Read: Acts 15
Watch: https://bibleproject.com/videos/wisdom-in-relationships
This week, we’re wrapping up our series, “8 Marks of a Healthy Church,” taken from the Book of Acts. Our final mark is, “We R2B a Gospel-Centered People.” To understand what this looks like in action, we’ll turn to Acts 15 and examine some of the challenges the early church faced.
What Does “Gospel-Centered” Mean?
To be Gospel-centered simply means keeping the Good News of Jesus Christ first and foremost in everything we do. Our “We R2B” identity calls us to embody this truth—to truly be people who hold the Gospel in the very depths of who we are, as individuals, and as His Church.
Our mission statement, “Knowing, Following, and Sharing Jesus Christ,” perfectly reflects this Gospel-centered focus. Similarly, our vision statement, “To be a Christ-centered international community where people are known, loved, and equipped to serve for Kingdom work globally,” reiterates this commitment. Being “Christ-centered” means Jesus is our main focus, guiding our purpose, direction, actions, and very being. He must be at the center of everything!
Unity: The Fruit of Gospel-Centeredness
The second crucial idea that helps us understand Gospel-centeredness is unity. Jesus Himself prayed for His followers to possess unity (John 17:21-23). He desired for us to experience the same profound Trinitarian unity He shared with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ longing is that our experience of such unity would be so evident that the world would recognize Him as the one sent by, and loved by, the Father.
Paul further develops this theme in his letter to the Ephesian church (Ephesians 4:1-6). He urged them (and us) to: “live a life worthy of the calling.” As “We R2B,” we are to be humble, gentle, patient, and to bear with one another in love. We are to make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Why? Because we are one body, one Spirit. We share one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism; and one God and Father who is over all, through all, and in all! Truly, We R2B One!
Pray: Jesus, we agree with your prayer! Make us One in You!
Discussion Questions:
1. The statement “We R2B One!” is a powerful call to unity. Given the diverse nature of people and opinions, what personal attitudes, biases, or preferences might sometimes prevent you from fully embracing this unity within the “one body” of Christ?
How can actively centering yourself on the Gospel help you overcome these barriers?
2. “Gospel-centered” is “keeping the Good News of Jesus Christ first and foremost in everything we do.” What does “everything we do” practically mean for your daily life (e.g., choices, conversations, spending habits, reactions to challenges)?
Where do you find it easiest, and most difficult, to truly keep the Gospel first?
3. Our mission and vision statements emphasize “Knowing, Following, and Sharing Jesus Christ” and being a “Christ-centered international community.”
Reflect on how well your personal spiritual journey aligns with these statements.
In what areas are you actively knowing Jesus more deeply, following Him more obediently, and sharingHim more intentionally?
4. Jesus’ prayer for Trinitarian unity among His followers (John 17:21-23) highlights so “the world will know that Jesus is the sent one and loved by the Father.”
Think about a time when you witnessed profound unity among believers. How did that unity impact you or others?
Conversely, when has disunity within the church hindered the Gospel message, and what role, if any, did you play in that situation?
5. Paul’s exhortation in Ephesians 4:1-6 calls for humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love to “keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Which of these virtues do you find most challenging to embody in your interactions with other believers, especially those with whom you might disagree?
What specific steps can you take this week to “make every effort” to foster peace and unity in a relationship or group where it’s needed?