Faith & Reason Nexus

Christ’s Prayer for Unity:
John 17:20-23
“I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.”

Christ Established One Church:

1. Unity of Organization
   • Christ desires a unified structure in His Church.
2. Unity of Worship
   • The worship in Christ’s Church should be united in spirit and truth.
3. Unity of Fellowship
   • Christians are to have close and harmonious relationships within the Church.
4. Unity of Faith
   • Believers should hold the same foundational truths and doctrines of the Christian faith.
5. Unity of Doctrine
   • The Church must adhere to the teachings of Christ, as revealed in Scripture.
6. Unity of Obedience
   • Christ calls for His followers to obey His commands in unity.
7. Unity of Purpose
   • The Church’s purpose is to glorify God and carry out the mission of spreading the Gospel.
8. Unity of Work
   • The work of the Church should be coordinated and unified for greater effectiveness in serving God and others.
9. Unity of Love
   • Christ’s love should bind the Church together in unity and compassion.
10. Unity of Guidance

• The Holy Spirit leads the Church in unity, guiding believers to walk in truth and righteousness.

11. Unity of Prayer

• Christians should pray together in unity, seeking God’s will and strength.

12. Unity of Unity

• The ultimate goal is a unified body of believers who reflect the unity of the Father and the Son.

Christ’s Intent for One Church, Not Many:

• Matthew 16:18
  “And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”
• Acts 2:42-47
  “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common…”

Paul’s Appeal for Unity:

• 1 Corinthians 1:10
  “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

Conclusion:
Christ’s prayer for unity is a call for His followers to come together in one Church, bound by shared beliefs, purpose, and love. There is to be no division or discord, but rather a unified body that reflects the oneness of the Father and the Son. The Church must strive to embody this unity in its organization, worship, faith, doctrine, obedience, and in all its work and relationships.