What Will Bring Us Together?

John 16:31-17:1-3, 6-9, 15-23
(MP4)

We live in a fractured world with divisions. So the question for us is - what can I do differently to promote unity and overcome divisive spirits and hostility? 
What we have in common as Christians, rather than our differences:

1. Our relationship with God through Christ; and
2. The presence of Christ within us through the Spirit.

Jesus' peace and prayer for unity

1. Peace "in Jesus" (John 16:31), who said, "I have overcome the world." The world is torn apart, degrading and deteriorating more and more. And we are in the spiritual warfare, yet we are directed to Jesus to have peace.
2. Eternal life is relational and experiential - knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ (John 17:2-3). It takes letting go of our own self-righteousness and trusting the mercy/grace rather than our own ability.
3. Jesus prays for unity for all those who believe, including you and me. 

Jesus' intention for us

1. We would believe in the gospel message.
2. We would truly know the Father and Jesus Christ relationally and experientially.
3. Our common faith and experience would unify us with one another.
4. Our unity will become a sign to the world that Jesus is truly from God, and that God loves them too. 

Love is key (Ephesians 3:14-19).
Application:
Look into your own heart, at your relationship with God in Christ, and at your attitudes toward others.

• ​Have you heard Christ's call to know him and to know his peace on his term?
• Are you actively seeking to know the Father's love and Christ's love for yourself?
• Are you willing to focus more on what you have in common with your brothers and sisters in Christ than on your differences for the sake of unity and your witness?
• What are you going to do differently to grow spiritually and promote greater unity among us?

Come join our English service of the international congregation in Yangon.