FELLOWSHIP ACTIVATES UNUSUAL FAVOUR
FELLOWSHIP ATTRACTS DIVINE FAVOUR
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. 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." this scripture teaches that a divine promise could only be fulfilled when the disciples were together, likewise there are certain aspects of God’s promises towards us individually and collectively that can only be fulfilled when we obey the commandment to fellowship together. This is more visible in the area of marriages, being an active member of a christian congregation is critical in building an enduring marital relationship. Not being part of a christian family exposes one to the risks of abuse and fraud in relationships. 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 who has compromised the truth of the holy gospel.A relationship with such a person is full of uncertainties and pain. The commitment to fellowship with the brethren is a simple barometer to measure one's 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 righteous 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 risen 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 to. Our credibility becomes in doubt once we can't be identified with a bible teaching community it was for this reason that after ministering healing to the ten lepers, he sent them to the priests (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.
This underscores the error in the doctrine that says" don't judge " that often determines the choice of fellowship by many believers, in Luke 17:14-19 ) Jesus judged or 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, modern churches do not teach this that's why there is such a fall in family values and the modern church has become a haven for criminals and a very dangerous place to seek for a marriage partner . 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. 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 divine favour (Prov.14:9, Act2:42,1cor.14:26). As you read this receive grace for extraordinary favour in Jesus name.
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. 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." this scripture teaches that a divine promise could only be fulfilled when the disciples were together, likewise there are certain aspects of God’s promises towards us individually and collectively that can only be fulfilled when we obey the commandment to fellowship together. This is more visible in the area of marriages, being an active member of a christian congregation is critical in building an enduring marital relationship. Not being part of a christian family exposes one to the risks of abuse and fraud in relationships. 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 who has compromised the truth of the holy gospel.A relationship with such a person is full of uncertainties and pain. The commitment to fellowship with the brethren is a simple barometer to measure one's 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 righteous 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 risen 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 to. Our credibility becomes in doubt once we can't be identified with a bible teaching community it was for this reason that after ministering healing to the ten lepers, he sent them to the priests (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.
This underscores the error in the doctrine that says" don't judge " that often determines the choice of fellowship by many believers, in Luke 17:14-19 ) Jesus judged or 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, modern churches do not teach this that's why there is such a fall in family values and the modern church has become a haven for criminals and a very dangerous place to seek for a marriage partner . 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. 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 divine favour (Prov.14:9, Act2:42,1cor.14:26). As you read this receive grace for extraordinary favour in Jesus name.
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