Unity as a Mark of the Church

Unity as a Mark of the Church — John 17:20-23

Division, while complicated, is at times but always . 

When it comes to division, there are never . 

How is unity a mark of the church when it is plagued by disunity?

Unity is an implication for the church in that it is how Christians to one another. 

Jesus is NOT talking about unity.

In the early church, there was a lot of and life but little organizational unity. 

There was great organizational unity in the Middle Ages, and people were too drawn to Jesus through the church. 

Jesus is NOT talking about unity in terms of y. 

Conformity strives for identical patterns of looks and among Christians. 

We should strive to conform our with the Scriptures, not one  

The unity that Christ prays for IS the same as the unity that exists between members of the . 

The Christian’s position is “ Christ.” 

The Christian’s true is found IN Christ!

Do our lives live up to our perfect status in Christ?

Union with Christ has for how we our lives. 

When Christians are at odds — when they fight and bicker we need to be reminded, first and foremost, of gospel truths not given more commands. 

The proper motivation for obedience is  

The Images of Unity: 

A.  Family 

    — God establishes His family

    — Commitment to one another is real and tangible 

B. Fellowship 

    — Fellowship for Christians is having the common experience of the gospel their lives

C.  Body

     — Interdependence, Not Independence 

Question: What is your part? 

We can’t change the church, but we can begin with