Week of 11/22/26: One As the Father and Son are One

SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Abiding in Love
Weekly Theme: Be the Church - One As the Father and Son are One
Sermon Text: Acts 15:30-41
Primary Reading: Acts 22-28
Secondary Reading: John 17 (Daily)
Memory Verses (Through November 28th): John 15:1–5 (ESV)
 [1] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 
 [2] Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 
 [3] Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 
 [4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. 
 [5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.

1 | Theme Reflection - “One As the Father and Son Are One"
Theme Reflection — "One as the Father and Son Are One"

Jesus' final prayer in John 17 reveals the deepest desire of His heart: "that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You."

Unity is not an organizational strategy; it is a miracle of participation — believers sharing in the love that eternally binds the Trinity.

In Acts 22–28, Paul endures trial, imprisonment, and misunderstanding. Yet even in chains, he remains connected to the larger body of believers and the unstoppable mission of Christ. The Church is scattered, but not divided; pressed, but not parted.

To Be the Church — One as the Father and Son Are One is to live as a people joined by the Spirit in love stronger than preference, culture or opinion. The unity of believers is the visible echo of divine communion — a love that holds, forgives and abides even when the world splinters.

2 | Daily Reading Rhythm  

3 | Practice of the Week - RECONCILIATION 
Practice of the Week — Reconciliation

This week, practice reconciliation — the work of unity in action. Ask the Spirit to bring to mind one strained relationship: a friend, family member or fellow believer.

Pray for them daily, and if led, take a small step toward peace — a call, a message or a gesture of humility. Reconciliation does not mean pretending hurt never happened; it means letting love have the last word.

The Church's credibility in the world depends on its capacity to forgive. "Father, make us one — not in sameness, but in shared love that endures all things."

4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine of the Trinity
Doctrinal Focus — The Doctrine of the Trinity

The mystery of the Trinity is the foundation of all Christian love and unity. God is one Being in three Persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — perfectly distinct yet eternally united in love.

Within this communion, there is neither hierarchy of worth nor division of will; the Father sends, the Son accomplishes, the Spirit applies and all three delight in one another. When Jesus prays that His followers "may be one," He invites us into that eternal fellowship.

The unity of the Church is not merely moral agreement but participation in divine life. To believe in the Trinity is to believe that relationship itself lies at the heart of reality — and that every act of reconciliation, forgiveness and shared worship reflects the life of the Triune God.

5 | Missional Focus - Unity as Witness
Missional Focus — Unity as Witness

Before the world believes the message, it watches the messengers. Jesus prayed, "that the world may believe that You sent Me." Our unity is evangelistic — a living sermon about the reconciling power of the gospel.

This week, pray for Redemption Hill Church and the broader Church in your city. Pray for faithfulness in diversity, tenderness in disagreement and clarity in love. If you meet a believer from another church, encourage them sincerely.

The world sees Jesus most clearly when His people walk together as one.

Community Group Discussion Questions

From the Readings:
1. What stands out most from Jesus' prayer in John 17? What does it teach about God's heart for His people?
2. How does Paul's perseverance in Acts 23–28 demonstrate trust in God's larger plan for the unified Church?

From the Sermon (Acts 15:30–41):
3. What does the resolution between Paul, Barnabas, and the Antioch believers reveal about conflict within community?
4. How can unity and disagreement coexist within the Church's mission?

From Personal Reflection:
5. Who is God inviting you to forgive or reach out to this week?
6. What practices help you remember that you are part of something bigger than yourself?

From Community Life:
7. How can our group embody unity in tone, language, and generosity — especially toward those who differ from us?

Questions for Children:
- Who are the three Persons of God?
- Why does Jesus want His people to love one another?
- What does it mean to work together instead of fighting?

7 | Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer

Triune God — Father, Son and Spirit, You live in perfect love and invite us to share in it. Make us one in heart and purpose, forgive what divides us, and let Your peace rule in our relationships. May the Church reflect Your unity to a fractured world, until the day all nations are gathered as one family in Christ. Amen.