"The Power of Oneness"

From the July 6, 2025 message “The Power of Oneness” by Elder Marcia Bumpers

Have you ever paused to consider what it means to be truly one—with God, with the Church, and with one another? The idea of oneness is not just theological—it’s practical, personal, and powerful. In a world that thrives on division, comparison, and isolation, God’s heart is still beating for unity.

Bone of My Bone: The Origin of Oneness

We first encounter this sacred concept of oneness in Genesis 2:23-24, when Adam declares:

This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh… and they shall become one flesh.

God created humanity with a built-in design for connection—unity between husband and wife, yes, but also a deeper spiritual oneness reflected in the relationship between Christ and His Church. Marriage becomes a mirror of divine unity, and unity becomes a picture of God's love.

Oneness in Christ: More Than Uniformity

Being one doesn’t mean being the same. We are different—diverse in backgrounds, personalities, and preferences—but in Christ, we are one. As Ephesians 4 reminds us, we are called to:

…walk worthy of the calling… with all humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

Unity takes effort. It’s not about everyone agreeing on everything, but everyone agreeing on one thing: Christ is Lord, and we belong to each other. That’s why gossip divides and love binds. If you can’t bring water to a fire, don’t bring gasoline. Protect unity at all costs—it’s sacred.

Christ in Everything, Everywhere

One of the most powerful truths in this sermon was this: “You don’t leave Christ at home.” Whether you’re at Walmart, work, or washing dishes—He’s there. If He’s in you, He goes where you go.

David said, “Where can I go from your Spirit?” (Psalm 139). The answer: nowhere. Christ is not reserved for Sunday morning. He’s with you in the mundane, the messy, and the miraculous. Jesus cooks, shops, hugs, cries, encourages—through you.

The Radical Inclusiveness of the Gospel

In Galatians 3:28, Paul writes:

There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. www.cornerstoneofarpelar.com Follow us on Facebook: CORNERSTONE of Arpelar, OK