24.0915 How to Effectively Follow Jesus Together

Rockwell Church Sept 15, 2024 Pastor Chris Teien

Invite Descriptions

Come join us this Sunday for an inspiring message on how we can effectively follow Jesus together. Based on John 17:20-26, we will explore how unity, love, and genuine fellowship are essential in living out our faith as a community. Learn how we can reflect Christ’s love to the world, share in God’s glory, and build meaningful relationships that strengthen our walk with Him. Don’t miss this opportunity to reconnect with your local church family and grow together in faith. We invite you to Back to Church Sunday at 10:15am at Rockwell Church!

Come join us for an inspiring message this Sunday as we dive into John 17:20-26 and discover how to effectively follow Jesus together. In this message, we will explore the importance of unity, love, and shared fellowship as key elements of our walk with Christ. Learn practical ways to engage with our church community and reflect Christ's love to the world. Be encouraged to embrace unity, participate in worship, and build deeper relationships within the body of believers. Don’t miss out on this transformative message—Back to Church Sunday at 10:15am at Rockwell Church!

Join us this Sunday as we dive into John 17:20-26 and discover how we can effectively follow Jesus together. In His prayer for all believers, Jesus emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and shared fellowship. Learn how we can embrace unity, reflect Christ’s love to the world, and experience God’s glory as a church community. By living out these truths together, we can be a powerful testimony of God’s love. Don't miss this inspiring message on Back to Church Sunday at 10:15am at Rockwell Church!

How to Effectively Follow Jesus Together John 17:20-26

In Jesus’ prayer for all believers in John 17:20-26, He emphasizes unity and love among His followers. Following Jesus isn’t a solo journey; it’s a shared experience that requires cooperation, unity, and mutual love. As we follow Jesus together, the local church plays a vital role in helping us live out this unity.

#1 PONDER your lineage in Jesus family (church)

John 17:20 NIV

20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message,

Life Application New Testament Commentary Jesus Prays for Future Believers / 17:20–26 / 221

JESUS PRAYS FOR FUTURE BELIEVERS / 17:20–26 / 221

The pattern of Jesus’ prayer provides a helpful outline for us. He prayed for himself, for those close to him, and for those beyond his immediate sphere who would be affected by the ministry of his friends.

17:20 After praying for his disciples, Jesus prayed for all who would ever believe in him because of their testimony. In a sense, everyone who has become a Christian has done so through the apostles’ message because they wrote the New Testament and were the founders of the Christian church. So Jesus was praying for all the believers who would ever exist. He was praying for you and others you know. And he was praying for those he wants us to reach! Knowing that Jesus prayed for us should give us confidence as we work for his Kingdom.

II. Pursue the UNITY with other believers that Jesus Prayed for (17:21-23)

The Fence Dilemma

“There’s an old story about a church that decided to paint its picket fence. The fence went around the church property and was in desperate need of a fresh coat of white paint. The problem was, everyone in the congregation had their own ideas about how to do it. One group thought they should brush it by hand to be more meticulous. Another insisted it be spray-painted for efficiency. A third group wanted it done as a church fellowship event, complete with a potluck. After weeks of back-and-forth debates, nothing got done—and the fence remained unpainted.”

Point: Sometimes, churches get so caught up in how things should be done that nothing gets accomplished. Unity means focusing on the goal, not the method.

The Church Potluck Controversy

Even church potlucks aren’t immune to conflict! In one small evangelical church, a conflict arose over whether the church should continue hosting potlucks after services. Some members felt potlucks fostered fellowship, while others thought they were a distraction from worship and put too much pressure on people to bring food. The breaking point came when the church leadership proposed buying food from local restaurants instead, which led to accusations of “losing the church’s identity” and not being frugal. The issue was finally resolved, but not before a lot of heated discussions and some hurt feelings.

John 17:21–23 NIV

21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—23 I in them and you in me—so 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.

Life Application New Testament Commentary Jesus Prays for Future Believers / 17:20–26 / 221

17:21 There are three requests in verse 21, and they hinge on one another. In the first request, the Lord asked for unity—that they will be one. This all-encompassing petition includes all the believers throughout time. This oneness does not readily fit the idea of one unified church structure. Rather, this unity becomes most visible through love, obedience, and commitment to the Father’s will.

In the second request, Jesus prayed for a unity among the believers that is based on the unity of Jesus and the Father. Christians can be unified if they live in union with God. For example, each branch living in union with the vine is united with all other branches (see 15:1–17); or each part of the body is united with the other parts so that when one hurts, they all hurt, and when one rejoices, they all rejoice (1 Corinthians 12:12–27).

This union with the Father and Son would result in people all over the world believing that Jesus had been sent by God as the world’s Savior—and not only believing, but receiving this Savior as their own. This is the third request.

17:22–23 Jesus further explained this oneness in terms of mutual indwelling: “I have given them the glory you gave me.” Jesus was still referring to all his followers, not just the immediate disciples. The phrase is a promise. Jesus gave all true believers his glory by completing his mission of revealing God (17:4–6). Jesus’ work was not only to speak and model the character of God. His ultimate purpose was to present both the splendor and character of God (God’s glory) in such a way that God would become personally real to the disciples. They, in turn, were to pass on what they had received to others who would also believe. Those who, in fact, received the glory would become unified by their shared relationship with Christ. Complete and perfect unity between God and believers results in worldwide belief. When we demonstrate this oneness, we will convince the world that the Father sent the Son, and that the Father loves believers deeply and eternally, just as he loves the Son.

Explanation: Jesus prayed for the unity of all believers, mirroring the unity between Him and the Father. Unity among believers is essential to following Jesus effectively as a body.

Cross References:

Ephesians 4:3 NLT

3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.

1 Corinthians 1:10 NLT

10 I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

5. The Church Clock Dispute

In another quirky story, a church became divided over whether to remove an old clock from the sanctuary wall. The clock had been donated decades ago by a beloved church member, but it had become an eyesore and no longer worked. Some members argued that it was time to modernize and remove the clock, while others insisted it was a piece of church history and should remain as a symbol of continuity. The debate lasted for several months before the church finally decided to repair the clock and keep it in place—a compromise that mostly satisfied both sides.

Example: The Early Church

Acts 2:42–47 NLT

42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer. 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 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—47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

– The believers were united in purpose and shared everything in common, reflecting true Christian community. Their unity led to God adding to their number daily.

Application:

Get Involved in Church Ministries: True unity grows when we actively participate in the local church. Through serving together, we build stronger bonds and fulfill God’s purposes.

Action Point: Join or volunteer in a ministry, whether it’s hospitality, worship, children’s ministry, or outreach. Serving helps foster unity as you connect with others on a deeper level.

Explanation: Unity and love among believers serve as a powerful testimony to the world of God’s love. Our ability to reflect Christ’s love together shows the reality of the gospel.

Cross References:

John 13:35 NIV

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

1 John 4:12 NIV

12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

Example: Barnabas and Paul – In Acts 9, Barnabas showed love and faith in Paul, advocating for him when others were skeptical. This act of love strengthened their relationship and helped the early church grow.

Application:

Engage in Fellowship and Outreach: Reflecting Christ’s love involves connecting with others in the church and showing love beyond its walls.

Action Point: Participate in church outreach programs, whether it’s community service, visiting the sick, or helping in local missions. Build relationships that extend Christ’s love to the world.

III. Permit Jesus LOVE to flow through you as we follow Him together (17:24-26)

John 17:24–26 NIV

24 “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. 25 “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. 26 I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

Life Application New Testament Commentary Jesus Prays for Future Believers / 17:20–26 / 221

17:24 Jesus wants all believers (the eleven disciples and all others) to be with him where he is so they can see his glory. What wonderful assurance Jesus’ prayer gives us to know that the Lord of heaven wants us to be with him. This request impacts our present experience and future hope. In the present, we unite with Christ in God the Father (see 14:6; Colossians 3:3). In the future, we will be with Christ in eternal glory and enjoy with him the love

Explanation: Jesus desires for His followers to experience the fullness of His glory together. This speaks to the shared hope of believers in eternity and the present joy of witnessing God’s glory in our lives.

Cross References:

Romans 8:17 NIV

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.

Colossians 3:1–4 NLT

1 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Example: Moses and the Israelites – In Exodus 33, Moses asked to see God’s glory, and God revealed His glory to him. In the same way, we long to experience and reflect God’s glory together.

Application:

Worship Together: One way we share in God’s glory is through collective worship. Gathering regularly with other believers reminds us of the glory of God and deepens our relationship with Him.

Action Point: Make it a priority to attend Sunday services, mid-week Bible studies, and prayer meetings. Corporate worship and studying God’s Word together are essential to experiencing God’s glory as a community.

Life Application New Testament Commentary Jesus Prays for Future Believers / 17:20–26 / 221

17:25–26 Jesus addressed his Father as righteous Father because God’s righteous judgment reveals that the world’s knowledge of God is incorrect and that the disciples’ knowledge is correct. Just as Jesus had chosen the name “Holy Father” (17:11) to present his request for protection of the disciples, so here Jesus added righteous as a highlight to the gulf that exists between the world and God. Jesus knew he was the living connection between the lost world and his loving, righteous Father.

The world failed to recognize that Jesus was God’s communication to them. The disciples did recognize this, for they had come to believe that Jesus was the one sent from God. Jesus, who knew the Father personally and intimately, had revealed the Father to his disciples and would continue to do so. Thus, Jesus could say, “I have revealed you to them and will keep on revealing you.” Finally, Jesus asked the Father to love the disciples with the same love he (the Father) had for his Son.

Jesus asked that the Father’s love would be in believers and that he himself (Jesus) would be in them. This expresses the heart of the Father’s desire, which is to have his Son in his people: “I … in them.” And because it is the Father’s desire, he will make sure it is accomplished. How do you understand your relationship with God the Father? Is his love in you?

Explanation: Jesus’ prayer highlights the importance of ongoing fellowship rooted in love. His presence within us enables us to love deeply and to continue making God known to each other and the world.

Cross References:

Hebrews 10:24–25 NIV

24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.

The Pew Cushions Fiasco

Another humorous, yet real, story revolves around the installation of pew cushions. A church in the U.S. decided to make their wooden pews more comfortable by adding cushions. However, the color and type of cushions became a hotly debated issue. Some members wanted soft, plush cushions for comfort, while others thought the cushions were too "luxurious" and unnecessary for worship. The color choice was another point of contention, as some argued for a more traditional color scheme, while others preferred something modern. The church leadership eventually had to form a special committee just to handle the cushion debate!

Acts 2:44 NLT

44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.

—“All the believers were together and had everything in common.”

Application:

Join a Small Group or Bible Study: Genuine fellowship is cultivated in smaller settings where believers can share life, encourage one another, and grow together in faith.

Action Point: Get involved in a small group or Bible study in your church where you can grow closer to fellow believers and engage in meaningful spiritual support and accountability.

Conclusion: To follow Jesus effectively together, we must prioritize unity, reflect Christ’s love, share in God’s glory, and build genuine fellowship. As members of the local church, we can live out these principles in practical ways—through serving, worshiping, and engaging in fellowship. By being involved in the church community, we become a powerful witness to the world of God’s transformative love.

#3 PERMIT Jesus love to flow through you as we follow Him together

John 17:24–26 NLT

24 Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began! 25 “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know you, but I do; and these disciples know you sent me. 26 I have revealed you to them, and I will continue to do so. Then your love for me will be in them, and I will be in them.”

Rockwell Constitution Article 4. CHURCH COVENANT

Having been led by the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and to confess Him as Lord, and on confession of this faith having been baptized in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, we do now, in the presence of God and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully covenant with one another as one body in Christ, to lead lives worthy of the Lord and fully pleasing to Him.

By the Holy Spirit’s aid and power:

1. We promise to work and pray faithfully for the advancement of this church in Biblical knowledge, wisdom and holiness.

2. We promise to regularly attend worship, participate in the ordinances, and abide by the doctrines of this church.

3. We promise to walk together in Christian love and continually seek the peace and unity of this church.

4. We promise to forsake the ways of sin and to walk in the paths of righteousness. We promise to maintain our relationship with God by faithfully praying and spending time in His Word. We promise to faithfully apply the principles of God’s Word to our lives.

5. We promise to be faithful stewards of our time, talents and money according to the measure God has given, so that the work of this local church and its responsibility in fulfilling the Great Commission shall be faithfully and effectively carried out.

6. We promise to faithfully teach the Bible to our children as we lead them toward a personal relationship with Christ. We promise to pray for and seek the salvation of family, friends, acquaintances and associates.

7. We promise to be trustworthy and just in our communication and transactions. We promise to be exemplary in our behavior, avoiding unkind words and unrighteous anger. We promise to abstain from those things that would defile our bodies which are the temple of the Holy Spirit.

8. We promise to pray for each other and to help each other in sickness and distress. We promise to be sympathetic in our feelings and speech.

9. We promise to give and receive admonition with meekness and affection. We promise to be slow to take offense and always ready for reconciliation, seeking it without delay, as we encourage one another in the blessed hope of our Lord’s return.

10. We promise to honor, esteem and love our Pastoral Staff. We promise to pray fervently and regularly for them as they exercise their spiritual office and to demonstrate a tender regard for their reputations.

11. We promise that when we move from this place, we shall unite with some local church as soon as possible to carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of the Word of God.

Rockwell Bylaws Article 1, Section 3. Responsibilities and Duties of Membership

Certain responsibilities and duties come with the privilege of membership. As they are enabled by God, church members shall:

1. Pray regularly for other church members, pastors and ministry staff

2. Be supportive of all ministries of the church

3. Regularly attend worship services and business meetings of the church

4. Use their spiritual gifts to minister within the Body of Christ

5. Refrain from propagating any scriptural interpretation which differs from doctrines set forth in the Statement of Faith of this church

6. Give of their tithes and offerings to support the work of this church

7. Keep the church office informed of their current permanent address

ROCKWELL CHURCH MEMBERSHIP CLASS https://rockwell.church/membership/

1. Purpose Statement

2. Belief Statement

3. Salvation

4. Baptism

5. Communion

6. Membership Videos and Documents

Converge Documents & Policies. Information about Converge's governing documents, policies and resolutions. https://www.converge.org/about/documents-policies

BOOK: “The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the Historical Doctrines That Separate Christians.”

“Doctrine is a vital part of the Christian faith, but certain doctrinal beliefs have divided the church for centuries. Well-known pastor and author Erwin Lutzer examines various theological disagreements that exist within the broad spectrum of Christianity, presenting the historical background of each issue and the biblical understanding of each doctrine.

Today when many are calling for unity by glossing over major theological differences, Lutzer revisits those differences and shows not only how the divisions came about but also why such divisions were necessary. The Doctrines That Divide provides a non-combative look at hot button issues in the church.”