Doing Life Together

Doing Life Together James 1:22NKJ

There is the story of William Pitt, 1759-1806, British statesman and Prime Minister from 1783-1801, who once sought to expedite a crucial agreement in Parliament for the movement of the British fleet to defend against the French. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Lord Newcastle, had certain objections, but when Pitt called on the Chancellor endeavoring to resolve the differences, he found the Chancellor distinctly unhappy in bed suffering with gout. The bedroom was freezing, and when Pitt remarked on this, Lord Newcastle replied that the cold weather would hinder the fleet movement, but more particularly that the combination of the cold conditions and the gout would prevent any further discussion of the issue at that time, which Pitt quickly judged to be at the root of the problem. Begging the Chancellor's pardon, Pitt calmly removed his boots, climbed into bed and drew up the covers (apparently there was another bed in the room..), whereupon the two were able to discuss the matter and soon agreed a united way forward.

James 1:22NKJ But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

TM 22-23a Don’t fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!

If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it. (Michael Jordan)

Success is 10% ability, and 90% sweat.

Once again, “We aren’t called to be hearers only, we are called to be doers.”

The church in Acts “did life” together- they ate, studied, encouraged and supported one another in daily lives.

This thought came to me- “It’s nice to think that as I teach or preach that every person will get it and grow together, but that wasn’t Jesus’ way, nor the apostles way. Why would we be any different?”

* Acts 2: 42-47NLT All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper, and to prayer.

43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity— 47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

Fact: The best way to master new material and develop new habits is by teaching.

God’s saying, “Don’t just read, or hear the message- do it, teach it, live it!” (This is doing life together!)

5 different thing the apostles devotes themselves to:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching.

They devoted themselves to fellowship.

3. They devoted themselves to the Lord’s supper.

4. They devoted themselves in sharing meals.

5. They devoted themselves in prayer.

Results: Miraculous signs and wonders!

Acts 2: 44-47TM

The Jerusalem church was joyful because everything they accomplished was centered around Jesus Christ.

Benediction.