This article based on the sermon “The Prayer Jesus Wants Us to Hear” by Joshua Gibson of EBFC.
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In John 17:20-26, Jesus prays not only for His immediate disciples but for all who would come to believe—a prayer that reaches into every era and every corner of the globe. His words reveal a profound truth: unity is at the very heart of the Church’s witness. Jesus prayed that we would be one—just as He and the Father are one—not for the sake of mere human agreement but to display the living testimony of God’s love and power to a watching world.
The Foundation of Our Unity
Jesus’ prayer reminds us that the Church is not defined by the walls of a building or a single denomination. Instead, it is composed of every believer, united by the same Holy Spirit and the saving grace of the Gospel. As 1 Corinthians 12:13 declares, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” This spiritual oneness transcends human differences, echoing the unity of the Trinity—a perfect, eternal bond that reflects the Father’s, Son’s, and Holy Spirit’s inseparable relationship.
Spiritual Unity Versus Doctrinal Uniformity
It is essential to distinguish between spiritual unity and doctrinal uniformity. Our oneness in Christ is not about agreeing on every theological nuance. While we may differ on interpretations or secondary issues, our unity is rooted in a shared belief in the Gospel and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. As Jesus prayed in John 17:21, His desire is for us to be “one, even as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.” This oneness testifies to the world that the source of our unity is divine, not manmade.
However, this unity comes with wisdom. We are called to embrace fellow believers who faithfully uphold the Gospel, while exercising discernment when encountering teachings that stray from the truth. Our mission is to partner with those who earnestly seek to glorify God and spread His love—not with those who propagate false doctrines.
Unity as a Catalyst for Missions
The impact of a united Church extends far beyond our local communities. When believers from different denominations and backgrounds join together in a spirit of mutual support and love, they create a powerful beacon that attracts the world to Christ. Unity among gospel-preaching groups multiplies our effectiveness in missions, demonstrating that our collective strength is greater than the sum of our parts.
Jesus’ prayer for unity was, at its core, a prayer for effective, corporate evangelism. When the Church stands together in prayer, in service, and in love, the world cannot help but notice. The unified witness of believers not only builds up the Church from within but also serves as a living sign that the Kingdom of Darkness cannot prevail against a body that reflects the eternal unity of the Godhead.
Living Out Our Unity
So how can we, as members of the Body of Christ, foster this kind of unity?
- Pray for the Church: Commit to praying for unity within your local church, across denominations, and for the global Church. Prayer unites us, aligning our hearts with God’s purpose.
- Celebrate Diversity in the Spirit: Recognize that while doctrinal differences may exist, our common faith in Jesus Christ and our reception of the Holy Spirit are the unifying factors that bind us.
- Engage in Mutual Support: Look for opportunities to partner with other gospel-preaching groups and missions organizations. Whether through joint events, collaborative outreach, or shared prayer meetings, your participation helps to build a resilient network of believers.
- Practice Love and Forgiveness: As 1 John 4:7-8 reminds us, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God.” Guard against pride, judgment, and divisiveness. Instead, focus on building relationships that honor God and strengthen the witness of Christ.
A Call to Action
When the Church is united—when believers stand shoulder to shoulder, transcending denominational lines and cultural boundaries—the world sees a living testimony of God’s love. Jesus’ prayer is a call to live out a unity that is ever-growing and ever-maturing. Though perfection may be a future promise, the journey toward unity begins today with every act of love, every prayer for one another, and every collaborative mission effort.
Let us move forward with encouragement and discernment. Embrace the call to partner with faithful Christian communities that preach the unadulterated Gospel. In doing so, we affirm that the Church’s strength lies not in uniformity of doctrine, but in our shared commitment to Christ. When we stand united, the gates of hell, the very forces of darkness, cannot prevail against the radiant light of a reconciled and loving Church.
Together, let’s be that spotlight—a clear, unwavering beacon pointing to the unity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and drawing the world to the saving love of Jesus Christ.
