crucial aspect of spreading the gospel message.
• Ephesians 4:11-13 - This passage emphasizes the role of leaders in equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith. It's essential that we work together towards this goal.
• 1 Corinthians 12:12-14, 27 - These verses remind us that we are all part of one body, with different members performing different functions, but all working together for the common good. This unity is a reflection of God's oneness and love.
• Genesis 1:26-27 - In creation, God made humanity in His own image, male and female, to reflect His oneness and diversity. We are called to live out this same principle of unity and diversity as followers of Christ.

Key Takeaways

• We must recognize the sacred nature of our unity with one another, as God dwells in each believer and we are all part of His body. This means treating others with reverence and respect, just as we would treat those who have a special relationship with God.
• As followers of Christ, it's essential that we work towards maintaining the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. We must be willing to put aside our differences and come together for the common good.
• The leaders among us have a crucial role in equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ until we all attain to the unity of the faith. This requires a willingness to work together, share resources, and support one another.
• Our unity is not just a personal goal but also a crucial aspect of spreading the gospel message. As we demonstrate our oneness with one another, we show the world what it means to be part of God's family.

This Week's Challenge

This week, take two specific steps towards building unity in your community:

* Reach out to someone from a different church or denomination and invite them to pray together or share a meal.

* Volunteer for a project that requires collaboration with others, such as a community outreach event or a ministry project.

Reflection Questions

• How do you currently prioritize unity in your life and relationships? What steps can you take to make unity a greater priority?
• Reflect on the role of leaders in building up the body of Christ. How can you support and encourage those who are leading you in this pursuit of unity?
• Think about a time when you felt like you were part of something bigger than yourself, something that connected you with others and with God. What did that experience teach you about the importance of unity?