Presentation of the Keys of the Building
For The Sweda Group, I present the keys of this building to the Mayor of Elyria, may this building always be a positive influence on your community.
Acceptance of the keys of the building
On behalf of the city of Elyria, I Mayor Grace accept these keys. I now present the keys of this building to the Board and Elders of Church of the New Harvest, assuring you it is worthy of the holy use for which it is intended, a house of worship and a beacon to this community.
Acceptance of the keys of the building
On behalf of the board and Elders, we receive these keys symbolizing our acceptance of this building purchased for the congregation of this church, to be set apart from common uses to the worship of God, the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Christ.
Presentation of the Church building to the congregation
On behalf of the board and Elders, I do now pass the keys of this church, constructed for the purpose of worship, fellowship, teaching, and preaching, to the congregation of Church of the New Harvest, to be used as the church home of this congregation. I would urge everyone to show in their daily lives a testimony of the Spirit of our Lord and Savior, and bear witness in this community to the mission and message of Christ whose name we delight in.
Acceptance of the church home of Church of the New Harvest
As a member of Church of the New Harvest and an elder, I accept these keys. This congregation is aware of the great responsibility that has been placed upon it, and is ready to make a covenant with God to use this church home for the purpose intended. I now present this building to our minister to be dedicated to the Glory of God and His divine purposes.
Minister:
We are indeed thankful that God has stirred the hearts of His people to provide this building for us, and we know that He is the one who has made a way where there seemed to be no way and may He continue to bless this opportunity. With gratitude we receive it for its intended use.
Let us now proceed to set it apart for its proper and holy uses, to the praise and honor of God and to service this community in the loving spirit of Christ our Lord. Let us humbly unite our hearts in fervent prayer, thanking God for His goodness, and seeking His blessing.
The People shout: Grace; Grace to it, may God bless it! May God bless it!
Open door and pastor and family lead people in.
I was glad when they said to me, “let us go to the house of the Lord”.
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Psalms 127:1
Praise and worship
Back towards the end of May some of you may remember coming here and claiming this building as our church. Well here we are!!!
21 Then Jesus told them, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and don’t doubt, you can do things like this and much more. You can even say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. 22 You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.”
There may have been a mountain standing in front of us when it come to attaining this building but we had the faith to believe we received.
Do you remember when I asked everyone to close their eyes and picture us in this building?
I said if you can see it you need to have the faith to believe it. Well look around and see what your Lord has done!!
Mark 11:23-24:
23 I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. 24 I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.
Zechariah 4:6-10:
6 Then he said to me, “This is what the Lord says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. 7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: ‘May God bless it! May God bless it!’ Hebrew ‘Grace, grace to it.’
Zerubbabel was given the responsibility of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem and he saw that the task was carried out. Much like us here at Church of the New Harvest.
How many of you know it is only through God’s spirit that anything of lasting value is accomplished. We here were determined, not to trust in our own strength or abilities. Instead we depended on God and we worked in the power of his spirit!
8 Then another message came to me from the Lord: 9 “Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has sent me. 10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”
Sure there may be bigger and more beautiful buildings that that doesn’t mean they are better.
What you do for God may seem small and insignificant at the time, but God rejoices in what is right, not necessary in what is big. Be faithful in the small opportunities. Begin where you are and do what you can, and leave the results to God.
And if you don’t believe me just look what God has all ready done.
All He ask is that we make a commitment to serving Him.
A quote” Until I am committed there is a hesitancy, a chance to draw back. But the moment I definitely commit myself, then God commits Himself also, and whole streams of events erupt. All manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, persons and material assistance- which I never would have dreamed would come my way- begin to flow toward me the moment I make a commitment.”
Prov 16:3 says “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Endurance
Endurance means to outlast the problem.
To endure means to stay under something because God is saying don’t run away from it.
Only when God says that he is finished - only then should we move on.
Many people are running away because they are uncomfortable with their present situation but God is not saying to run or leave he’s saying stay under that authority in that difficulty place, don’t run because it’s hard, He wants to do a work in you and He isn’t finished with you here yet.
He may even have you in this place for someone else’s benefit.
There will be times in our lives when we will have to stay somewhere that’s uncomfortable to us for someone else’s benefit.
God will give you the strength and power that you will need to endure.
If we will endure we will also reign with Him.
James 1 tells us that trials are valuable.
James 1:2-Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
It’s during trials that we learn to lean on Jesus and to dig in deeper and deeper.
The Bible doesn’t say if troubles come your way but when it does. He assumes that we will have troubles and that it is possible to profit from them.
The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain but to have a positive outlook because of what troubles can produce in our life.
The Bible tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning.
In Gods school no one flunks out we just keep taking the test over and over again until we pass the test he has for us.
Trials also tempt us to show forth any bad character that we have in us.
We can’t really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It’s easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly?
God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain. Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth.
Tough times can teach us perseverance.
Thank God for promising to be with us in rough times.
Ask him to help you solve your problems or give you strength to endure them. Then be patient.
Patience is not waiting its how you behave while you are waiting.
Hebrews 6:12:
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
John 16:33:
33I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
God is tearing down strong holds in our lives called:
Deception: When the enemy sends deception your way, it is an attempt to deceive you into believing something that is not true, so you will fall into error.
Strongholds are built through deception. A stronghold is formed when deception takes hold in a person's mind. A stronghold is an incorrect thinking pattern that stems from believing something that is not true.
Temptations: When the enemy tempts you, he's showing you the worm... but behind that worm is a hook. The Word of God helps you see the hook behind the worm.
Accusations: The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10). He is known to take a believer who has done an embarrassing or gross sin in their past, and continue to rub it in their faces and beat them down with guilt and condemnation over their past.
God will always finish the work he begun in us.
Sometimes we can’t see the finished product because Satan blocks are view - with fear, doubt or any other lies he may say. Are response should be Satan get thee behind me.
When Your Hut's on Fire....
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him.
Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky.
He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost.
He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?"
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island!
It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
Hebrews 12:1-4:
Hebrews 12
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
The Christian life isn’t easy and involves hard work. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, and to run with endurance.
To live effectively we must keep our eyes on Jesus, we will stumble if we look away to stare at ourselves or our circumstances surrounding us.
Will you say this morning I am moving forward and will you receive what God has for you today.
To endure means to stay under something because God is saying don’t run away from it.
Only when God says that he is finished - only then should we move on.
Many people are running away because they are uncomfortable with their present situation but God is not saying to run or leave he’s saying stay under that authority in that difficulty place, don’t run because it’s hard, He wants to do a work in you and He isn’t finished with you here yet.
He may even have you in this place for someone else’s benefit.
There will be times in our lives when we will have to stay somewhere that’s uncomfortable to us for someone else’s benefit.
God will give you the strength and power that you will need to endure.
If we will endure we will also reign with Him.
James 1 tells us that trials are valuable.
James 1:2-Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
It’s during trials that we learn to lean on Jesus and to dig in deeper and deeper.
The Bible doesn’t say if troubles come your way but when it does. He assumes that we will have troubles and that it is possible to profit from them.
The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain but to have a positive outlook because of what troubles can produce in our life.
The Bible tells us to turn our hardships into times of learning.
In Gods school no one flunks out we just keep taking the test over and over again until we pass the test he has for us.
Trials also tempt us to show forth any bad character that we have in us.
We can’t really know the depth of our character until we see how we react under pressure. It’s easy to be kind to others when everything is going well, but can we still be kind when others are treating us unfairly?
God wants to make us mature and complete, not to keep us from all pain. Instead of complaining about our struggles, we should see them as opportunities for growth.
Tough times can teach us perseverance.
Thank God for promising to be with us in rough times.
Ask him to help you solve your problems or give you strength to endure them. Then be patient.
Patience is not waiting its how you behave while you are waiting.
Hebrews 6:12:
12 Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance.
John 16:33:
33I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
God is tearing down strong holds in our lives called:
Deception: When the enemy sends deception your way, it is an attempt to deceive you into believing something that is not true, so you will fall into error.
Strongholds are built through deception. A stronghold is formed when deception takes hold in a person's mind. A stronghold is an incorrect thinking pattern that stems from believing something that is not true.
Temptations: When the enemy tempts you, he's showing you the worm... but behind that worm is a hook. The Word of God helps you see the hook behind the worm.
Accusations: The devil is known as the accuser of the brethren (Rev 12:10). He is known to take a believer who has done an embarrassing or gross sin in their past, and continue to rub it in their faces and beat them down with guilt and condemnation over their past.
God will always finish the work he begun in us.
Sometimes we can’t see the finished product because Satan blocks are view - with fear, doubt or any other lies he may say. Are response should be Satan get thee behind me.
When Your Hut's on Fire....
The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island.
He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him.
Every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.
Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect himself from the elements, and to store his few possessions.
One day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, with smoke rolling up to the sky.
He felt the worst had happened, and everything was lost.
He was stunned with disbelief, grief, and anger. He cried out, "God! How could you do this to me?"
Early the next day, he was awakened by the sound of a ship approaching the island!
It had come to rescue him! "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied.
The Moral of This Story: It's easy to get discouraged when things are going bad, but we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of our pain and suffering. Remember that the next time your little hut seems to be burning to the ground. It just may be a smoke signal that summons the Grace of God.
Hebrews 12:1-4:
Hebrews 12
God’s Discipline Proves His Love
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. 3 Think of all the hostility he endured from sinful people; then you won’t become weary and give up. 4 After all, you have not yet given your lives in your struggle against sin.
The Christian life isn’t easy and involves hard work. It requires us to give up whatever endangers our relationship with God, and to run with endurance.
To live effectively we must keep our eyes on Jesus, we will stumble if we look away to stare at ourselves or our circumstances surrounding us.
Will you say this morning I am moving forward and will you receive what God has for you today.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
One Body, Many Parts
THE CHURCH:
MANY MEMBERS, ONE BODY
Intro.
1. Two extreme attitudes in the church: “I can do everything” & “I can’t do anything.” Both attitudes are wrong: One is borne of pride & selfishness; the other of not knowing the value of every saint.
2. Have you ever seen posters in doctor’s office of human body (names, systems, etc.).
1 Cor. 12:12-31One Body with Many Parts
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.
But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
3. – Holy Spirit gives us a “poster” of the body of Christ the (church), displaying its unity as individual parts join together to function harmoniously & effectively as a church of Christ.
I. WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST - 12:27.
A. The Church is One Body with Many Members –
1. Baptized into one body –
-We all share a common faith, conversion, fellowship & goal.
2. Body can grow & function effectively –Ephesians 4:15-16:
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. ;
B. The Body Illustrates Our Unity in Christ –
Ephesian 4:3-6:
3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.),
1. The local church is to be united –
2. The church is not to be a “battle zone”!
(Example of a team)
II. THE BODY (CHURCH): MANY MEMBERS.
A. God has designed the Church (body) to achieve His Purposes – (Applied to miraculous gifts – 12:1-12)
1. Different gifts – Same Spirit – 12:4. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all (we all have been blessed)
2. Different ministries – Same Lord – 12:5There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. (We render diff. services)
3. Different activities (works) – Same God – 12:6God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.. (thru diff. ways)
-Illus. with human body-
B. Each Member of the Body of Christ:
1. Is vital – [You are valuable in the church! What you do is valuable to the church!]
a. Young person who sets a godly example.
b. Elderly saint whose endurance inspires others.
c. The mother who teaches her children the ways of God.
d. The father who leads his house in righteousness.
e. The class teacher, preacher, song leader, prayer, etc.
2. Is needed –
a. - No one is to be a “church boss” – a dominating Diotrephes – 3 Jno. 9. (cf. intimidation, manipulation, etc.)
b. – Weaker members are necessary, too. (Humility toward all is crucial for our success! – Rom. 12:3 tells us don’t think we are better than we really are.
3. Is honorable –
a. Opinionated “ranking” of importance among brethren is wrong!
b. Just as we adorn our body so that all parts are honorably presented (modest), God has arranged the body of Christ (church) in such a way that the honor of every member is displayed – cf. how we treat one another & others – Jas. 2:1-4. 1 My dear brothers and sisters,[a] how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting[b] dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
4. has mutual care for one another –
a. – Where there is division this is impossible! (cf. helping one another remain faithful –
Gal. 6:1-2; 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 1 Ths. 5:14.
b. – In Christ, there is an intertwining of our care for one another, dependence upon each other, our devotion to each other in joy & sorrow, in pleasure & pain, in life & death – of our lives together in Christ! - Rom. 12:5 (we are members of one another!),
III. APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE.
A. We Must Respect Our Head (Christ) in All Things – Col. 3:17.
1. In what we believe, teach and practice.
2. Insist on Bible authority – by it our Head directs us!
B. We Must Do Our Part So the Body Properly Functions – Eph. 4:16. “16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
1. Individuals function which works for the good of the whole.
2. When you or I do not do our part the body suffers!
a. Are you teaching or will you be teaching a Bible class?
b. Are you praying for your brethren?
c. Are you encouraging others in word & actions?
d. Are you burying your blessings instead of using them to help the church & glorify our Lord?
e. Are you using or abusing the gift of time the Lord gives us?
C. We Must Endeavor to Keep Unity Among Us –
1. So that no formal division in or separation from a church or religious body occurs – .
2. A fractured body is unable to function adequately, it takes a long time to heal, and without proper care leads to a lifetime of pain!
Conclusion
1. None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something!
2. May everything we do honor Christ & His body, the church.
MANY MEMBERS, ONE BODY
Intro.
1. Two extreme attitudes in the church: “I can do everything” & “I can’t do anything.” Both attitudes are wrong: One is borne of pride & selfishness; the other of not knowing the value of every saint.
2. Have you ever seen posters in doctor’s office of human body (names, systems, etc.).
1 Cor. 12:12-31One Body with Many Parts
12 The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ. 13 Some of us are Jews, some are Gentiles, some are slaves, and some are free. But we have all been baptized into one body by one Spirit, and we all share the same Spirit.
14 Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. 15 If the foot says, “I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,” that does not make it any less a part of the body. 16 And if the ear says, “I am not part of the body because I am not an eye,” would that make it any less a part of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would you hear? Or if your whole body were an ear, how would you smell anything?
18 But our bodies have many parts, and God has put each part just where he wants it. 19 How strange a body would be if it had only one part! 20 Yes, there are many parts, but only one body. 21 The eye can never say to the hand, “I don’t need you.” The head can’t say to the feet, “I don’t need you.”
22 In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary. 23 And the parts we regard as less honorable are those we clothe with the greatest care. So we carefully protect those parts that should not be seen, 24 while the more honorable parts do not require this special care. So God has put the body together such that extra honor and care are given to those parts that have less dignity. 25 This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. 26 If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.
27 All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. 28 Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church:
first are apostles,
second are prophets,
third are teachers,
then those who do miracles,
those who have the gift of healing,
those who can help others,
those who have the gift of leadership,
those who speak in unknown languages.
29 Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? 30 Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! 31 So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts.
But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.
3. – Holy Spirit gives us a “poster” of the body of Christ the (church), displaying its unity as individual parts join together to function harmoniously & effectively as a church of Christ.
I. WE ARE THE BODY OF CHRIST - 12:27.
A. The Church is One Body with Many Members –
1. Baptized into one body –
-We all share a common faith, conversion, fellowship & goal.
2. Body can grow & function effectively –Ephesians 4:15-16:
15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. ;
B. The Body Illustrates Our Unity in Christ –
Ephesian 4:3-6:
3 Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. 4 For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. 5 There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 and one God and Father, who is over all and in all and living through all.),
1. The local church is to be united –
2. The church is not to be a “battle zone”!
(Example of a team)
II. THE BODY (CHURCH): MANY MEMBERS.
A. God has designed the Church (body) to achieve His Purposes – (Applied to miraculous gifts – 12:1-12)
1. Different gifts – Same Spirit – 12:4. There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all (we all have been blessed)
2. Different ministries – Same Lord – 12:5There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. (We render diff. services)
3. Different activities (works) – Same God – 12:6God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.. (thru diff. ways)
-Illus. with human body-
B. Each Member of the Body of Christ:
1. Is vital – [You are valuable in the church! What you do is valuable to the church!]
a. Young person who sets a godly example.
b. Elderly saint whose endurance inspires others.
c. The mother who teaches her children the ways of God.
d. The father who leads his house in righteousness.
e. The class teacher, preacher, song leader, prayer, etc.
2. Is needed –
a. - No one is to be a “church boss” – a dominating Diotrephes – 3 Jno. 9. (cf. intimidation, manipulation, etc.)
b. – Weaker members are necessary, too. (Humility toward all is crucial for our success! – Rom. 12:3 tells us don’t think we are better than we really are.
3. Is honorable –
a. Opinionated “ranking” of importance among brethren is wrong!
b. Just as we adorn our body so that all parts are honorably presented (modest), God has arranged the body of Christ (church) in such a way that the honor of every member is displayed – cf. how we treat one another & others – Jas. 2:1-4. 1 My dear brothers and sisters,[a] how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
2 For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting[b] dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, 4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?
4. has mutual care for one another –
a. – Where there is division this is impossible! (cf. helping one another remain faithful –
Gal. 6:1-2; 1 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. 1 Ths. 5:14.
b. – In Christ, there is an intertwining of our care for one another, dependence upon each other, our devotion to each other in joy & sorrow, in pleasure & pain, in life & death – of our lives together in Christ! - Rom. 12:5 (we are members of one another!),
III. APPLYING THE PRINCIPLE.
A. We Must Respect Our Head (Christ) in All Things – Col. 3:17.
1. In what we believe, teach and practice.
2. Insist on Bible authority – by it our Head directs us!
B. We Must Do Our Part So the Body Properly Functions – Eph. 4:16. “16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.
1. Individuals function which works for the good of the whole.
2. When you or I do not do our part the body suffers!
a. Are you teaching or will you be teaching a Bible class?
b. Are you praying for your brethren?
c. Are you encouraging others in word & actions?
d. Are you burying your blessings instead of using them to help the church & glorify our Lord?
e. Are you using or abusing the gift of time the Lord gives us?
C. We Must Endeavor to Keep Unity Among Us –
1. So that no formal division in or separation from a church or religious body occurs – .
2. A fractured body is unable to function adequately, it takes a long time to heal, and without proper care leads to a lifetime of pain!
Conclusion
1. None of us can do everything, but all of us can do something!
2. May everything we do honor Christ & His body, the church.
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