WE ACHIEVE MORE TOGETHER IN FELLOWSHIP
By Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
The strength of the early church viz a viz its numerous achievements was hinged on the power of fellowship :networking The scriptures says in acts 1:4 "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me." the fulfillment of this divine promise was predicated on the disciples being together, likewise there are certain aspects of God’s promises towards us individually and collectively that can only be fulfilled when we fellowship ,network together. This is more visible in the area of marriages, being an active member of a sound bible -based christian congregation is critical in building an enduring marital relationship : it minimizes our exposure to abuse and fraud .
Just as a fruit cannot fully develop in the absence of the branch of a tree, likewise a born again christian cannot attain his or her full potentials in the absence of the fellowship of the brethren.
Those who walk in the wisdom and understanding of scriptures are easily identifiable with an undying passion and a commitment to fellowship with the brethren, conversely absenteeism is usually indicative of a christian working in unforgiveness, haven compromised the truth of the holy gospel, misunderstandings , fears, loneliness and depression. A commitment to fellowship with the brethren is a simple barometer to measure emotional commitment to one's spouse. The risk factor in having a peaceful home with a person with a penchant for absenteeism from the fellowship of the brethren is very high. Most cases of infidelity starts with absenteeism from church meetings.Fellowship awakens the righteousness consciousness of a christian. The scriptures says in 1 John 1:7 " But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." The word cleanseth is the Greek word 'katharizo' which means to purify.
The process of regeneration of the soul ( emotion, intellect, senses, will) of Christian is in its present continuous state as indicated by the word cleanseth which is the English word 'cleanses' .it doesn't say 'cleansed' as in a past tense. The spirit is perfect, cleansed,sanctified and as holy as God’s but the same can't be said of the soul, it is for that reason that we are enjoined to renew our minds (soul) by being transformed through the word (Rom.12:1-3) and this takes place through our fellowship with one another and the Spirit of the word (Matt.18:19-20)healthy christian character cannot be developed in the absence of a sound bible teaching community to whom we are accountable. Our credibility becomes in doubt once we can't be identified with a sound bible-teaching community: it was for this reason that Jesus sent the ten lepers to the priests after praying for their healing (Luke 17:14-19). It was the one who recognized the importance of fellowship with Jesus and his disciples that received the restoration of all that was lost as a result of the infirmity.
It is the fear of being criticized that keeps many away from the fellowship of God's people.Criticism is indispensable in character formation In Luke 17:14-19 ) Jesus criticized and disapproved the nine that didn't return to show gratitude. The scriptures says 2Tim.3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" and Paul said to pastor Titus in Titus1:13 "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" and Titus 2:15 " These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." soundness of faith requires sharp rebuke,unfortunately, many modern churches do not teach this for love of money : that's why there is such a decline in family values and an increase in marital crisis . A healthy fellowship according to 2Tim. 3:16 is characterized by 1) sound doctrine 2) reproof 3)correction 4) instructions in righteousness ,this is the ingredient for a sound christian character and we don't choose our spiritual teachers, God does (Jer.3:15).
Fellowship with God's people gives strength (Deut.32:30,Ecc 4:9,10,12). It is the cure to loneliness ( 2Tim.4:16, Eccl.4:10) it gives room for the development of spiritual virtues and leads to experiencing extraordinary favours (Prov.14:9, Act2:42,1cor.14:26). Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins , I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation and I receive Him as my Lord and Savior and receive grace for extraordinary favours in Jesus name.
+234 8035536911, +234 8098536911,email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit :jarmoluk/ pixabay
Hebrews 10:25 "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."
The strength of the early church viz a viz its numerous achievements was hinged on the power of fellowship :networking The scriptures says in acts 1:4 "And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith he, ye have heard of me." the fulfillment of this divine promise was predicated on the disciples being together, likewise there are certain aspects of God’s promises towards us individually and collectively that can only be fulfilled when we fellowship ,network together. This is more visible in the area of marriages, being an active member of a sound bible -based christian congregation is critical in building an enduring marital relationship : it minimizes our exposure to abuse and fraud .
Just as a fruit cannot fully develop in the absence of the branch of a tree, likewise a born again christian cannot attain his or her full potentials in the absence of the fellowship of the brethren.
Those who walk in the wisdom and understanding of scriptures are easily identifiable with an undying passion and a commitment to fellowship with the brethren, conversely absenteeism is usually indicative of a christian working in unforgiveness, haven compromised the truth of the holy gospel, misunderstandings , fears, loneliness and depression. A commitment to fellowship with the brethren is a simple barometer to measure emotional commitment to one's spouse. The risk factor in having a peaceful home with a person with a penchant for absenteeism from the fellowship of the brethren is very high. Most cases of infidelity starts with absenteeism from church meetings.Fellowship awakens the righteousness consciousness of a christian. The scriptures says in 1 John 1:7 " But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." The word cleanseth is the Greek word 'katharizo' which means to purify.
The process of regeneration of the soul ( emotion, intellect, senses, will) of Christian is in its present continuous state as indicated by the word cleanseth which is the English word 'cleanses' .it doesn't say 'cleansed' as in a past tense. The spirit is perfect, cleansed,sanctified and as holy as God’s but the same can't be said of the soul, it is for that reason that we are enjoined to renew our minds (soul) by being transformed through the word (Rom.12:1-3) and this takes place through our fellowship with one another and the Spirit of the word (Matt.18:19-20)healthy christian character cannot be developed in the absence of a sound bible teaching community to whom we are accountable. Our credibility becomes in doubt once we can't be identified with a sound bible-teaching community: it was for this reason that Jesus sent the ten lepers to the priests after praying for their healing (Luke 17:14-19). It was the one who recognized the importance of fellowship with Jesus and his disciples that received the restoration of all that was lost as a result of the infirmity.
It is the fear of being criticized that keeps many away from the fellowship of God's people.Criticism is indispensable in character formation In Luke 17:14-19 ) Jesus criticized and disapproved the nine that didn't return to show gratitude. The scriptures says 2Tim.3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" and Paul said to pastor Titus in Titus1:13 "This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;" and Titus 2:15 " These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee." soundness of faith requires sharp rebuke,unfortunately, many modern churches do not teach this for love of money : that's why there is such a decline in family values and an increase in marital crisis . A healthy fellowship according to 2Tim. 3:16 is characterized by 1) sound doctrine 2) reproof 3)correction 4) instructions in righteousness ,this is the ingredient for a sound christian character and we don't choose our spiritual teachers, God does (Jer.3:15).
Fellowship with God's people gives strength (Deut.32:30,Ecc 4:9,10,12). It is the cure to loneliness ( 2Tim.4:16, Eccl.4:10) it gives room for the development of spiritual virtues and leads to experiencing extraordinary favours (Prov.14:9, Act2:42,1cor.14:26). Prayer : Heavenly Father forgive me for my sins , I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation and I receive Him as my Lord and Savior and receive grace for extraordinary favours in Jesus name.
+234 8035536911, +234 8098536911,email:michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
Pics credit :jarmoluk/ pixabay
Comments
Post a Comment