Studies from John’s Gospel

 Cultic unity  Catholic unity  Protestant unity  Ecumenical unity  None are acceptable

 It is what causes people to believe “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.(Matthew 5:13-16 ESV) Unity gives one influence

 It is what causes people to believe Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. (1 Peter 2:12 ESV) Unity gives glory to God

 It is what causes people to believe  It is what makes us complete And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,(Ephesians 4:11-12 ESV) Part of the church’s work is edification

so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. (Ephesians 4:14 ESV) …describes immaturity from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Ephesians 4:14 ESV) …describes unity in growth

A body in pieces is not a body, it’s a corpse.

Definition- to agree, have the same view, think the same things How is this possible in view of Romans chapter 14?

Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5:17 ESV) Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13 ESV) Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. (Philippians 3:17)

It is NOT an impulse, feeling, or always feel natural It is agape – an exercise of will, an active concern

Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. (Romans 12:10 ESV) Unity is tied to devotion, preference Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. (Colossians 3:12-14 ESV) Love is the perfect bond of unity

 Literal definition- fellowsouled/fellowminded Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. (Acts 4:32 ESV)

 Includes reflection, purpose  One form of intended unity is a “goal” When we decide that unity in the family is as important to us as it was to Jesus, we WILL be unified. Does Biblical Unity Sound Good To You?