Unity

This sermon was preached by Scotty L Killingsworth to the Evergreen Congregation on Sunday morning November 11, 2003.

Vision Sermon on Unity

Text for the sermon:

Psalm 133 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!

2 It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down upon the collar of his robes. 3 It is as if the dew of Hermon

were falling on Mount Zion. For there the LORD bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.

Amos 3:3 Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?

Ecclesiastes 4:8 There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. “For whom am I toiling,” he asked, “and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?” This too is meaningless—a miserable business! 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: 10 If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. 11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? 12 Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

John 17:11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one.

John 17:20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21that 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. 22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

God places the highest value on unity. There is complete unity in the Godhead. When the people of God come together in unity behind a common vision or goal it is a beautiful and powerful thing. My hope and deepest prayer is that we can become a church unified. Unity may be our most obvious missing ingredient.

Evergreen Church has a lot of important parts in place to become a mighty force for good. (1) The most important thing we have going for us is that the hand of God on us. (2) Our property is in an ideal location to take advantage of the rapid growth of the area. (3) We have a great facility that God has given us and we are learning to use it very efficiently. (5) We have the most talented, hard-working and dedicated Vocational Staff anywhere. (6) We are blessed with unlimited potential (fields white unto harvest)

(7) We are unified under a very clear Mission statement and core values. (8) Evergreen Church is filled with willing workers. We have a huge supply of energy to meet needs and serve the community in Jesus’ name. (9) Evergreen is a redeeming church where everyone gets a second chance to reach their spiritual destiny.

What is the vision for Evergreen Church?

Our vision is to become a great north west Greene County church in all ways.

1. Evergreen is becoming a great church in the community. We are in partnership with Willard Central Grade School and help with school supplies and Christmas gifts. Some of you are involved in one of our ministries that seek to bless community heroes like police, firemen and teachers with gifts of appreciation. Others serve at the Kitchen and lead worship at the Victory Mission. Our student ministry provided a meal for the Willard football team and coaches before each game. One Community Group is heavily involved in the Ronald McDonald House. A Small Maintenance And Repair Team is coming together and will soon be open for business to help single parents and those who need a little support with fix up projects around the house. The community involvement list goes one and on.

2. Evergreen is becoming a great church in the area of redeeming lives and families.

In a day when family strife is at epidemic proportions we are taking steps in the area of prevention. Our Community Groups provide support for families in crisis. We have counselors who have volunteered to help. We want to become a church that helps redeem lives and families for the glory of God.