The Church is United in Love
Sermon • Submitted • Presented • 37:12
0 ratings
· 72 viewsFiles
Notes
Transcript
Sermon Tone Analysis
A
D
F
J
S
Emotion
A
C
T
Language
O
C
E
A
E
Social
Make clear - message to the church.
Last week we started a series of messages to answer the question:
What or who is the church?
We talked about the biblical definition of the church and then asked this question…which I will ask you again this morning:
If you were on a deserted island with only the Bible and a few other believers...and nothing else and God said to you start a church based only on what I have told you in my Word...what would that look like? What or Who would be that church?
All you had was God's word what would you desire to see what would be the important and emphasized things about the church that is a question we started the answer last week and we will spend many weeks going through the different components of that. Drawing from what God's word emphasizes for us to do the same thing as the church.
If all you had was God's word to guide you...what would you desire to see…what would be a mark to you of a truly biblical church?
What would be important and what would be emphasized? In that church?
That is a question we are asking God to answer for us…and we started to answer it last week... and we will spend many weeks going forward…as we study the different foundational components of the true church…the biblical local church.
Drawing from what God's word emphasizes for us…because we desire to be that church.
Good just take repetition and tradition and an even worldly doesn't say how do you grow a church you're going to look at this book and say is it that God is asking of us
Our desire is to build our foundation on the rock solid truth of God’s Word.
But our desire is to build our foundation on the rock solid truth of God’s Word to as and because of our love for Him do what God is asking of us.
Last week we gave a basic definition of what or who the church is
Last week we gave a basic definition of what or who the church is that we can then go back to and then build upon.
Church - God’s people set apart to gather together and then live out God’s purpose for them in the place God has put them.
And then we added to that by looking at the first church and in we said the church is devoted. Specifically we said the church is devoted to the apostles teachings to Fellowship to the breaking of bread into prayers.
And then we built upon that by looking at the first church...in …and the foundational or even primary characteristic of the Church is devotion…devote to God and because of the love of Christ in us…and by the power of the Spirit...devoted to one another.
The church is devoted.
Then specifically we saw that the church is devoted to each other in their devotion to:
the apostles teachings
to Fellowship
to the breaking of bread
and prayers.
Question I want to ask this week is what is the reason for that Devotion to God and each other? If the primary thing about the church is that it is devoted to God glory to the name and fame of Jesus Christ and then in that devotion or because of that devotion devoted to one another it's people handle and teach God's word in the way we spend time fellowshipping and getting to know one another and loving one another and all of the one another's pray together and in the way we break bread to meals and communion weather if that is the primary about the church is that kind of devotion. Where does that come from? And why?
The question we are going to ask of God’s Word this morning is:
What is the reason for that devotion to God and each other?
What work must the Spirit do upon our hearts to lead us to that kind of devotion?
If the primary characteristic of the church is that it is devoted to God, devoted to the glory and fame of Jesus Christ…that devotion will show in the way we as the church:
-Uphold and teach and preach and love and obey God’s word…we are devoted to the teachings.
-Uphold and teach and preach and love God’s word…devoted to teaching it.
-The way we fellowship with one another and gather together....whether in our homes or at our worship gatherings or other eventswe do…or cookouts…our at community events in the city....we are devoted to spending time together in fellowship.
-In the way we break bread together…whether through meals and later communion…we are to be devoted to breaking bread together.
-And in the way we pray together and are devoted to that kind of prayer.
The Church is devoted...
But where does that come from? And why?
We can also ask what does not drive that kind of devotion in a church. Can say pretty clearly it is not guilt, religious activity, or simply following the religious Traditions handed down to us,
This week we are going to look at how the church is united in love.
So then what is it underlies and is the foundation church that is devoted.
So then what is it underlies and is the very foundation of a church that is devoted.
This week we are going to look at how the church is united in love.
This week we are going to look at how the church is united in love.
The Church is United in Love
The Church is United in Love
This one is such a big deal that Jesus prayed about it for us…which is where our text comes from this morning.
The church is called and even commanded to be United in love.
We can ask ourselves a few questions.
Where does that love come from?
Where does that love come from?
Why is being united in our love for one another so important?
And then the foundational question for us...Do we as the church love one another?
If we grow this church with the primary goal of getting as many people as possible in the door…If we succeed to build a church because of all the technologies and talent and music and lights and we use the world's agenda and techniques…and soften or change some of God’s Word…even the Word love...and tons of people come and we did all that without...actually having a deep, abiding love for one another. What did we build?
Is that a church ? What would be our point? If we don't love another…if we build a church were the people look around at each other...at our gatherings and barely know one another…or just have these superficial relationships...but not do not radically love one another.
If we are not sacrificing for one another...bearing with one another…extorting one another…encouraging one another...caring for one another…giving to one another...forgiving one another…instructing one another...truly loving one another.
What are we?
What are we?
And to go back to last week…how can we be devoted to one another if we are not united in what we are devoted in. So devotion to one another and unity with one another go hand in hand.
And to go back to last week…we cannot be devoted to one another…devoted to teaching of the word to one another, devoted to fellowship with one another, devoted to the breaking of bread in meals and communion with one another, and devoted to prayer with and for one another...unless we love one another.
We know this because of a warning given to us by Paul in .
I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.
You can not have unity without truth…so we are devoted to the Word.
And that kind of devotion will lead to us being united to one another in love.
Let me say that one more way...
There is no devotion to one another without us being devoted to submitting ourselves to the truth of God’s Word…and there is no love without truth.
But when we truly know and love the truth…it will produce in us a deep unity and love for one another.
God's desire is not that people would walk in here and be blown away by my teaching, our music, our building, our lights. God's desire is also not that people would walk in here or watch us live and see a people who is bored with God or without affection for one another.
God's desire is not that people would walk in here and be blown away by my teaching, our music, our building, our lights, or anything else. God's desire is also not that people would walk in here or watch us live and see a people who is bored or unaffectionate.
God's desire is that people would walk in here or see the way we live our lives together and be blown away by our love for him and our love for one another…so they would believe the truth we are devoted to.
God's desire is that people would walk in here or see the way we live our lives together and be blown away by our love for him and our love for one another.
That people would walk in here and be like what are these people so passionate about? Who is this God that they love so much? Why do they talk about Jesus like they love him as a person who is alive and that they know and is with them? And why in the world do the love one another so deeply?
In a world confused by what family is, and relationship is, and by what love is. In a world where we all live for ourselves and in our own little cocoons.
In a world confused by what family is, and relationship is, and by what love is. God's desire is that the world would see us and say love those people love one another .
God's desire is that the world would see us and say those people love one another.
We're going to talk about our love for God and love for his word in a few weeks.
The great preacher Johnathon Edrwards would say that is one of my main responibilites to you as a preacher.
To raise your affections for God and for one another as high as I possibly can, provided your are affected with nothing but the truth of God word.
With that...
Let's go to .
We're going to talk about our love for God and love for his word in a few weeks. This morning I want to focus on our definition of church and how it relates to our love for one another. my
Jesus is with the disciples…had just washed their feet.
And we get (other than ) one of the longest recorded stretches of wordsfrom Jesus earthy limistry.
He is with the disciples and about to be betrayed and arrested.
In He tells them:
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Then in 15 He begins to let them know why this is so important.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
The first and simplest thing I need to say about love is that love is not a feeling primarily. True love will give feelings. Love is not dry. Our love for God should make us very affectionate and her feelings towards God. That is because love is deeper than feelings. It is a commitment. It is a covenant. It is a promise.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Let’s look at this verse by verse...
:9- through 14 to see where we are headed. How amazing is it that the God of the universe calls us his friend. I know there are songs about that and we say those words. But don't take that lightly. He's surrounded by angels. He is on a throne. there is no power in this world that is comparable to the power of his very words. We have one time or separate from him infinitely and eternally separated from him by sin. And those of us have turned to him and he shined the light of the gospel of the glory of Jesus Christ on our hearts. He calls us his friends. there's something interesting that you have to pick up on to understand where we are headed. There's a condition in verse 14. The same thing is said in verse 1415 of John.
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love.
Let's read John 1510 through 14 to see where we are headed. How amazing is it that the God of the universe calls us his friend. I know there are songs about that and we say those words. But don't take that lightly. He's surrounded by angels. He is on a throne. there is no power in this world that is comparable to the power of his very words. We have one time or separate from him infinitely and eternally separated from him by sin. And those of us have turned to him and he shined the light of the gospel of the glory of Jesus Christ on our hearts. He calls us his friends. there's something interesting that you have to pick up on to understand where we are headed. There's a condition in verse 14. The same thing is said in verse 1415 of John.
John 15:9-14
Comment
If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love.
Comment
These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
Comment
Then he focuses in on one particular commandment...
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
How much did Jesus love those He came to save?
He tells us…abide in my love…follow me…obey my commandments so you can stay with me and in my love…that is the way to full and everlasting joy…our obedience to Him is like us staying on the path tht lead to Him no matter the costs…because He loves us and we love Him...
And in order to do this…He says...the commandment I need you to focus on in this moment is...
Love one another as much as I loved you!
What does that look like?
Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
How amazing is it that the God of the universe calls us his friends?
through 14 to see where we are headed. How amazing is it that the God of the universe calls us his friend. I know there are songs about that and we say those words. But don't take that lightly. He's surrounded by angels. He is on a throne. there is no power in this world that is comparable to the power of his very words. We have one time or separate from him infinitely and eternally separated from him by sin. And those of us have turned to him and he shined the light of the gospel of the glory of Jesus Christ on our hearts. He calls us his friends. there's something interesting that you have to pick up on to understand where we are headed. There's a condition in verse 14. The same thing is said in verse 1415 of John.
I know there are songs about that and we say those words. But don't take that lightly. He's surrounded by an army of angels. He is on a throne. There is no power in this world that is comparable to the power of even His words.
We have one at one time (or some of us still are) been separated from him infinitely and eternally...separated from him by our sin. And those whom He came to save…those of us who have turned to him in repentance and faith…those of us who love Him more than anything...He now calls us his friends.
That is beautiful....but there's something else I want us to grasp...that we have to pick up on to better understand where we are headed.
There's a condition in verse 14.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
And the same condition is in
“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.
Those who obey my commands Jesus says, will abide in my love...
The same thing is said in verse 1415 of John.
Those who obey my commands Jesus says, will abide in me . And what is that command love another.
And what is the commandment that He emphasizes first....love one another.
So love God…love one another...
Do you see what He is saying?
When a person is truly devoted to Christ....our salvation…our treasure…our only hope...
That abiding in His love…our very devotion to God is intimately associated…maybe even depends upon...our love for one another.
Or more simply...to love God and not love His people (the church) is not possible.
To abide in Christ is also for us to love one another.
That's not me saying that as a pastor or a church planter…
I am trying to stir up our emotions because Jesus is saying this to us.
Then John makes sure we really get it.
Now go back to the deserted island with me and imagine basing your church on God’s Word…and you observe what is happening…and the people in the church live and act like they barely know one another.
By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.
God’s Word to us is that you can tell who is walking with God…because of the way they love God’s people…the church.
First John 310 .
God’s people love the brothers and sisters in Christ…in a way that makes it evident that they are truly God’s children..
Book you can tell who is walking with God. They love gods people. They love the brothers and sisters in Christ.
There are times in both the Old Testament and the new regattas harsh words for the churches that have lost this kind of love. In the Old Testament in the book of Malachi God actually tells the church to stop the singing stop the singing it is not honoring to me . A similar warning is given to the churches in Revelation.
Love one another because Jesus died for his church.
In Jesus is telling his disciples you are going to change this world…all of my scattered sheep to the ends of the earth are going to be reached because of you. And b the way...I am leaving…He says.
But He also tells them...I'm sending the Spirit to you. And you may not understand why or how…but it is better for you that I am leaving…
So abide in me...endure with me…hold tight to me...
Depend on the spirit…you are going to need it.
And you are going to need to love each other…
Then you get to , Jesus ends this discussion with them with a prayer. is a rare glimpse for us into what Jesus thinks and says in his deepest core. The way he prays. And what he deeply desires for us…His people…His church.
Turn to John 17.
It starts with
When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.
So He starts this prayer with…glorify me but not for my glory…so I can glorify you Father.
:-13
Then He claims His authority…His authority to give salvation…eternal life to whom? The ones whom the Father has already given Him.
And what is this eternal life? Knowing God…and knowing Jesus our Lord…for all eternity.
And then you get to verse 4.
And then you get to verse four His glory would be complete because he completed the work God gave him to do. Don't you want to hear that. What you want to be able to say that. It was hard. They question me. I gave up worldly things. I died to self. The world thought the way I was living was pitiful and crazy. But God, I completed the work you called me to do to glorify you.
I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do.
His glory would be complete. Why?
His glory would be complete because he completed the work God gave him to do. Don't you want to hear that. What you want to be able to say that. It was hard. They question me. I gave up worldly things. I died to self. The world thought the way I was living was pitiful and crazy. But God, I completed the work you called me to do to glorify you.
Because he completed the work God gave him to do.
Let me stop there for a second...Don't you want to hear that?
Don’t we want to be able to say that church?
Don't you want to hear that. What you want to be able to say that. It was hard. They question me. I gave up worldly things. I died to self. The world thought the way I was living was pitiful and crazy. But God, I completed the work you called me to do to glorify you.
It was hard. They questioned me. I gave up worldly things. I died to self. The world thought the way I was living was pitiful and crazy. But God, I completed the work you called me to do...to glorify you.
What you want to be able to say that. It was hard. They question me. I gave up worldly things. I died to self. The world thought the way I was living was pitiful and crazy. But God, I completed the work you called me to do to glorify you.
Each one of us, will stand before him one day. May we all say that we gloried God by in our joy...completing the work he sent us to do.
Then jump ahead with me to verse 18.
This is so beautiful…Jesus turns in his prayer to pray for the disciples.
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
As you sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth.
Explain.
Explain.
I am leaving you but they are not.
And if that wasn’t powerful enough for us here this morning.
Then he turns his prayer to us. In this prayer Jesus prays for us.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
He turns his prayer to us. In this prayer Jesus prays for us.
Let that sink in before I read His Words.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
This is the first thing He prays for us in this prayer…this is His priority.
Then he turns his prayer to us. In this prayer Jesus prays for us . Versus 21 through 23.
that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Versus 21 through 23.
For real y’all.
There are some crazy statements in this prayer to . Do you believe this. Do you believe that this is possible. Do you believe this is necessary. Because that is what Jesus is saying.
There are some crazy statements in this prayer of Jesus for us…for us to ponder.
There are some crazy statements in this prayer to…for us to ponder.
Do you believe this? Do you believe that this is possible for us? Do you believe this is necessary? Because that is what Jesus is saying by praying this prayer for us.
Verse 21 paragraph we focus on the words just as. Let me ask you a question. How unified are Jesus and the father? Notice he doesn't say that they would be nice to each other. That they would just not fight in public. They would hold hands give hugs or maybe throwing a holy kiss once in a while. No . He says just as . So again I ask how unified are Jesus and the father .
that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me.
Let’s focus on the words just as. Let me ask you a question.
How unified are Jesus and the Father in their love?
How unified are they in the truth?
Notice he doesn't pray that we would be nice to each other. Or we would kinda believe the same general stuff.
That we would get along better than unbelievers. That we would tolerate each other or agree to disagree.
He does not pray that we would just hold hands, give hugs, and maybe throwing a holy kiss once in a while.
would just not fight in public. They would hold hands give hugs or maybe throwing a holy kiss once in a while. No . He says just as . So again I ask how unified are Jesus and the father .
No . He says these two words...just as.
Let me read it again.
that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me.
So again I ask how unified are Jesus and the Father?
He had just saidthis in 14:9
So again I ask how unified are Jesus and the father .
Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
For all eternity we have one God in perfect unity.
Verse if you have seen me you have seen the father. For all eternity we have one God in perfect unity. Paragraph not just appearing to be united. Or appearing to love one another. Just as . Do you believe that.
He prays for us that we would not just appear to be united. Or appear to love one another.
But that we would be one…just as united as Jesus and the Father God.
Do you believe that?
When you walked in here this morning what was your goal? When you generally in your life were part of a church or went to church…what was your focus…we talk a lot about our personal relationship with God?
Remember this is Jesus praying for us…Our Lord who is ruling the universe right now prayed this for us.
I'm not sure I ever believed this.
And I am also not sure when I started to believe it was really what he meant…I am still not sure that I thought it could actually happen.
When you walked in here this morning what was your goal? When you generally in your life were part of a church or went to church…what was your focus…we talk a lot about our personal relationship with God.
What if His goal for us is not simply a personal relationship…what if He wants us to be as close to the people in this room who love Jesus as the Father is to the Son?
We want our space. We want our distance. We want to like one another.
Do we want unity for us as much as Jesus want it for us?
This is what the church is supposed to be. We've turned it into something else. But I believe…by the authority of God’s Word..the Holy Spirit can and will make this happen. The question we need to ask ourselves is this…is thisfor us?
This is what the church is supposed to be. We've turned it into something else. But the Holy Spirit can and will make this happen. Is that your desire? And then verse 23 . Perfectly one . Perfectly one . No no it doesn't say they will act perfectly to one another. Today will be united with one another. So that means bearing with one another and forgiving one another . But it primary remains the covenant deep abiding love for one another.
And then verse 23 .
John 17:232
I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
Perfectly one. Jesus I know we are supposed to pray big…but perfectly one.
Perfectly one . Perfectly one . No no it doesn't say they will act perfectly to one another. Today will be united with one another. So that means bearing with one another and forgiving one another . But it primary remains the covenant deep abiding love for one another.
He repeats it and takes it next level on us…perfectly united in the truth and in our love for one another.
And the twice he tells us why? Do not miss this next part.
This is crazy, crazy powerful and important. Why is Jesus praying this for us?
Why should we look around this room and see people we love. Why perfect unity?
Why is our abiding in Him and love for one another so connected? Why?
that they may all be one, just 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 have sent me.
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word,
I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
So that!
So that. Jesus prays for us...for perfect unity just as He has with the Father...
For this kind of love to happen to us…
So that something else can be made possible.
So that the world may believe that Jesus is the Messiah!
So if we are united in relationship with God and are unified in the truth of His Word...
And then in our love for one another…if the world sees our unity....then the world will believe that Jesus is the sent Savior.
So what is Jesus saying about the world believing in Jesus if the church is not united…and not loving one another.
They wont believe...
Do you want to convince the world or the unbelievers in this town or the unbelievers…or almost believers...in your life that Jesus is Lord? Do you want people to believe the gospel you're telling them? Do you want to be empowered to abide in Christ to be able to speak the gospel boldly because of your hope and joy in him?
Then as the local church…Jesus says to us and prayed for us...be united:
In the truth.
In your devotion.
Be united in your love for one another.
That's what Jesus not only commands to us...but then prays for us.
I hope and pray that we can feel the importance and the power in that.
Wait wait wait…don’t we need programs, we need methods, we need apologetics, we need Matt Chandler and Christ Tomlin...then they will believe. None of that matters for eternity....for true conversions…true belief unless we are doing the primary thing.
And if your heart says the way we need programs, we need methods, we need apologetics, then they will believe . No let's get famous people are really sweet band then no believe . Not in less you are also doing the primary thing . Be devoted and united because you love one another.
Are we Devoted to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to communion, and to prayer…
Are we united in our love for one another.
So that the world will believe!
I don't know about you, I am not interested in just filling up a room or building with people. Why? Because that is not the primary thing God has asked us to do. What has he called for?
One of the first things they will say is you guys can even agree. You don't even seem to like one another. The arIn other words y'all are not united. Isn't this what happen asked to Two. Voted to one another. They were devoted to the teaching and prayer and fellowship and breaking bread. And then look what happens. There is all . And love. And devotion. And giving. And caring for one another. Why? Because they truly loved one another .
I want to fill up this room, this city, or wherever God would have us for the rest of our lives...with God's glory and our love for Him and the Holy Spirit…I desire for all to be saved.
I don't know about you, I am not interested in just filling up a room or building with people . Why? Because that is not what God is asked us to do. He is called for. I want to fill up this room in this city and wherever God would have us with God's glory and our love for him because Jesus is our treasure because we love one another . New line
To know God and Jesus as their treasure.
And if we truly desire that…we will be in unity with one another.
Let me end wit ha big application point and then next week we will talk about how the Church is on mission together from .
Think of an unbeliever or a lukewarm believer and almost believer that you know...who you greatly desire to be saved and truly know the Lord.
So what happens if you take John 1723 and put it with Romans 116.
Jesus is telling us that for that to happen…for Him to save those whom the Father sent him to save...
For God to shine the light of the Gospel on their hearts…to remove their blindness...
They need to hear something from us AND see something in us.
So we as the church are to devoted to the Lord Jesus and to one another in the word, fellowship, communion, and prayer according to 2.
Next week we'll talk about the great commission about making disciples about missions and local missions and world missions. Paragraph
I want to bridge these three things together.
I want to bridge these three things together. Romans 116 says we make disciples telling them the gospel. So we go out and we tell people the gospel. John 1723 says they not only need to hear that something. They need to see something. They need to see that it's real in our lives by the way in unity we love one another . So that they will believe.
So we asthe Church are to be devoted to the Lord Jesus and to one another in the word, fellowship,communiion, and prayer according to …more onthat listen to last weeks sermon if you were not here.
says we are on mission to make disciples…to save unbelievers…to awaken the lukewarm.
By first telling them the gospel.
And we are on mission to save unbelivers or awake the luke warm.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
So we need to tell them something.
And then we pray that they would belive and be saved...
But they also need to see something...
I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
says we make disciples telling by them the gospel. So we go out and we tell people the gospel.
Romans 116 says we make disciples telling them the gospel. So we go out and we tell people the gospel. John 1723 says they not only need to hear that something. They need to see something. They need to see that it's real in our lives by the way in unity we love one another . So that they will believe.
says we make disciples telling by them the gospel. So we go out and we tell people the gospel.
says they not only need to hear that gospel.
They need to see something. They need to see that it's real in our lives by the way are devoted……and the need to see it is real by the way we love one another. So that…so that...they will believe.
We together are called the family of God. We together are the temple of the Holy Spirit.
May we be…the Church.
God’s people set apart to gather together and then live out God’s purpose for us in the place God has put us by being a devoted people who love one another.
That is what Jesus prayed for us…that is how we will be on mission to save souls…that is the Church.
We are the church.
Revival…may others believe that Jesus is Lord when they see the way we love one another.
Let’s pray.
.definition of church devoted to one another in the teaching and prayer and fellowship and breaking bread. And may we do so because the foundation of our salvation and our relationship with Jesus Christ Abiding in Christ is evidenced and displayed for the world to see so that they may believe because of the way we love one another .