One

One ... united ... unity ... solidarity ... One

I was surprised how often Jesus prayed for unity - for his followers to be "one" - as he prayed to God the Father in John 17.  This prayer in John 17 is considered by scholars a significant prayer, as Jesus prepares himself and his followers for what would soon follow - the cross and his death. 

John 17:20-23  ²⁰ “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ²¹ that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. ²² I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: ²³ I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

Unity was at the core of Jesus prayer.  He knew that without unity the world would not believe the message of his followers.  The same is true for us today ... in fact Jesus prayed for you and me in his prayer some two-thousand years ago:  "I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, ...."  No one will believe the message we have in Jesus Christ unless we are united as followers of Christ. 

Unity is NOT:

1.  Uniformity ... there is no uniform or detailed way to live outside of the guidelines of Scripture.  We are all uniquely created by God who is the author of diversity and creativity.  We are to thrive in our diversity, thrive in our uniqueness as individuals - as long as it conforms to the guides of faith and truth in the Bible.  Being ONE/UNITED under the banner of Christ allows for diversity, in fact it's expected (1 Corinthians 12).

2.  Abuse of Leadership / Getting My Own Way ... One of the great outcomes of our unity in diversity is that we have the opportunity to hear different opinions and perspectives and we can learn from each other.  Leaders who fail to allow people to express their ideas, thoughts, or perspectives via their character and temperament miss the chance to learn from others.  Leaders who jam their agenda downward and leaders who only want their own way are both abusing their role and hold a selfish grip.

Unity IS:

1.  A Shared Belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.  That's where unity begins.  Check out John 17:6-8.  This is what binds our spirits one with another.  There's something mysterious and wonderful when you find a kindred spirit ... it's as though you know something that others don't.

2.  A Shared Mission.  A lot is made about vision and mission statements.  Sometimes in church-world this gets way over blown.  Our mission as the Church is clear - to make disciples of all nations, by going to them, teaching them the character and priorities and truth of Christ, and baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Regardless of where you live kindred spirits in Christ share and are called to the same mission.   

3.  A Shared Love for God and People.  As we love God and understand how he loves us we learn to truly love others. 

Here at Christ Church we are on a journey to be united.  We want to worship, live, serve, and love united, in solidarity and as one. 

• We would love for you to join us on Sunday mornings at Fairview Middle School @ 10:00am.  You will find a group of people who love God and are trying to do their best to follow him.  You will find flawed people with messy lives – we will be the first to tell you that we’re not perfect – who are accepting and encouraging each other.  You’ll find lively music, guitars, keyboard, and drums.  And you’ll hear a relevant message from the Bible.  All of this will happen in the span of about 65 minutes. 

• Also, if you'd like to make a donation to help Christ Church get up and get going, you can forward it to our address:  170 Gateway Dr., Fairview, PA  16415.

• If you have questions, check out our FAQ tab above or feel free to email us at ccwestco@gmail.com.

Church Should Be Simple:  Love God and Love People!

-Ben