I Believe in One Spirit and One Church Study Guide
Summary Paragraph
Pastor Mike reminds the church that followers of Jesus are united across all cultures, languages, and histories as one body under Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and his experience worshiping in Kenya, he illustrates the beauty and power of a global, diverse church that reflects God’s kingdom. The Apostle Paul’s message to the early church still applies today: our differences are not threats but testimonies of the gospel’s unifying power. Jesus’s design for His church was always global, diverse, and redemptive—His plan A for revealing His kingdom on earth.
Key Points
1. Unity in Diversity – The Church’s diversity is not a weakness but the very evidence of God’s transforming power in all cultures.
2. The Church’s Calling – The Church exists to be the visible community of God’s kingdom, showing what life looks like when Jesus is King.
3. Jesus’s Global Plan – From the beginning, God’s plan was for the gospel to reach every culture, language, and people group—redeeming rather than erasing their uniqueness.
4. Historical Continuity – The Church’s global growth from Acts to today demonstrates that God has never stopped working through His people.
5. Living Worthy of the Call – Believers are called to reflect Christ’s character—humility, gentleness, patience, and love—as they pursue unity through the Spirit.
Discussion Questions
1. Paul urges believers to “walk worthy of the calling you have received.” What does that practically look like for you in your workplace, family, or community?
2. Pastor Mike said, “The Church’s diversity isn’t a threat to our witness; it is our witness.” What examples have you seen where diversity within the church has strengthened or challenged unity?
3. How does recognizing the Church as global and historic—beyond our own congregation—change your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
4. In Acts 15, the early church decided not to make it difficult for Gentiles to follow God. How might modern churches unintentionally make it difficult for others to belong or believe?
5. What are some ways we can cultivate humility, gentleness, patience, and peace within our own church community when disagreements arise?
Practical Applications
1. Connect Globally – Pray for and learn about believers in another culture or country this week; consider supporting a global mission or Compassion child.
2. Practice Unity Locally – Intentionally engage with someone in your church who has different perspectives, background, or preferences—listen and build connection.
3. Live the Kingdom – Choose one relationship or environment where you can actively display humility, patience, and love as a reflection of Jesus’s rule in your life.
Pastor Mike reminds the church that followers of Jesus are united across all cultures, languages, and histories as one body under Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and his experience worshiping in Kenya, he illustrates the beauty and power of a global, diverse church that reflects God’s kingdom. The Apostle Paul’s message to the early church still applies today: our differences are not threats but testimonies of the gospel’s unifying power. Jesus’s design for His church was always global, diverse, and redemptive—His plan A for revealing His kingdom on earth.
Key Points
1. Unity in Diversity – The Church’s diversity is not a weakness but the very evidence of God’s transforming power in all cultures.
2. The Church’s Calling – The Church exists to be the visible community of God’s kingdom, showing what life looks like when Jesus is King.
3. Jesus’s Global Plan – From the beginning, God’s plan was for the gospel to reach every culture, language, and people group—redeeming rather than erasing their uniqueness.
4. Historical Continuity – The Church’s global growth from Acts to today demonstrates that God has never stopped working through His people.
5. Living Worthy of the Call – Believers are called to reflect Christ’s character—humility, gentleness, patience, and love—as they pursue unity through the Spirit.
Discussion Questions
1. Paul urges believers to “walk worthy of the calling you have received.” What does that practically look like for you in your workplace, family, or community?
2. Pastor Mike said, “The Church’s diversity isn’t a threat to our witness; it is our witness.” What examples have you seen where diversity within the church has strengthened or challenged unity?
3. How does recognizing the Church as global and historic—beyond our own congregation—change your understanding of what it means to follow Jesus?
4. In Acts 15, the early church decided not to make it difficult for Gentiles to follow God. How might modern churches unintentionally make it difficult for others to belong or believe?
5. What are some ways we can cultivate humility, gentleness, patience, and peace within our own church community when disagreements arise?
Practical Applications
1. Connect Globally – Pray for and learn about believers in another culture or country this week; consider supporting a global mission or Compassion child.
2. Practice Unity Locally – Intentionally engage with someone in your church who has different perspectives, background, or preferences—listen and build connection.
3. Live the Kingdom – Choose one relationship or environment where you can actively display humility, patience, and love as a reflection of Jesus’s rule in your life.
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