TITLE: Tear down the Walls

TEXT: Ephesians 2:10-14

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. Protect me from your ideas invading my thinking.

          B. Shield me form 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.

          B. What are you dealing with in your life right now?

          C. How can I help?

IV. Walls compartmentalize us.

          A. Name-calling: liberal, Democrat

          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!