Open Access_pt4: Together In Christ

Romans 5:1–2 NIV

Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.

[ILLUSTRATION] - We are blessed to be in a country like ours.

We are proud of our country

There are times where it seems like it’s being ripped apart...

But in times of tragedy, we see the real human spirit and patriotism.

[STORY] - My boys wanted to watch the move World Trade Center

We wanted as a family and it brought back so many memories and emotions of that time. I was incredibly saddened to watch again.

It also made me very angry.

[POINT] - President Bush throwing out the first pitch at Yankee stadium.

We came together. As citizens of one nation.

Philippians 1:27 NLT

Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

[PAYOFF] - As great as our nation is, we are first citizens of an even better place.

True freedom unites us. Love unites us. JESUS!

Nehemiah - Rebuilding the city

There is a rebuilding done by Christ in our lives, community, Creation - it’s called THE CHURCH!

Together In Christ

As the Church, we work together.

Work together.

Nehemiah 6:15–16 NIV

So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

As the Church, we do life together.

Do life together.

Acts 2:44–47 NIV

All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

As the Church, we serve together.

Serve together.

Ephesians 4:11–13 NIV

So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

[TRANSITION] - Ministry doesn’t work without the BODY.

We must be one. We must be UNIFIED!

Unified

1 Corinthians 1:10 NIV

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

I cannot unite with the Body, unless I humble myself!

Humble myself!

Romans 6:5–7 NIV

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.

Doing life with others means getting close to others

Doing life with others means caring for others

Doing life with others mean I will forgive others!

Forgive others!

Colossians 3:12–14 NIV

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Trust each other!

2 Corinthians 6:11–13 NIV

We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians, and opened wide our hearts to you. We are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us. As a fair exchange—I speak as to my children—open wide your hearts also.

[ADD NOTES HERE!]

Take Away

John 17:21–26 NIV

that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world. “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”

We are connected by our faith in Christ and our love for one another!