ONE CHURCH = WON WORLD (14 OF 14)
by Keith Krell
Scripture: John 17:20-26
This content is part of a series.
One Church = Won World (14 of 14)
Series: Focus on Your Family
Keith Krell
John 17:20-26
In the sports world a common chant is: "We're number one! We're number one!" Various teams, cheerleaders, and fans will extend their index finger skyward and proclaim their own greatness. Such players and fans want everyone to know their team is the best team. The chant, "We're number one," fires up players and fans. Supposedly, it even intimidates the opposing team, who is usually chanting the very same claim. Of course, there can be only one true number one. This is especially evident during football season (i.e., college football bowl games and the Super Bowl). When the dust settles, there can only be one number one.
In the church of Jesus Christ, there can only be one. The goal of truly being "one" is incredibly important. But instead of chanting, "We're number one! We're number one!" we should be chanting, "We are one! We are one!" In John 17:20-26, Jesus shares His greatest burden for His followers . . . oneness . . . unity. When Christians are "one," we provide a visible, tangible witness to the world. As we read these final seven verses in John 17, we can almost hear the chant: We are one! We are one!
In 17:20-21 Jesus prays, "I do not ask on behalf of these alone [my eleven disciples], but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." Jesus has prayed for Himself (17:1-5) and His original disciples (17:6-19). Now He prays for those who will believe His message through His disciples. This illustrates perfectly our vision of "transferring truth to the next generation." One great way to build unity is to model Jesus' heart. On the last evening of Jesus' earthly life, He prayed for future generations of believers like you and me.
What about you? Are you praying for your children? Are you praying ...
Series: Focus on Your Family
Keith Krell
John 17:20-26
In the sports world a common chant is: "We're number one! We're number one!" Various teams, cheerleaders, and fans will extend their index finger skyward and proclaim their own greatness. Such players and fans want everyone to know their team is the best team. The chant, "We're number one," fires up players and fans. Supposedly, it even intimidates the opposing team, who is usually chanting the very same claim. Of course, there can be only one true number one. This is especially evident during football season (i.e., college football bowl games and the Super Bowl). When the dust settles, there can only be one number one.
In the church of Jesus Christ, there can only be one. The goal of truly being "one" is incredibly important. But instead of chanting, "We're number one! We're number one!" we should be chanting, "We are one! We are one!" In John 17:20-26, Jesus shares His greatest burden for His followers . . . oneness . . . unity. When Christians are "one," we provide a visible, tangible witness to the world. As we read these final seven verses in John 17, we can almost hear the chant: We are one! We are one!
In 17:20-21 Jesus prays, "I do not ask on behalf of these alone [my eleven disciples], but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." Jesus has prayed for Himself (17:1-5) and His original disciples (17:6-19). Now He prays for those who will believe His message through His disciples. This illustrates perfectly our vision of "transferring truth to the next generation." One great way to build unity is to model Jesus' heart. On the last evening of Jesus' earthly life, He prayed for future generations of believers like you and me.
What about you? Are you praying for your children? Are you praying ...
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