Last week we began a new series entitled ONE ANOTHER.
The idea behind the series is to explore the family rules that God expects of His children – those who call themselves Christians – to live by.
Hebrews 2:10-11

1 Peter 1:3a [TLB] "All honor to God, the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ; for it is his boundless mercy that has given us the privilege of being born again so that we are now members of God’s own family."

The church isn't "like" a family; it IS family.

At the moment of salvation we are adopted into God's family (Ephesians 1:3-14)
We bear the name, Christian, named after the one through whom we were adopted, Christ.
And just as in a natural family, there are certain expectations, or family rules, that guide one's attitudes and behaviors.
These are identified in Scripture by the phrase, One Another, which is used approximately 100 times in the New Testament.

Today we are looking at 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and learning about our second One Another.
Different versions of the Bible word this differently:
KJV: "edify one another"
NIV: "build each other up"
ECV: "build one another up"

It has been said that there are 2 kinds of people in this world, those who destroy and those who build.
Parents hope for and actually try to build a decent family. God is no different. He wants the best for us.
It sickens Him and ticks Him off when those He created in His image mistreat one another. Especially if those people are members of His family.

This morning we'll learn about several tools that we can use for "building up" or "edifying" One Another:

1. Our SPEECH
Ephesians 4:29 (see also: Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 4:6)

Our words must be truthful, thoughtful, timely, tasteful and transformative.

2. Our EXAMPLE
Romans 14:13-21 [NLT]
We are a role model. "More is caught than taught"
Philippians 3:17

3. Our GIFTS, TALENTS, & ABILITIES
1 Corinthians 14:12, 26c [ESV]
By definition a tool is an object used to extend the ability of an individual to modify features of the surrounding environment. Tools are to be used, "use it or lose it".

4. Our HUMILITY & EMPATHY
1 Corinthians 8:1 [TLB] “Next is your question about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols. On this question everyone feels that only his answer is the right one! But although being a “know-it-all” makes us feel important, what is really needed to build the church is love.”

Paul makes it known here that PEOPLE are more important than making a POINT.

5. Our PRAYERS
Jude 1:20 [KJV]
Because the church is a family, we have a responsibility to pray. This is one of the reasons Grace Church is focusing on prayer during the month of May. Take part and be specific with your prayers.

6. Our HEARING & APPLYING God's Word.
Acts 20:32 [GNT]
2 Timothy 3:17 [NLT]

The early church in Acts 2 was devoted to the Apostles teaching. In a team, work, or family structure, if one person is lazy, stubborn, or rebellious it will affect the overall health and productivity of the group. We have to take ownership and do our part!

Discussion and Application:

1. When you hear that the church is a family, what thoughts and feelings does this bring to you? How do you see your role in the church family?

2. Read Ephesians 1:3-8 concerning adoption and read the material in this web link below. What does the Biblical principle of adoption mean to you?

3. What are the characteristics of a person who is a “builder” or a “destroyer” of people? Which of these do you tend to be with your words and actions?

4. Review the six tools that were presented in regards to building up one another. Which tool(s) do you use the most? Which one(s) do you need to start using more?

Birthdays and Anniversaries:

Sunday, May 10 - Journey MacDonald
Monday, May 11 - Jay & Monique Scott
Tuesday, May 12 - Vaughn & Diana Reid
Wednesday, May 13 - James & Nikki Berry
Thursday, May 14 - Jacki VanDeMoortel, Allison Squires, Travis Mater