We are so glad that you decided to join us in worship today. Here at Eastern Hills we realize that we are all in different places on our journey with Christ, and that's okay. Whether you are a seeker, looking for answers, or a long-time follower of Christ, you are welcome here.

“Unity of spirit, is the oneness which subsists between Christ and His saints, by which the same Spirit dwells in both, and both have the same disposition and aims; and it is the oneness of Christians among themselves, united under the same head, having the same Spirit dwelling in them, and possessing the same graces, faith, love, hope, etc.”

— Webster's 1828 Dictionary

1) What is the foundation of our unity?

2) Who unites us?

3) Why has God united us?

4) How will our unity be seen?

5) When and where will our unity be perfected?

“Every Sunday morning when my church meets, I look around and see scientists and accountants, professors and students, blue-collar workers and management, small business owners and retirees, moms and dads, husbands and wives. There’s no reason for them to sit in the same room listening to me unless I am teaching the truth about Jesus revealed in His Word. We didn’t go to the same colleges, we don’t like the same sports teams, we don’t have the same hobbies, but our bond is far stronger than the bond shared by those at the same country club or stadium. All of us know and understand we’re sinners deserving God’s punishment and have received God’s grace because we believe on Jesus through the word of the apostles. We share something more powerful than a common experience or shared interest. We share Christ.”

—Carter, Matt; Wredberg, Josh. Exalting Jesus in John (Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary) . B&H Publishing Group.

This oneness of the community of believers with God is to be viewed as a kerygmatic vehicle [something that proclaims the Gospel] in the context of a divided world. When the world sees the church in harmony with God and with each other, the point of Jesus’ petition may be realized, namely, “that the world may believe that you have sent me.” Does this petition of Jesus not judge our church disputes as detrimental to the task of mission?… But unity is neither self-generated in the disciples nor their ultimate goal. Oneness is a means to enable the world to realize what God has been doing.

—Gerald L. Borchert, New American Commentary John 12-21

-- Do you have a favorite sports team? Hobby? What?

-- Who are you most likely to call when you have a need?

-- Do you see the church as a vital part of your life? Why or why not?