Come Follow Me | Phil Carnuccio | September 25, 2022

Sermon Notes – September 25, 2022

 Let’s begin with Jesus’ prayer in John 17:22

“Father, I pray that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.”

 We are a family.  We are one.

 Phil defined God’s supernatural oneness as a holy relationship of oneness between the Persons of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; complete in love, wisdom, power, not lacking anything. 

 Division is natural (the human condition; unyielded to God). 

Oneness is supernatural (in humility when we surrender ourselves at the cross).

 Oneness starts on our knees knowing true peace.  Oneness comes from Jesus in us. 

When we receive Christ, oneness permeates us.

• What are the distinctive characteristics of oneness displayed in the believer?
• What does oneness require of us?

1Peter 3:8 - Amplified Bible

Finally, all of you be like-minded [united in spirit], sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted [courteous and compassionate toward each other as members of one household], and humble in spirit;

• What characteristics do you personally find the hardest to attain?

Read Ephesians 2:13-17, then read the bolded sections.

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.

We are sent by Jesus, as his body together, to a divided world to attract people to Jesus through the oneness in our diversity 

• When you are challenged with words, actions or situations that are divisive and offensive to you, what is your immediate reaction? Natural or Supernatural oneness?
• Are you quick to judge, quick to speak, quick to anger?

James 1:19 - NIV

Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. 

The Challenge:  The next time you are faced with divisiveness, take 24 hours to pray and yield before you react.

• What practical actions can we take to promote unity with those around us?

 John 17: 22-23

I have given them the glory You gave Me, so that they may be one as We are one— I in them and You in Me— that they may be perfectly united, so that the world may know that You sent Me and have loved them just as You have loved Me. 

 As believers, we are God’s children.  His blood flows through all of us.      

 Ephesians 2:19-22 – The Message

 That’s plain enough, isn’t it? You’re no longer wandering exiles. This kingdom of faith is now your home country. You’re no longer strangers or outsiders. You belong here, with as much right to the name Christian as anyone. God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.

 Congregational Prayer

Thank you for creating us, choosing us, calling us for love and relationship with you and with each other. Lead us as your sent people to those who are searching and need you. May we reveal the beauty of a diverse people growing in unity and holiness for your glory before a watching world.