Dear Saints,
GROWTH
6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV).
Growth is part of God’s creation. This is underscored in Genesis 1:28 when God instructed Adam and Eve to “…Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it…” (Genesis 1:28a NIV). This command is echoed throughout creation.
We see the multiplicity of this command in every living thing; be they animals, plants, fish, reptiles or birds. Growth therefore takes place in variety of ways. It could be through procreation, self or cross pollination and reforestation.
In my view, nature and man are the two influencers that usually facilitate growth. In his letter to the Corinthians, Apostle Paul wrote: 6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. 7 So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow (1 Corinthians 3:6-7 NIV). In this passage, we clearly see the interplay of nature and man with the aim of seeing growth.
Using the picture of farming, Paul drives home the importance of division of labour. He emphasizes the need to accept the roles each of us play in a project in order to realize growth. For example, in farming, someone does the planting; and another does the watering. However, it’s God who eventually gives growth. This means that, to allow maximum growth in whatever we do, there should be mutual cooperation between man and God.
Our desire to have a deeper understanding about our relationships with God, people or knowledge about some issues will enable us to grow. In 1 Peter 2:1-3 Apostle Peter advises; 1Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, 2 as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow [a]thereby, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious (NKJV).
Here, we see Peter encouraging us to mature in our walk with God. This calls for hard work, commitment and dedication. This kind of growth always seeks to please others rather than ourselves. It also sees the good in others; by trying to work together no matter the challenges. At all levels of human relationships, love, forgiveness, empathy and sympathy are the guiding principles to foster growth.
As we seek to please God by living in obedience to his word, may we be guided by his desire for us to grow in every area of our lives. This is possible; if only we allow him to be part of what we’re doing.
Rev. Dr. & Rev. (Mrs.) Charles & Faustina Mantey
Senior Pastors
Disciples Revival Church
30 Gordon Mackay Road
Toronto, Ontario M9N 2V6. Canada
416-614-7771
www.disciplesrevivalchurch.org
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
WE HAVE CHANGED OUR ONLINE SERVICE TO ZOOM. HERE'S HOW TO JOIN US ON SUNDAYS @ 10AM EST.
Disciples Revival Church Meeting Room
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My two new books titled: 1) Christianity As A Way of Life: Reflections on the Epistle of James. And
2) Jesus And The Seven Churches of Revelation.
were launched on Sunday November 24th 2019; and it was a huge success. Thank you for your prayers. These books will help you as study materials for your personal spiritual growth, small group, Sunday School or the whole congregation.
To purchase copies, or any of my books, go to www.charlesmantey.com or email me at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or www.shidaanikei.com
My other books titled: Understanding Love: Biblical & Cultural Perspectives, and African Spirituality: Did Africans Know God Before the Arrival of the Missionaries could be purchased from Amazon.com.
THE DIGITAL COPIES (EBOOKS) ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE FROM AMAZON.COM.
You may also contact me through www.charlesmantey.com, email me at: cbmantey.com or www.shidaanikei.com.
We will be grateful if you are able to support us financially to continue spreading the gospel in Africa and other parts of the world. You may send your donations by E-Transfer or through our website at www.disciplesrevivalchurhch.org and click on the donation page.
Do check us out on social media for more study materials. Like us on Facebook at disciplesrevivalchurchtoronto or Twitter: @disciplesrevive find us on YouTube as well.
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