Iron Sharpeneth Iron

This is a partial quote from Proverbs 27:17, and as far as spiritual growth goes this is an important verse. Have you ever seen a chef rub two knives together? I have and I noticed how he did it, both edges were held at the same angle as their sharp surfaces and were rubbed back and forth. This rubbing, removed any imperfections in both knives and each knife was sharper after this was done. (Hold that thought)

In our Statement of Faith under the heading of Task and Purpose of our Ministry, number three says the following. To build up its members. (Ephesians 4:12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ:

14  That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Point - The task and purpose of any Christian. We are to build up members of the Body. Perfecting (through the Word) the believers. Edifying (building up, not tearing down) believers. Unity. A full knowledge of the Son of God. Truth spoken in love. We are one body and are not separated but joined together.

These are just a few of the things mentioned in the scripture verses from our Statement of Faith.

Have you ever watched a movie that had sword fights in it? Imagine two men, fighting with the really big two edged swords. Swinging them at each other with all their might and blocking these attacks with their swords too. Can you imagine what kind of damage is done to the edges of the swords? You could say that the iron dulled the iron couldn’t you! This kind of handling (action) will destroy or ruin the swords, right?

We read in 2 Timothy 3: 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

4:1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

We also read in John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

35 by this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Point - All scripture is given by inspiration of God.

All our doctrines should come from it. It is to be used for reproof (admonish, convict, convince, tell a fault, rebuke, reprove) It is to be used to correct.

And to instruct us in righteousness: (in character or act, innocent, holy, just, right).

Point – We are to love one another as Jesus has loved us, if we do, all men will know that we are the Disciples of Christ. How did he show His love for us? He died for us!

Bottom line – Iron sharpens iron! As believers are we sharpening each other? Or are we like the people fighting with each other, banging our edges against each other with all our might causing damage and leaving marks? Now for a question that each of us should ask ourselves everyday. Are we as Christians sharpening each other, or only our friends, or those that we like? Are we as Christians dulling and damaging the feelings and hearts of other believers? This is an unfortunate statement, but seems to be true in many instances - Christians are the only ones who kill their wounded.

I am sure that over the years, I have hurt other Christians and for that I am truly sorry and if you are one of them I ask for your forgiveness. If I have dulled your spirit in any way, I am sorry and I ask your forgiveness for that too. Since my heart operation my fiancés and resources has been limited and it is becoming very obvious now. This spring I missed the Keene swap meet (first time for me not working) and the Mothers day Bike blessing another first. I have missed many meetings and events because I didn’t have gas money to go to them. My absence has taught me a lot about myself and others, and thank God it will not always be this way. Lord willing I will be back on the road soon and active in other Ministry functions that I miss so much. I have missed seeing many people and working with them! I am home most of the time (call first to make sure) if you want to see me, because right now, I can’t go and see you or call you on the phone. God is good and He loves you very much!

Keep the rubber side down and serve God no matter what the cost is!

I love you, God bless you and have a blessed day with the Lord!