Living & Serving as One.
Call to Unity in Christ
Jesus prayed for unity among believers, (John 17:20-23)“that they may all be one, even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us”.
Here, Jesus emphasizes unity as a divine attribute—the Father, Son, and Spirit are one. This unity is a central feature of God’s nature, and thus, a defining mark for His church.
True unity is not uniformity but a oneness in purpose and love centered around Christ.
We must ask ourselves, “Are we striving to be one as the Father and Son are one?” Churches should foster cooperation, building bridges across denominational lines rather than focusing on distinctions.
Living as Disciples: Discipleship of Church Leaders
Discipleship involves a commitment to learn from Jesus, who is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).
He taught that His followers should live by the values of God’s kingdom, such as humility, mercy, gentleness and love (Matthew 5:3–12).
As disciples, we submit to His Word as our guide and ultimate authority, seeking to grow in wisdom and understanding.
Faithful Obedience to God’s Call: Missions
The Great Commission: Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) is a direct call for faithful obedience to God’s mission for the church.
The Great Commission flows from the authority of Christ Himself, who has “all authority in heaven and on earth.” This call is not just for a select few; it is the mission of the whole church to support and participate in spreading the gospel to all people
Focusing on Jesus Alone
The writer of (Hebrews 12:1-2) urges believers to “fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith” (v. 2). By keeping our focus on Christ, we avoid the distractions that entangle and divide us.
Jesus is the perfect example of unity, obedience, and love. When He is our focus, everything else falls into perspective.
We are called to make Christ the primary focus of every gathering, every worship song, every sermon, and every outreach.
Ask yourself: Are we prioritizing Jesus in all that we do?
The Significance of
a lampstand in the Bible.
The lampstand (Hebrew: menorah) is one of the most symbolically rich objects in the Bible, especially in the Old Testament, where it is described in detail in the instructions for the construction of the Tabernacle.
The word "lampstand" first appears in the Bible in Exodus 25:31, where God gives specific instructions for creating the golden lampstand for the tabernacle. The detailed nature of these instructions is significant, as every word in the Bible carries meaning.
The lampstand, made of pure gold, was to be hammered with precision, following God's exact command (Exodus 25:31). Gold, the most precious metal, often symbolizes purity and value, and it is frequently associated with being "tested by fire"—a metaphor for the refining of faith, just as God tests and purifies His people (1 Peter 1:7; Zechariah 13:7-9; Job 23:10).
Designed like a tree with a central shaft and branches, the lampstand had almond blossom-shaped lamps on its top. Almond trees were the first to bloom in spring, symbolizing new life, just as Christ is described as the "firstfruits" of the resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:20-23; Romans 8:23). This imagery connects with Aaron’s rod, which miraculously budded almonds to affirm his divinely appointed priesthood, foreshadowing Christ as the eternal High Priest (Numbers 17:10; Hebrews 7:21).
The lampstand was made from a single piece of gold, symbolizing the unity between Christ and His church (Colossians 1:18). The seven lights—representing the six branches plus the central shaft—emphasize the biblical theme of completeness, with man being made whole only through Christ (John 15:5).
Placed in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, the lampstand was tended by Aaron and his sons to keep the light burning continually (Exodus 27:20-21). This eternal light symbolized Christ, who is the "light of the world" (John 8:12; 9:5). Just as the lampstand illuminated the tabernacle, Christ illuminates the lives of believers. He calls His followers the “light of the world,” not through their own power but because His light dwells within them (Matthew 5:14; John 1:4-5).
The church, as symbolized by the seven lampstands in Revelation, is called to walk in the light and spread the gospel (1 John 1:7; Revelation 1:20).
Ultimately, the lampstand points to Christ. From start to finish, the Bible is a testimony to God’s redemptive plan through Christ, who delivers His people from darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
The Lampstand Living Community
Your purpose in being part of this community of local leaders who believe Jesus is the Light of the World can be understood in several important ways:
1. Reflecting Christ’s Light
Your primary purpose is to reflect the light of Jesus through your actions, words, and leadership. Just as Jesus calls His followers to be "the light of the world" (Matthew 5:14), your role is to shine this light in a way that others see God’s love, grace, and truth through you. Whether in how you serve others, lead with integrity, or care for those in need, you are a vessel through which God’s light reaches others.
2. Using Your Unique Gifts
God has given each person unique talents and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). Your purpose within the community is to identify, develop, and use these gifts for the benefit of others and the glory of God. Whether you are a leader, teacher, servant, encourager, or organizer, your specific abilities contribute to the overall mission of the community. Your strengths play a vital role in helping the body of believers function effectively.
3. Building and Strengthening the Body of Christ
As a member of this community, your purpose is to contribute to its unity and strength. Ephesians 4:12 speaks of believers being equipped for works of service so that "the body of Christ may be built up." Your participation helps to foster unity, love, and support within the group. You are not just a passive member but an active part of making the community stronger, more effective, and more Christ-centered.
4. Serving Others in Love
Your purpose also involves serving others, both inside and outside the community. Galatians 5:13 tells us, “Serve one another humbly in love.” As someone in this community, you are called to love your neighbors through acts of service, compassion, and care. By meeting the needs of others—whether through outreach, mentorship, or charity—you are living out Christ’s example of servant leadership.
5. Being a Witness to the World
Your life is meant to be a testimony to God’s goodness and transformative power. By living according to the values of this community—love, unity, service—you become a witness to those outside the faith. Your purpose includes being an ambassador of Christ, showing through your life how faith in Jesus brings hope, healing, and change. Your actions can inspire others to seek God or strengthen their own relationship with Him.
6. Growing in Faith and Discipleship
Part of your purpose in this community is your own personal growth as a disciple of Christ. By being part of a group of believers, you are given opportunities to deepen your understanding of the Bible, strengthen your prayer life, and mature spiritually. As you grow, you are better equipped to lead, serve, and fulfill God’s calling for you. You’re not just there to give but also to receive spiritual nourishment and guidance.
7. Fulfilling the Great Commission
A significant purpose is to help fulfill the Great Commission by spreading the gospel (Matthew 28:19-20). Whether you are directly sharing your faith or supporting those who do, your involvement in this community contributes to the mission of making disciples and spreading the message of Jesus to others. You play a role in expanding the reach of the light of Christ.
8. Offering Encouragement and Accountability
You are also called to be a source of encouragement and accountability for others in the community. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. You help create an environment where others can grow, where struggles are shared, and where people are supported in their walk with Christ. Your purpose is to lift others up and help them remain faithful to their calling.
Your purpose in this community is to reflect the light of Jesus, use your unique gifts to serve others, build and strengthen the body of Christ, grow as a disciple, and be a witness to the world. Through your role, you contribute to a larger mission of bringing hope, love, and transformation to your community while deepening your own relationship with God.
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