James 5:13-20

1. Ever been in trouble? Problem? Predicament? Trial? Tribulation?
2. Ever been happy? Joyful? Blessed? Thankful? Appreciative?
3. Ever been sick? Felt crummy? Needed help? Out of money?
4. Ever sinned? Fallen short? Messed up? Made mistake?
5. Ever wandered? Drifted? Gotten lazy? Taken a detour?

WHAT DID YOU DO????

There is an isolationist movement going around…

1. In our culture
a. Front porch with swing has become back deck with privacy fence
b. Automatic garage door openers

2. In Christianity
a. God has been detached from religion
b. ABC philosophy (Anything But Church)

BUT…..IT’S NOT WORKING
40% Of Americans report frequent feelings of intense loneliness
Not only does it NOT work, it is the opposite of what God wants

James 5:13-20
Bag of marbles needs to become bag of grapes (Acts 2:42-47)
We need each other (1 Corinthians 12:21)
One Another passages (From Bob Russell)

OBJECTION
1. We are different
a. But we have the most important things in common
b. Plus even if we are vastly different: SO WHAT?
c. Plus we don’t need to share everything with everyone
i. Acquaintances = congregation
ii. Friends = class
iii. Companions = cell

Natural Church Development
1. Quality and Quantity
a. Is there a lot of laughter in your church
i. 33% declining
ii. 46% just growing
iii. 63% just healthy
iv. 68% growing
b. Hospitality- 2 months
i. 11 times declining
ii. 13 times just growing
iii. 16 times just healthy
iv. 17 times growing