May 23: Light, Life, Love: A Journey Through the Gospel of John – John 17

1. 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.  John 17:21
2. With over 100,000 denominations across the world – is it a ridiculous and naïve hope to pray for, and even work towards, greater Christian unity?
3. Big Idea:  Intimacy Induces Influence
4. Read John 17:1-5
5. Intimacy on the lips of Jesus
1. Warm Relational Titles

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. John 17:1

1. Mutual Glorification

“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. John 17:1

1. Perichoresis Peri – around;  chorea – dance
2. The persons within God exalt each other, commune with each other, and defer to one another…Each divine person harbors the others at the center of his being. In constant movement of overture and acceptance, each person envelops and encircles the  others…God's interior life (therefore) overflows with regard for others.  – Cornelius Plantinga
3. Big Idea:  Intimacy Induces Influence
1. Induce = to bring about or give rise to something
4. Read John 17:20-26
5. 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.  John 17:21
6. How can you promote unity with other Christians & Churches?
1. Focus on affirming the good.
2. Partner with interdenominational non-profits
7. 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.  John 17:21
8. Big Idea:  Intimacy Induces Influence
9. God’s plan is that we, the church, are to be the primary evidence of God’s presence. – Mark Labberton, Dangerous Act of Worship