26/11/2017: Breakthroughs to Unity

26/11/2017: Breakthroughs in Unity

Scripture

Psalm 133 NIV David

How good and pleasant it is
when God’s people live together in unity!

It is like precious oil poured on the head,
running down on the beard,
running down on Aaron’s beard,
down on the collar of his robe.
It is as if the dew of Hermon
were falling on Mount Zion.
For there the Lord bestows his blessing,
even life forevermore.

Scripture

John17: 20-21 NKJV

“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.

Sermon Notes

Psalm 133: Historical and Geographical setting. Israel &family

John 17: known as the High Priestly prayer, records the only time Jesus prays for us specifically. He repeats his request 3 times. That we should be “one” that we would experience unity.

      1. Family Relationships:

The word of God is for humans like us with all sorts of quirks, personality flaws and unmet emotional needs. Mum’s and Dad’s that are sandpaper to each, and kids that rebel…People that live in Realville. Families that can love passionately and can tangle passionately. God’s word is meant for real families and real problems.

What are a few of the most challenging imperfections within your close or extended family?

    1. Why is family more complicated than chosen friends?

Friends are family you got to choose.” The difference is real

There again, if we only choose to be around those who require virtually nothing  hard from us, there will be no character development or Christ-like change in our lives. Learning to endure hardship and inconvenience with people is critical to the process of becoming a whole person.

    1. Mending Fences:

Romans 12:10

Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.

God chose our family even if we didn’t.” Genesis 50: 20 Joseph and brothers

Psalm 27:10 when my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take care of me:

1 Corinthians 13:11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became an adult, I put away childish things.

1 Corinthians 13 msg

Love never gives up…Love cares more for others than for self…love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have…love doesn’t force it’s self on others…doesn’t keep score of the sins of others…Trust’s God always…Always looks for the best…Never looks back…But keeps going to the end…Love never dies.

Forgiveness \ Perfectionism…lower your expectations \Don’t preach to them\Keep on n keeping on \ humble yourself: have a generous appreciation of respect for differences.

Quote from the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary: The family is a crucial institution. It affects everyone, for good or ill. By its very nature, it can be the place where one experiences and learns intimacy, love and growth, or it can be the place where one experiences and learns resentment, abuse, and destructive behaviour.

Many of us grew up with a mixed bag of love and hurt.  With God’s help we have lived through it and continue in the healing process to be more Christ like, which through His love, forgiveness, word and power of the Holy Spirit makes it possible to love what at times seems like the impossible as we follow his guidance.

Romans 12:18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

I pray we all have Breakthroughs to Unity in and beyond this holiday season.