In what ways can our church reflect the unity mentioned in John 11:52? Our Unity Begins with Christ’s Gathering Work John 11:52: “and not for the nation only, but also to gather together into one the scattered children of God.” • Jesus did the gathering; we simply live out what He secured (Ephesians 2:14-16). • He unites every believer at the cross—no add-ons, no exceptions (Galatians 3:28). Keep the Gospel Central • Teach, sing, and celebrate Christ’s finished work every week (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). • Guard doctrine together so we rally around truth, not personality (Jude 3). • Use communion to rehearse our shared rescue story (1 Corinthians 10:16-17). Live as One Body, Many Parts • Highlight every member’s spiritual gift and role (1 Corinthians 12:4-27). • Rotate testimonies and ministry updates to showcase God’s tapestry. • Refuse consumer Christianity—serve one another as family (1 Peter 4:10). Intentionally Cross Barriers • Blend ages, ethnicities, and backgrounds in small groups and leadership teams (Acts 13:1-3). • Schedule shared meals that mix people who rarely interact (Acts 2:46). • Provide translation or bilingual worship where needed so no believer feels “scattered.” Practice Relational Humility and Forgiveness • Resolve conflict quickly—“be kind… forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). • Teach Matthew 18 reconciliation steps; walk them out publicly when issues arise. • Normalize repentance from the pulpit so everyone learns the rhythm. Pray and Worship Together • Hold regular, mixed-age prayer gatherings focused on kingdom requests (Acts 1:14). • Use music that reflects the congregation’s diversity yet keeps lyrics anchored in Scripture (Colossians 3:16). Serve Side by Side in Mission • Adopt local outreach projects that require different gifts working together (Matthew 5:16). • Support global missions as a unified body, not isolated committees (Philippians 1:27). • Celebrate every gospel advance—“one sows, another reaps, but God gives the growth” (John 4:36-38). Guard Unity with Ongoing Accountability • Elders model cooperation, mutual submission, and transparent decision-making (1 Peter 5:1-3). • Members covenant to “maintain the unity of the Spirit with the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3-6). • When discipline is necessary, carry it out redemptively, aiming to “gain your brother” (Matthew 18:15). Measure Success by Togetherness • Track stories of reconciliation and partnership, not just attendance. • Ask: are the “scattered children” feeling gathered? If not, adjust shepherding structures (Luke 15:4-6). Psalm 133:1: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!” — that harmony is possible now because the Shepherd has already gathered His flock. |
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