We are all different physiologically, intellectually, culturally, etc . Yet we are all one family through grace - A South west London Ghana SDA Church Family Ministries presentantion

1. Many, Yet One Family Through Grace ! By Elder Fred Adu-Darko

2. Family Ministries Day

3. Why are we many? Because we are created differently from one another. These characteristics and differences are; Cultural Ethnic Biological Social Physical Psychological Intellectual

4. Human Behaviour from the Developmental Psychologist Born: April 29th 1917- 2005 UrieBronfen Brenner – Ecological Theory 1979

5. What is the Developmental Approach?

6. Developmental Psychology is… It is the study of Age - related changes in behaviour from Birth - Death

7. 5 types of Nested Theories 1.Microsystems 2.Mesosystem 3.Exosystem 4.Macrosystem 5.Chronic system

8. ECOLOGICAL SYSTEMS THEORY

9. 1.Microsystems- Immediate environment the child lives: this involves quality of care given in e.g. Family, caregivers, school and day-care

10. 2.Mesosystem- how different parts of the micro system works – positive growth of the child through the active roles of the primary care givers

11. 3.Exosystem- external factors that the child has no role to play but influences the child’s development e.g. extended family, neighbours, legal & social services

12. 4.Macrosystem - Culture in which an individual lives e.g. western world, youth culture, social status

13. 5.Chronic system - Patterns of environmental events and transition e.g. divorce and how one can turn the situation around

15. Purpose of oneness and unity

16. Purpose of oneness/ unity Jesus Christ Prayed for unity and oneness on the Cross John 17;20-23 Benefits to the church Benefits to the World Oneness of Believers as Evangelistic it testifies of God’s Love Oneness of believes bears testimony to validity of the Gospel As a living Demonstration which confirms that Jesus is the Christ, Emissary sent by God to redeem the world Genesis 27,18,19-24 Adam and Eve union – symbiotic relationship

17. How can oneness be achieved if we are different/many? Paul tells us how with – His analogy of the Body and the Church The Church is the visible presence of Christ on earth. Those who believe in Jesus constitute the Church; they make visible His invisible body. It is interesting that in the Bible people are not asked to "join the Church" per se. In biblical terms, the Church is not something one joins. The Church is the body of Christ, and people are called to accept Jesus as Savior and Lord and to accept our placement in that body.(4) The different Characteristics / Functions of a church and the human body All have different functions but work together to become one

18. Grace

19. What is Grace? It is unmerited mercy that God gave us By sending Jesus His Son Jesus to Die on the cross to give us eternal salvation

20. 3 Key Principles of Grace

21. 3 key principles of Grace Grace is something which is God given It’s possible through and ONLY JESUS CHRIST It is GOD’S Gift of salvation granted to Sinners for their Salvation

22. Physiological Benefits of Grace Peace Joy Happiness Release of Stress & Anxiety Depression (Matt 26;26-43 especially vs. 37,38 about Christ Jesus in Gethsemane) Release of Boredom and Loneliness

23. Grace Accentuates the Positives Eph 4:1-3 Grace leads us to choose to focus on the Positive and not the negative. Paul mentions 4 personal values that will help, “keep the unity of the spirit through the bond of the bond of peace” (vs. 3)

24. TheBiography of Paul in the Light of Grace

25. Grace destroys all barriers Ephesians 2:14-19 Galatians 3:38 SO IT BANISHES ALL LAWS AND DISCRIMINATION

26. 4 Key Personal Values 1.Humility 2.Gentleness 3.Patience 4.Forbearance

27. 1. Humility Luke 18:9-15 (Jew & Gentile Prayers) Abigail & husband Nebhan& David’s Issue. Also 1 Peter 5;5-6 Youth Submission to Elders & to themselves, for God Resist Proud, but gives Grace to the Humble Luke 18; 18-27- The ruler who came to Jesus to ask for Eternal Life. Called Jesus’ Good Man

28. 2. Gentleness Being gentle and respectful, showing that we care and are unwilling to take each other for granted (vs.2)

29. 3.Patience Romans 12:20- 21- Being slow average wrong or retaliate when hurt by another person (vs.2)

30. 4. Forbearance Forbearance – bearing with one another in love: Mutual tolerance enables two human beings to live together in peace Luke 18; 35-43, Blind man’s restoration of Sight.

31. Remember to…. Communicate in Love Eph 4:15,29 Be committed to loving one another Eph 5:1&2 Deal constructively with anger and conflict Forgive one another- objective reconciliation Romans 12:9-21 Be mutually submissive – Eph5:21

32. The cause of division and discord in families and in the church is separation from Christ. To come near to Christ is to come near to one another. The secret of true unity in the church and in the family is not diplomacy, not management, not a superhuman effort to overcome difficulties-though there will be much of this to do-but union with Christ. The closer we come to Christ, the nearer we shall be to one another. ( Adventist Home , p. 179) Conclusion