United to the Core
June 29, 2008
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Text: Philippians 2:1-4
Battle of the Bulge - The enemy looks for weakness in our lines to divide and conquer - He may cause a bulge, but he will not break through if we keep united!
What we are about - Great Commandment and Commission – Half of churches have added no members in 2 years - People see truth when they get close - Unchristian.
For us to keep taking ground for Christ’s sake we must be united to the core!
How do we stay united to the core?
1) By Christ’s reality
V1 - “if” - Yes! Jesus is in my life!!
A) Encouragement - Hand in hand with Jesus
B) Comfort from His love - his word gives me hope and strength
C) Fellowship with Spirit - Guided by God, evidencing God! - “The fact that we share in the Holy Spirit should keep unity!” Fruits!
D) Tenderness and compassion: The characteristics of Christ! “You will have a deep care for others and their struggles.”
Is Jesus Christ a reality in your life? Examine your life before you examine the life of another! Have you placed your life in His hands? "I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
Mentalities: me, mob, ostrich, herd, lottery, negative, positive, marriage, Christian, Meathead Christians? Truth - “A life with Christ will have a mind for love!”
2) Have a love mentality
V4 - “like-minded” - think along the lines of love - like Christ’s! A Love mentality - One with Spirit and purpose - To love God, others, and spread the Good news, and make Disciples - A Heart and soul for salvation!
A) V3 - Me mentality - Electioneering and putting yourself forward
“Dissension and a lack of unity in the church inevitably stems from a lack of love” - Al Neuharth
B) V3 - Love Mentality - “Humility” - This is the line of love! Mind set above -Looking up! Mind for God and others, then you - JOY! “Self promotion will cause serious division.”
C) Look out - V4 - Scoping out? Watch for ways to bless, help, protect, and pray for others - we are under attack!!
”Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” - Ecc 4:12
“The surest safeguard for a healthy church is to consider each other as more important than you.”
A people united to the core! Christ’s reality and a love mentality!
Conclusion
Rotten to the core - guy in neighborhood - always in trouble, fighting, feuding, I was afraid to be around him! Didn’t know what he was going to do! Just like many bodies that claim to be churches! OHC - United to the core! Jesus is reality and Love is the mentality!