The Power of Encouragement! 4

The Power of Encouragement! 4
Brad Reiches
Feb 22 2007 06:32AM

ANOTHER FREE OFFER FROM THE AUTHOR OF GODTHOUGHTS!

"Brad, this is the best message I have ever heard!"    -Barb Hightower, Moraga, California

"You hit a home-run today, pastor Brad."         -John Diestler, Lafayette, California

"That's it!  That's it!  Preach that message every Sunday and we'll have to get a bigger church!    -Bill Roth, Moraga, California

"Pastor Brad, I pray that the whole world will get hold of that message!"    -Patty Roth, Moraga, California

"You were on fire today, man."    -Kevin Ryan, San Ramon, California

"These were just a few of the comments that I received a few weeks ago after preaching the message entitled, GRACE & TRUTH.  It may have been the most annointed message I have ever had the privilege to give.  It literally felt at times like I was taking dictation from God."    Pastor Brad

Most preachers fall into one of two extreme categories.  They are either big on "truth" and often found to be "legalistic."  Or they are big on "grace" and leave out 90% of the whole gospel.  But the Bible says, "Grace AND truth were realized through Jesus Christ" (John 1:17, bold mine).

Please order your FREE copy of Grace & Truth (simply send me an e-mail with "Grace & Truth" in the subject box, along with your snail mail address).  All I ask is that after you listen to it, you are obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in how He would use you to best to support this ministry.

-Pastor Brad

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Thursday, February 22, 2007
GodThoughtsWired!

"The Power of Encouragement"

PART 4

"Let all things be done for edification."

1 Corinthians 14:26

Were you aware that the purpose of the church can be summed up in one word?  The general purpose of the church the way God intended it is for "edification."  The "building up" of God's people (see context of above verse). 

"And He gave (to the church) some as apostles,

and some as prophets, and some as evangelists,

and some as pastors, and some as teachers, for

the equipping of the saints for the work of service..."

Ephesians 4:29 (parenthetical addition mine)

Why?  That's right!  "For the building up of the body of Christ" (bold mine).  The wise and mature pastor understands that he/she must protect the flock against those that would "tear down" through their words, attitudes or actions, at all costs.  Thus, the admonition:

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,

but only such a word as is good for edification,

accordingto the need of the moment,

that it may give grace to all who hear."

Ephesians 4:29 (bold mine)

INTENSE!  The purpose of speech is edification!  If your motive is not to build up...remain silent.

Oh, one other thing dear brothers and sisters...beware judging another man's motives.  "Carefully examine" words and actions, but not motives.  Only God can judge with certainty the "thoughts and intentions of the heart."