Building Each Other Up (From our 3-22-26 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/CqIviQ8VshMThis sermon uses the massive scale of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline to illustrate the even greater work of building up the body of Christ. Here is a detailed outline of the message based on the text provided.I. Introduction: The World’s Largest StrawThe Illustration: The Trans-Alaska Pipeline is over 800 miles long, four feet in diameter, and took 378 million gallons of crude oil just to fill before a single drop reached the destination.The Magnitude: It required 100,000 joints to be welded, often in freezing conditions and under X-ray scrutiny.The Comparison: As massive as that project is, the Bible speaks of something greater."He who descended is the one who also ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things." (Ephesians 4:10 ESV)The Thesis: God has not asked us to build a pipeline, but He has asked us to build up His church.II. Building Up the Church Means Building Up PeopleThe Context of 1 Corinthians 14: Paul addresses the misuse of spiritual gifts. While people were bickering over who had the "better" gift, Paul points them toward the purpose of those gifts: edification."On the other hand, the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation." (1 Corinthians 14:3 ESV)The Three-Fold Work of Edification:Upbuilding: To make a person stronger through kind words or service.Encouragement: To "put courage in" someone, helping them act rightly in spite of fear.Consolation: To stabilize someone who is teetering on the edge or down in a pit.The Homework: Every member is responsible for every other member. The challenge is to find someone in the congregation this week—specifically someone outside your immediate circle—and build them up.III. Building Up Must Be Our TargetStriving to Excel: Building the church isn't something we just "try" to do; it must be our intentional aim."So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church." (1 Corinthians 14:12 ESV)The Focus: Like aiming a weapon, we should only point our efforts toward what we intend to hit. Our target should be the overflow and abounding of the body.IV. Building Up Must Be Our TestThe "Go/No-Go" Yardstick: To evaluate whether a church activity is effective, we must ask if it serves one of two purposes: evangelizing the lost or edifying the body."What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up." (1 Corinthians 14:26 ESV)Intentionality: We must avoid going through the motions or doing things out of mere habit. If it doesn't build up, we need to reassess its purpose.V. Conclusion: Growing into MaturityThe Final Design: Jesus provides the "pumps" (apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers) to equip the saints for the work of ministry.The Result of a Working Body: > "from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." (Ephesians 4:16 ESV)The Invitation: If you are struggling or need help, do not leave without seeking it. The body exists to build you up.