Surviving Together Series

SURVIVOR SERIES

#7 – SURVIVING TOGETHER

This morning, we are continuing with our sermon series entitled SURVIVOR!

And what we’ve been doing over the last several weeks is talking about how in these times of…

--bail outs

--bank forclosures

--mortgage crises

--bankruptcies

How that we can SURVIVE!

And I’ve given you several things that will ensure your survival in the times we’re living in

So far, we’ve talked about…

--the Assurance of Salvation

--surviving motherhood

--prayer

--the power of the Holy Spirirt

--worship

--knowledge

And today, I want to talk to you about one of the most IMPORTANT things that will ensure our SURVIVAL, and that is learning how to SURVIVE TOGETHER

For without question, the first banana that gets away from the bunch is the first one to get peeled

If we’re going to survive, we need EACH OTHER

And, not only are we going to talk about how you PERSONALLY will survive together with the church, but I’m also going to delve into how this church COLLECTIVELY – how WEST ROAD CHURCH will survive

As you know, we’ve been in intense spiritual warefare over the last few months – but no matter…

--what the devil does

--what Obama does

--what money is or is not in the bank

--what people do

We are going to SURVIVE

With that in mind, let’s read today’s text…

Acts 2:41-47 (KJV) 41Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. 42And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

INTRODUCTION

I begin with this thought: SATAN HATES THE TRUE CHURCH!

He’ll do everything he can to destroy any and every…

--Bible believing

--Bible practicing

--soul-winning

--God-loving

--Spirit-filled

--on fire

--worshipping

--active

Church!

He hates everything about it

He hates when we…

--sing

--preach

--teach

--win souls

--organize to become effective

He’ll use any method he can…

--discord

--division

--derision

--ridicule

--sin

--temptation

--fasle doctrine

--(even) people

But I’ve got news for the old devil, Jesus said that THE GATES OF HELL WOULD NOT PREVAIL, and this church is going to SURVIVE

West Road Church is going to…

--survive

--thrive

--reach its potential

--move forward

HERE’S THE KEY: IF we let God do what He wants to do in our midst

You see, I tell people when they take the Membership 101 class that there are two things about the church…

You’re needed!

Your…

--presence

--support

--faithfulness

--frutfulness

--smile

--inviting people

--prayers

--ministry

--willingness

--love

What kind of church would this be if all the members were just like me?

It makes a difference in this church and in the Kingdom of God – YOU’RE NEEDED!

I heard this story…

One day the mayor of a small city was driving through the city square when he noticed 2 city workers doing something rather unusual. Along one side of the main street, they were working steadily. One of the men was digging a hole in the ground, and the other was filling it back up. After watching them dig & fill several holes in this manner, the mayor, somewhat confused, confronted the 2 workers & asked for an explanation. "Well, sir," replied the first man, "we work for the city planting trees, and usually there are 3 of us - one to dig the hole, one to plant the tree, and one to cover it up. The guy who plants the tree called in sick today, but," he proudly announced, "we’re here & we’re doing our jobs anyway."

But not only are you NEEDED, but also…

You need it!

Because there’s no question but that you cannot survive…

--alone

--isolated

--disconnected

As Rick Warren says in the book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” we’re called not only to BELIEVE but to BELONG

And think of how many times the pronoun “we”, “they” and “them” is used, verses the “I” “me” and “mine” is used in scripture

Go back to…

Acts 2:1-4 ( KJV ) 1And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.