As followers of Jesus, we are called to be more than just church attenders. We are called to be His church. That means we must take seriously the things Jesus prayed for and the way He asked us to live. In John 17, Jesus prayed not only for His disciples but also for all who would one day believe in Him. That includes you and me. And at the heart of His prayer was unity, holiness, and peace.
When we understand what Jesus prayed, it changes how we see ourselves and how we live as His church in Fayetteville, GA, and beyond.
Jesus Prayed for Unity
Before He went to the cross, Jesus prayed:
“I am not asking on behalf of them alone, but also on behalf of those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me”
John 17:20–21
Think about that for a moment. In His final hours, Jesus prayed for all of us and for you personally. What did He ask? That we would live in unity, reflecting the oneness of the Father and the Son.
Unity is not just a nice idea. It’s the very evidence that the world needs to see to believe that God sent Jesus. Division distracts, but unity testifies to God’s truth and love. At New Vision Church in Fayetteville, GA, we want to be a people who actively promote unity.
Living in the Word of God
Jesus also prayed,
“Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”
John 17:17
As His church, we must be shaped by the Word of God. That means reading Scripture, memorizing it, and letting it guide our lives. Too often we say, “I learned that once,” but God calls us to continually refresh our hearts with His truth.
Social media will not set you free. Endless scrolling will only steal your time, but the Word of God has the power to transform, purify, and direct your life. If we want to look different from the world, then our lives must be built on the truth of Scripture.
Being Peacemakers
Jesus also taught,
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
Peace doesn’t happen by accident. In a world of division, conflict, and broken relationships, His church should be known as a people who bring peace. We are not meant to add to the chaos or stir up division. Instead, we should be mediators, reconcilers, and examples of Christ’s love.
Ultimately, true peace is only found in Jesus. When Christ is at the center, we are drawn together into His peace. If we are children of God, our lives should reflect His peace in both the church and the world.
Pursuing Purity
As Christ’s church, we are also called to purify ourselves. Ephesians 5 says that Christ loved the church so much that He gave Himself up for her, “to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word” (Ephesians 5:26).
God is at work purifying His people. Sometimes the heat is turned up in our lives, and the pressure feels overwhelming. However, that refining process is for our good; it shapes us to be more like Jesus.
James reminds us, “Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world” (James 4:8). Purity of heart means willing one thing: to know God and to do His will.
Practical Applications
So what does this mean for us today?
- Promote unity – Refuse to be a source of division. Choose words and actions that bring people together.
- Stay rooted in Scripture – Read, memorize, and meditate on God’s Word daily. Replace scrolling with page-turning.
- Be a peacemaker – Look for opportunities to reconcile, to mediate, and to reflect Christ’s peace in your home, workplace, and church.
- Pursue personal purity – Stop looking at how others are failing and start asking, “Am I right with God?” Let Him purify your heart and shape your loyalty to Him alone.
At New Vision Church in Fayetteville, GA, we believe the local church is God’s plan to reach the world. That’s why we gather every Sunday to worship, study the Bible, and encourage one another to live out our faith.
We invite you to join us:
- Sundays at 10 AM at 479 Inman Road, Fayetteville, GA
- Sundays at 5:30 PM at 193 Johnson Avenue, Fayetteville, GA
Come be a part of a church near you that is seeking unity, peace, and purity in Christ.