Yesterday at NorthStar, Mike Linch concluded the United series on Jesus' prayer in John 17 with the message "United by God's Love" as we looked at John 17:20-26.
Miss Sunday's service? Click here to download audio of Mike's message or to view or print sermon notes.
I. WHAT DOES PERFECT UNITY LOOK LIKE?
“I pray … that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” John 17:20-21 (NIV)
- Jesus prayed that His followers would have the same kind of UNITY with one another that He had with the Father.
- A common bond of love keeps us on the same page.
II. HOW DO WE GET THERE?
1. INVEST in my relationship with God.
“May they also be IN US so that the world may believe that you have sent me.” John 17:21 (NIV)
- If you and I work on developing our relationship with God, unity would be the natural result. You don’t have to force it or vote on it. We get unity by getting closer to the One we’re unified with – Jesus.
- The more I learn, the more I realize I don't know.
- You only get something out of what you invest in...and then it grows like compound interest.
2. LOVE OTHERS with the same love God has shown me.
“I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them." John 17:26 (NIV)
- Your life becomes contagious to people around you.
- Remember: God loves me as much as He loves His Son Jesus.
III. WHAT WILL KEEP US FROM BEING UNITED?
1. When we love the WAY WE DO CHURCH more than we love people.
- Our Message will always stay the same.
- Our Methods must always be open to change.
2. When we love our WAY OF LIFE more than we love people.
- What is God asking me to give up?
- Where does God want me to step in and serve?
- Don't forget what it's like to be lost.
- God called us to live in an extraordinary way.
- God called us to be the answer to His prayer (in John 17).
- The only reason He hasn't returned is because some still need to know.
This Week @ NorthStar
- Men's Fall Retreat Deadline: Today (Monday, August 31) is the last day to register for the September 25-26 retreat at the reduced rate of $75. It's $85 after today.
- NorthStar in the Community: Join us this week as we serve at MUST and at the Love the Lake Festival.
- The Clothesline Drop-offs: This Sunday, September 6 is the last day to drop off clothes.
More Upcoming
- Membership Class: Sunday, September 13.
- Baptism: Sunday, September 20.
- GrowthStarts Class: "LOVE DARE: Fireproof Your Marriage": Begins Sunday, September 27.
- Guatemala Mission Trip: November 7-14.
Check out Digging Deeper this week as we conclude our study through John 17. Use these daily devotions on the back of your sermon notes. Or find them posted online each day at www.growthstarts.org!
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