|
|
Four Things That Unify People Introduction: March, 2010 Time Magazine, article "Eluding the White Death." Part of the article reads as follows, "Avalanche danger is highest just after a storm because the snow crystals have not had time to forge bonds to one another and to crystals in the existing snow pack. Typically, bonding occurs over a few days' time. Under certain conditions, however, the crystals never bond, but remain loose like a pile of poker chips. This dangerous situation commonly occurs where temperature are very cold. The shape of the crystals is important too. A layer of soft hailstones that behave like miniature ball bearings substantially increases the avalanche hazard. Once conditions are right, it doesn't take much to trigger a slide. And usually, there is very little warning. 'Sometimes you hear a crack. Sometimes the avalanche releases quietly, like rustling silk.'" I) Six Things Avalanches Teach Us A) It takes time to forge bonds to one another. 1. There is a difference between a pile of snow and a snow that is jointed together. 2. Corporations realize this, it takes time for work groups to come together. The same for sports teams, and the same for churches. 3. It take work to come together, can't abandon new converts or new babes in Christ. Tendency is to stop studying with them and just assume they will become part of the group. Studies should continue with new Christians. One member said the worst thing he did was obey the Gospel because then everyone quit coming to his house. B) Sometimes bond are never forged (bond of fellowship) 1. Have you been a part of a group, a member, but felt left out? 2. Dangerous situation for avalanches and churches. It means people are not emotionally involved, have not bought in to the group. C) It takes some degree of warmth to forge bonds 1. Snow must go through the cycle of becoming snow, thawing some, and then freezing back together. 2. Won't join together in complete cold. The same for us as members of the body of Christ, 1 Peter 4.8-9. D) Shape of ice crystals is a key factor (must have some rough edges and different shapes) 1. Example of taking rocks into a container, sand, and then water. The different sizes works to take up space. 2. Different characteristics work together to join us together. Gentle, forbearing, serving, encouraging, thoughtful, etc. 3. We have to change from "Just As I Am" to clay in the potter's hand. E) When conditions are right... 1. ...doesn't take much to trigger a slide. 2. When conditions are right: brethren are idle, error goes unchecked, inward focus, unlearned; when facts are replaced by feelings then bad things happen. When feelings are left out bad things happen. Jeremiah 17.9 F) Very little warning before the avalanche, sound of thunder or the sound of silk 1. Need to stay alert, work at avoiding one. 2. How? That is the next part. II) Four Things That Forge Bonds Of Unity A) A common foe -- brothers and sisters may fuss but don't get involved, Muslims have fought each other for centuries but they come together when others get involved. 1. "Our greatest problem today is not liberalism, modernism, nor even the divorce and re-marriage issues. Our greatest problem is brethren tearing one another apart." Quote from Max Dawson 2. We need to see who our enemy is, 1 Peter 5.8; James 4.7. B) A common tragedy binds people together. Refugees, immigrants come together in communities. Death of family member, sickness, etc. 1. 9/11 people came together to help those in New York City. New Orleans, people went down there to help them. 2. Our common tragedy is sin, Romans 3.23. We are a self help group with the blood of Christ. Romans 3.10 3. All of us face a serious judgment, 2 Corinthians 5.10; John 5.28,29 C) A common purpose -- Rodman vs. Jordan, the Oakland A's of the 1970s. 1. The church at Jerusalem were young but had a common purpose, Acts 4.32. 2. Even after persecution they were still together, Acts 9.31 3. What is our purpose? Ephesians 4.15-16 to grow in maturity, in strength, in numbers, in influence, in love D) A common blessing (interest) -- car clubs, teams come together when they forget themselves and work for our goal. 1. The young church, Acts 2.42, 46; 2 Corinthians 9.12-15 caused the gentiles to care about the converted Jews. 2. Our blessing, 1Peter 1.18-23 we have been re deemed with faith and hope. The new life we are to live. III) WE Need To Appreciate A) Our foe-- Satan; Our tragedy-- sin. B) Our purpose -- to grow in love; our blessing -- salvation. C) Based upon the Spirits unity statement, Ephesians 4.3-6. 1. We need to be spiritually joined together and go to work as a body. D) Are you standing alone? Why? John 17.20-21. (Adapted from a sermon by Carl McMurray)
|