Paul J. Bucknell
A CELL’S LIFE
“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, 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....
My Father I have made known to you.
You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, 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 15.10-17.
The Properly Functioning Cell Group
EDIFICATION
The intensity of our love is based on the fact that we cannot do without each other. Each stone is built upon the other. Each living stone is both depending upon and supporting the other. In a body, we cannot say any one stone is more important than another.
... you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house...
1 Peter 2:5
• Loved > Belonging
We are effectively networked into a spiritual house (small groups) so that everyone is enriched by God’s love through the personal lives of other Christians.
• Equipped > Service
We encouragingly teach, care and support each other so that we all can better serve one another and others. Spiritual gifts are given to be used for each other.
• United > One House
We expectantly worship, serve and pray together realizing that much more will be done in and through us when we unite to do God’s will (John 17:21).
Building Friendships that lead to sharing the faith (Morris in The High Impact Church, p. 93.)
1. Reach out to people, caring about their needs, frustrations and problems–without reservation or thought of manipulation.
2. Establish a trust relationship where genuine two-way communication takes place.
3. Share what Christ has done in your own life and encourage a personal commitment to Him.
4. Continue communicating on a supportive and encouraging level until you free the other person from dependence on you to service for others.”
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