Father, Make Us One | Francis Chan

Sermon Summary

Main Message

This message is centered around Jesus' prayer in John 17, where he asks the Father to make all believers one, just as He and the Father are one. This unity is not just a side dish or an add-on, but it's central to our mission as followers of Christ. When we experience this unity with God and with each other, the world will believe in Jesus.

Key Scripture References

• John 17:21-23 - Here, Jesus prays for his disciples and all those who would believe through their word to be one, just as He and the Father are one. This is not an exaggeration or a poetic expression, but a literal request from the Son of God.
• John 14:9-10 - Jesus explains that when we see Him, we see the Father, and when we know Him, we know the Father. This Oneness is beyond human understanding, yet it's what Jesus prays for us to experience.
• Psalm 133:1-3

• Psalm 133:1-3 - This psalm describes the beauty of brothers dwelling together in unity. The final verse states that God commands a blessing when His people dwell together in unity.

Main Message Continued

The message emphasizes that Jesus' prayer for unity is not just a sentimental expression, but a literal request from the Son of God. When we experience this unity with God and with each other, it's not just a feeling or an emotion; it's a commandment from God Himself.

Key Takeaways

• The unity Jesus prays for in John 17 is not just a side dish or an add-on, but central to our mission as followers of Christ.
• When we experience this unity with God and with each other, the world will believe in Jesus.
• God commands a blessing when His people dwell together in unity (Psalm 133:1-3).

Application

The message encourages believers to commit to experiencing this unity with God and with each other. It's not just about waiting for a tragedy or a crisis; it's about getting ahead of the game and seeking to unite with the body of Christ.

Personal Experience

The speaker shares his personal experience of experiencing this unity in Myanmar, where he saw God's blessing manifest in the midst of unity. He emphasizes that this is not just a theoretical concept, but something that can be experienced and lived out in real life.

Conclusion

The message concludes by emphasizing the importance of seeking to experience this unity with God and with each other. It's not just about following a formula or doing certain things; it's about living out the prayer of Jesus Himself and experiencing the blessing that comes from dwelling together in unity.

Final Thoughts

The speaker encourages believers to seek to experience this unity, not just in their individual lives, but also in their communities and churches. He emphasizes that this is a prophetic time, designed by God for His people to come together in unity and experience the blessing of Psalm 133.