Welcome!
Today: Growth through unity!
Passage: Eph 2, Prov 18
21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. (Eph 2, NIV 84)
A magnificent Church building makes no sense to God, unless God is in it
It doesn’t matter whether it is Westminster Abbey or St. Peter’s basilica
It could be a church with five people or five thousand!
If Jesus Christ is not dwelling within, a church does not impress God. If Jesus Christ is central, there will be unity and growth
Unity, holiness, growth; growth in quality and quantity; God dwells there
When the Church is growing, each individual is growing, to become more like Christ. Theoretically, the one who has been there for long should be the one that has grown the most! Instead, many are just “go”ing, not growing!
The purpose of the church is more than people coming together, singing and going back home. There are many spectators from “outside”!
10 His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, 11 according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3, NIV 84)
The angels from heaven as well as the demonic powers watch the Church
(The world and its powers/principalities are also watching the Church!)
To the angels, the church is a learning school; they watch the church and the worship curiously!
The demons will be scared by the true Church, because it is part of God’s kingdom, Jesus Christ is in charge, and there is unity and growth
That is why, we should be careful about each and everything we do in church!
Some people go back with a blessing; some go back with the opposite!
29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep(1 Cor 11, NIV 84)
When we plan and prepare songs for worship, when we prepare messages, it is not about presenting the best song or preaching a message that looks great;
Instead, that song/sermon should come from our heart (not lips); then it will it touch others. We need more prayer than preparation or practice!
I have read somewhere: “When the Church walk contrast with Church talk, there is a problem”
May God help us to walk and talk the same! Amen. Glory to God!
BG
Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming the gift of heaven, for us. Thank you for blessing us with your presence, power and promise. Help us to walk in your way and talk to others about you. Amen.
Proverbs 18 (verses below, from NIV 84)
4 The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
5 It is not good to be partial to the wicked or to deprive the innocent of justice.
6 A fool’s lips bring him strife, and his mouth invites a beating.
13 He who answers before listening—that is his folly and his shame.
20 From the fruit of his mouth a man’s stomach is filled; with the harvest from his lips he is satisfied.
21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.