Sermon Cloud

“What Is Unity In The Church”

Big Idea: I belong in God’s family and I have a responsibility to it

"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me.” john17/20>21nlt

“How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!” psalm133/1

If God’s desire is Unity; the devil’s desire is Disunity

What Causes Disunity?

Jealousy

ex: Cain and Able *see genesis4

Exposure

“After the Flood, Noah became a farmer and planted a vineyard. One day he became drunk on some wine he had made and lay naked in his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw that his father was naked and went outside and told his brothers. Shem and Japheth took a robe, held it over their shoulders, walked backward into the tent, and covered their father's naked body. As they did this, they looked the other way so they wouldn't see him naked. When Noah woke up from his drunken stupor, he learned what Ham, his youngest son, had done. Then he cursed the descendants of Canaan, the son of Ham: ‘A curse on the Canaanites! May they be the lowest of servants to the descendants of Shem and Japheth." genesis10/20>25

“He who covers over an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.” proverbs17/9nlt

“For by that one offering he perfected forever all those whom he is making holy.” hebrews10/14

“So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God, ‘I will declare the wonder of your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among all your people.’ He also said, ‘I will put my trust in him.’ And in the same context he said, ‘Here I am—together with the children God has given me.’” hebrews2/11>13nlt

Why Is Unity Important?

Unity Brings God Pleasure

“My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father—that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are— I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. Then the world will know that you sent me and will understand that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you've given me to be with me, so they can see my glory.” john17/21>24nlt

Unity Brings The Church Power

“There are four things on earth that are small but unusually wise: Ants—they aren't strong, but they store up food for the winter. Rock badgers —they aren't powerful, but they make their homes among the rocky cliffs. Locusts—they have no king, but they march like an army in ranks. Lizards—they are easy to catch, but they are found even in kings' palaces.” proverbs30/24>28

“They joined with the other believers and devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, sharing in the Lord's Supper and in prayer. A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything they had. They sold their possessions and shared the proceeds with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord's Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their group those who were being saved.” acts2/42>47nlt