Striving for Unity

Sunday, March 15, 2026
Pastor Alex Chen

Outline:

A Gospel That Truly Saves

Acts 21:17-20a -- 17 When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 On the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 After greeting them, he related one by one the things that God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified God.
Martin Luther -- We can stand the loss of our possessions, our name, our life, and everything else; but we will not let ourselves be deprived of the Gospel, our faith, and Jesus Christ. And that is that.

Paul Preached What Truly Saves

Acts 21:20b-21 -- And they said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands there are among the Jews of those who have believed. They are all zealous for the law, 21 and they have been told about you that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or walk according to our customs.
1 Corinthians 1:22-23 – 22 For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles,
1 Corinthians 2:2 -- 2 For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.

Paul Strived for the Church’s Unity

Ephesians 2:14-16 -- 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.
CS Lewis -- Christ, who said to the disciples, "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you," can truly say to every group of Christian friends "You have not chosen one another but I have chosen you for one another.”
Romans 15:25-27 -- 25 At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints at Jerusalem. 27 For they were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have come to share in their spiritual blessings, they ought also to be of service to them in material blessings.
Acts 21:26 -- 26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day he purified himself along with them and went into the temple, giving notice when the days of purification would be fulfilled and the offering presented for each one of them.
Acts 21:31 -- 30 Then all the city was stirred up, and the people ran together. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the gates were shut.
Ephesians 4:3 -- 3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.