### **Introduction**
Video Ill.: May We Be One — Floodgate Productions
David wrote in Psalm 133:
1 How good and pleasant it is
when brothers live together in unity!
2 It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down upon the collar of his robes.
|| 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows His blessing,
even life forevermore. (Psalm 133, NIV1984)
Unity.
Thoughts from
The Speaker’s Bible
Baker Book House
Reprinted 1987
Volume 4 — Psalms 104-150; Isaiah 1-39
PP 146-148
David said it is as desirable as expensive oil. It’s as soothing as the dew falling from the mountain. It’s as refreshing as dew on the grass each morning.
Yet our world does not seem to want, desire, or strive for unity.
Hours before Jesus was crucified, He prayed for us.
He prayed that we would be ONE—unified in such a way that the world would know He was sent by the Father. But how often do we find ourselves divided across political lines, letting our strongest opinions blind us to love?
Unity is not about having the same opinions.
Unity does not come by coercion or compromise.
Conferences, leagues and treaties, however valuable in their own way, have no power to confirm a union of hearts, and nothing less will suffice.
Only by the gift and grace of God can unity be obtained. The brotherhood of man ultimately depends on the Fatherhood of God, and without that foundation unity will not stand. Brothers are not made by treaty, but are of one blood and one heart.
Unity is about Jesus.
Unity is about elevating Jesus above all other things.
Today, we are going to explore what it means to be united in Christ, why unity is essential, and how we can pursue it in a divided world.
### **I. Jesus prayed that we would be united through Him. **
Hours before His crucifixion, Jesus prayed for His followers, including those who would believe in Him in the future. He prayed that we would be one, just as He and the Father are one.
Listen to Jesus’ prayer in John 17:
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.” (John 17, NIV1984)
There is a reason that Jesus prayed for our unity. This unity has a purpose: "so that the world may believe that you have sent me."
**Key Point**: You see, our unity is a testimony to the world. When we are united in Christ, we reflect the relationship of Jesus and the Father and point others to God.
Largest Lego Model Took Vision and Teamwork
Source: Angela Watercutter, "This 23-Ton, 5.3-Million-Brick X-Wing Is the Biggest Lego Model Ever," Wired Magazine (5-16-12)
https://www.wired.com/2013/05/largest-lego-x-wing/
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/2016/july/6070416.html
Copied from Preaching Today
The grand list of Coolest Things Ever had an amazing addition in 2013 in New York City: the Lego X-Wing, the largest Lego model ever built. The model of the classic Star Wars fighter has a wingspan of 44 feet and comes complete with R2-D2 and a full range of sound effects. It's a super-duper-sized version of Star Wars Lego starfighter set #9493 and was made with 5,335,200 Lego bricks. That, according to Lego, makes it the largest model ever built, eclipsing the Lego robot at the Mall of America by some 2 million bricks.
The X-Wing was built at the Lego Model Shop at the company's facility in Kladno, Czech Republic. It took 32 "master builders" and 17,336 man-hours to construct the X-Wing. Plans for the model were created using Lego's proprietary 3-D design software, and the construction team had to work with a team of structural engineers to ensure that the model was safe, master builder Erik Varszegi told Wired magazine. Once completed, the model—which weighs 45,980 pounds—was eventually shipped to Legoland California.
They had a vision — they had a mission — they had teamwork — and they had unity.
If half of the builders decided to argue with the other half of the builders about the design plan and instructions for building this tremendous model, it would have either caused the project to take longer, to be built wrong, or to not be finished at all.
The design was an amazing model. The final outcome was an amazing display, because they worked together.
Jesus left us a plan — a design — a structure to build — the church. We can only do that when we as the church are drawn together in unity in Jesus.
As a united body, we can win the world.
As a splintered, broken faction, we accomplish nothing.
It does not mean we have to agree on everything. We must, though, agree on Jesus. When we focus on Him, through His power, we will turn the world upside down, just as they did in the early church.
This morning, we have to really look at our own actions and attitudes. Are we doing and saying things that foster unity or are we contributing to the division in this world?
Jesus prayed that His followers would stand united, proclaiming the message of hope and love to a divided world.
### **II. Our unity can be only found in Our Identity in Christ. **
In Ephesians, Paul speaks of Jesus breaking down the dividing wall of hostility. Through Jesus, both Jews and Gentiles were brought together as one new humanity.
Listen to what he wrote in Ephesians 2:
?11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called “uncircumcised” by those who called themselves “the circumcision” (that done in the body by the hands of men) — 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, || without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in His flesh, the law with its commandments and || regulations. His purpose was to create in Himself, one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which He put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Him, we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
|| 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Chief Cornerstone. 21 In Him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in Him you too are || being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit. (Ephesians 2, NIV1984)
What Paul is saying is that our unity is not based on cultural, social, or political similarities but on the shared identity we have in Jesus.
**Key Point**: That shared identity is that we are all sinners, saved by an amazing grace. Unity is found at the cross. It’s where barriers are torn down, and we become united in Christ.
What if we were able to look beyond our political differences, and simply see brothers and sisters in Christ?
What if we were able to look beyond our cultural differences, and saw people made in the image of God, deserving of love, respect, and grace?
What if we were able to look beyond our social differences, and recognized the inherent worth in every individual, valuing them as part of God’s family?
The truth is, we are all of those things. We are a family. We are made in God’s image. We do deserve love, respect, and grace. We are to be valued.
In spite of our differences.
Despite our varying opinions.
Regardless of our diversity.
Illustration: The Truce of World War I (Christmas Truce of 1914)
I’m sure you’ve heard this story before, but I cannot help but share it this morning when we think of looking beyond our differences.
During World War I, in December 1914, an extraordinary and almost unbelievable event occurred along the Western Front. British and German soldiers, who had been bitterly fighting each other for months, decided to call a truce on Christmas Eve. Both sides emerged from their trenches, meeting in "No Man's Land." They shared food, sang Christmas carols, exchanged small gifts, and even played a game of soccer together.
For a brief moment in time, the soldiers recognized their shared humanity, and the barriers of war and nationality broke down. They were no longer enemies; they were simply men, connected by a common desire for peace, hope, and even a small taste of Christmas joy.
This true story serves as a powerful example of what unity can look like when we choose to look beyond what divides us. In the midst of war, the soldiers were able to see each other not as enemies but as fellow human beings deserving of dignity and respect.
Our unity does not come from having the same perspectives, opinions, or backgrounds. It is based on something deeper — a shared identity in Christ. Our unity comes from what Jesus has done for us. At the cross, He tore down every barrier, making us one in Him. Let us always remember that we are united because we share a Savior who loves us unconditionally. And when we focus on Him, barriers fall, and we become one, even in a world full of division.
This morning, I pray that we can look beyond political affiliations and see fellow believers as brothers and sisters in Christ and stand united in His love and grace.
### **III. As the church, we are united as One Body Despite Our Differences. **
In order to get this idea across to the early church, Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe the church in 1 Corinthians. There was a church that was divided by everything and anything. They could not come together for anything, always fighting and being filled with divisiveness.
They could not seem to understand that even though we have differences, we are all the body of Christ. Though we are many parts, we are one body, working together, and each part is essential.
Listen to what Paul told them in 1 Corinthians 12:
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body — whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free — and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
14 Now the body is not made up of one part, but of many. (1 Corinthians 12, NIV1984)
One of the many problems the church had was they thought only about themselves. It was all about me, my opinions, my thoughts, my uniqueness. So Paul is trying to teach them, and us today, that unity doesn’t mean uniformity. We are all unique and that is perfectly fine. We all have gifts and talents that make each one of us different from everyone else in the world. But, we have to look beyond ourselves, and elevate Jesus above our differences in order to work together for His purposes.
**Key Point**: Our differences are not obstacles but strengths when we are united in Christ. The focus of our unity is discovered in the empty tomb, where abundant life is offered to all people.
Reds give Francona 3-year deal to be new manager
https://www.mlb.com/reds/news/reds-terry-francona-manager-hire
After having some rough seasons lately, the Cincinnati Reds decided to part ways with manager David Bell. In six seasons under Bell, Cincinnati had 409 wins to 456 losses (.473), never finishing above third place in the National League Central outside of the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign (31-29 record, second-place finish).
And so 12 days after firing David Bell, the Reds hired Terry Francona. Terry had stepped down as manager of the Cleveland Guardians after the 2023 season.
Francona’s reputation precedes him. Upon taking the helm in Boston in 2004, he led a Red Sox team that hadn't been able to get past the rival Yankees to an ALCS upset before its first World Series title in 86 years. Boston won another title under Francona three years later, and overall, he guided the Red Sox to the postseason five times in his eight seasons as manager.
In 2013, Francona became manager in Cleveland, leading that club to the postseason for the first time in six years. In ’16, Cleveland reached the World Series, but lost in seven games to the Cubs. Overall, Francona became the winningest manager in Cleveland history, going 921-757 with six postseason appearances in 11 years. He also won three American League Manager of the Year Awards in that span (2013, ’16 and ’22).
We’re hoping for many good things — and that he will be a good manager in Cincinnati.
A Good Manager
Source: Unknown, Leadership, Vol. 1, no. 1.
https://www.preachingtoday.com/illustrations/1997/january/493.html
Copied from Preaching Today
Someone one time asked Yogi Berra, “What makes a good manager?”
Yogi replied, “A good ball club!”
We think we have a good club in Cincinnati now. With young and rising stars like Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene, Spencer Steer and Matt McLain, as well as promising prospects like Rhett Lowder, the Reds are looking to take the next step and reach the playoffs following a full season for the first time since 2013.
A playoff berth is only possible, though, if all of the players do their best, stay healthy, and work together as a team.
The church is no different. We have to surrender our pride and opinions to Jesus. Lay them at the foot of the cross. We have to find our place. We have to get behind our leader, the head, that is Jesus. We must follow His leadership, His kingship.
When one body part is not working correctly, or is injured, the body does not work and move in unison. Other injuries happen. Work is avoided. Purpose is set aside.
We have to make sure we are in good working order so that we can support the other members of His body.
We are not asked to give up what makes us special. We are not asked to become robots, all thinking and acting alike.
We are, though, taught to prioritize kindness, surrender, mercy, and love, so that the church stands strong united, that we will be a witness to this world.
### **Conclusion**
In 1 Corinthians, Paul says this to the church in chapter 1:
10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: one of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, || "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ.”
13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? 14 I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, 15 so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; || beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel — not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. (1 Corinthians 1, NIV1984)
Folks, Jesus prayed for our unity. It wasn’t a few short years before Paul had to reprimand the church for not being united.
When we find ourselves united in and with the mind of Christ, because He is dwelling in us, we will find our identity in Him. When we find our identity in Him, we will break down barriers and division. We will be able to focus on Jesus above all else. We will be able to live as one body, even when we may have disagreements and differences.
When we stand divided, we are emptying the cross of its power and effectiveness.
Today, I pray that we will stand united in the shadow of the cross amid the cultural, social, and political divisiveness in our world today.
May we stand together. May we be a beacon of hope. May we demonstrate the gospel through our unity, sharing the message of grace to all we encounter.
May we take steps toward unity in our lives — maybe it is reaching out to someone with whom we have disagreed. Maybe we need to extend grace. Maybe we need to ask for forgiveness. Maybe we need to forgive. May we work to strengthen the unity of the church by being united in Christ today. And May we remember that our unity in Christ has nothing to do with the results of the ballot box.
I pray that we may be “one” as Jesus and God the Father are one, so that the world may see our lives, give praise to God, and find themselves believing in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May we be one no matter the outcome of the ballot box in November.
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Inspiration for series: https://www.preachingtoday.com/skills/2024/how-to-preach-with-grace-and-truth-in-election-year.html
