THIS VERSE HAS OFTEN BEEN MISUSED BY THE LIBERALS, IGNORED BY THE FUNAMENTALISTS, AND MISSED BY US

1. When the Liberal wants to lure us into a bear trap he quotes this- and baits it with sweets!
2. When the Fundamentalist wants to split a church he ignores this & hurts body of Christ
3. May God give us an "understanding of the times" and "What Men ought to do" as David's might

The Tender portion of love expressed by our Lord must not be misused or ignored!

I.- THE UNITY IS A SPECIAL KIND!

Throughout this prayer this unity is with Christ and the Father - not with each other apart from them

A.- THIS UNITY STARTS WITH A REAL SALVATION EXPERIENCE WITH JESUS CHRIST, ETERNAL LIFE! 17:2,3

1. There are many facets to our faith- Jesus died, arose, ascended, coming again- Dispensation, Judgments,-
2. You can't wait to know it all until you are saved- but it is all a part of God's Word!
3. When you accept Christ- you become accepted in the Beloved- & should believe all truth-

B.- AFTER SALVATION COMES A REAL UNITY WITH THE BODY OF CHRIST - THE LOCAL CHURCH RIGHT HERE

1. Some want freedom from responsibility- of local church- so miss growth, fellowship, discipline
2. We have many offices in our church-Pastors, Deacons, etc.- Pew warmers -all are important!
3. But when we are all functioning under leadership of Christ- we are His body-doing His work

C.- THIS UNITY WITH GOD, AND WITH EACH OTHER IS FUNCTIONAL AS WELL AS SPIRITUAL - IT WORKS!

1. This unity is expressed in Eph 4:3-6,7,11-16 and you are important to this body!
2. This unity is spiritual Phil 2:2-5, like minded with Christ! 1st! Then with each other
3. But each person still is an individual- like flowers in a bouquet glorifying God- Complimenting each other

As I John 1:7- If we walk in His light- together with Him- we find ourselves with each other

II.- WHAT ABOUT UNITY IN EVANGELISM?

Evangelism is close to the heart of every Believer- but a new kind of unity is asked-

A.- THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ATTEMPTS AT BRINGING ALL THE CHURCHES TOGETHER - ECUMENICALISM

1. The Federal Council of Churches-(Com); American Council; now Arizona Ecumenical Council -all left wing
2. A new thrust- Ken Duplesey- Unity around Charismatic Gift- Tongues; Dr. Epp warns of new Unity
3. And now a new one-"Key 73" -Let's get together for Evangelism! -And more barriers broken

B.- THE THEME OF KEY 73 IS THAT IT DOES NOT MATTER WHAT BE BELIEVE, LET'S GET TOGETHER!

1. Dr. Raedeke was clear- "Do your own thing-, your way, share, simultaneous, together,-
2. Dr. Outen (Methodist) -"To protest war- that's evangelism!"- Open housing, combat racism, Political
3. They have their thing OK- and have dead churches - Key 73 is a mixed multitude -strange mix

C.- AS SOME OF YOU HAVE NOTICED, KEY 73 WILL BE OUR NEIGHBOR NEXT FRI AND SAT - BUT NOT OUR PARTY

1. The Clinic on Evangelism at St. Gregory's Catholic Church - Dr. Ed Hill, Elvis Priest, not me
2. Dr. Culver Nelson has expressed doubts about the format -"Which Jesus will be presented?"
3. Marvin Rickard- of Joan & Milt Davis's church -"We cannot give up our convictions to join"

If we can't win souls because we love the Lord- joining their "movement" won't help us

III.- WHAT ABOUT OUR OWN EVANGELISM CONFERENCE ??

We have for years held conferences on Church building, Bible Teaching, Evangelism

A.- WE HAVE A DOCTRINAL UNITY, AND A UNITY ON WHAT WE MEAN ABOUT SOULWINNING! -NEED HELP IN METHODS

1. Our people are sometimes ashamed of Baptist, Conservative, AB Convention, -but We are brethren
2. We join together for instruction- & to do things we can't do separately- Missions, Camps, Training
3. But Evangelism- the New birth is like 1st birth- very personal- One person loving another

B.- WE NEED A BURDEN FOR NEW SOULS, THE PURPOSE OF OUR UNITY v. 21 -THAT THE WORLD MAY BELIEVE

1. Each church is autonomous, each Christian is an individual, but Our Unity must be with Christ
2. Some are more successful in winning Souls than others- let's learn from them! Avoid mistakes
3. If you want to see this church grow in spirit and numbers- be at Conference

C.- IF YOU HAVE NEVER WON A SOUL TO CHRIST, YOU HAVE MISSED WHAT JESUS IS TALKING ABOUT - v.22,3 

1. The purpose of human life, love, courtship, marriage,- is REPRODUCTION -commanded of God!
2. The purpose of Spiritual life is also love, winning people to Jesus, -Spirit-reproduction!
3. There is much for you to learn -Attend Conference- but ONLY JESUS CAN GIVE YOU THE LOVE - HEART!

We have too much playing around -not enough drawing people -making them one in Christ!

DO YOU HAVE UNITY WITH CHRIST OR MAN? DO YOU HAVE THE JOY OF UNITING SOMEONE ELSE WITH CHRIST?

1. Only by being Born again can you have unity with Christ, -and the Father!
2. Only in bringing someone else to Christ can you have unity with them- in Christ!
3. For all of man's plans- fun and games - I Cor 16:22 - "If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema;
Accursed"

Maranatha!  Our Lord cometh!