In more than one place in the gospel of John, Jesus used this word abide. Abide in me, as Jesus abides in the Father. Stay connected, apart from God we cannot bear fruit. In John and other places in scripture we get a picture that connection to God happens intentionally, through habits and practices.
In a world where independence and self-sufficiency are held as positive and important values, how do we contrast the call from scripture to meet together, encourage each other, and be shaped by the people around you?
In Ephesians we are told that unity among Christians is a gift from God. In fact this passage speaks about unity, among other things that are part of the calling that we have been given by God. In a world that has no shortage of polarization, we will reflect on the call God has placed in our lives that includes a life of unity among believers.
In a world where the phrase “like minded” gets tossed around a lot, we go to these verses to hear biblically what like-minded can look like. That unity is found in humility, love, listening, and extending grace. Different than our world’s picture of bold loud speech, inflammatory posts to social media, and headlines that drive clicks.
We know that our muscles grow and strength through resistance and challenge. As a pastor I hear the same from people, the seasons of their faith that are most formative, are often ones filled with challenges. Part of growing and stretching ourselves, is leaning into our faith with a sense of boldness. Not due to overconfidence, but trust in the one who is sending us.
Sometimes how you think (or know) the story ends shapes how you read the rest of it. We all come everyday with a set of values, and assumptions about the world that we live in that deeply shapes how we make choices and interact with others. To start our series we are going to jump to the end of scripture, and hear how God plans to renew all things, and to reflect on how that forms us each day.