So much work, detail, and planning go into building homes or other structures that people occupy. For those outside the industry, it can appear to be a more straightforward task as we see buildings go up quickly and, before we know it, are finished. But so much detail and work go into building a structure. The building illustration is an analogy we see often used in scripture. God desires that we edify or build one another up. The apostle Paul shared, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Romans 15:1-2, English Standard Version). What is the importance of Christian edification? Could you explain the concept to another person if they asked what spiritual edification looked like? Are we supposed to edify, or build up one another?

Mike Phelps

Pastor, United Church of God

Michael Phelps and his wife Laura, and daughter Kelsey, attend the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Flint Michigan congregations, where Michael serves as pastor.  Michael and Laura both grew up in the Church of God.  They attended Ambassador University in Big Sandy for two years (1994-96) then returned home to complete their Bachelor's Degrees.  Michael enjoys serving in the local congregations as well as with the pre-teen and teen camp programs.  He also enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, and running.