10/03/2021
GROWTH;
The Essence of True Fellowship
SJ Uba, PhD
Lead-Pastor
of Saints Ministries International (HOSMI), JHB, RSA.
Ambassador & Certified Lecturer,
City Covenant Seminary and Theological Bible College (UCCSAT) University.
School of Biological Studies, School of Post Graduate Studies & UCCC.
www.uccmnet.org
MARCH:
The Month of Boundless Possibilities.
(Mark 16:19-20).
The Church of Jesus Christ is entrusted with a huge responsibility on earth. Church is derived from the Greek word, Ekklesia, a word with two compound segments, "ek", a preposition meaning "out of" and a verb, "kaleo", signifying "to call." When put together, "to call out".
The Greek word "Ekklesia" when interpreted is akin to the following words: "assembly, congregation, council, or convocation."
Simply put, the Church is the ASSEMBLNG of "Called-Out" people, (out of darkness) into the Kingdom of God, (Light).
The Church is a family where its members have fellowship and grow together. (Ephesians 2: 19). In other words, the Church is a training and transformation centre. (Ephesians 4: 11-12). The Church would be reduced to a mere social gathering where, or when these characteristics are not in place. A Church that is not founded on Biblical truths, or without a seasoned training programme for its members is like a den of wolves where people prey on each other like wild beasts. This is not the "will" of the FATHER for the Church. We are the assembling of a "Called-Out" people. Our responsibility is to shed light and cause all men to see out of darkness. I can't overflog this fact; simply put, the purpose of the Church is "to build people into Christ."
T.L. Osborne, once said, "Success is becoming more like Jesus Christ by helping others become more like Jesus Christ."
I can't agree less.
"And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:"
(Ephesians 4:11-15)
Join us every Wednesday
Zone 9 Meadowlands West, Soweto 1852, Johannesburg.
@ 5.PM
For a life transforming engagement.
Edification as highlighted in the above Scriptual passages is a process of edifying, meaning: building matured and informed characters in Christ. Also, it stresses the following, to instruct, to enlighten, to improve in moral knowledge, to uplift, to inform, etc. The word edifying is akin to discipleship, or spiritual maturity, hence, I'm saying repeatedly according to Scriptures that the essence of fellowship is growth in every good thing without compromise, nothing more, nothing less. This is the "will" of the FATHER.
Join u every Saturday
Zone 9 Meadowlands West, Soweto 1852, Johannesburg.
@12 Noon.
For Leadership & Discipleship Engagement.
Therefore, if the testimony of Jesus is not taught, or preached in your Church with the intent to build you up, please change base as a matter of urgency.
Your local Church must possess the capacity to build you up into a matured follower (disciple) of Jesus Christ, and shape you for ministry, or service. The Church must discover, develop and deploy the gifts and graces of people. The Church must equip people to be true lights and salt of the earth. The Church must make disciples that will go on and make others for the Kingdom.
If this is not happening in your local Church, pack up and please do yourself a favour and change route. If I may ask you my dear friend, what is the primary focus of your local Church?
Are you in a local Church where "Can I go deeper, or can I prophesy" is the primary focus of the church? Are you whiling away time in a gathering where phone numbers and car plate-numbers, amongst other means of distractions are being used to entertain and give false hope to gullible folks? If your answer is yes, please change base to a place where Jesus is preached; a place where you shall be instructed and informed with the intent to become spiritually mature. Stop playing dices with your destiny. Life is too short to waste it on foolish religious activities. Please note that I'm not against Biblical, or inspired prophecies, but against fortune-telling, hypnotism and sorcery, etc. The Church is not a centre for abracadabra and fortune telling, but a training and transformation centre. Steer clear from occultic and witchcraft centres. Embrace the word of God and grow. Stop running around patronising witches and wizards. Look for a Bible-Believing Church and get yourself planted so you can grow into Christ and become Spiritually sound and mature. This is the "will" of God for you.
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Please note that the Church of Jesus Christ should open for both sinners and saints . . . for the purpose of transformation; "to enlighten" the lost and "to build up" the Saints.
"Jesus came to seek and to save the lost . . ."
Most importantly, don't forget the fact that the Church is people.
SPREAD THE LOVE!
God bless you.
To be continued. . .
If you are inspired, or motivated by this piece, please share your experience with us. Are you on a cross-road and needs a shift, please feel free, 24/7 to talk to us.
Do you need training for spiritual growth?
Why not join our leadership & discipleship mentoring programme now!
My heartfelt prayer for you is that you succeed in all your endeavours.
Yours truly,
Dr. SJ Uba
Lead-Pastor
@ HOSMI
© 2021 SJ Uba
