Sacred KinshipPart Seven - A New Kind of Mission

Sacred Kinship

FamilyFriendshipCommunityMission

The Communal Nature ofGod’s Mission

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their

message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory

that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world

know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:20-23)

Practical Insights for Unity

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion,

kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever

grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all

these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14)

The Court of Reputationfor God’s Mission

I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me;

but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him.

How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort

to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?

(John 5:43-44)

The Invitation of Kinship in God’s Mission

You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all

one in Christ Jesus. (Galatians 3:26-28)

Sacred KinshipPart Seven - A New Kind of Mission