Bible Study on Unity

This four-week study has been prepared by That We May Be One (TWMBO). TWMBO is a group within the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church committed to being a church that is diverse in thought and united in mission.

Our hope is that it might serve as a starting point for discussion as churches and small groups follow the path of Christ in a difficult time.

WEEK ONE

Unity in Beliefs

Presented by Rev. Lindsay Kirkpatrick

  • Open your Bible and read Acts 10.

  • Watch Week One Video (33 min) as a group.

1. What questions did this video raise for you?

2. What is unity? What type of things can interfere with unity in our lives?

3. What did Jesus say about unity in John 17?

4. Tony Evans said, “The great tragedy of today is not so much that our society is still divided along racial, cultural and class lines, but that God’s people, the church, are even more deeply divided.” What do you think he means by this?

5. What is our foundation of unity in the church? What are our core beliefs? Where can some of these beliefs be found?

6. Jesus prayed that his disciples would be one as He and the Father are one. Centuries later, John Wesley said, “If your heart is as my heart, then give me your hand.” Do you think this kind of unity is possible? Can people have different opinions and still have unity in Christ?

CLOSING PRAYER

Dear Jesus, I’m not going to complain about the dark. I’m going to help turn on the light. We know your heart is that we would be one as you and the Father are one. Help us to have the courage to choose unity in Christ, so that the world will know who you are. Amen.

WEEK TWO

Unity in Mission

Presented by Rev. Justin Coleman

  • Open your Bible and read Revelation 21.

  • Watch Week Two Video (12 min) as a group.

1. What questions did this video raise for you?

2. In the video, Rev. Coleman said that where we are going should affect how we get there. What does this mean to you?

3. From the verses from Revelation, we hear about a New Creation: a New Heaven and a New Earth. The UMC Mission Statement is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. How do you see mission work as a vital part of new creation and transformation?

4. What are some of the types of mission work discussed in the video?

5. What are some missions in which you have participated? How did the work change you?

CLOSING PRAYER

Dear Jesus, I’m not going to complain about the dark. I’m going to help turn on the light. We know your heart is that we would be one as you and the Father are one. Help us to have the courage to choose unity in Christ, so that the world will know who you are. Amen.

WEEK THREE

Unity in Values

Presented by Rev. Brandi Horton

  • Open your Bible and read Ephesians 4:1–7, 11–16.

  • Watch Week Three Video (22 min) as a group.

1. What questions did this video raise for you?

2. Paul used the body as an analogy of the body of Christ. There is one body with many parts and different gifts. What does this mean to you?

3. Rev. Horton stated that we are stronger together and that we can grow each other’s strengths. How is this accomplished? How can we build up others when we are all different?

4. What are your personal values? What does your living say about your core – who you are, what you find worthwhile?

5. Compare the meanings given about belonging vs. authenticity.

CLOSING PRAYER

Dear Jesus, I’m not going to complain about the dark. I’m going to help turn on the light. We know your heart is that we would be one as you and the Father are one. Help us to have the courage to choose unity in Christ, so that the world will know who you are. Amen.

WEEK FOUR

The Impact of Unity

Presented by Rev. Trey Comstock

  • Open your Bible and read Acts 2:42–47.

  • Watch Week Four Video (14 min) as a group.

1. What questions did this video raise for you?

2. How did early Christians bond together?

3. How do these Bible verses relate to us now? Is God different today than in the first century?

4. What type of nostalgia did Rev. Comstock talk about in the Methodist church? How can we learn from these times?

5. How does experience help people find a truly committed relationship with Christ?

6. Rev. Comstock talks about the optimism of the Wesleyan Way. What does this mean to you today?

7. Why do we need to practice what we believe?

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CONCLUDING QUESTIONS

  • How has your understanding of unity changed over the past 4 weeks?

  • What new insights can you share with our group?

CLOSING PRAYER

Dear Jesus, I’m not going to complain about the dark. I’m going to help turn on the light. We know your heart is that we would be one as you and the Father are one. Help us to have the courage to choose unity in Christ, so that the world will know who you are. Amen.