Christian Unity – Gospel in Life
Sermon

Christian Unity

Tim Keller |  June 28, 1998

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Topics:
  • The Church (Unity, Fellowship, Leadership)
Duration:
37:39
Scripture:
Ephesians 2:11-22
SKU:
RS 302-04

Ephesians 2:11–22

Ephesians 2 gives us a bold view of what the church is and what it should be doing, which might surprise you no matter how long you’ve been a Christian. It makes some big points about the church that we should carefully consider. Let’s look at these four points that can help us understand the church in a new way.

1. The church is absolutely necessary

God’s power is linked closely with the church, both in individuals and in groups. Today, many people prefer a personal kind of spirituality and shy away from organized religion. But this passage suggests that to truly experience God’s power in our lives, we need to be part of a church community. It’s not enough to just have a personal relationship with God, disconnected from others.

2. Being in the church should be intense

As Christians, we’re like citizens in God’s kingdom, part of His family, and building blocks in His temple. This shows how powerful and transformative it can be to actively participate in a church. It’s about more than just attending services; it’s about being part of a supportive community that helps us grow in faith and avoid negative behaviors. In short, to truly know God and understand Jesus, we need to be deeply involved in a community of believers.

3. The connection within the church is vital

Christianity is unique because we believe in one God who exists as three Persons. This means we can have a close relationship with God that’s different from other religions. This sense of unity should also exist within the church, creating a strong bond of love, truth, and purpose. Even if you’ve been hurt by a church in the past, Ephesians 2 encourages us to join a Christian community where we can find unity and healing from old divisions and differences.

4. The church is about peace

Through Jesus’s death on the cross, God took away our sins and the hostility between us, replacing them with peace. By putting our faith in Jesus, we can exchange our hostility for His peace. This creates a community that can overcome the world’s conflicts and divisions. But this can only happen when we understand the deep meaning of the cross, and when we build unity and love within our church.

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March Book Offer

Is Jesus King of Your Life?

In his book Jesus the King, Tim Keller journeys through the Gospel of Mark to show us how the story of Jesus is at once cosmic, historical, and personal while demonstrating how the life of Jesus helps us make sense of our own.

March Book Offer

Is Jesus King of Your Life?

In his book Jesus the King, Tim Keller journeys through the Gospel of Mark to show us how the story of Jesus is at once cosmic, historical, and personal while demonstrating how the life of Jesus helps us make sense of our own.