08-22-2020, 02:59 PM
*RESTORATION TODAY*
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020
*TOPIC: TWO KINDS OF GROWTH*
"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16
*MESSAGE*
In this verse, Paul uses the analogy of the body to explain that as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body [the church of God] will become healthy and keep growing, full of love. Biologists tell us that there are two kinds of growth – symbiotic growth and parasitic growth.
Symbiotic growth is a give-and-take relationship where both sides benefit. Parasitic growth is when one side receives from the other but gives nothing back. So when we come out of church and say, “I didn’t get anything out of that service,” we’re probably practising parasitic growth.
It is parasitic growth if we want others to pray for us, preach to us, counsel us, help us, but expect nothing from us. Symbiotic growth, on the other hand, says “Yes, I have needs, but I’m willing to give, too, because everyone needs to benefit.” Our bodies are made up of different systems: the nervous system, circulatory system, muscular system, and so on. These systems rely on one another. They’re interdependent. So when one of them goes down, the rest of the body is also affected.
We must always remind ourselves that we are the church. The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ; God has put each part just where He wants it, so let us do our part. God wants us to be a fully functioning part of His church—a part that doesn’t just take, but gives too. And if we’re not sure what our ‘part’ is, we can ask Him and He’ll show us.
*ACTION POINT*
?️ What part are you currently playing in your local assembly? Ask God to show you where you could be serving and who you could be supporting within the church.
*SCRIPTURES*
1 Corinthians 12:12-18; Ephesians 4:1-16
*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Father, thank You for teaching me the right way to grow today.
2. Lord, give me the grace to play my part in building Your church on earth in the name of Jesus;
3. Father, help me to keep standing on Your promises in the name of Jesus.
*THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR*
2 Sam. 3, Micah 6, Rom. 11:16-36
SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, 2020
*TOPIC: TWO KINDS OF GROWTH*
"From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.” Ephesians 4:16
*MESSAGE*
In this verse, Paul uses the analogy of the body to explain that as each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body [the church of God] will become healthy and keep growing, full of love. Biologists tell us that there are two kinds of growth – symbiotic growth and parasitic growth.
Symbiotic growth is a give-and-take relationship where both sides benefit. Parasitic growth is when one side receives from the other but gives nothing back. So when we come out of church and say, “I didn’t get anything out of that service,” we’re probably practising parasitic growth.
It is parasitic growth if we want others to pray for us, preach to us, counsel us, help us, but expect nothing from us. Symbiotic growth, on the other hand, says “Yes, I have needs, but I’m willing to give, too, because everyone needs to benefit.” Our bodies are made up of different systems: the nervous system, circulatory system, muscular system, and so on. These systems rely on one another. They’re interdependent. So when one of them goes down, the rest of the body is also affected.
We must always remind ourselves that we are the church. The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up one whole body. So it is with the body of Christ; God has put each part just where He wants it, so let us do our part. God wants us to be a fully functioning part of His church—a part that doesn’t just take, but gives too. And if we’re not sure what our ‘part’ is, we can ask Him and He’ll show us.
*ACTION POINT*
?️ What part are you currently playing in your local assembly? Ask God to show you where you could be serving and who you could be supporting within the church.
*SCRIPTURES*
1 Corinthians 12:12-18; Ephesians 4:1-16
*PRAYER POINTS*
1. Father, thank You for teaching me the right way to grow today.
2. Lord, give me the grace to play my part in building Your church on earth in the name of Jesus;
3. Father, help me to keep standing on Your promises in the name of Jesus.
*THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR*
2 Sam. 3, Micah 6, Rom. 11:16-36