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Last Updated 5.06.10

August 1, 2010 - SpiritFire:

Unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13)

Key Question: What is "unity of the Spirit" and how can I preserve it?

Kernel Message:

  1. Notice we are not asked to "create" or "initiate" or "start" "unity of the Spirit," but make every effort to preserve it!
  2. The Holy Spirit creates a unity that broader than nationality, race, language, culture, or tribe. Acts 2:38-39 and Matthew 28:18-20 make that clear. It is also the assumption of Ephesians 4:1-6 and 1 Corinthians 12:1-13!
  3. So how do we do that?
    • We recognize unity rooted in the triune nature of God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6)
    • We recognize the preciousness of the family of God created by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12-13; )
    • We celebrate the diversity of our spiritual gifts and not glory in any one or set of gifts above the others, but use what we have to glorify God and bless the church (1 Corinthians 12:14; Ephesians 4:7-16; see also 1 Peter 4:10-11).
    • We recognize some basic, central issues that necessary for us share as common beliefs (Ephesians 4:4-6 & 1 Corinthians 12:1-3)

Practical Pieces of the Message:

  • Scenario:

The water spigot in the back yard, an empty wading pool, and a perfectly good water hose. But it doesn't make any difference until the hose is hooked up to the spigot, the water is turned on, and the hose is put in the pool! Too often, we never connect the hose to the spigot, put the hose in the pool, and ask God to turn on the water! [Do this with pictures as slides!]

  • Promise:

We can turn loose the power of the Spirit in our lives and the lives of those we love in Christ.

Key Point:

  • We can turn loose the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives by doing the things that allow the Holy Spirit to be at work and fill us: we connect the hose to the spigot and put the hose in the pool and then ask God to turn on the water!

Key Scriptures:

  • Ephesians 4:1-16
  • 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Drama, Media, & Connecting Pieces:

  • Pre-video:
  • Key Video:
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  • God Story Videos:
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  • Scripture Reading & Prayer:
    • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13; Ephesians 4:1-3