One: A Call To Church Unity (Lego Sermon)

Illustration: The Power of a Unified Light

Imagine a single light in a dark room. (TAKE LIGHTS DOWN TO ONLY WHAT IS AROUND CROSS) It provides some light, but its reach is limited, and for those online, they can’t see very well. Now, picture an entire ROOM of lights. (TURN ON ALL OVERHEAD LIGHTS) The room brightens significantly, and the darkness is pushed back even further. But when ALL of our potential is utilized, (TURN ON STAGE LIGHTS TO NORMAL SERMON SETTING) Everything is seen clearly. And all of this is controlled by ONE PERSON.

This is how church unity works. When we stand alone, our impact is limited. But when we come together, fueled by the same Spirit and mission, our influence grows exponentially. Just as a single flame can ignite many candles without losing its strength, the love and unity of the church can spread, bringing light to the world.

Jesus prayed in John 17:21, “…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.” Our unity is not just for our benefit—it is a testimony to the world that Christ is real.

What would happen if VOF stood together as one light, shining brightly for God’s glory?

Introduction

When I was a kid, I had some favorite toys. I’m sure you did too. No matter if it was something your parents bought, something someone made (maybe even you), or something you found outside. Mine were (not in this order) my football, “Matchbox” cars, Star Wars or GI Joe action figures and all that went with them, but what could’ve arguably been my very favorite, and I could STILL get into this, was Legos. I had a big boot box full of Legos that allowed my imagination to run wild. And like any good little redneck country boy, one of my favorite things to build was mobile home trailers. Little did I know God was preparing me all that time to speak to you TODAY! More on Legos in a moment.

Unity in the church is not optional—it is a command from God. Paul urges us to live in a way that reflects our calling as followers of Christ. Our unity is rooted in the fact that we share the same Lord, the same Spirit, and the same mission. Today, we will explore three key truths about unity in the church.

Scripture Text

Ephesians 4:1-7 NIV As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. [2] Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. [3] Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. [4] There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism; [6] one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. [7] But to each one of us grace (ME: some translations say, “a special gift”) has been given as Christ apportioned it.

Point 1: The First Steps of Unity (Ephesians 4:2-3)

Explanation

Paul gives three qualities necessary for unity: humility, gentleness, and patience. Humility doesn’t mean “thinking less of yourself,” but is “thinking of yourself less.” Gentleness is strength under control. Patience means enduring with one another even when it’s difficult. Unity is not automatic—it takes effort and love.

Let’s revisit our Legos for a moment.

**Show Lego Image 01**

**Show Lego Image 02 (WHEN CUED)**

Both of these pieces look important. They have distinct characteristics. They are not unlike you. They are sharpen places, smooth in others, and are made for fellowship with other pieces—to link together.

Application

When disagreements arise, are we responding with humility or pride? Are we gentle in our approach—allowing our smooth edges to lead the day, or do we insist on our own way and show our sharp edges, kind of like when you step on one of these bad boys in the middle of the night while just trying to get some water or use the bathroom? (**Maybe after stepping on it you didn’t quite make it!**) Do we make space for one another’s faults, or do we hold grudges?

“All I wanted was a glass of water and they got right in my way!”

“Don’t they realize it hurts when I get the sharp edge? I haven’t even gotten over the last one.”

“Why don’t they pick up their messes so others can get to the bathroom unhindered?” Is our goal to make a POINT, or to make a DIFFERENCE?

Illustration

Imagine a symphony orchestra. Each musician plays a different instrument, but if one plays too loudly or refuses to follow the conductor, the harmony is ruined. Likewise, when we fail to be humble, gentle, and patient, the church becomes chaotic rather than a reflection of Christ. Let’s look at what can happen when permission is given to everyone in a band to just miss ONE note per person. — **PLAY VIDEO**

Action Step

This week, intentionally practice one of these qualities in a difficult relationship whether at church or home. Choose to listen before speaking, respond with kindness, and give grace when someone makes a mistake.

Point 2: The Foundation of Unity (Ephesians 4:4-6)

Explanation

Paul emphasizes the foundation of unity: we are one body, one Spirit, with one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God. Our differences do not divide us; rather, our shared identity in Christ unites us.

But to go back to our Legos, our idea in the modern church of this concept is much like this…

**Show Lego Image 03**

We’re all collected in one place.

We’re all shaped differently.

We’re all the same color.

But we are a JUMBLED HOT MESS! The only ONE is that we are in ONE BAG. We know Jesus. We have evidence of the coloring that comes from “washing ourselves in the water of the Word,” but we are not FUNCTIONAL.

We are not ALIVE!

Application

In a world that highlights division, the church should model a different way. This means resisting gossip, avoiding division, and choosing grace over judgment. Are we focusing more on our differences, or are we standing firm in the truth that we are one in Christ?

Illustration

Think of a sports team. Every player has a different position, but they wear the same jersey, play for the same coach, and work toward the same goal. When we embrace our unity in Christ, we move forward together rather than pulling in different directions. All the pieces start to MAKE SENSE! Remember our video that opened this talk?

Action Step

This week, reach out to someone in the church you don’t normally talk to. Encourage them, pray for them, and take a step toward building unity in the body.

Point 3: The Fruit of Unity - Our Unique Gifts (Ephesians 4:7)

Explanation

Unity does not mean uniformity. Christ has given each of us a unique gift to build up the body of Christ. Remember all the Lego pieces in the bag? They were all DIFFERENT. Instead of competing with one another, we should celebrate and use our God-given gifts for ONE PURPOSE: to build up the church.

For when we focus on building the CHURCH, we go from this unrecognizable bag of pieces that are simply all in one place…

**Show AGAIN Lego Image 03**

TO THIS…

**Show Lego Image 04**

This is what that bag of Legos was crafted to be. Nobody wants to see just a bag of Legos on a table.

**Show Lego Image 05**

But you sit this down, and people will stop and take notice!

THIS is what Jesus had in mind. Every piece in that bag is required to make this beautiful building. But it is only when we are COMBINED in the way we were DESIGNED to FUNCTION by using the Spiritual GIFTS we were given according to the grace of Christ, that we go from from a bag of pieces to a work of art called the Church of the Living God. That is UNITY. That is the Church coming ALIVE!

Application

Function does not determine identity. Identity determines function. Are we using our gifts for the good of the church, or are we sitting on the sidelines? Are we supporting others in their callings, or do we feel envious or threatened by their abilities?

Illustration

A puzzle is only complete when every piece is in place. If even one piece is missing, the picture is incomplete. Neither does the puzzle piece determine WHERE it is to be used.

I’ve seen church members get so upset at how and where and how often they were getting used that they removed themselves from being used at all. God intended on using them in the wy He created them to make His church even more beautiful, but understand, God doesn’t HAVE to use us. He chooses to. And if we are a window that wants to be a door, and we just simply remove ourselves from our window pane, understand God CAN use another type of piece that is a little more familiar to take our place…

**Show Plywood Image**

In the same way, the church functions best when each member uses their gifts to contribute to the whole functioning in the vision given to the Pastor by the Lord.

Action Step

Identify your spiritual gift and find a way to use it this week—whether serving, encouraging, giving, teaching, or another area. Encourage someone else in their gift as well.

Conclusion: Unity Can Start NOW!

In conclusion, there is one more thing I wish to leave you with. Not a step that the pieces, themselves, can accomplish, but a work of something greater. There is a set of instructions included in every Lego set that tells how the pieces are to fit together and defines their function. We, too, have such a set of instructions. It’s called the Bible.

John 15:5 NIV “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

And when we understand the role the written Word is to play in our lives INDIVIDUALLY as well as COLLECTIVELY, and we allow the Living Word, Jesus, to shine from within, we go from this work of art…

**Show Lego Image 05**

TO THIS SUPERNATURAL THING THAT CHANGES THE VERY ATMOSPHERE IN WHICH WE ARE LOCATED…

**Show Lego Image 06**

THE LIGHT OF JESUS PIERCES THE DARK AROUND US …

**Show Lego Image 07**

AND MAKES THE CHURCH THE SALT AND LIGHT, THE UNIFIED LIGHT FROM OUR OPENING ILLUSTRATION, WE WERE DESIGNED TO BE IN A DARKENED WORLD.

**LEAVE THIS PIC UP ON THE SCREEN UNTIL I ASK PEOPLE TO STAND WITH HEADS BOWED, THE GO BACK TO SERMON TITLE SLIDE.

Church unity is not something we hope for—it is something we work toward. We are one body with one Spirit, we serve one Lord with one faith, and we share one purpose: to build up the church and be ALIVE IN JESUS!

• Choose humility, gentleness, or patience in your interactions.

• Pray for unity in the church, especially for those with whom you differ.

• Use your gifts to serve and encourage others.

When we live as one, we reflect Christ to the world, and His church becomes unstoppable.