DAILY DEVOTIONALS 2018 THEME: UNITY

For individual, family, or small groups use

JANUARY 8 - 28, 2018

Thank you so much for picking up a sermon study guide! In this booklet you will find scriptures related to the 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, and questions that will help you grow in your personal spiritual journey. HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE: PROVERBS ON UNITY A list of Proverbs is provided, we suggest pondering one Proverb a day during the fast, but you can use these however you wish! DAILY READINGS For each week of our fast and the week following, there are readings and reflection questions for Monday - Friday. These daily questions are designed for personal reflection and would also lend themselves toward family discussions. WEEKLY QUESTIONS Weekly questions, designed for further reflection with your family or in small groups can be found at the end of each week’s readings. GUIDELINES FOR GROUP DISCUSSION When discussing as a family or group, do not feel that all questions need to be answered. Choose the questions that you feel will generate the best discussion. Let others answer the questions without interruption—or criticism. This should be a safe time to speak honestly. We hope this resource is useful to you. We would like to thank the individuals who took the time to put this together. If you have any feedback or questions, please contact Pastor Mike Chastain at New Covenant Community Church, 559.298.0688 or mike@newcov.com.

PROVERBS ON UNITY The Wisdom of Getting Along With Others

Proverbs 13:17 (MSG) Irresponsible talk makes a real mess of things, but a reliable reporter is a healing presence. Proverbs 14:34 (MSG) God-devotion makes a country strong; God-avoidance leaves people weak. Proverbs 16:2 (MSG) Humans are satisfied with whatever looks good; God probes for what is good. Proverbs 16:10-15 (MSG) 10 A good leader motivates, doesn’t mislead, doesn’t exploit. 11 God cares about honesty in the workplace; your business is his business. 12 Good leaders abhor wrongdoing of all kinds; sound leadership has a moral foundation.13 Good leaders cultivate honest speech; they love advisors who tell them the truth.14 An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you’re smart to stay clear of someone like that.15 Good-tempered leaders invigorate lives; they’re like spring rain and sunshine. Proverbs 16:27-28 (MSG) 27 Mean people spread mean gossip; their words smart and burn.28 Troublemakers start fights; gossips break up friendships. Proverbs 17:9 (MSG) Overlook an offense and bond a friendship; fasten on to a slight and—good-bye,friend! Proverbs 17:14-15 (MSG) 14 The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam, so stop it before it bursts. 15 Whitewashing bad people and throwing mud on good people are equally abhorrent to God. Proverbs 19:11 (MSG) Smart people know how to hold their tongue; their grandeur is to forgive and forget. Proverbs 20:3 (MSG) It’s a mark of good character to avert quarrels, but fools love to pick fights. Proverbs 20:22 (MSG) Don’t ever say, “I’ll get you for that!” Wait for God; he’ll settle the score. Proverbs 20:28 (MSG) Love and truth form a good leader; sound leadership is founded on loving integrity.

Proverbs 21:1-3 (MSG) Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. 2 We justify our actions by appearances; God examines our motives. 3 Clean living before God and justice with our neighbors mean far more to God than religious performance. Proverbs 22:24-25 (MSG) Don’t hang out with angry people; don’t keep company with hotheads. Bad temper is contagious—don’t get infected. Proverbs 24:21-22 (MSG) Fear God, dear child—respect your leaders; don’t be defiant or mutinous. Without warning your life can turn upside down, and who knows how or when it might happen? Proverbs 26:20-23 (MSG) 20 When you run out of wood, the fire goes out; when the gossip ends, the quarrel dies down. 21 A quarrelsome person in a dispute is like kerosene thrown on a fire. 22 Listening to gossip is like eating cheap candy; do you want junk like that in your belly? 23 Smooth talk from an evil heart is like glaze on cracked pottery. Proverbs 28:2 (MSG) When the country is in chaos, everybody has a plan to fix it— But it takes a leader of real understanding to straighten things out. Proverbs 29:4 (MSG) A leader of good judgment gives stability; an exploiting leader leaves a trail of waste. Proverbs 29:12 (MSG) When a leader listens to malicious gossip, all the workers get infected with evil. Proverbs 29:25 (MSG) The fear of human opinion disables; trusting in God protects you from that. Proverbs 31:8-9 (MSG) “Speak up for the people who have no voice, for the rights of all the down-and-outers. Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!”

UNITY WITH GOD: REPENTANCE Week 1 | JANUARY 7, 2018

MONDAY BACKGROUND We are learning that prayer and fasting are normal in the life of believers now and in the past. When believers like Esther, David, Nehemiah, the prophets and even Jesus faced problems and temptations, they prayed and fasted. This year, we again begin the year with a time of prayer and fasting, and part of our focus is on unity. Our country and our world are facing increased levels of contention and disunity. Ever since Cain and Abel we have had our differences, but the current level of animosity is disturbing. We know disunity is neither normal nor good for we have a model of perfect unity to gauge ourselves, and that is God Himself. Triune God exists in perfect unity, Jesus prayed that we would be one as He and the Father are one. God’s plan for marriage is that husband and wife become one. The church is designed to be made up of many parts all working together to be one body. Our pledge of allegiance state that we are one nation under God, indivisible… What can we do about this disunity? We are going to pray, fast, repent, forgive, and strive to be the one Church living as an example before the world, showing and telling the world about Christ. We cannot be in total unity with an unbelieving world, but we can live in peace as much as it is possible. Let us begin! PRAYER Lord, You are truth, and my heart tends to be deceitful. Help me to see clearly my sin. Help me to be part of the solution instead of being part of the problem. Open my eyes to see what You see, feel what You feel, and live out what You desire of me. Your will be done. Amen. READ 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV) 14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Jeremiah 18:7-10 (NIV) 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it.

THINGS TO PONDER

1. How do these verses apply to our world today?

2. What do these verses say about repentance? What if anything does this have to do with you?

3. What might be hindering our nation from experiencing God’s blessing, or all that God would have for us?

TUESDAY BACKGROUND God’s plan is for unity. Genesis 1:27 says God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. Did you catch that created man was male and female—two as one. This is a subtle thing, but important to understanding God’s later declaration that in marriage two become one flesh. Later in explaining the nature of the church Paul explains that even though we are many members, the church is one body. If God’s design is for unity, it is no mystery that the enemy, Satan, promotes disunity. Satan’s plan is for sin to separate us from God and from one another. This week we are looking at the remedy for sin that divides. The path begins with repentance. PRAYER Lord, I am realizing that it is not ok for me to hold animosity towards those who disagree with my view of how things should be. It is not ok to want no part of getting along. Forgive me for my wrong attitude and help me to love my enemy and do good to those who oppose my views. Teach me that I might not contribute to the disunity in this present age. Amen.

READ 2 Chronicles 30:10-12 (NIV) 10 The couriers went from town to town in Ephraim and Manasseh, as far as Zebulun, but people scorned and ridiculed them. 11 Nevertheless, some from Asher, Manasseh and Zebulun humbled themselves and went to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah the hand of God was on the people to give them unity of mind to carry out what the king and his officials had ordered, following the word of the Lord. Psalm 34:14-18 (NIV) 14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; 16 but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to blot out their name from the earth. 17 The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. 18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. THINGS TO PONDER

1. What is the source of unity in the 2 Chronicles reading?

2. Where do you find repentance in today’s reading?

3. What kind of heart pleases God? What is the good news in this Psalm?

WEDNESDAY BACKGROUND Separation or disunity began with disobedience in the garden. Adam and Eve’s sin separated them from God, others, and even nature. Jesus’ death on the cross took care of the rift once and for all, and made unity possible for those who repent or turn to Him as Lord and Savior. Now, God wants us, who believe, to share the good news of what Christ accomplished by His death and resurrection. PRAYER Lord, the law keeps reminding me that I can’t do it on my own. What You did on the cross is essential. So I come to You over and over to surrender my life to You, to be washed clean, and to be empowered by Your Holy Spirit to stay on the right path. Thank You, again, and again. Amen. READ Isaiah 55:6-7 (NIV) Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. 7 Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon. Romans 12:1-2, The Message (MSG) So here’s what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You’ll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you. THINGS TO PONDER

1. How often do you find it necessary to repent? What might be going on if you never feel the necessity of asking forgiveness?

2. Do you think that God tires of forgiving you? Explain if you can.

3. How can living in this world be like the frog in the pot of cool water on the stove? The burner is on low. What is the danger for the believer?

THURSDAY BACKGROUND It is easy to get discouraged and upset in a contentious world. Focusing on the problems instead of the God in control squashes hope. This is another reason to look to our manual for life (the Bible) to maintain a truthful perspective. God is in control. God is in control and at the end of the Book God wins the spiritual battle that we are experiencing. Trust and obey the all-powerful, all-knowing, merciful, and loving God. PRAYER Dear God, when I get discourage, angry or fearful, remind me of who You are. I will turn to You again to soar about this sin-stained world – safe in Your loving and protective arms. READ Jonah 3:8-9 (NIV) 8 But let people and animals be covered with sackcloth. Let everyone call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence. 9 Who knows? God may yet relent and with compassion turn from his fierce anger so that we will not perish.” Psalm 2 - The Message (MSG) 1-6 Why the big noise, nations? Why the mean plots, peoples? Earth-leaders push for position, Demagogues and delegates meet for summit talks, The God-deniers, the Messiah-defiers: “Let’s get free of God! Cast loose from Messiah!” Heaven-throned God breaks out laughing. At first he’s amused at their presumption; Then he gets good and angry. Furiously, he shuts them up: “Don’t you know there’s a King in Zion? A coronation banquet Is spread for him on the holy summit.” 7-9 Let me tell you what God said next. He said, “You’re my son, And today is your birthday. What do you want? Name it: Nations as a present? continents as a prize? You can command them all to dance for you, Or throw them out with tomorrow’s trash.” 10-12 So, rebel-kings, use your heads; Upstart-judges, learn your lesson: Worship God in adoring embrace, Celebrate in trembling awe. Kiss Messiah! Your very lives are in danger, you know; His anger is about to explode, But if you make a run for God—you won’t regret it!

THINGS TO PONDER

1. What if anything seems right up-to-date in Psalm 2?

2. What in this Psalms is a hope restorer?

3. What is the message in both these readings to those who are lost, separated from God?

FRIDAY BACKGROUND Our focus for our 21 days of prayer and fasting is restored unity with God, others, the Church universal, and reaching those who are separated and lost. This week we began with awareness of our sin and the necessity of repentance. This results in unity with God. Next week, we will study forgiveness, a step in restoring unity with others. PRAYER (your own prayer) READ Daniel 9:5-7 (NIV) 5 we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws. 6 We have not listened to your servants the prophets, who spoke in your name to our kings, our princes and our ancestors, and to all the people of the land.

7 “Lord, you are righteous, but this day we are covered with shame—the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and all Israel, both near and far, in all the countries where you have scattered us because of our unfaithfulness to you. THINGS TO PONDER

1. Revisit Monday’s reading from 2 Chronicles. How does it relate to today’s reading?

2. A big film in the 1960’s popularized the saying, Love is never having to say you are sorry. What is your reaction to this quote in light of our current study?

3. What to you is the most powerful thing(s) about repentance?

WEEKLY QUESTIONS For Small Group or Family Discussion

1. Where do you see division and disunity in our world today? Does it bother you?

2. Is it possible to have different opinions and beliefs and still be unified? Explain.

3. Are you more apt to repent or justify wrong behaviors or attitudes? Discuss.

4. Does God forgive when we repent? Does He keep a record of all your repented sins? How are you at forgiving yourself?

5. Who likes to bring up our God-forgiven sins? Why?

UNITY WITH OTHERS: FORGIVENESS

Week 2 | JANUARY 14, 2018 MONDAY BACKGROUND An eye for and eye and a tooth for a tooth have a logical appeal to our nature. We want things fair. Jesus said that this is not Kingdom thinking. Vengeance is God’s business, not ours. We are to forgive, returning good for evil. Gandhi, the Indian leader, an unbeliever, saw the wisdom in Jesus’ teaching. He said that if you follow an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, the whole world would soon be blind and toothless. Jesus went further to say that if we did not forgive, God would use our standard, and not forgive us. Yikes! This week we will study how forgiveness and unity interact. PRAYER Lord, I am thankful that I am forgiven. I mean, it is incredible that my sins, in the past, current, and future have been paid for by Your sacrifice. Help me to be better and better at forgiving. Amen. READ Matthew 6:9-15 (NIV) 9 “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) 12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

THINGS TO PONDER

1. What is the best motive for forgiving others?

2. Why is forgiveness so important?

3. What issues have you had with forgiveness? (Why is it sometimes hard to forgive?)

TUESDAY BACKGROUND Are you easily offended, a bit sensitive? Or are you pretty thick-skinned, even callous? Do you ever rehearse offenses received? It is easy to see how unity can be disrupted by unforgiveness. The enemy likes to have us dwell on, rehearse, and imagine responses like, “I should have said…” instead of forgiving and moving on. In today’s reading Paul deals with one of those issues, which should not lead to disunity. PRAYER Father God, Help me to be wise, level headed, and not easily offended. Thank you for being patient with me, forgiving me and correcting me when needed. Thank you, God! READ Romans 14:1-6 (NIV) 14 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person’s faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand. 5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.

THINGS TO PONDER 1. How are you doing at realizing that not every issue is a mountain worth dying

on? (Not taking issue with every difference of opinion.)

2. Do you tend to be thick or thinned sin? Discuss.

3. What kinds of issues might cause you to disengage from a relationship? WEDNESDAY BACKGROUND It’s probably not a shocker that not everyone shares your opinion. Unity does not require sameness. Getting along with others sometimes requires us to have a different opinion, and sometimes it is necessary to back off before the relationship is harmed by hurtful words. Unity requires some maintenance. Offenses that block the flow of love need to be addressed. Actions like admitting the hurt, letting the other know that you are experiencing pain, asking forgiveness for something said, addresses the blockage and clears the way so love can flow freely. Maintaining unity and forgiveness are not always easy, nor comfortable. Asking God for wisdom and courage is appropriate and necessary. PRAYER Lord, living with others in love and unity is not a cakewalk. Help me in my weakness, and fear to do what is good and right. Fill me with the Holy Spirit to guide me when I am unsure and uncomfortable. Amen. READ Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Romans 15:5-6 (NIV) 5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

THINGS TO PONDER

1. Looking back over your experience, what happens when you don’t forgive or deal with offense? What happens to you, what happens to the relationship?

2. Tell about a time when you were glad for forgiveness.

3. Describe a time when you realized Christ’s forgiveness. THURSDAY BACKGROUND God forgives and even forgets perfectly. We don’t; we are imperfect, and tend to forgive imperfectly. Nevertheless, we are to forgive and He helps us. The memory of the offense may leave scars and hurt. The offender may not admit the offense, nor repent. Still, we are to forgive. The enemy reminds us of past hurts already forgiven. Remind yourself that you have forgiven and you are finished with that. (“Get thee behind me Satan!”) Forgiveness is like God, it is right, and I am a forgiver-in-training, not yet perfect. PRAYER Lord, I ask for patience, strength, and the will to do what You command. Help me to forgive even those who don’t deserve it. Thank you for the forgiveness that I don’t deserve. Amen. READ Colossians 3:13 (NIV) 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Matthew 6:12-15 (NIV) 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

THINGS TO PONDER 1. What happens if you don’t forgive? What is your reaction to that?

2. Jesus forgave how the world treated Him during the time He walked this earth. List the unfair treatment that He forgave.

3. Spend some time forgiving hurts you have experienced, and asking forgiveness for your offences.

FRIDAY BACKGROUND It is important to know that forgiveness and trust are separate issues. Offenders like abusers, predators, and addicts are to be forgiven, but trust has to be earned. Forgiveness involves both obedience and wisdom. Forgive & Forget by Lewis Smedes is a helpful read for those with hard questions about forgiveness. Today’s reading contains a glimpse of the wise and obedient heart of forgiveness. PRAYER (Your own prayer) READ Romans 12:14-21(NIV) 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

THINGS TO PONDER

1. How in the world can you bless someone who treats you badly? What are some of your ideas?

2. Explain Romans 12:18.

3. What happens when we don’t repay evil with evil? What is hard about doing this?

WEEKLY QUESTIONS For Small Group or Family Discussion

1. What is your reaction when the villain in a movie gets his “come-uppings” at the

conclusion?

2. Why is forgiveness not natural?

3. In some belief systems forgiveness is a sign of weakness. What do you think?

4. Why does God tell us to forgive? What is an incentive to forgive?

5. When has it been hard for you to forgive?

6. Tell about a time that you asked someone or someone asked you to forgive.

UNITY WITH THE CHURCH UNIVERSAL

Week 3 | JANUARY 21, 2018 MONDAY BACKGROUND The Church universal is made up of all those who believe in and follow Christ. The Church transcends time and denomination. The Church is God’s idea and is quite different from the world. The two march to different drumbeats. The Church gets in trouble when it copies the world. The world gets better when it copies the Church. The Church is a theocracy. That is, Christ is the head and His followers are the body. A major characteristic of the Church is that it thrives in unity. The enemy hates this and tries to cause division and disunity. Our readings this week discuss God’s plan for the Church. PRAYER Lord, thank You for the Church. When the Church comes together, like at Fresno CityFest or the end of Prayer and Fasting last year at the Fresno Pacific University gym, it was like heaven on earth. Your presence in the unity of the Oneness of many parts is inspiring. It makes us look forward to your coming again. Amen. READ John 17:20-23 (NIV) 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

THINGS TO PONDER

1. What is Jesus asking of the Father in this prayer?

2. What is the purpose of the Church’s unity?

3. What forces do you see trying to undermine this unity? What forces do you see in Fresno-Clovis promoting the unity of believers?

TUESDAY BACKGROUND God does not make junk. At the end of each creation day, God looked over what He created and said, It is good! He was stating a fact. Creator God looks at the Church in unity and says it is good. In fact, it is beautiful. The Church in unity is like the triune God who exists in perfect unity. Unity is good - it is like God. The Church in unity is a miracle. When you look at each believer you quickly notice that the parts are not perfect. The members are forgiven, but they are not perfect. The Church is to be to the world a foretaste of the Kingdom of God to come. God has given us a manual to live by. The readings this week tell us how imperfect people can live together with others in unity, written to you and me. PRAYER (your own prayer) READ Psalm 133: 1-3 (NIV) 1 How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! 2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

1 Peter 3:8-12 (NIV) 8 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 10 For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. 11 They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” THINGS TO PONDER

1. How does the psalmist view the unity of believers?

2. What actions or behaviors does Peter suggest to maintain unity?

3. Do you see any room for improvement in your living together with others? Discuss.

WEDNESDAY BACKGROUND The founding fathers of this nation knew and read the Bible. At that time the Bible was considered an authoritative guide for moral living and wise governing. In structuring this new nation they tended to see the Kingdom of God as the standard to copy. Even the name of this new country, the United States of America, incorporates the ideal of unity. It is painful to observe the current rifts that tend to polarize and rip us apart as a nation. The one nation under God, indivisible…is at risk. We as the Church must be aware, prayerful, and intentional in guarding the unity of the Church, and be careful to not contribute to disunity and division in our nation. We as believers must recognize that we are members of the Kingdom of God before any club, association, or political party. Today’s reading addresses this point. PRAYER Lord, search our hearts and reveal anything that You find unacceptable. We will turn from those ways and follow You. Help us to live with other believers in unity, and live in peace as much as it is possible with those who are not believers. May we be lights of hope and truth to the world. Amen.

READ Ephesians 2:18-21 (NIV) 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. 19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. THINGS TO PONDER

1. How would you respond to the question, “Who are you?” What is most important in describing your identity?

2. Who is your most important other?

3. What issues make it difficult to live at peace with others? THURSDAY BACKGROUND Unity does not necessarily mean sameness. Think about other believers you know. Are they alike in looks, abilities, and personality? Somehow God takes very different people and makes them one as they yield to Him. God has a plan and He does the directing. Everyone is essential and He uses these believers to accomplish His plan. We are simply to trust and obey. PRAYER Lord, I thank you for making me part of Your Church. I am available to follow and do as You direct. Help me today to get along with others and love them as You do. Amen. READ Ephesians 4:3-16 (NIV) 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” 9 (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than

all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. Romans 12:4-5 (NIV) 4 For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, 5 so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. THINGS TO PONDER

1. Read today’s reading underlining or highlighting any reference to one, unity or body? What do you notice?

2. What do you see as your part or role in the body?

3. Why is it essential that we each do our part?

FRIDAY BACKGROUND We are saved into the body of Christ, not to be a lone ranger. There may be times that we feel unnecessary, or think that we can be a Christ-follower just fine on our own without being connected to a church. There is a message running through this study that says that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. Even so we still try to do things on our own. This analogy breaks down but, big toes don’t do so well when separated from the body. Aloneness is not part of God’s plan. PRAYER (your own prayer) READ Acts 4:32 (NIV) 32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. Galatians 3:26-28 (NIV) 26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. THINGS TO PONDER

1. Why do you think the early church shared everything?

2. What do you see as the main message of the Galatian’s passage?

3. Where are you getting better as you apply the scriptures we are studying?

WEEKLY QUESTIONS For Small Group or Family Discussion

1. What is the Church with a capital C?

2. Tell about an experience with the bigger church (meeting with believers from several churches together)?

3. What do you think is the difference between unity and sameness?

4. What disunity or division would you like to fix if you could? Why?

5. What are you learning that could help you to live better in peace or unity with others?

UNITY WITH THE WORLD Week 4 | JANUARY 28, 2018

MONDAY BACKGROUND It will be clear from the scriptures in this study there can be no unity with the world and the Church. We do see that the Church is a message to the world of God’s love, forgiveness and grace. What then is to be the church’s posture towards the world? Two extremes seem to be the separation advocated by the Amish; and on the other extreme a complete embrace of the world. A co-worker who was involved with the most disruptive at risk students on the west side of Fresno was at the second extreme. He had been pastor of a mega church. He did not believe in the virgin birth, nor the resurrection, nor any of the miracles found in the New Testament. Asking what he preached about the answer was social issues, the poor, discrimination, and doing good. His church had embraced the world and denied the power of the cross and salvation. As you examine the scriptures this week be open to what God intends for the Church, and how we are to relate to the world. PRAYER Lord, teach me that I may understand what you expect of me. I thank you for the reality of Your forgiveness, and the sense of purpose that comes in following You. READ John 17:20-23 (NIV) 20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. 22 I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— 23 I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. 1 John 2:15-17 (NIV) 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. THINGS TO PONDER

1. Can you be one with God and the world at the same time? Explain.

2. What about the world is a tempting attraction?

3. What is your reaction to the two church examples in the Background section? TUESDAY BACKGROUND Criticism and attacks against the church are not uncommon today. The world seems to be saying that the Church is fair target. A read through the book of Acts reveals that persecution in not a new phenomenon for the Church. For believers now, it is a time to be patient, full of the Holy Spirit, and for grace. And for us to be ready to answer with the hope we possess. We will not share unity with the world, but we can live at peace as much as it is possible. PRAYER Lord, I need Your wisdom, Your protection, and a sense of Your purpose in my life. No matter the circumstances, may I trust You. You are good, You are in control. My hopes are in You. Amen. READ Romans 12:1-2 (NIV) Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. John 15:19 (NIV) 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. THINGS TO PONDER

1. How are we to regard persecution? How are we to act?

2. What is John saying about persecution?

3. Right now there are many churches throughout Fresno-Clovis fasting and praying for many issues including those who are lost. How does that impact you?

WEDNESDAY BACKGROUND It should be more than clear that we are to act in unity with other believers. There are external attacks from the world, but we need to even look at dysfunctional behavior from within. The readings for today look at some of these damaging behaviors. PRAYER Lord, let me know if I do anything to threaten unity—make me aware and wise. Speak to me if there are ways that I can promote unity. Make me aware of being worldly. I know my tendency to even fool myself. Thanks! Amen. READ James 2:1-4 (NIV) 2 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? 1 Corinthians 1:10-12 (NIV) 10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a] in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas[b]”; still another, “I follow Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NIV) 3 Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. 2 I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. 3 You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere humans?

THINGS TO PONDER

1. List the behaviors that tend to damage unity.

2. What can you do to promote unity?

3. How might gossip fit into this discussion? THURSDAY BACKGROUND God is Holy and evil will be judged. God is also forgiving, loving, and merciful. We are to be holy as God is holy. In short, we are to be like Him. While we are not to be part of the world, we are to pray for those who are lost. That they will encounter God, repent and become members of the family of God. In todays reading listen to God’s heart recognizing that we are to have the same heart as God. PRAYER Lord, You hate division even more that I do. I find the disunity in society today is so disturbing. Help me to be part of the solution rather than part of the cause. Thank you for peace in the midst of turmoil—knowing that everything is in your control. Amen. READ Genesis 22:9-18 (NIV) 9 When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son

Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. 10 Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, “Abraham! Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. 12 “Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” 13 Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram[a] caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” 15 The angel of the Lord called to Abraham from heaven a second time 16 and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, 18 and through your offspring[b] all nations on earth will be blessed,[c] because you have obeyed me.” Jeremiah 18:7-10 (NIV) 7 If at any time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down and destroyed, 8 and if that nation I warned repents of its evil, then I will relent and not inflict on it the disaster I had planned. 9 And if at another time I announce that a nation or kingdom is to be built up and planted, 10 and if it does evil in my sight and does not obey me, then I will reconsider the good I had intended to do for it. THINGS TO PONDER

1. What is God’s purpose in forming Israel, the people of God? (see Gen. 22:18)

2. What warning and hope do you find in the Jeremiah passage?

3. How do you know that God cares for the world?

FRIDAY BACKGROUND We have seen that we are to be separate from the world. We are to live our lives vitally connected to God, exhibiting His character to the world. God’s purpose is that the world might see how we live our lives together and find God attractive. See both of these concepts in today’s reading. PRAYER (your own prayer) READ Acts 2:42-47 (NIV) 42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common.45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. James 4:1-4 (NIV) 4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God.3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. THINGS TO PONDER

1. What were the first believers doing?

2. How did their activities impact the onlookers?

3. What warnings is James giving the early church? Do any of these speak to you? Explain.

WEEKLY QUESTIONS For Small Group or Family Discussion

1. What does it mean to be worldly?

2. What do you see as pluses and minuses of living Amish?

3. Do you have any sense that there are those watching how you are living out your faith? How does that impact you?

4. Look at these behaviors, which can damage unity. Reaction?

• Quarrelling • Favoritism • Immaturity • Hypocrisy

• Jealousy • Lust of the flesh • Loving the world

5. What effect does the media have on worldliness?