”United by the Gospel” Sunday Morning November 16th

This sermon explores Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17, focusing on verses 20-21 and the theme of Christian unity. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes that true Christian unity is not uniformity but rather diverse people becoming one as they pursue a shared purpose through the gospel. Unity flows from our union with Christ and is forged through shared spiritual experiences, particularly conversion. The sermon distinguishes between theological unity (our union with God through Christ) and visible unity (how that union is displayed to the world). Pastor Fant applies these truths practically to the local church context, explaining that unity gives the church strength, must be grounded in the gospel rather than preferences or secondary issues, and serves as a testimony to the world. Using the concept of "theological triage," the sermon concludes by explaining how to distinguish between first-tier gospel issues worth dying for, second-tier issues that define church membership, and third-tier issues where Christians can differ without division.

Key Points:

• Unity is diverse people becoming one as they pursue a shared purpose, not uniformity or everyone being the same
• Unity is forged through shared experiences, especially the shared experience of conversion through the gospel
• Christian unity flows from the transforming work of the gospel and our union with Christ
• God is eternally loving because He is Trinity—the Father has loved the Son for all eternity
• When unified with Christ, believers receive the Father's everlasting eternal love
• Unity in the church gives strength—like redwood trees with interconnected roots
• Our unity must be grounded in the gospel, not preferences, traditions, worship styles, or secondary theological issues
• Threats to our unity are threats to our gospel testimony to the world
• Unity with other local churches is based on gospel clarity, not denominational affiliation
• Theological triage: First-tier issues (worth dying for—Trinity, deity of Christ, substitutionary atonement), second-tier issues (church membership matters—baptism, church governance), and third-tier issues (personal convictions—end times details, entertainment choices)
• The early church was known by the testimony: "Behold, how these Christians love one another"

Scripture Reference:

• John 17 (entire chapter, with emphasis on verses 20-21)
• John 13:34-35 (new commandment to love one another)
• Hebrews 7:23-26 (Christ as high priest making intercession)
• 1 Corinthians 15:3 (matters of first importance)
• Jude 1:3 (the faith once for all delivered to the saints)
• Ephesians 4:5 (one faith)
• Romans 14 (not arguing over opinions)
• Mark 7 (Jesus warning about elevating tradition to doctrine)
• Isaiah 7:14 (virgin birth prophecy)