Build Each Other Up

 

1. Principle 1: Focus on Relationships v19 “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church…” 

Harmony is not when there is no argument. Harmony is when people are pleased with each other and agree with each other, when people relate well with each other. 

Relate: Put yourself in the other person’s shoes. To relate is to understand the other person. The first step is to be a great listener. 

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. (James 1:19 NLT) 

2. Principle 2: Invest In Others v19 “So then, let us aim for harmony in the church and try to build each other up.” 

Building each other up involves investing in others. God gave all of us 3 types of resources: Time, Energy, Money. 

We start by choosing 1-2 person whom you are close to, someone we can relate, and meet regularly to talk about 3 things: Personal life, Spiritual life, Organizational Life. 

3. Principle 3: Encourage Others v20 “Don't tear apart the work of God over what you eat…” 

The focus of this verse is not about eating, but about not tearing apart the work of God. The Work of God is faith building. We do so by encouraging others. 

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Adapted from Sermon by Rev Jonathan Chan on 11/6/22.

Blessed are those who Mourn

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.  Matthew 5:4.  From comfort comes happiness and joy.

The Kingdom of Heaven is here, but not yet is a common expression of the state we are at the moment on earth.  Jesus introduced the spiritual Kingdom of Heaven which resides in our hearts (body, mind and soul). 

When a person sins against God, the Holy Spirit convicts him.  Realising the sin committed the person mourns, repents and seek forgiveness.  

God will bless and comfort the sinful person who mourns about his inapt actions, and true repentance will bring about happiness.  Happiness then becomes joy, which has a deeper sense of fulfilment and contentment, when he is liberated from the sin which he had committed.

Bible verses:

James: 1:2-4

1 Peter 1: 6-9

John 15:11

Acts: 13:52

Hebrews 12:2

What happens when a Christ Believer sins?

A believer of Christ holds fast to the teachings of Christ.  Unfortunately he is tempted to do things which are sinful in the eyes of God.  Believers are still sinners (while in this world) who require a total cleansing from within and this cleansing is made possible by the presence of the Holy Spirit who continuously counsels the believer and corrects his inner character. 

When a believer sins there are consequences or punishments which may be meted according to moral, civil or God's Mosaic laws.  The Holy Spirit convicts a believer of wrong doing and continues to counsel him so as to bring the believer back to walk in the righteous, straight path again. 

The believers' only God is truly loving and ever faithful and will forgive the sins of the believers when they repent and turn away from their sins and repeat them no more.  

God forgives and saves, judges and rewards the believers.  There is no condemnation to hell for the believer as he is saved when he puts his faith in Christ, obeys his commands and live according to God's purpose and will.  His God's loves and keeps His promise of every lasting life for all who believe in Him. 

Cell group discussion on 18th May 2022. 

References:

Romans 14:10-12

1 Corinthians 3:11 - 15

Galatians 2:16