2. Unity: Becoming a Successful Church

3. Why is unity so important? Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - “ 9 Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor. 10 For if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up. 11 Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.” Introduction

4. Why is unity so important? Roger Shouse - http://www.jumpstartsdaily.com/2014/01/03/jump-start- 1008/#sthash.vUJm06gu.dpuf http://www.jumpstartsdaily.com/2014/01/03/jump-start- 1008/#sthash.vUJm06gu.dpuf “…Fellowship is more than a name in a church directory. It is being connected, belonging and being accepted by others. It is being a part of the team. It is being counted on and wanted…” Purpose of our study

5. The Value of Unity The Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-6 v. 6 - “ 6 The Lord said, “Behold, they are one people, and they all have the same language. And this is what they began to do, and now nothing which they purpose to do will be impossible for them.”

6. The Value of Unity The Church of our Lord - Ephesians 4:4a - Jesus is the head of One Body (Ephesians 1:21-23; Colossians 1:18)

7. The Value of Unity The Church of our Lord - Ephesians 2:19-22 - “no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens” - bought with the same blood - Acts 20:28; Ephesians 1:7, 14; Titus 2:14 We are all one in Christ Jesus - Galatians 3:26-28

8. The Value of Unity The Church of our Lord - Ephesians 2:19-22 - “being fitted together…being built together” - 1 Corinthians 12:12-13, 25-27 - Each part has a role to play. Ephesians 4:11-16 - Each part is essential for success

9. Keys to Establishing Unity One Mind - John 17:20-21; Philippians 1:27 One Doctrine - 1 Corinthians 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:13 One Goal - Philippians 3:20-21; Colossians 3:1-3

10. Preserving Unity Humility toward One Another - Ephesians 4:1-3; Philippians 2:1-4 Evangelizing the Lost - Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16 Attendance is Necessary - Hebrews 10:24-25

11. Conclusion Unity - The success of a congregation depends upon their unity. The Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:7-9 The Church - Ephesians 3:10-11 Will you and I be united in our faith in Christ?