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Focusing -> Edification of Singles (10/29/2007 9:26:06 PM)

Last night concluded our missions conference. It's always wonderful to meet our missionaries and to hear them share their hearts in spreading the Good News! A friend of mine commented one time that we are all missionaries - right where we are. God has placed us here and now for a reason, and He wants to use us for His purpose. The pastor last night spoke on Paul's view of the ministry. One point he stressed that really struck me was that we need to strengthen the brethren - edify the saints. In other words, we need to build each other up. Minister to one another. In light of recent goings-on right here in the singles forum, I believe that this sermon was very timely!

Let's share with each other scripture that touches our hearts. Let's bring ourselves back to a place of edifying each other. Ministering to one another in love. Building each other up. Providing encouragement. A kind word. Being brothers and sisters in Christ.

Here's a verse I love:

1 Cor 14:26 What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.



BugLady -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 1:30:04 AM)

quote:

One point he stressed that really struck me was that we need to strengthen the brethren - edify the saints. In other words, we need to build each other up.


My mom and I were just talking about this the other night. The church is supposed to be doing just that... edifying the saints. We are called to equip each other to be light in the darkness, aren't we?

This is a verse I've been clinging to in recent years:

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised those who love him. James 1:12



Godhead -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 3:25:19 AM)

Gods love sustains me. I have always wanted love, whenever I looked at a girl it was never, I would love to have sex with her, but, can she love me and fulfill that longing in my heart. That is probably a big ask but it is what I have always wanted and in God I have found it. The good thing about God is that He understands me and also will always be there for me and never leave me. You show me somebody better to love and I will. Only God can fulfill my hearts desire. If its love you want then God has plenty of it to give.



Psalms274 -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 11:18:51 AM)

I am incredibly blessed to be under some amazing teaching. I leave Sunday with a desire that lasts all week to give my life ... my every moment to Christ. Buddy (our Pastor) has a real gift for equipping the Saints. Very meaty stuff ... I was especially blessed this past service and thought I would share the link if anyone has time to listen while sitting at the computer. He talks in the beginning about some things that relate to some things that seem to be going on here in the singles folder. I hope those who have the time to listen are blessed … and will have a second link for the archive if you are ever looking for some wonderful teaching to nourish your walk in Christ.

Sunday's teaching

Sermon Archives



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 11:41:13 AM)

You can look all throughout Paul's epistles, and I think in every one, he mentions at least once to encourage (edify) your brothers and sisters in Christ. If you ask me, this is the reason why churches exist. Not for people to come and listen to a message, not to join a specific ministry or anything. It's for the edification of the saints. Just like the OP quoted, everybody has something to share, whether it be a song, a word of encouragement, a revelation, a prophecy, etc.

It's kind of hard on a message board to do these things, but I see your point STG. Too much finger pointing and not enough love here.



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 2:15:18 PM)

quote:

In other words, we need to build each other up. Minister to one another. In light of recent goings-on right here in the singles forum, I believe that this sermon was very timely!
I agree

quote:

It's kind of hard on a message board to do these things, but I see your point STG
I don't think it is hard to build each other up, encourage each other, speak truth in love and share testimony of the power of God in each of our lives on a discussion board such as this one. I think it is should be our main goal.

I believe part of the problem comes when we allow our own emotions, experiences and beliefs to color how we read post.

If when reading a post we would filter it through a mind set that each person writing loves God with all their heart and is speaking out of love from their own experiences I think it would make a huge difference.

I realize this may not be true of everyone posting but wouldn't it be better to read post written with the mindset it is true. Words we may read as offensive or harsh because of our own experiences would be softened if we read them believing the person writing the words wrote them with love and an open heart........

Someone recently told me that they could tell a person's heart from their posting and felt that person did not speak with love.....but I have to wonder if all the post were read with that mindset wouldn't each post confirm what the person already believed regarding the heart condition of the poster? How do you really know someones heart when your knowledge of them is based purely on how you perceive their written word?

Where if each post was read with a mindset.....this person loves God, loves people and is posting based on their experience with a heart to speak truth to others........would the words not speak differently.

I have met some amazing people here and see God's light in so many. We have a great opportunity to show the world what a family of God looks like......how they walk together, share with each other, laugh, uplift, and disagree in a way which bonds them together and glorifies the Lord.

We are individuals with many different view points who don't have to agree on everything but are called to glorify God in all that we do even when we disagree.

I feel the only way we can accomplish this is by focusing less on ourselves and more on uplifting the Lord in each discussion we have..........To not take offense if someone disagrees with us but to listen to their viewpoint and respond in a matter which encourages an open discussion.

To not assume another's statement was written as a judgment or criticism but as
an opinion formed from their experiences spoken in truth with love.



.Pammy -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 2:26:31 PM)

"But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

If we keep our roots close to the water, how can we go wrong? [sm=angel.gif]



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 2:51:16 PM)

Amen joy and pamelasue. I also remember the verse where Jesus says that whoever has been forgiven little loves little. In other words, the more we realize we are sinful, and realize that Jesus has already forgiven us those sins, the more we experience the love of God. When we experience God's love and grace for us, it should be pretty easy to have love and grace for others.

It's like the parable of the man who was given mercy by his master for the debts he owed him, yet he went out and demanded repayment from the person who owed him money. God has cleared us of all our debts, so why demand others to repay us for the wrongs they did to us?



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/30/2007 3:41:10 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: PamelaSue
"But blessed are those who trust in the LORD and have made the LORD their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they go right on producing delicious fruit." - Jeremiah 17:7-8 NLT

If we keep our roots close to the water, how can we go wrong? [sm=angel.gif]

Pam, this is beautiful! Thank you!! [sm=heart.gif]



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/31/2007 8:20:11 AM)

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Eph 4:29

Today my prayer is that I am a light shining for the Lord, so those who are unsaved are drawn to the light. Not to me, but to Christ, Who deserves all the glory.



AmbassadorDaughter -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/31/2007 4:07:53 PM)

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Col 3:12



shemaromans -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/31/2007 8:39:39 PM)

7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
1 John 4: 7-12



Enoch195 -> RE: Edification of Singles (10/31/2007 9:34:12 PM)

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/1/2007 9:09:17 AM)

Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Prov 3:3



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/2/2007 11:06:26 AM)

But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called "Today," so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Heb 3:13



embracing_sonship -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/2/2007 4:16:11 PM)

Yes, I love this thread!!

Ro 15:2 Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.
Ro 15:3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.”



shemaromans -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/3/2007 10:33:44 AM)

A generous man will prosper;
he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/3/2007 4:46:43 PM)

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/4/2007 8:42:45 AM)

Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on." Mark 12:43-44

At first glance, you may think "Huh? Why would Sam put this verse in here?"

Let me explain why this particular verse popped out at me this morning. This poor widow gave very little; whereas, the others put in much. It's representative that although some may have much to say, and do, how do all those words honor and glorify our Lord? Some have very little to say, but when they speak, it says much to honor and glorify our Lord.

Rolling conversations around in my mind these last few days, I know that sometimes we go through dry spells in our faith where we don't feel we have anything to contribute, and feel a need to withdraw. In essence, we become shriveled parts of the body of Christ. I understand because I have been there. But through love that comes from Christ, we are here to support and minister and lift each other up.

My prayer with this thread is that others feel encouragement and the love that Christ has blessed us with when we accepted Him into our hearts. We must always remember to love one another. Even, or especially, when we feel we have little to give. He will always supply our needs.



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/5/2007 7:03:15 AM)

But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you, and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. 1 Thes 5:12-13



joy2give2u -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/5/2007 4:03:34 PM)

I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me because of their testimony. My prayer for all of them is that they will be one, just as you and I are one, Father--that just as you are in me and I am in you, so they will be in us, and the world will believe you sent me. I have given them the glory you gave me, so that they may be one, as we are- I in them and you in me, all being perfected into one. John 17:20-23

Jesus' prayer has been on my mind for several days after a brother in Christ shared he does not think single men and women should have spiritually intimacy or oneness.

He feels praying together, sharing what God is doing in our lives, and spending time in bible study together builds an intimacy which should be reserved for a husband and wife.

Yet it seems to me the heart of Jesus' prayer is that we would be intimate, one in spirit. That we would connect in a way which will allow the world to see who sent Jesus.

The world sees intimacy in terms of physical, emotionally and human nature.........What would happen if they saw an intimacy, a oneness, between men and women, which had nothing to do with the world's view of oneness? If they saw single men and women, who were not seeking romance but walking in a spiritual oneness so different then they had experienced? Would it change how they view the male/female relationship? Would it change them?

What about us? If we stopped talking about the typical stuff singles talk about and began sharing more what the Lord is doing in our lives, praying together and seeking him together in a way which connects us in spiritual intimacy would we be changed? Would the singles forum be a magnet drawing in those who hunger for an intimacy, a oneness with others so different then what the world promotes?

I have decided to join Jesus in his prayer. Praying we, on the singles forum, would begin to see Jesus' prayer answered in a new way. That more and more we would begin to give "testimony" to God's movement in our lives.......Giving evidence through our postings that God is God and he still is in the transformation business.

I am praying we will not only post prayer request but take the time to write prayers, and the threads will become alive with retelling of the amazing things God is doing, saying and teaching us on a daily bases.

Dear Lord make us one.....let us remove walls and push past fears of rejection or hurt and open our hearts to each other.........lead us to pray, share and connect in such a way spiritual oneness is evident.........so that we may be one with you and one with each other in a way the world will notice......thank you Lord for praying for us, for bringing others along side me to begin to pray the same prayer and for the assurance your prayers are always answered.....Thank you Lord.



flirtnNconvertn -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/5/2007 4:31:37 PM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Enoch195

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.


I love this verse Enoch! Thanks for sharing it!



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/6/2007 7:09:24 AM)

"Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. "If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love." These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. "This is My commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you. "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. "You are My friends if you do what I command you." No longer do I call you slaves, for the slave does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. "You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit, and that your fruit would remain, so that whatever you ask of the Father in My name He may give to you. "This I command you, that you love one another." John 15:9-17

This jumped out at me this morning, the love that the Lord has for us is amazing! He chose us to be His friends! Wow.... He has told us everything He has heard from the Father. There are no secrets. Knowing this, how can we not love Him with all our hearts? How can we not want to be fruitful?

Joy. I jumped out of bed with my heart full of joy this morning!



tlims -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/6/2007 10:27:32 AM)

quote:

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit,



isn't that amazing? He chose us! He chose ME! ...WOW! blows me away sometimes.

thank you, Sam, for this thread & for the encouraging words this morning [:)]



Focusing -> RE: Edification of Singles (11/6/2007 11:09:00 AM)

quote:

ORIGINAL: tlims
quote:

"You did not choose Me but I chose you, and appointed you that you would go and bear fruit,


isn't that amazing? He chose us! He chose ME! ...WOW! blows me away sometimes.

thank you, Sam, for this thread & for the encouraging words this morning [:)]

YES!!!! How can we not feel that love? [sm=heart.gif][sm=icon_smile_fish.gif]

Your grace still amazes me, Your love is such a mystery, each day I fall on my knees, Your grace still amazes me. (Phillips Craig and Dean)

My heart has been so burdened this morning for all the hurting hearts. A great big (((hug))) for all of you. Many people from the singles forum are being prayed for today, know that you are on my heart.

Sunday evening our pastor spoke on Glorying In Tribulation (Romans 5:1-5). He spoke on how we need to have peace WITH God and peace IN God. Peace only comes from the Father. We need to have faith in God even when things aren't going the way we want them to, and we need to continue having hope in God that He will take care of things in His time and not on our time schedule and demands, and we need to continue demonstrating love towards others despite our circumstances.

I believe the only way to do this is through the strength of the Lord in our lives. We need to allow Him to work through us - all we need to do is get out of the way.

This is where my joy comes from. My prayer being "Father, let Your will be done." Let Your will be done through me. Use me. Allow my hands to help those in need. Allow my words to build others up. Allow Your love to show through my actions and behaviors.

I'm praying that everyone reading this with a heavy heart will reach out to a brother or sister in Christ - share your burden - allow God's love to come to you through a humble request for help. He wants so much to show us how much He loves us. Let Him. Let Him use us to help others, and let Him use others to help us.

Psalm 85:6: Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?



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