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    Resource Details

    Finding Unity And Community in a Time of Division

    Dr. Ed Stetzer | August 8, 2021

    In a time when community is being tested, unity in Jesus can transcend any divisions we face in culture. In this message, Ed Stetzer shares the importance of understanding true community and how it can lead to a compelling pursuit of unity in Christ.

    Message Action Plan

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    Message Action Plan

    "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort      from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and   sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind,     having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." Philippians 2:1-2 (ESV)

    1.         THE FOUNDATION OF UNITY IS HUMILITY

    "So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort      from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy." Philippians 2:1 (ESV)

    A. ENCOURAGEMENT (IN CHRIST)

    "May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify     the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." Romans 15:5-6 (ESV)

    B. COMFORT (FROM LOVE)

    "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not      love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal." 1 Corinthians 13:1 (ESV)

    C. PARTICIPATION (IN SPIRIT)

    D. AFFECTION (AND SYMPATHY)

    "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." Romans 12:10 (ESV)

    2.         THE FULFILLMENT OF UNITY BRINGS JOY

    "Fulfill my joy by . . ."  

    "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy."                                                                                        Philippians 1:3-4 (ESV)

    "For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."                                                                                                   3 John 1:3-4 (ESV)

    Action Plan: Take a moment to experience the joy of unity. Imagine a brother or sister in Christ that you deeply disagree with on some issue. Despite your disagreement, if they are in Christ, they will one day be embraced by Jesus. Imagine that moment, imagine their face when they are welcomed into Jesus' arms. Let that moment bring you joy.

    3.         THE FOCUS OF UNITY IS THE MIND OF CHRIST          

    A. BEING OF THE SAME MIND
                "I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus     Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions   among you, but that you be united in the same mind and       the same judgment."                                  1 Corinthians 1:10 (ESV)

    B. HAVING THE SAME LOVE
                "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is   not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing   but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all            things, hopes all things, endures all things." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (ESV)

    C. BEING IN FULL ACCORD

    D. AND OF ONE MIND

    Verse 1                                                    Verse 2
    there is encouragement in Christ,          so be of the same mind                   
    there is comfort from love,                     so have the same love
    there is participation in the Spirit,         so be in full accord
    there is affection and sympathy,            so be of one mind

    Action Plan: Do you have a Christian friend that, during the pandemic, you have disconnected with because of a division in opinion on the vaccine or other issue?  Reach out to that person and ask to watch this message together.  Focus on what you have in common, the love of Christ. Write down your foundational truths of your friendship.  Keep your focus on your unity in Christ and not your different opinions.

    More from this series

    Talk It Over

    Discussion Guide

    More from this series

    Building a Better Future
    April 25 - August 8, 2021
    • Finding Unity And Community in a Time of Division
      August 8, 2021
    • Recipe For A Miracle
      August 1, 2021
    • Relationship With Self: Overcoming Accusation
      July 25, 2021
    • Family Forgiveness
      July 18, 2021
    • The Power of Gentleness
      July 11, 2021
    • Instant Relationship Change
      July 4, 2021
    • Getting People To Work Together
      May 30, 2021
    • Enlisting Support For Your Dream
      May 23, 2021
    • Making a Plan to Improve Your Life
      May 16, 2021
    • Rebuilding The City Of Your Soul
      May 2, 2021
    • The First Steps To A Restart
      April 25, 2021
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