Becoming the CU God longs for you to be…1) Becoming a CU… passionate about unity

Discuss…Q. What words would you use to

describe Portsmouth CU?“we are …………….”

Q. What words would you use to describe how you’d like to be?

“I wish we were ……………….”

Exploring God’s heart for unityJohn 17:20-23Q. What does Jesus’ prayer teach us about

what unity is and why it matters?

Unity is at the centre of God’s heart for us

…as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us (v.21)

Unity reflects God – unity in diversity (trinity) Unity in diversity is God’s design for his people

1 Corinthians 12:7-20 Ephesians 1:9-10, 4:3-7

OK then, so how does it happen?

Unity is based on the gospel message

Set them apart by your truth; your word is truth (v.17)

Back to Corinth…Q. What divided the Corinthian church?

1 Cor 1:11-13, 3:1-9 1 Cor 1:14-17 1 Cor 4:6-7, 8:1-3 1 Cor 8:9-13 1 Cor 11:17-22 1 Cor 12:20-31

Unity is based on the gospel messageNow, brothers, I want to remind you

of the gospel… (15:1)

A firm basis for unity

Brainstorm: How can you be a CU that focuses, emphasises, trains, loves, revels in things of primary importance?

Unity happens when we loveAnd now I will show you the most excellent way…

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

1 Corinthians 13 in practice – a NT case studyRead 1 Corinthians 8:1-4 & 7-13

Q. What’s the issue?Q. What’s the solution and why?

Q. Is this democracy?

Unity happens when we love1 Corinthians 13 in practice – a CU case study

(1) It is has become the norm over the last couple of years for folks from the CU to go to the pub after the CU meeting. Some students think this is a valuable part of the evening but others though think this is unsuitable behaviour for Christians, particularly in an environment where most people abuse alcohol on a regular basis. They start to go to a nearby café after each meeting. After a few weeks of this, you realise that there are two definite groups forming.

(2) At the start of the year a few freshers have joined from a more conservative church background. During the first meeting they look pretty uncomfortable during the time of worship and huddle together after the meeting. You’re worried they might be put off from coming next week.