A Witness to the World -

Theme

A unified, loving community testifies to the truth of the gospel.

Introduction: Have you ever seen a sports team, or been a part of a sports team where everyone was trying to be the star instead of playing together? In my case it was the coaches kid and it left many kids and adults (i was one of the adults) confused, frustrated. I wanted to see all players get a chance to play all players work together in perfect unity as a team, in every pass, every move in sync.

The same is true in the body of Christ. When we move in love and unity, the world notices. But when we compete or divide, our witness weakens. That’s why Jesus prayed that our oneness would show the world that He is real

Let’s turn and listen to what Jesus prayed for us, for His apostles, and yes for us too in John 17:20–23 “20 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; 21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me. 22 “The glory which You have given Me I have given to them, that they may be one, just as We are one; 23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”

(Transition): Let’s see what it looked like in the early church, and what it means for us today, because it does mean something for us today.

A little more background to set up our passage this morning.

Act1: Jesus promised the Power of Holy Spirit, Jesus ascended as well as the promise of His return.

Act2: The promised Holy Spirit came, the church was born three thousand souls added to those being saved. Simple tenants of early church established.

Act3: Peter and John heal lame man in Jesus name, many come to believe.

Leading us to Act4: The church was still young and under pressure. The apostles had been threatened, yet the believers didn’t scatter or turn inward — they drew closer together. Their unity wasn’t forced or superficial; it was the overflow of hearts transformed by the gospel. At the same time, Jesus’ prayer in John 17 which I just read a portion of, shows this was always His plan — that His followers would reflect His love in such a way that the world could see God’s truth in them.

Reflection: What held them together? It was not comfort, it was not convenience—it was Christ!

Question: When God looks at you, when God looks at us collectively as Westside, do they see the love of Christ in us? Consider that as we go on with the message today

A Gospel-Centered Community is Unified

Please turn to Acts 4:32 “32 And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them.”

I want to pause for just a moment and give you a phrase to remember:

“They were one in heart, one in purpose, and one in love.”

Their unity wasn’t based on personal preference, but shared faith in Christ.

Unity doesn’t mean uniformity — it means harmony under one mission.

They saw themselves not as “me” but as “we.”

Illustration: A choir is made up of different voices — soprano, alto, tenor, bass — yet when they follow the same sheet music and conductor, their harmony produces beauty. The same Spirit conducts the church so that our differences become a symphony that glorifies Christ. Again may we consider a part of Jesus Prayer John 17:21 “21 that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

A Loving Community Demonstrates

I want to pause for just a moment and give you a phrase to remember, again:

“They were one in heart, one in purpose, and one in love.”

Turn with me if you will to Acts 4:33–35 “33 And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. 34 For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales 35 and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.”

(Transition): Notice what unified them — it was not programs, politics, or personalities. It was their shared faith in Jesus.

Their love was not just word’s; it was visible, tangible, and costly

“We live in a world where people protect their stuff —but the early church used their stuff to protect people.

Application thought: If our neighbors knew our church for our generosity before our opinions, how different might their view of Jesus be? - something to consider

Key Idea: Love expressed in action gives credibility to the gospel message.

A Unified Community Testifies

Again, one more time I want to pause for just a moment and give you a phrase to remember:

“They were one in heart, one in purpose, and one in love.”

Once more please look back to John 17:23 “23 I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me.”

(Transition) Unity is not just a nice idea —it’s our greatest testimony.

Our unity is the evidence of divine transformation

The world is watching how we treat each other

Disunity blurs our message; love sharpens it. (Illustration) - a cracked mirror can still reflect light —but not clearly. When we are divided, the reflection of Christ in us becomes distorted. So, may we remember our unity is found in love.

Reflection question: When unbelievers look at our church, do they see the love of Christ — or the same divisions they see everywhere else?

Application

Be intentional in building unity and love in our community.

If we want to live as a gospel-centered community.

We must stay united. If we want to demonstrate Christ’s love.

We must serve sacrificially. And if we want to testify to the world.

We must let love rule among us.

“The gospel unites us, love sustains us, and unity proclaims Christ to the world.”

Psalm 133:1 NASB95

1 Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!

(Expand on this passage some)

(Gospel Picture) If we want the world to believe the gospel, they must see it lived out among us.

Maybe there is someone in the body you may need to offer forgiveness to.

Maybe you’ve held back from giving or serving because of fear.

Maybe you’ve been standing on the sidelines instead of standing in unity thinking I already put in my time, or I am too young, or I am not equipped to do anything.

When the church lives in unity and love, the world sees the truth of the gospel.

(deliver invitation here) (Song) (Prayer) (Exit)