Introduction to “ONE”

Unity is one of the most popular words about human relationships, yet one of the most elusive realities of human existence. This devotional and corresponding sermon series explore unity from both theological and practical angles. We will begin with the nature of God before moving into the positional and developmental unity of the church, the place of prayer in unity, and the ultimate vision of unity for the church. Along the way, we will also talk about practical guidance for living in unity.

As you work your way through this devotional, it may seem a bit different from what you are used to. Much like our previous devotionals at Eastbrook Church, this devotional is broken up into weeks. And much like the other devotionals in the Eastbrook 365 series, each week will begin with Sunday, where you (or your family/small group) will reflect on the worship service from that morning. Each Sunday you will find the same questions and prompts to help us together remember what we are studying. We hope that this will encourage you to continue to engage with corporate worship this year, even as many of us are not able to be physically together for corporate worship.

What makes this devotional different, however, is what we will be asking you to do from Monday through Saturday of each week. Each week, we will be studying one or more passages of scripture for ourselves for the entire week. While yes, the preacher each Sunday offers their own observations and takes on the passage, we know that the beautiful thing about the Word of God is that it can and will speak to each of us in varying shades, words, and images. As the author of Hebrews writes, “…the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12). This devotional is an opportunity for you to experience the living Word of God for yourself.

We believe that as you engage in deep study of the Word each day, we will all start to see the fullness of the Word of God as we journey together on this pilgrimage called “faith.” It is through these independent times of engaging with the text that we will begin to see the varying shades of God’s truth coalesce us together into a single shining light, unifying us around Him and His work in us.

Jesus’ own prayer over Christians in John 17 says, “[I pray] that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” This is our prayer for this devotional as well. We are excited to travel along with you, independently yet together, as we allow God to make us one.

About Eastbrook 365:
Due to the uncertainty of the season we find ourselves in, we at Eastbrook are writing and producing a year of daily devotionals that we are calling “Eastbrook 365.” These devotionals will align with our sermon series from September 2020-August 2021 and will help Eastbrookers near and far grow deeper in their relationship with Jesus, while also continuing to pilgrimage together as a Church.

You can read these devotionals in a variety of ways:

• Download the Eastbrook App for your phone and read each day (eastbrook.org/app)
• Download individual PDFs of each devotional to read at home or print out at home (eastbrook.org/devotionals)
• Sign up for the Eastbrook 365 Devotional email to be delivered to your inbox each morning (eastbrook.org/email)
• Pick up a paper copy at church as each devotional begins (limited copies available)

We pray God’s blessings on you as you spend time with Him each day.

How to Use this Devotional:

1. Plan a 30-minute window each day when you can thoughtfully do the daily reading and study. Set a time, create a pattern, and stick to it for all five weeks.
2. Decide whether you want to invite your friends, family, or small group to join you.
3. Each day of this devotional will be a little bit different. Be sure to read the instructions carefully each day.
4. Use this online version of the devotional readings to reach out to friends online and around the world. Invite them to follow along with you during this year of devotionals from Eastbrook, which we are calling “Eastbrook 365.” Find the online version at eastbrook.org/devotionals. Use Eastbrook’s Facebook page (facebook.com/eastbrookchurch) and other social media outlets such as Twitter and Instagram (@eastbrookchurch) to share ideas. Post your comments, thoughts, and questions in the online version. Read others’ comments. This is a great way to learn from the perspective of others.