TITLE: Tear down the Walls
TEXT: Ephesians 2:14-18
PROPOSITION: Walls prevent peace in the church.
QUESTION: What?
KEY WORD: Types
READING: Same
INTRODUCTION:
1. We all
long for peace and harmony with others
2. The
absence of war does not constitute peace
I. Walls serve as a defense mechanism
A.
When
we feel threatened, a sense of danger
B.
Protect
me from your ideas invading my thinking
C.
Shield
me from your unkind words, criticism
II. Walls prevent communication
A.
Cycle
- Think, express, hear, process, feedback
B.
Cycle
breaks down at any point = no communication
C.
Elders,
deacons, members, teens, classes
We need to improve our
communication, ideas, thoughts, suggestions
D.
Don't
be hurt if every idea is not taken
III. Walls prevent sight
A.
Joy,
pain, hurts – "Nobody know the trouble I've seen"
B.
What
are you dealing with in your life right now?
C.
How
can I help?
IV. Walls compartmentalize us
A.
Name-calling:
liberal, Anti, 5-stepper
B.
Race,
education, wealth, position
V. Two types of walls
A.
Load
bearing - can't do without them.
B.
Interior
walls - can be moved, removed.
Conclusion:
We will never
find peace until the middle walls are torn down and removed.
Problem: Most
of our walls have no doors in them.
STOP BUILDING
WALLS! START OPENING DOORS!