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As we’ve considered the differing elements of health, we’ve learned they apply to us as individual believers and as a corporate church family. The first two, evangelism and spiritual health, are the building blocks upon which all other elements of health are built. Then, ministry health and worship health can follow, but are both dependent upon obedience; and they both result in the honoring of God.
The next two involve what the believer can give back. Ephesians 4:11-16 reminds us of a couple important church health principles: 1) the church needs godly leadership; and, 2) the church grows and builds up itself by loving and serving one another. Godly leaders will lead the body toward health, love and service.
The Biblical goal for the church is not simply more people. The Biblical goal for the church is obedience. When we obey God – then and only then - can He bless the church with more people, and provide us with more opportunities for ministry and obedience. We edify one another (Ephesians 4:16), which means we build each other up in our faith and lives. Body health is the result of edification; each member obeying and ministering and building up one another.
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