Sermon | Why Church? 4

What does it mean to truly live in unity as a church? In John 17:20-23, we see Jesus praying not just for His disciples but for all believers, asking that we may be one, just as He and the Father are one. This prayer isn’t about superficial harmony; it’s about a deep, self-giving love that mirrors God’s own love for us. In his sermon, “Why Church? Answering Jesus’ Prayer for Unity,” Pastor Ryan explored how love begets love when we embrace authentic community with one another and with God.

Growing up, many of us were taught to put on our "Sunday best"—not just in how we dressed, but in how we presented ourselves. Church often felt like a place where struggles and imperfections were left at the door. But as Pastor Ryan reminded us, Jesus calls us to something deeper: a community where vulnerability is welcomed, grace is given freely, and we are united in love. This unity isn’t about being perfect but about being real—allowing God’s grace to transform our relationships with Him and each other.

Fostering this kind of unity requires three things: vulnerability, accepting grace, and offering it to others. It’s hard to let our guards down and admit we don’t have it all together. But as Pastor Ryan shared, when we lean into this kind of community, we discover the beauty of God’s design for the church—a place where broken people meet a gracious God and where our love for one another becomes a powerful testimony to the world.

So, why church? Because it’s here that we answer Jesus’ prayer for unity, living out the love and grace we’ve received. Imagine if our church became a place where everyone felt safe to be real, where grace was the norm, and where our unity reflected God’s love to a watching world. That’s the kind of church Jesus envisioned, and it’s the kind of church we’re called to be.

You can watch Pastor Ryan’s full sermon below to dive deeper into this powerful message. Let’s commit to being the community Jesus prayed for—a community that lives in unity, loves deeply, and offers grace freely. Together, we can reflect God’s love in a way that changes lives and glorifies Him.