Growing up in the faith (2)

Body of Christ

Ephesians 4:16

Ephesians 4:16 NIV

From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

We are the body of Christ.

Paul gives us the picture of the body. The body is joined and held together by every supporting ligament. Our bodies work together in unity. Every ligament supports our bodies as they grow.

Each member is important. Each member is valuable. Each member is indispensible.

In the body of Christ, we need each other regardless of church affiliation. When we belong to Christ, we are one.

Ephesians 4:1-6

Ephesians 4:1–6 NIV

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

The body of Christ grows and builds itself up in love. (agape)

John 13:34-35

John 13:34–35 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

What do you think that agape love looks like today? We live in a different culture than the early church lived in, but how does how should this love that Jesus spoke of show within the body of Christ? The local church? The larger community?

It’s important that we grow numerically.

Matthew 28:19

Matthew 28:19 NIV

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

This means numerical growth, but numerical growth is of little value if there is no discipleship which means that we don’t mature as believers.

Philippians 3:14

Philippians 3:14 NIV

I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Over the next several weeks, we are going to look at some spiritual disciplines.

Brandon Cox

Personal Spiritual Disciplines for my walk with God

PRAYER

FASTING

READING/MEDITATING/PRAYING THE WORD OF GOD

Spiritual Disciplines for my walk with other believers

WORSHIP

2. FELLOWSHIP

3. GIVING

Spiritual Disciplines for my walk in the world

1. MODERATION

Not over indulging

Not being greedy

2. SHARING

Witnessing

3. CARING

Caring for those in need.