Notes-A Relationship Based Church
---We are members of one another . Because of our national church context we live in ,( denominationalism , institutionalisn , etc.) it's necessary to define this term of what being part of a church is . It isn't just "official membership ", it's real relationship .
---Relationship with God and one another. Jesus as our example...all he did was for His church . God in his mercy has shown us (no need be proud )he desires more than what a typical "church" has become .
---When we read Jesus' talks to his disciples ( JN. 17 ), the letters to the churches from Apostles , there's a closeness, a personal tone (2 COR 11). There's an affection and a tone of exhortation at times , They had a foundation of relationship .
---Love one another , bear one another , sacrifice for one another . Are we in travail with one another "till we all grow to maturity, ...till Christ (the "Annoited one" is formed within us ) Ask yourself--answer to ourselves . How are we doing in that area ? Is the zeal for God's house (His people ) all "consuming " or in a good way permeating all areas of our lives ? If we love God, we love his children , if not, we don't !. God's work in our life , is for us to grow in this area .
---How do we outwork all these wonderful Scriptures about body life (it's hard work at times .) The scripture is like DNA , (seed/ word )like a code ... the plan and pattern to build ...DNA has to build all the complex cells and systems etc. to make a body . "The word of the Lord is to grew and be multiplied.." in our lives .
---How can we deepen in practical ways ? We have to mature and strengthen amongst ourselves ,so that we can reach out in new relationships. How can we help one another to become all that He has called us to be ?
---Those who are brought together (in the church ) by God 's work. It's not an accident. We didn't plan that joining and fitting together, like the stones .
---Let's realize we all have so much to give for one another . We each have a treasure in our lives. Each of us has been equipped in different ways to serve , to disciple, to reach out . Each has been given an individual ministry , though it overlaps .
---This "outworking " will not always look "spiritual ", can be very practicle . Being together and taking the time to find out how we are doing . Jesus spoke of "those who continued in his trials." We're involved , we pray for one another .
---It's the glue that holds the joints / the supporting ligaments together. The seed of God's kingdom in our life ,becomes the largest of all the trees, " "being built together ...in love ... (EPH 4 ) " in the bonds of affection "... as a we grow up in Him "....
(Posted by Upwardcall.net )