“How God Heals A Fracture” 1 Corinthians 12:12-18

Fracture of the Ulna (forearm)

Reset the Point of Fracture Point of most pain is ALSO the point of fracture Must be dealt with if there ever is to be healing, strength and normalcy again (STAGES!) ** Living bones produce blood clots within 3-4 hours; followed by a soft callus by cells called chondro-blasts, lasting 4 days – 3 wks ** Next, osteoblast cells form HARD callus, process lasting 2 weeks to 6/12 weeks. ** Last stage, bone remodeling, as once broken bone takes on original shape 3-9 years WHERE DO ALL NEW CELLS COME FROM? The the point of the break / i.e. not the leg, not the foot, not the hand THE BREAK POINT IS CRITICAL TO SUPPLYING WHAT’S NEEDED FOR HEALING!

What Happens To a Compound Fracture That Is Not Treated Infection “The invasion and multiplication of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are not normally present within the body” = Fever and sickness set in Extreme cases: amputation of the limb to protect the entire body Paul to Corinthians: “But now God placed the members, each one of them just as He desired” * “one part cannot disregard another part!”

A Spiritual X-ray of Flat Creek Fracture over our common love of Jesus expressed in worship Fracture over how to dress in the Lord’s house, demeanor, and reverence (these are symptoms) // there may be others One of our deacons: “problem is the heart” But the things that proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and those defile the man. "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, slanders (Mt. 15:18-19)

Like Bones That Have Been Re-Set, Time Together Rather Than Avoiding Our flesh loves pleasure, but avoids pain But Jesus said, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). Galatians 2:20 – Our “flesh” must be crucified! * pride must die; humility is resurrected * pleasure/comfort dies; suffering/trust arise! * pursue understanding the hearts of others

In Season of Rehab, Repetitive Actions Required – Not Just Once Wheelchair, Walker, Crutches All “tools” assist in continuing normal activities while learning how to walk again ** object: slowly recover strength to return to life prior to the fracture. In church life, those recovering from broken relationships/fractures need ENCOURAGEMENT, to assist along the way LEADERS ARE NEEDED TO SHOW WHAT THIS LOOKS LIKE

Failing to Pursue Unity Is Contrary to the Very Prayer of Jesus “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, [art] in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:21) ** unity was on His heart in the Garden ** taught disciples = “a house divided cannot stand” it is SIN / contrary to Jesus’ will! Flat Creek approaches 200 years ministry 40 yrs = biblical generation, we are #5…

A Closer Look at Divisions in Corinth 1:10-13 I am of Paul – planted the church / traditionalist I am of Apollos – gifted evangelist/orator/ enthus I am of Cephas/Peter – leader from Jerusalem - I am of Christ! – claiming “we know best” Watch! It’s possible for us to be SO in love with Jesus we lose perspective on loving His BRIDE/CHURCH – -- which consists of all the above. Q: has Christ been divided? Who was crucified for you?

Paul’s Instruction on Church Health to the Philippians Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose

“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:1-4) * What abt. worship styles are significant To that other group? * Why attire is a matter of interest to those don’t see it like you do?

Philippians 2:5- The Winning Attitude “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus…” Elevate those you struggle with … * giving up “rights” and “entitlements” * serving “those unworthy” * even to the point of death….