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What does Jesus teach us about unity through His prayer for His disciples in John 17? How would you define unity in the church? Do you think it is possible to accomplish unity in the church? If so, how? If not, why not?
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13 Replies
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Jesus teaches that He is one with the Father and the disciples are one with Him. And because of unity with Jesus, we are also one with Him. Today, there are so many different denominations of Christian churches so to be unified seems impossible. I think if we continue to make Jesus the center/focus of our worship, it shouldn’t matter what denomination you are affiliated with, we could come together to help the “widows and the orphans”, to feed those who are hungry both physically and spiritually, and to bring unbelievers to the saving knowledge of knowing Jesus and follow Him by how we love others.
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God was in unity from the very beginning when he said “let us make man.” When we as believers are in unity we see Gods glory. The church should be walking in unity, unity of mind, of love, and spirit. Sometimes it’s hard because of our own mind, will and emotions that we contend with but if Jesus prayed that all believers would be in unity then we should desire it and know that it is important.
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He prayed not only for the disciples he had then, but also for all who will believe, that they might be one (v.11,20-23). But this unity is not based on the need to get a project finished. It is deeper – based on the way that God the Son is one with God the Father. The holy Trinity is also a community in unity. When God abides in our hearts, we live out the same unity. Jesus also taught that this unity has a powerful evangelistic effect – the world, seeing it, will believe too.
On one hand, doctrine is important to faith and life. The universal church has to be united through agreement on a fundamental set of doctrines which are unambiguous and most essential to faith. On the other hand, “doctrinal rightness” is not the key to holy and harmonious living. Denominations must “agree to disagree” on peripheral issues, and, where possible, work together for the furtherance of God’s kingdom.
Since unity is not accomplished by perfect doctrinal uniformity, it is possible for the universal church to work towards unity. Whatever it actually depends more on the hearts of Christians than their doctrines.
#John
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Jesus teaches us that we all are a part of His church and have a role to play. His prayer is for strength for His disciples to carry on with the work He has started with His ministry. Yes, we can have unity in the church, but only with the strength and wisdom of God to help us.
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Christ is the Head of the Body, His Church (the “unified” local churches). He has taught us to be one, as He and the Father are One. His followers are to be united on the “foundations” of the Faith. We are taught, so many times, that the enemy works wickedness through division. By the sovereign grace of God, we born-again believers can be one. The Lord would not have taught/commanded this, if it were not so. Praise His Name! Amen.
