You Should Want To Build Up Your Church
Emily just stands in a corner at the back of the church watching
everyone else clean. Matthew listens in awe as the guest speaker talks
about her volunteer work, but he never does any volunteering himself.
Ethan says he is a Christian but does not spend quality time with God
on a regular basis. Are you a contributing member of the body of
Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are
you contributing to unity within the body? Do you worship Him
regularly? Or are you one of those people like Matthew, Emily, and
Ethan that stand back and watch everybody else do the work? In this
essay I will tell you how you can help to build up the body of Christ.
First of all God’s word tells us that we need to share the gospel by
using the gifts that He has given us. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 says
[“There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”]
Each of our gifts are unique and equally important. It is essential that
we all use our special gifts for building up the body of Christ. You could
do this by getting involved in your church. Maybe you are not the kind
of person to preach every Sunday. But His Word does instruct us to
use our gifts whether it be sharing God’s Word with unbelievers,
teaching Sunday school, being on the planning committee, being part of the worship team, cleaning the
bathrooms, etc. One gift is just as
important as the other. And the church will not run as well if you do
not use the gift that you were given. Don’t wait for someone else to
volunteer for the position, we all need to step up to the plate and do
our part.
Also we need to seek knowledge for ourselves so that we are better
equipped to teach others. We cannot teach others correctly if we
ourselves do not know what we are talking about. You could help gain
knowledge by reading the Bible, going to church, praying, going to
Bible studies, speaking with elders of the church, and so much more.
Let us all try to act more like Christ in everything we do. Do not be
just a “Sunday Christian”. Try to live your life as if Jesus were standing
right next to you in the flesh. Would you act any different than you do
now? I bet we all would. We as Christians need to be examples to
others believers and non. You could do that by being there to listen to
someone that is having a bad day. Teaching people about Christianity.
Even just being nice to others. Also look for ways to encourage and
praise others like it tells us to in 1 Thessalonians 5:19 [Therefore
encourage one another and build each other up.]
If every Christian did the above, it would not only build up and bring
unity to their home church, but it would also build up the whole body
of Christ, in turn glorifying God. It would also make for Christians that
are strong in their beliefs, and lead their everyday lives as examples to
others. Ephesians 4:15-16 says [“We will speak the truth in love,
growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of
his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly.
As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow,
so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.”] So
think about it. Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ?
Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you
contributing to unity within the church? Do you worship Him regularly?
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
1st essay revised outline
You Should Want To Build Up Your Church
Intro/Hook
I. Share the gospel by using our gifts.
A. scripture verse
B. all gifts are unique and important
II. Seek knowledge.
A. how to
III. Try to act more like Christ.
A. live like he was standing next to you in the flesh
B. be an example to others
C. encourage others
Conclusion
Intro/Hook
I. Share the gospel by using our gifts.
A. scripture verse
B. all gifts are unique and important
II. Seek knowledge.
A. how to
III. Try to act more like Christ.
A. live like he was standing next to you in the flesh
B. be an example to others
C. encourage others
Conclusion
Monday, November 20, 2006
My 2nd Essay
You Should Adopt An Animal
Eight million homeless. Four million killed. Millions neglected and starving for
attention. All of them helpless, innocent, and defenseless. This happens year after
year. The victims… Animals.
The following are some reasons that you should adopt an animal. First of all if you adopted an animal from a
shelter, you would be saving a life. Each year eight million cats and dogs are cared for in shelters, half of which
are euthanized. They are euthanized for reasons such as going insane from being in their kennels for to long,
over crowding in shelter and not being able to adopt them out to families after a certain amount of time.
Every year in Utah alone 30,000 cats and dogs are killed in animal shelters. The top three animal killing
counties in Utah for 2005 were Davis County with 21% of the euthanizations, Utah County with 19%, and Salt
Lake County with 18%. St. George Animal Control officer April McManus said the number of euthanized pets in
the state is “ungodly.” and “Some are healthy and completely adoptable animals.” It is a shame that so many
helpless, innocent, and defenseless animals are killed year after year. And what’s worse is that it is legal.
Another reason you should adopt a pet is that they are good for your health. A study at the State University of
New York at Buffalo showed that people with pets had lower blood pressure readings than those without pets.
Another study conducted by UCLA in 1999 found that AIDS patients with pets we more capable of coping with
the stress caused by their illness. But the patients without pets were twice as likely to report signs of
depression. Pet owners also have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners. Two
studies have shown that after a year, heart attack patients with pets are more likely to be alive than those
patients without a pet. Another study conducted at City Hospital in New York found that having a pet
increases the survival rate, even more so than the companionship of a spouse or friend.
Last but certainly not least pets make great companions. They are non judgmental and will love you
unconditionally. They don’t care what race you are, how you dress, or what you look like, they just want to be
loved and cared for. They are very affectionate if treated with love and respect. You can bring them to
nursing homes, teach them tricks, bring them on walks, or just have them sit on your lap while you pet them.
It is definitely a shame that so many helpless, innocent, and defenseless animals are killed legally each year by
no fault of their own. But if you just give a shelter pet a chance not only will you be saving a life, you would be
gaining better health, and a great companion.
Eight million homeless. Four million killed. Millions neglected and starving for
attention. All of them helpless, innocent, and defenseless. This happens year after
year. The victims… Animals.
The following are some reasons that you should adopt an animal. First of all if you adopted an animal from a
shelter, you would be saving a life. Each year eight million cats and dogs are cared for in shelters, half of which
are euthanized. They are euthanized for reasons such as going insane from being in their kennels for to long,
over crowding in shelter and not being able to adopt them out to families after a certain amount of time.
Every year in Utah alone 30,000 cats and dogs are killed in animal shelters. The top three animal killing
counties in Utah for 2005 were Davis County with 21% of the euthanizations, Utah County with 19%, and Salt
Lake County with 18%. St. George Animal Control officer April McManus said the number of euthanized pets in
the state is “ungodly.” and “Some are healthy and completely adoptable animals.” It is a shame that so many
helpless, innocent, and defenseless animals are killed year after year. And what’s worse is that it is legal.
Another reason you should adopt a pet is that they are good for your health. A study at the State University of
New York at Buffalo showed that people with pets had lower blood pressure readings than those without pets.
Another study conducted by UCLA in 1999 found that AIDS patients with pets we more capable of coping with
the stress caused by their illness. But the patients without pets were twice as likely to report signs of
depression. Pet owners also have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners. Two
studies have shown that after a year, heart attack patients with pets are more likely to be alive than those
patients without a pet. Another study conducted at City Hospital in New York found that having a pet
increases the survival rate, even more so than the companionship of a spouse or friend.
Last but certainly not least pets make great companions. They are non judgmental and will love you
unconditionally. They don’t care what race you are, how you dress, or what you look like, they just want to be
loved and cared for. They are very affectionate if treated with love and respect. You can bring them to
nursing homes, teach them tricks, bring them on walks, or just have them sit on your lap while you pet them.
It is definitely a shame that so many helpless, innocent, and defenseless animals are killed legally each year by
no fault of their own. But if you just give a shelter pet a chance not only will you be saving a life, you would be
gaining better health, and a great companion.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Revised Outline
Intro/Hook
I. You would be saving a life.
A. euthanasia of animals info.
B. Utah euthanasia
II. Pets are good for your health.
A. lower blood pressure
B. depression study
C. pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners
D. heart attack study
E. city hospital study
III. Why they make good companions.
A. why they make good companions
B. what you can do with them
Conclusion
I. You would be saving a life.
A. euthanasia of animals info.
B. Utah euthanasia
II. Pets are good for your health.
A. lower blood pressure
B. depression study
C. pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners
D. heart attack study
E. city hospital study
III. Why they make good companions.
A. why they make good companions
B. what you can do with them
Conclusion
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Rough Draft 2nd Essay
You Should Adopt An Animal
Eight million homeless. Four million killed. Millions neglected and starving for
attention. All of them helpless, innocent, and defenseless. This happens year after
year. The victims… Animals.
If you adopted an animal from a shelter, you would be saving a life. Each year
eight million cats and dogs are cared for in shelters, half of which are euthanized.
They are euthanized for reasons such as going insane from being in their kennels for
to long, over crowding in shelter and not being able to adopt them out to families
after a certain amount of time. Every year in Utah alone 30,000 cats and dogs are
killed in animal shelters. The top three animal killing counties in Utah for 2005 were
Davis County with 21% of the euthanizations, Utah County with 19%, and Salt
Lake County with 18%. St. George Animal Control officer April McManus said the
number of euthanized pets in the state is “ungodly.” and “Some are healthy and
completely adoptable animals.” It is a shame that so many helpless, innocent,
and defenseless animals are murdered year after year. And what’s worse is that it is
legal.
Did you know that pets are good for your health? A study at the State University of
New York at Buffalo showed that people with pets had lower blood pressure
readings than those without pets. Another study conducted by UCLA in 1999 found
that AIDS patients with pets we more capable of coping with the stress caused by
their illness. But the patients without pets were twice as likely to report signs of
depression.
Pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners.
Two studies have shown that after a year, heart attack patients with pets are more
likely to be alive than those patients without a pet. Another study conducted at City
Hospital in New York found that having a pet increases the survival rate, even more
so than the companionship of a spouse or friend.
Here are some positives to owning a pet. Pets make great companions. They are non
judgmental and love unconditionally. They don’t care what race you are, how you
dress, or what you look like, they just want to be loved and cared for. They are very
affectionate if treated with love and respect. You can bring them to nursing homes,
teach them tricks, bring them on walks, or just have them sit on your lap while you
pet them.
It is definitely a shame that so many helpless, innocent, and defenseless animals are
murdered legally each year by no fault of their own. But it is amazing what they can
do for us if we just give them the chance.
Eight million homeless. Four million killed. Millions neglected and starving for
attention. All of them helpless, innocent, and defenseless. This happens year after
year. The victims… Animals.
If you adopted an animal from a shelter, you would be saving a life. Each year
eight million cats and dogs are cared for in shelters, half of which are euthanized.
They are euthanized for reasons such as going insane from being in their kennels for
to long, over crowding in shelter and not being able to adopt them out to families
after a certain amount of time. Every year in Utah alone 30,000 cats and dogs are
killed in animal shelters. The top three animal killing counties in Utah for 2005 were
Davis County with 21% of the euthanizations, Utah County with 19%, and Salt
Lake County with 18%. St. George Animal Control officer April McManus said the
number of euthanized pets in the state is “ungodly.” and “Some are healthy and
completely adoptable animals.” It is a shame that so many helpless, innocent,
and defenseless animals are murdered year after year. And what’s worse is that it is
legal.
Did you know that pets are good for your health? A study at the State University of
New York at Buffalo showed that people with pets had lower blood pressure
readings than those without pets. Another study conducted by UCLA in 1999 found
that AIDS patients with pets we more capable of coping with the stress caused by
their illness. But the patients without pets were twice as likely to report signs of
depression.
Pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners.
Two studies have shown that after a year, heart attack patients with pets are more
likely to be alive than those patients without a pet. Another study conducted at City
Hospital in New York found that having a pet increases the survival rate, even more
so than the companionship of a spouse or friend.
Here are some positives to owning a pet. Pets make great companions. They are non
judgmental and love unconditionally. They don’t care what race you are, how you
dress, or what you look like, they just want to be loved and cared for. They are very
affectionate if treated with love and respect. You can bring them to nursing homes,
teach them tricks, bring them on walks, or just have them sit on your lap while you
pet them.
It is definitely a shame that so many helpless, innocent, and defenseless animals are
murdered legally each year by no fault of their own. But it is amazing what they can
do for us if we just give them the chance.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Still Very Rough Outline
Intro/Hook
I. You would be saving a life.
A. euthanasia of animals info.
B. Utah euthanasia
II. Pets are good for your health.
A. lower blood pressure
B. depression study
III. Pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners.
A. heart attack study
B. city hospital study
IV. Some positives to owning a pet.
A. why they make good companions
B. what you can do with them
Conclusion
I. You would be saving a life.
A. euthanasia of animals info.
B. Utah euthanasia
II. Pets are good for your health.
A. lower blood pressure
B. depression study
III. Pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners.
A. heart attack study
B. city hospital study
IV. Some positives to owning a pet.
A. why they make good companions
B. what you can do with them
Conclusion
Very Rough Outline
Intro/Hook
I. You would be saving a life.
A. euthanasia of animals info.
II. Pets are good for your health.
A. lower blood pressure
B. depression study
III. Pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners.
A. heart attack study
B. city hospital study
Conclusion
I. You would be saving a life.
A. euthanasia of animals info.
II. Pets are good for your health.
A. lower blood pressure
B. depression study
III. Pet owners have a higher survival rate after a serious illness, than non pet owners.
A. heart attack study
B. city hospital study
Conclusion
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Brainstorming Again
Ok so here we go again... Except this time i can't think of exactly what I want to write about. I'm braindead. I'll have it figured out by tomorrow. :P
Wednesday, October 25, 2006
Rough Draft
Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to unity within the body? Do you worship Him regularly? Or are you one of those people that stand back and watch everybody else do the work?
So you might be asking “Why should I want to build my church up?” Well first of all God’s word tells us that we need to share the gospel by using the gifts that He has given us. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” Each of our gifts are unique and equally important. It is essential to the body of Christ that we all use our special gift in service to God. We also need to bring unity to the church.
Ok so now you are probably asking yourself “How can I help build up my church?” Well I think that a few of these things would help; seek knowledge, read the Bible, pray, go to Bible studies, speak with elders of the church, and find ways to answer the questions that you have. By doing these things it equips you to better help teach others. Also don’t be just a “Sunday Christian”. Try to live your life as if Jesus were standing right next to you in the flesh. (Would you act any different than you do now?) Be an example to others believers and non. You could do that by looking for ways to encourage, praise and be there for others. Also we need to get involved in our church. Like I said before. We are all given special gifts to use in building up the body of Christ. Maybe you are not the kind of person to preach every Sunday. But His Word does instruct us to use our gifts whether it be sharing God’s Word with unbelievers, teaching Sunday school, being on the planning committee, being part of the worship team, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. One gift is just as important as the other. Don’t wait for someone else to volunteer for the position, we all need to step up to the plate and do our part.
I believe that if every Christian did the above, it would not only build up and bring unity to their home church, but it would also build up the whole body of Christ, in turn glorifying God. It would also make for Christians that are strong in their beliefs, and lead their everyday lives as examples to others. So think about it. Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to unity within the church? Do you worship Him regularly?
So you might be asking “Why should I want to build my church up?” Well first of all God’s word tells us that we need to share the gospel by using the gifts that He has given us. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.” Each of our gifts are unique and equally important. It is essential to the body of Christ that we all use our special gift in service to God. We also need to bring unity to the church.
Ok so now you are probably asking yourself “How can I help build up my church?” Well I think that a few of these things would help; seek knowledge, read the Bible, pray, go to Bible studies, speak with elders of the church, and find ways to answer the questions that you have. By doing these things it equips you to better help teach others. Also don’t be just a “Sunday Christian”. Try to live your life as if Jesus were standing right next to you in the flesh. (Would you act any different than you do now?) Be an example to others believers and non. You could do that by looking for ways to encourage, praise and be there for others. Also we need to get involved in our church. Like I said before. We are all given special gifts to use in building up the body of Christ. Maybe you are not the kind of person to preach every Sunday. But His Word does instruct us to use our gifts whether it be sharing God’s Word with unbelievers, teaching Sunday school, being on the planning committee, being part of the worship team, cleaning the bathrooms, etc. One gift is just as important as the other. Don’t wait for someone else to volunteer for the position, we all need to step up to the plate and do our part.
I believe that if every Christian did the above, it would not only build up and bring unity to their home church, but it would also build up the whole body of Christ, in turn glorifying God. It would also make for Christians that are strong in their beliefs, and lead their everyday lives as examples to others. So think about it. Are you a contributing member of the body of Christ? Are you actively serving God and sharing Him with others? Are you contributing to unity within the church? Do you worship Him regularly?
Monday, October 23, 2006
1st Part Of Middle
So you might be asking “Why should I want to build my church up, I like it the way it is?” Well first off Gods word tells us that we need to learn and spread the gospel. That doesn’t mean that we all need to preach every Sunday. But it does instruct us to teach the gospel whether to our own families, for the elders to pass on what they know to the younger people, or to also grow in our own faith and knowledge. We should also want to gain knowledge, bring glory to God, and live our lives for Him.
Part Of Middle
Ok so now you are probably asking yourself “How can I help build up my church?” Well I think that a few of these things would help…Seek knowledge. Read the Bible, pray, go to Bible studies, speak with elders of the church find ways to answer the questions that you have. Also don’t be just a “Sunday Christian” try to live your life as if Jesus were standing right next to you in the flesh (would you act any different than you do now?). Be an example to others believers and non. You could do that by looking for ways to encourage, praise and be there for others. Also we need to get involved in our church, there are so many things involved in keeping a church running properly; youth leaders, worship team, planning committee, etc…. Don’t wait for someone else to volunteer for the position, we all need to step up to the plate and do our part.
Conclusion
If believe that if every Christian did the above, it would not only build up and bring unity to their home church, but it would also build up the whole body of Christ, in turn glorifying God. It would also make for Christian that are strong in their beliefs and lead their everyday lives as examples to others.
"We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." Ephesians 4:15-16
"We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church." Ephesians 4:15-16
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
My Outline
Thesis- Christians Should Want To Build Up Their Church
I. Why?
A. To spread the Gospel.
B. To grow in faith and knowledge.
C. To bring others to Christ.
D. To bring glory to God.
II. How?
A. Look for ways to encourage and praise others. Building someone else up is in turn glorifying God.
B. Be involved in the church. Examples: youth leader, worship team, planning committee, etc.
C. Don’t be just a Sunday Christian. Live everyday as an example to others.
D. Read the Bible, research your questions, pray.
III. What is the end result?
A. Unity in the church.
B. Christians that are strong in their beliefs.
C. Christians that are examples to others in their everyday lives.
D. Glorifying God.
I’m not exactly sure where I want to put this last part (maybe the conclusion). If you have any ideas please comment. Thanks.
We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16
I. Why?
A. To spread the Gospel.
B. To grow in faith and knowledge.
C. To bring others to Christ.
D. To bring glory to God.
II. How?
A. Look for ways to encourage and praise others. Building someone else up is in turn glorifying God.
B. Be involved in the church. Examples: youth leader, worship team, planning committee, etc.
C. Don’t be just a Sunday Christian. Live everyday as an example to others.
D. Read the Bible, research your questions, pray.
III. What is the end result?
A. Unity in the church.
B. Christians that are strong in their beliefs.
C. Christians that are examples to others in their everyday lives.
D. Glorifying God.
I’m not exactly sure where I want to put this last part (maybe the conclusion). If you have any ideas please comment. Thanks.
We will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. Ephesians 4:15-16
Monday, October 16, 2006
Brainstorming!
Well, while we were still in class I had an “ah ha” moment. I knew what I wanted to write about. “Christians Should Want To Build Up Their Church” (I even jotted it down). I chose this because there have been some issues in our church with the lack of righteous living or even trying on days other than Sunday. Some people are not wanting this church to change so that it can grow and flourish, by letting in new people, ideas on how Christians can grow, and new ways of doing things. I was thinking that Christians should not feel this way. So I did my brainstorming with lots of help and research (now I really know why they call it that haha)!
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
The 1st Assignment!
1. Gets your attention (the title and first sentence).
2. Asks good questions and then gives goood answers to them.
3. Gives real life examples.
4. Restates important point at the end of the essay.
5. Gets the writers opinion across clearly without bashing another person.
"You Christians Are So Narrow Minded"
http://bethinking.org/resource.php?ID=7&TopicID=4&CategoryID=6
2. Asks good questions and then gives goood answers to them.
3. Gives real life examples.
4. Restates important point at the end of the essay.
5. Gets the writers opinion across clearly without bashing another person.
"You Christians Are So Narrow Minded"
http://bethinking.org/resource.php?ID=7&TopicID=4&CategoryID=6
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Monday, October 02, 2006
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