![Together #forSalem Together #forSalem](https://i0.wp.com/www.yourcrosscreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/podcastcover.jpg?resize=150%2C150&ssl=1)
At a time when our society seems so divided, the Church only seems to add to or even instigate much of the division. But Jesus said unity should be a defining characteristic of those who follow him. What have we missed? Is true unity even possible anymore?
Episode Breakdown:
00:51 SHORT Welcome
01:40 What’s with all the denominations?
03:15 Those who’ve been hurt
05:10 We’re bound to disagree
08:00 Our identities divide us
11:30 Unity isn’t sameness
13:00 What holds us together
15:55 So this week…
18:15 Passionate about…?
19:55 Closing things with Monica
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Questions & Notes: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2022-02-20_cg.pdf
Transcript: https://www.yourcrosscreek.com/media/2022-02-20.pdf
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▶ Upcoming #SalemOregon Gatherings
February 27th, 4:30pm at 525 Idylwood Dr. S. in South Salem, Oregon.
Music, Food, Communion, gentle hangout. Stuff for kids. It’s a good time.
Text PARTY to 94000 to receive reminders & news about our in-person events.
▶ YOUTH CONNECT
For Middle & High Schoolers. 1st + 3rd Sundays at 5 pm (Next one: Feb 20).
www.yourcrosscreek.com/youth/ for more info
▶ #forSalem FEBRUARY Opportunity: Adopting Avamere
Bring your donated clothing to church on February 27, 2022. Needs: Men & Women’s Size M-XL Pants, sweaters and shirts!
▶ Suggested Bible Readings:
1 Corinthians 3, Galatians 5:13-26, 1 John
▶ Music we listened to making this episode:
The Porter’s Gate – The Greatest Commandment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pElUWTNsYXU
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Face Down: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENXvZ9YRjbo
Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcjzHMhBtf0
▶ Subscribe to the Podcast & listen on the go:
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Main Points:
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• One of the greatest barriers to discovering the life Jesus offers is discovering the divisions within Jesus’ family.
• Much of the hurt we’ve seen lately has been caused by someone putting a personal view above a personal you.
• Disagreements can either destroy relationships or strengthen relationships.
• We use the identities we choose for ourselves to divide ourselves.
• Jesus followers are united in the identity Jesus gives us.
• Since Jesus loves us we can use our differences to strengthen our relationships.
• It’s not shared politics, theologies, or beliefs that allow us to live united… It’s the Holy Spirit.
• Unity begins with the choice to allow the Holy Spirit to change us one choice at a time.
݀• Try this week:
– Read: Gal 5:22-23
– Pray: In my interactions with others empower me to display these qualities that you have given me.
– Ask: Where is my identity? In this view, or in Jesus? Am I more passionate about this view, or this you?
• We can lovingly disagree b/c we are in the same family.
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Discussion Qs
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1. How have you seen God working this week?
2. Why do you think it is so easy to be divided right now?
3. Have you ever chosen to put a view over a you? Has anyone ever put a view over you? What did you feel and/or learn in those experiences?
4. Read Galatians 5:22-26. Jon said, “Unity begins with the choice to allow the Holy Spirit to change us one choice at a time.” What are some ways you could see this practically playing out in your life?
5. How can your group pray for you this week?