Brother Kaung's teaches focusing on the growth and maturity of the body of Christ as depicted in the Book of Acts. He emphasized that the church is a living organism, akin to a human body, which undergoes stages of development: childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. The early chapters of Acts illustrate the joyful beginnings of the church, while later chapters depict challenges that necessitated growth and maturity. Stephen highlighted key figures like Paul, who was a master builder of the church, emphasizing the importance of establishing local churches as expressions of the universal body of Christ. He noted that the Holy Spirit guides the church's growth, and that ministry is not just about preaching but also about nurturing and building up believers. The ultimate goal is for every member to function in unity, contributing to the body’s growth in life. Stephen concluded by urging the congregation to work with God in building His church, emphasizing the need for spiritual maturity and active participation in the body of Christ.
Introduction to the ministry by Brother Stephen Carr
The church as a living organism
Stages of development: childhood, adolescence, adulthood
Early joy and later challenges in Acts
Key figures in the growth of the church
Paul as a master builder
Importance of establishing local churches
Role of the Holy Spirit in church growth
Ministry as nurturing and building up believers
Call to work with God in building His church
Emphasis on spiritual maturity and active participation
1 Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. 3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.
4 So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.
21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, 22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. 23 And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.
30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him, 31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 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 fulness 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.