God, Help Us Unite We will take a break in our message series this coming Sunday and address the unrest in our nation and how a Christian should respond to it. When our world is divided and people are hurting, what’s our responsibility as followers of Christ? Where do we even start? In this message, we’ll learn how we can embrace the role God wants us to play in bringing unity and healing.
SERIES: GOD HELP US UNITE
Message: STOP THE DIVISION
Text: 1 Corinthians 1:10
Sunday, June 21, 2020
Pastor Tom Cogle
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV
divisions: schisma (skhis’-mah); a split, a division, a schism, a ripping or tearing apart.
“… I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one … 23so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.” John 17:20-21, 23 NIV
WHAT WILL UNIFY THE CHURCH?
•ONE ENEMY
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy … John 10:10 NIV
•ONE MISSION
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew 28:19 NIV
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 NIV
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. Romans 15:5-7 NIV
TALK IT OVER
Have you ever focused more on the differences between you and other Christians and less on our common enemy? How could shifting your focus improve your relationships with other Christians?
What’s your mission in life? How can you apply that mission to the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19?
How can you work with other Christians to unify around Jesus and carry out God’s mission for the Church?
How can you work to overcome division and embrace unity this week?