Nicene Nazarene, Part One: Unity.

The first part of Pastor Sam's series focused on the unity of the church:

-the principle of unity;
-the process of unity;
-the purpose for unity.

The principle is expressed in our shared commitment, conviction, confession, and community. Why are we sharing? Because there is only one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father of all (see Ephesians 4).

The process was initiated by the death of Jesus, instituted by the Holy Spirit, and instilled by the people that God gave to the church. We have the privilege of continuing a process that was begun by Christ in His own physical body, then extended to His spiritual body- we who are the body of Christ in the world today.

The purpose for our unity is so the world can recognize that Jesus is sent from the Father. The prayer of Jesus recorded in John 17 shows us His desire that we, as a community of believers, would be "drawn into the unity of the Father" (Pastor Sam's quote).

What is the great challenge? The temptation towards subversion. If the church around the world cannot demonstrate unity, then the world will have no evidence of the integrity of Christ Jesus' message.

Tomorrow we'll review Part Two: Holiness.