London

August 2011

"If the young men are not initiated into the village,

they will burn it down –- just to feel it's warmth.” - African proverb

"If the young men are not initiated into the village,

they will burn it down –- just to feel it's warmth.” - African proverb

Why they Rioted:

• Isolated• Hopeless• Desperate• To Survive

Acts 19:25-2725 He called them together, along with the workers in

related trades, and said: “You know, my friends, that we receive a good income from this business. 26 And you see and hear how this fellow Paul has convinced and led astray large numbers of people here in Ephesus and in practically the whole province of Asia. He says that gods made by human hands are no gods at all. 27 There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis will be discredited; and the goddess herself, who is worshiped throughout the province of Asia and the world, will be robbed of her divine majesty.”

The Riot in Ephesus:

• Economic Crisis• Identity Threatened• Community under attack

Ephesians 4:1-61 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life

worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Characteristics of Our Calling

• Humility• Gentleness• Patience• Love• Peace

John 17:20-23

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

The Gospel We Share:

• You are

• There is

• You have

LOVED

HOPE

A FUTURE

Will you take the message?

Unity in Community