Bridging the Divide: Restoring Unity in Christ
Notes
Transcript
Bridging the Divide: Restoring Unity in Christ
Bridging the Divide: Restoring Unity in Christ
Before we dive into today’s message about restoring unity in Christ, let me share a brief summary of the Sixth Trumpet War from Revelation 9:13-21—a prophecy that could be directly connected to the tensions we’re witnessing in the world today.
The Bible tells us that in the last days, a catastrophic war will break out after the sixth trumpet is sounded. This war, involving a massive army of 200 million soldiers, will be centered around the Euphrates River, an area that includes modern-day Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The prophecy reveals that one-third of humanity will be killed in this conflict—a scale of destruction unlike anything the world has ever seen.
When we look at the current tensions between Israel and Iran, and the potential for America to be drawn into this conflict, it’s easy to see how today’s geopolitical landscape mirrors what is described in Revelation. Iran’s ambitions and its threats against Israel, along with the alliances it holds with Russia and the global military might of China, set the stage for what could be a devastating war. Some scholars even speculate that China’s vast army could be the one described in Revelation.
This war is also connected to the Ezekiel 38-39 prophecy, where Gog and Magog lead a coalition of nations to attack Israel, only to be defeated by the power of God Himself.
So why bring this up today, as we discuss unity in Christ? Because in the face of such global turmoil, the Church must stand united. While the world is heading toward division, war, and destruction, we as the Body of Christ are called to live as a reflection of God’s peace, love, and unity. Our unity in Christ is not just a spiritual ideal—it’s a prophetic witness to a world in chaos.
As the headlines grow darker, let’s remember that we are citizens of God’s kingdom, called to walk in holiness and faithfulness while we await the return of our King of Kings, Jesus Christ. This is why unity is so crucial—because together, we stand as a light in these last days, pointing people to the hope we have in Christ, even in the midst of prophetic fulfillment.
Lets dive in to today's message, Bridging the divide, Restoring Unity In Christ.
20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; 21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. 22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: 23 I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.
Introduction
Introduction
We’re diving into one of the most urgent and difficult questions of our time: What divides Christianity, and how can these divisions be resolved? As we gather today, we find ourselves part of a global Christian body that, despite its shared foundation in Christ, is fractured. Denominations, doctrinal differences, and cultural variations have created a divided landscape within the Church.
Yet, Jesus prayed in John 17 that we may be one as He and the Father are one. This plea for unity reflects His heart for His people. But how do we reconcile the reality of division with this divine call?
Primary Text: Matthew 6:33
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
The Question of Allegiance
The Question of Allegiance
Imagine a world where everyone is under the rule of one King—a benevolent, just, and righteous King whose reign brings peace, prosperity, and true freedom. This is not a utopian dream, nor is it a far-off hope. This is the reality of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that Jesus Himself inaugurated during His earthly ministry. But here’s the pressing question for us today: Are we living as citizens of that Kingdom?
In much of Western Christianity, we have reduced our faith to personal salvation—"Jesus saved me, and now I’m going to heaven." But the Bible paints a much bigger picture. Salvation is not the end; it’s the beginning. It’s the entry point into a new kingdom, a new way of life under the kingship of Jesus Christ. Today, we’re going to explore what it means to live as citizens of the Kingdom of God, under the reign of King Jesus, both now and in the age to come.
1. Jesus is King: Reclaiming the Heart of the Gospel
1. Jesus is King: Reclaiming the Heart of the Gospel
The first and most fundamental truth we must grasp is that Jesus is King. The gospel isn’t just about Jesus being our Savior—it’s about Him being our King. From the very beginning, God’s redemptive plan was to establish His rule on earth through His Son.
Matthew 28:18 (KJV): "And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."
Jesus’ authority is absolute. He’s not just the King of our hearts—He is the King of the universe! His kingship is not merely a future event when He returns in glory; it is a present reality. When we say "Jesus is Lord," we are acknowledging that He reigns now. His kingdom is advancing even in the midst of a broken world.
But the question is: Are we living under His kingship? Is Jesus truly reigning in our lives, or are we content to call Him Savior but ignore His authority as King?
Application:
To live as citizens of the Kingdom means that Jesus governs every area of our lives—our relationships, our finances, our work, our thoughts. It’s not about compartmentalizing our faith into a Sunday service or a personal devotional time. It’s about daily submission to His rule.
2. The Kingdom is Here and Now, but Not Yet Fully
2. The Kingdom is Here and Now, but Not Yet Fully
Many Christians think of the Kingdom of God as something far off, something we’ll experience only when Jesus returns. But Jesus taught that the Kingdom is already here, though not yet fully realized.
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
The Kingdom is present wherever Jesus reigns. That means the Kingdom of God is advancing today through His Church. We see glimpses of it when justice is done, when mercy is shown, when the poor are cared for, and when the gospel is proclaimed. The Kingdom is advancing through us, but we are also waiting for the fullness of the Kingdom when Christ returns.
Illustration:
Think of the Kingdom as a seed that has been planted. The seed has sprouted, and we can already see its growth—acts of kindness, justice, and transformation in the world—but we are still waiting for the full harvest. The challenge for us is to live in the tension of the "already and not yet." We don’t passively wait for Christ’s return; we actively work to bring His kingdom to bear in every sphere of life.
Application:
Are we living with an "already" mindset, actively seeking to advance the Kingdom of God in our communities, workplaces, and families? Or are we just waiting for Jesus to return, thinking the Kingdom is only a future hope? Living as citizens of the Kingdom means we are called to participate in what God is doing in the world right now.
3. Salvation is Entry Into the Kingdom
3. Salvation is Entry Into the Kingdom
Western Christianity often focuses solely on individual salvation: "I’m saved, I’m forgiven, and now I wait for heaven." But scripture teaches that salvation is not just about forgiveness of sins; it is about being transferred into a new kingdom:
13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
Salvation is an invitation to enter the Kingdom of God and live under the reign of Christ. It’s not just a legal transaction; it’s a relational transformation. We are no longer slaves to sin and death; we are citizens of a new kingdom.
Application:
To be saved is to be called into kingdom living. This means we must repent—not just of individual sins but of living as though we were our own king. True repentance involves acknowledging Jesus as Lord and aligning our lives with His kingdom values.
4. The Church is the Embassy of the Kingdom
4. The Church is the Embassy of the Kingdom
If Jesus is King and we are His citizens, then the Church is His embassy on earth. We are His representatives, His ambassadors, called to show the world what the Kingdom of God looks like.
20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.
As ambassadors, our mission is not just to preach personal salvation, but to demonstrate the values of the kingdom—justice, mercy, humility, love, and righteousness. The Church is called to be a community that reflects the reign of Christ to a watching world. This means we cannot isolate ourselves from the world, nor can we blend in with it. We are a distinct people, a kingdom people, showing the world what it looks like when Jesus reigns.
Application:
Does our church look like the Kingdom of God? Are we a place where people experience justice, mercy, forgiveness, and healing? Or are we more concerned with maintaining the status quo? Being a citizen of the Kingdom means that we work to bring kingdom transformation wherever we are, and that starts with how we live together as the Church.
5. Kingdom Ethics: Living by the Sermon on the Mount
5. Kingdom Ethics: Living by the Sermon on the Mount
Living under the kingship of Jesus requires us to adopt kingdom ethics, which are radically different from the world’s values. Jesus outlines these ethics in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).
Matthew 5:3 (KJV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."Matthew 5:44 (KJV): "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."
Kingdom ethics turn the world upside down. In the Kingdom of God, the last are first, the meek inherit the earth, and the peacemakers are called children of God. These are not just ideals to admire—they are the standards by which we live as citizens of the Kingdom.
Application:
Are we living by the values of the Kingdom, or are we conforming to the world’s values of power, wealth, and success? Living under Jesus’ reign means that we prioritize the things He prioritizes—loving enemies, seeking justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8).
6. The Return of the King: The Fulfillment of the Kingdom
6. The Return of the King: The Fulfillment of the Kingdom
Finally, we live in the hope of the day when the King will return and His kingdom will be fully realized.
15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.
While the Kingdom of God is present now, we know it is not yet complete. One day, Jesus will return to establish His reign in full, and every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:10-11). Until that day, we live as faithful citizens, advancing His kingdom in every way we can.
Application:
The return of Christ should not cause us to retreat from the world but to engage it with even more urgency. We know the King is coming, so we labor now, knowing that our work for the kingdom will not be in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Conclusion: Seek First the Kingdom
Conclusion: Seek First the Kingdom
In Matthew 6:33, Jesus gives us a clear command: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." This is not just a suggestion—it’s a call to reorient our entire lives around the reality of the Kingdom of God. If we are truly citizens of His kingdom, then our primary allegiance must be to Jesus, our King. Our mission is to live out His kingdom on earth, showing the world what it looks like when Jesus reigns.
As we close, I challenge you to consider: Where is your allegiance? Are you living as a citizen of the Kingdom of God, under the reign of Christ? Or are you still living as though you are the ruler of your own life? Today is the day to repent, submit to the kingship of Jesus, and join in the mission of advancing His kingdom on earth.
Let us live as faithful citizens of the Kingdom, proclaiming and demonstrating that Jesus is King—both now and forevermore.
"We are called to be faithful citizens of Christ’s kingdom, not mere spectators of the world’s brokenness." — N.T. Wright.
"We are called to be faithful citizens of Christ’s kingdom, not mere spectators of the world’s brokenness." — N.T. Wright.
