ONESample

Jonathan Tremaine Thomas

President/CEO, Civil Righteousness

"In John 17, Jesus prays his last prayer on the earth, and it is that we would be one, as He and the Father are one. I think "oneness" is more intense than even our concept of "unity" because you and I can unite around a cause, but unity can be broken. 

Oneness is a covenantal reality where I am a part of you, and you are a part of me. Your weakness is my weakness, and your strength is my strength. And when we take unity out of just some kind of hypothetical-idealistic-cultural unity, we get it into biblical unity. We tap into the very character and nature and person and expression of God in the earth. And if there was ever a time where we need to see biblical unity being manifested and demonstrated in the earth, it's today.

I believe that one of the greatest displays of the existence of God and His activity in the earth today is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-generational, multi-denominational expression of his heart on the earth living in the covenant, walking and loving in the love of God in a way that we have never seen.

The power of biblical unity to me is that it first is a signpost to the earth's nations that there is a God who is the Father. And secondly, it's the way that God has chosen to express his power to the nations through a redeemed people.  Whereas oneness is what God is after, and oneness is a covenant culture.... " Watch the video for the full interview.

Once you watch the video and read the bible references, spend time with the Lord reflecting on the following:

• What is the difference between "unity" and "oneness"? Has the Body of Christ walked in the biblical unity Christ has called us to?
• Ask Holy Spirit to reveal His plans for His people in this hour - what do you hear Him saying, and what role is He calling you to? 
• TAKE ACTION: Want to learn more about a biblical approach to justice, racial reconciliation, and oneness? Visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGj3NM6YX7U&t=5078s  to join a global movement of churches pursuing healing, righteousness, and revival in our day.