Experiencing Growth

IT’S WHO WE ARE

Matthew 16:18 (KJV), Matthew 12:46-50 (KJV)

We are Jesus’ assembly and congregation. (Matthew 16:18 (KJV))

In this verse, Jesus is referring to the establishment of His church or assembly. The term “church” in this context is derived from the Greek word “ekklēsia,” which means a gathering or assembly of people. Jesus is essentially declaring that He will build His assembly or congregation on the foundation of the faith that Peter expressed in acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, the Son of the living God (as mentioned in the preceding verses).

This verse is often interpreted as the moment when Jesus established His church, and it carries the idea that the faith and confession of Peter, along with the foundational teachings of Christ, will be the basis upon which the Christian community, or the assembly of believers, will be built. It signifies the beginning of the Christian church and emphasizes the enduring nature of the church despite opposition or challenges (“the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”).

We are Jesus’ called out ones. (Matthew 16:18 (KJV))

The concept of being “called out” is related to the term “church” (Greek: “ekklēsia”), which refers to a gathering or assembly of people who are called out from the world to follow Christ. Believers in Jesus are considered the “called out ones” or the “church,” united in their faith and commitment to Christ.

While the specific phrase is not used in the verse itself, the idea of being called out and set apart for Christ’s purpose is an important aspect of Christian theology and the understanding of the church’s role in the world. Believers are called to be a distinct community, living according to the teachings and principles of Jesus, and bearing witness to His love and truth.

We are Jesus’ family. (Matthew 12:46-50 (KJV))

In this passage, Jesus is emphasizing that spiritual relationships, based on faith and obedience to God, are just as significant as biological family relationships. He is teaching that those who follow God’s will and become His disciples are considered His spiritual family.

So, when you mention, “We are Jesus’ family,” it aligns with the message in this passage. Jesus is highlighting that His family is not limited to biological ties but extends to all who believe in Him and seek to follow God’s will. This underscores the importance of a spiritual connection and commitment to Jesus as Lord and Savior, which makes believers part of His spiritual family.

IT’S WHAT WE NEED

Ephesians 4:11-16 (KJV)

We need to be equipped for ministry. (Ephesians 4:12 (KJV))

This verse emphasizes several key points:

  1. Perfecting (equipping) of the saints: Church leaders are tasked with the responsibility of preparing and equipping the members of the congregation, often referred to as “saints,” for their respective roles in ministry. This includes providing education, training, and spiritual guidance to help believers grow in their faith and effectively serve God.
  2. Work of the ministry: Church leaders are to enable and encourage every member of the church to engage in various forms of ministry or service within the body of Christ. Ministry involves serving others, spreading the gospel, and fulfilling the mission of the church.
  3. Edifying (building up) of the body of Christ: One of the goals of equipping and ministry is the building up or edification of the entire church community. This includes fostering spiritual growth, unity, and maturity within the body of Christ, creating a strong and harmonious congregation.

In summary, Ephesians 4:12 emphasizes the role of church leadership in equipping and preparing the members of the church for effective ministry. It underscores the importance of empowering and building up believers for the work of service in the body of Christ.

We need to be unified in faith and knowledge. (Ephesians 4:13 (KJV))

This verse emphasizes several key points:

  1. Unity of the faith: It highlights the goal of fostering unity within the body of Christ, with believers being unified in their faith. This unity is not just about doctrinal agreement but also about a shared commitment to Christ and His teachings.
  2. Knowledge of the Son of God: Believers are encouraged to grow in their knowledge of Jesus Christ, deepening their understanding of His person, teachings, and mission. This knowledge is an essential part of Christian maturity.
  3. Perfect man: The ultimate aim is for believers to mature and become spiritually complete. This doesn’t mean perfection in the sense of sinlessness but rather spiritual maturity and wholeness.
  4. Measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: The goal is for believers to become more like Christ in character and conduct. The “fulness of Christ” suggests a state of spiritual completeness and conformity to His example.

In summary, Ephesians 4:13 emphasizes the importance of unity in faith and knowledge within the body of Christ, leading to spiritual maturity and conformity to the character of Christ. This unity and growth in knowledge are key components of the church’s mission and the role of equipping believers for ministry.

We need to grow up in all things in Jesus. (Ephesians 4:15 (KJV))

This verse conveys several key ideas:

  1. Speaking the truth in love: Believers are encouraged to interact with one another and with the world in truth and love. This emphasizes the importance of honesty, transparency, and love in all interactions, both within the Christian community and beyond.
  2. Grow up into him in all things: The central message is about spiritual growth and maturity. Believers are to continuously mature in their faith, character, and understanding in a way that conforms to the example set by Christ. This growth encompasses every aspect of life.
  3. Which is the head, even Christ: Christ is the ultimate standard and example for Christian maturity. Believers are to grow in a way that aligns with His teachings, character, and purpose. He is described as the head, signifying His leadership and preeminence in the life of a believer and the Church.

In summary, Ephesians 4:15 emphasizes the importance of growing and maturing in all aspects of life within the context of Christ’s example and teachings. This growth is to be characterized by speaking the truth in love and is crucial for the spiritual development and health of individual believers and the Christian community as a whole.

We need to grow as a family. (Ephesians 4:16 (KJV))

This verse highlights several key ideas:

  1. The whole body: Refers to the entire body of believers, the collective community of Christians.
  2. Fitly joined together and compacted: This speaks to the importance of unity and cohesion within the body of Christ. Believers are meant to work together harmoniously.
  3. Every joint supplieth: Each member of the body has a unique role and function in contributing to the overall health and growth of the body. This reflects the idea of every believer playing a part in the spiritual family’s growth.
  4. Effectual working in the measure of every part: This suggests that the body grows and functions effectively when every member plays their role according to their abilities and spiritual gifts.
  5. Edifying of itself in love: The ultimate goal is the building up or edification of the entire body of Christ, and this is to be done in a spirit of love and mutual support.

While the verse does not explicitly mention “growing as a family,” it does underscore the idea of the body of Christ (the Church) functioning as a unified, interconnected entity in which each member contributes to its growth and edification. This can be understood as a spiritual family in which all believers play a crucial role in supporting one another and promoting growth in the faith.

CONCLUSION:

In Matthew 16:18 (KJV), Jesus proclaims His intent to establish His church, highlighting the significance of faith in Him as the foundational rock upon which His assembly or congregation is built. This verse underscores the enduring nature of the Christian community, assuring believers that it will stand strong against adversity.

Matthew 12:46-50 (KJV) illustrates Jesus’ teaching on spiritual family. He emphasizes that those who do the will of God are considered His spiritual family, highlighting the importance of faith and obedience in building a profound and eternal bond with Him.

Together, these verses emphasize the establishment of Christ’s church as a spiritual community rooted in faith, obedience, and unity with Christ as its foundation. They stress that one’s relationship with Jesus transcends biological ties, forming a deeper and eternal connection based on faith and obedience to God’s will.


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Feeling alone

When feeling alone I become inspired by my parents and many others that chose to serve Christ. My parents were young when they married and came from families where some siblings chose not to serve God.

Because they did not agree with the lifestyle that many siblings were living, they often were left out of many activities. This often made them feel alone. Other Christians that associated with my parents often did not live according to Bible beliefs in some areas–this too made them feel alone or different.

They continued to live according to what they knew to be true. This they explained is, “living by faith.”

Often when feeling different and alone, I was reminded that I was never alone. God was always watching, angels were constantly guarding me and Jesus gives us the power to feel wanted and loved through His sacrifice.

Now that I am older, I often wonder how hard it was for my parents to give us this advice when feeling so alone through the attitude or actions of church members, coworkers, extended family, life events, and sometimes themselves.

Jesus truly is our fortress and deliverer. (Isaiah 91:1-31(KJV))

Hebrews 13:51(KJV) says, “For he hath said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'”

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