Event: Free Webinar - "Living Out Your Design"
Presenters: Dr. Michael Brodeur and Glenn Bleakney
Event Features:
- Life-changing teaching
- Q&A Session
- Free notes
- Video replay available
Date and Time:
- North America: Tuesday, January 7 at 7:00 PM EST
- Australia: Wednesday, January 8 at 10:00 AM (Brisbane)
Sign up here - https://streamyard.com/watch/u546kx3fKJkz
Walking with Jesus - Day 6
Today’s Session: Building Kingdom Community
Opening Scripture
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you." - John 17:20-21
"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." - Ephesians 4:16
Today's Reflection
As we journey deeper in our walk with Jesus, we discover that the path of faith was never meant to be walked alone. Having understood our spiritual authority and the reality of spiritual warfare, we now see why unity in the Body of Christ isn't just a pleasant ideal—it's a strategic necessity in God's kingdom plan.
Jesus's own ministry provides profound insights into the nature of biblical community. Consider how He built His ministry team: He called a diverse group of disciples who, in natural circumstances, would never have chosen to associate with each other. Matthew, a tax collector, would have been despised by Simon the Zealot, whose political movement opposed Roman taxation. Yet in Christ, these former enemies found a deeper unity that transcended their natural divisions.
The early church continued this pattern. On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit fell on a diverse gathering of people from "every nation under heaven" (Acts 2:5). This wasn't coincidental—it was God's declaration that in Christ, unity flourishes amid diversity. The miracle wasn't just that they spoke in different languages, but that they understood each other despite their differences. This demonstrates how true kingdom community breaks down walls of division without erasing the beautiful distinctions God has created.
Jesus's high priestly prayer in John 17 reveals that unity among believers wasn't an afterthought—it was central to His mission. He prayed for our oneness to reflect the unity within the Trinity itself. This sets an extraordinarily high standard: just as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit operate in perfect harmony while maintaining distinct roles, we too are called to unity that celebrates rather than suppresses our differences.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus demonstrated practical principles for building community:
He prioritized relationships over rules. When religious leaders criticized Him for eating with tax collectors and sinners, Jesus consistently chose connection over conventional propriety. Yet He never compromised truth—He met people where they were while calling them to where God wanted them to be.
He modeled vulnerability in community. In Gethsemane, Jesus shared His emotional struggle with His closest disciples, asking them to watch and pray with Him. This shows that genuine community requires openness about our struggles and willingness to bear one another's burdens.
He established patterns of mutual service. By washing His disciples' feet, Jesus demonstrated that kingdom community operates on principles opposite to worldly hierarchies. True unity emerges when we follow His example of humble service to one another.
He dealt directly with conflict. When disputes arose among His disciples about who was greatest, Jesus didn't ignore the tension or merely smooth it over. Instead, He used it as an opportunity to teach kingdom principles of greatness through service.
The Apostle Paul later developed these themes, using the metaphor of the body to explain how unity works in practice. Each part has its unique function, yet all are interdependent. This teaches us that kingdom unity isn't uniformity—it's the harmonious functioning of diverse parts, each operating in their God-given identity and calling.
This understanding of community becomes especially crucial in spiritual warfare. The enemy knows that divided forces are easily conquered, which is why he works so hard to create division in the Body of Christ. When we maintain unity despite our differences, we demonstrate the reality of Christ's victory and power.
Personal Application
Consider your own role in building kingdom community:
Examine your attitudes toward believers who differ from you in doctrine, worship style, or cultural expression. Remember that unity doesn't require uniformity—it requires recognizing Christ in one another despite our differences.
Reflect on how your unique gifts and calling contribute to the body's overall health. Just as yesterday we learned about standing in spiritual authority, today we see how that authority is meant to be exercised within the context of loving community.
Consider areas where you might have allowed hurts or disappointments to create walls between you and other believers. Remember that maintaining unity often requires the courage to address conflicts and extend forgiveness, just as Christ has forgiven us.
Prayer Focus
Heavenly Father, thank You for making us part of Your family. Thank You that in Christ, we find a unity deeper than our natural divisions. Help us build bridges of understanding and tear down walls of separation within Your body.
Lord Jesus, teach me to:
- Value unity while respecting diversity
- Extend grace to those who differ from me
- Address conflicts with courage and love
- Contribute my gifts for the body's benefit
- Maintain unity of the Spirit through bonds of peace
- See other believers as He sees them
Today's Challenge
1. Reach out to a believer from a different background or tradition to better understand their perspective
2. Identify one division in your church or community and pray specifically for healing
3. Look for practical ways to serve believers who differ from you culturally or doctrinally
4. Practice active listening when encountering viewpoints different from your own
5. Write a note of encouragement to someone who serves faithfully in your faith community
6. Examine any prejudices you might hold against certain expressions of Christian faith
7. Plan one specific action to strengthen unity in your local church
Evening Reflection
As you end your day, consider:
- How did I contribute to kingdom unity today?
- Where did I experience the beauty of diversity in Christ's body?
- What opportunities for bridge-building did God reveal?
Closing Verse
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." - Ephesians 4:3-6
Tomorrow's Preview
Tomorrow we'll explore how walking with Jesus transforms our approach to worship and intimacy with God, as we learn to worship in spirit and truth.
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