What is Biblical Fellowship about?
Many christians find church going of little help in their living, and try to find some way to serve Christ. However, the Word of God/Bible has much teaching/doctrine to christians/disciples concerning church life/fellowship with the brethren in Christ.
There are lots of things any christian should do and act upon under conceivable circumstances. No church/religious strong hand can stop all of such action, even if they/somebody wants to.
A life with Christ is not boring at all, when one lives according to His commandment.
Let us examine from the bible some of His teachings concerning christian living.
Christ, when He was tempted, referred to the written scripture everytime. This shows us a good example how much one needs to rely on scripture in life and in all forms of testing. The word of God is not a vague concept thought out in some ivory tower far far away from the reality of daily life. It is what every person depends on for living, much more than bread and butter; its the living water and spiritual food.And if your brother sins (against you), go and reprove him in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. [Matt 18v15]
Christian life is not all a matter of praises and aproval.
It is also about bringing others back on track (correction).
Before and after the failing of procedure, one should pray to God that He will fulfill what is good. It might take much time for somebody to turn. This is a lesson of TRUST in God.
What is brought out into light is light. It is not always a private matter when a brother sins against anyone. Praying for guidance of God, christians have the duty to warn by the teachings of Christ all who are in error, even the whole assembly.
And after all, stand firm in the truth, and patiently wait for Christ.
Meanwhile, keep on doing good, and preaching the word, so that by all means some might be saved, according to His Will.
If Jesus, the Master and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. [John 13v14]
Do the most humble task/service when opportunity allows/surfaced to serve all believers in Christ, so that your joy may be complete.
Help others to keep clean, and remove dirt from others and yourselves.
Help others to set apart from sin, that all may lead holy lives with clean hearts.
Not just be aware of the need of others, but provide needed reception to the saints, who will in turn share the gospel with others.
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. [John 13v34]
This goes well beyond the preaching of the word, to doing of the word on all men.
There is no room for delay and selfishness.
However this commandment is not telling anybody to blindly give everything to others; and be subjected to others at all cost. Some non-believers like very much to enslave christians by calling upon love in the bible.
There is always a need to care for others. Make some of your time available to appreciate others around you and be kind to whoever come your way. They are opportunities for your services, and your sharing of the gospel. And your brethren being closest to you should be the first ones to attract your attention and help. The Lord has crossed your paths to enable communication and interaction.
Do not leave your task to someone else. This someone else needs your love, care and support as well. Your reward is in heaven, to share with the saints and God all the more.
And they were continually devoting themselves to the appostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. [Acts 2v42]
Our christian brothers in the beginning have set good example for us to follow.
They were continually devoting themselves... They have not done it. We have not done it. This is inducing much joy and warmth and brotherly love.
We are to carry on with the practice as it is part of christian living.
You think the lines of apostles have ended? You would be surprised to meet messengers of the gospel. There is the word of God, containing the teachings of the apostles for help, guidance, instruction, and for living out continually.
There is fellowship with all saints, who are set apart from this world by the choice and will of God.
All christians are asked to be set apart from the carnal world. Being set apart is being called out; which is being holy. This is not a task left over for some super heros only. It is a tangible requirement to all believers.
There is the breaking of bread often to commemorate Christ and the once and for all atonement of our sins. The joyful assurance of our salvation. It is a reminder of the horror of sin, and the love of God. It is a celebration of His sure providence.
It is easy to forget and grow cold. So an act of commeration helps us to focus on the truth of the covenant and keep our hearts burning for the glory before and after us.
Express yourselves thankfulness, appreciation, and joy, and place your trust firmly in Christ.
Never forget to pray. This is your life-line to the Almighty. Feel the pulse of life.
No one can take you away from prayer. And no prayer is ever too short; for the Holy Spirit is interceding for us, conveying to God the Father what we could have missed and failed to express. He is there, even before you ask. Very fast and efficient indeed. Another immense assurance of the Love of God.
And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; [Acts 2v44]
This is not communism, which has only a shadow of the christian reality.
All the believers were together. It is important to stay together, for support, comfort, care and upkeeping. When you are so close with the saints, all you have would indeed be sharing with them.
All believers were of one mind, loving one Christ, having one gospel to preach to the whole world, the same Godly life to lead, and all goodness to share.
This is not a matter of local church first. This is about living out the truth; preaching, listening, learning, repenting, following, loving and living out the teachings of Christ. Very real when you step out to practice it. The example in Acts tells you that such practice has been possible. Are you in the relay team? Would you like to participate?
And why not? What is hindering you[Acts26v31], if indeed you are with Christ?
Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; [Romans 12v10]
There is brotherly love amongst christians. Help your brothers, and encourage them for good. Discourage evil and lukewarmness.
There is no need for selfishness. It is good to let others ascend first for honor.
In Christ there is no shortage of reward. It is already Christ to live - as happy as it can be. Try to let other gain even more and even quicker. The first (in selfishness, greed, carelessness) shall be last(for edification, reward, joy, satisfaction).
Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this - not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. [Romans 14v13]
This is not a command to stop making judgment. Rather it is an outlet from making judgment. We need not forget that God is in control and will do the final judgment. There is so much we can do in discernment, reproof, rebuke, warning and encouragement. And when we have done our honest duty, God will help out and bring every righteous deed to His good ending.
His saving hand is never too short.
We are not to carry on forever with impossible tasks, and try to bring to conclusion cases we do not have all the facts, creating unnecessary obstacles. God in secret knows what is involved, He can help, and will help in His proper timing.
The peace of God passes over all understanding.
So then let us pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another. [Romans 14v19]
We are to be peace makers, building up goodness rather than tearing down and breaking up righteous deeds.
We are to establish our dear brethren in Christ whenever possible. It is very positive act to build up.
Wherefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God. [Romans 15v7]
Do not disregard the lowly.
Christ died for them as well. They are precious in the sight of God. They are part of our family; objects of our care and concern.
Our acceptance and care for one another brings glory to God, by serving others rather than selfishly satisfying only ourselves. Love is about giving good things, and helping one another to discard bad things.
Christ has helped taking our sins and guilt away. You also should help our brethren to become pure and holy to the Glory of God.
but now, I am going to Jerusalem serving the saints (holy ones). [Romans 15v25]
One may even journey to another congregation, by the calling, vision, prophesy of God, to serve the brethren who are far off. help may be coming from afar.
Do not just occupy yourselves with things nearby. Develop long vision, and be attentive to need arise around you. Bear the burden of others so that you may all share joy and thankfulness together.
Now I urge you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, [Romans 15v30]
The Spirit that dwells within all Christians also has love and shows love.
There is no lack of passage/urge asking Christians to pray, together or singly, for other workers and for the work in building the faith and church.
Praying is not something to be left to some specially gifted person. It is a communication with our dear Leader, God and Master.
so that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company. [Romans 15v32]
By striving together, following the will of God, our prayers and deeds may refresh and give rest to our brethren who come our way.
Sharing is not something to be found only in Heaven. It is taking right here, even right at our home, and in our rooms.
Make room for Christ, and make room even for the smallest amongst you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ greet you. [Romans 16v16]
You are not forgotten.
All the saints share their greetings with you, wherever you are. The effect is recorded.
You are not left out of the picture, even if you have walked away for a while.
Kissing is still practiced in many assemblies of Christ. It conveys a closeness (a sense of acceptance) that the shaking of hands could not.
And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. [1Cor 12v26]
There is absolute commitment and sharing in the whole church.
Even if there were forgotten members, they are still partakers of Christ. No one is too lowly.
Try your best to honor Christ, even to suffer for Him, so that all may rejoice with what you have done.
Even you ( U ) may share with the saints.
Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. [Gal 6v2]
Fellowship is about mutual support, and sharing difficulties of all kinds. And in love one fulfills/perfects the law of righteousness.
Our character and allegiance are tested in sufferings.
Your neighbours are there for you to practise the development of goodness. Much joy and satisfaction fills ones life of service.
The gospel can be practiced in quietness and humbleness.
And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches. [Gal 6v6]
Christians who receive the word, the gospel, and the teachings of Christ can share the love of Christ by sharing with those who brought such teachings/gospels with what they have obtained in life. There is warmth of love and care, and mutual support.
It is not just the preaching of the word; but the sharing of good things in life.
but speaking (holding to or walking in) the truth in love, we may grow up in all aspects into Him, who is the head, even Christ, [Eph 4v15]
Not just speak of the truth in carelessness, hatred and worldliness; but in love, delighting in all righteousness.
Aim to establish your brethren and nurture the whole body of Christ.
We are not complete without love. This is not a condemnation, but the reality.
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. [Col 3v16]
There is the indwelling word of Christ/God. It is not just a book for reading.
Be as ONE with God by uniting with Him in all aspects - spirit, manners, thoughts, aims, deeds, selflessness and holiness.
Teach others with the best you have, rather than by discipation. Teach them with the joy and thankfulness in your hearts. Knowledge is not imparted just with heavy hearts.
Thankfulness is not just a state of the mind/heart. It is a lesson worth teaching to others.
Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; [Phil 1v15]
Regardless how Christ is made known to others, we rejoice that He is made known, so that those who are willing to come to Him may be nurtured by the word.
... because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment (bonds) and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me. [Phil 1v7]
Keep others in your heart, that you would think for them and care for them.
All are partakers of grace together via much sharing. There is no need for selfishness.
... I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy in the faith, [Phil 1v25]
You are not forsaken or just forgotten by God.
Make progress, so that all may share with your joy in the faith.
Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ; so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; [Phil 1v27]
Your good deeds can be heard of by others, even far away. There is no limit of time and space. In one spirit, and with one mind (soul), regardless of near or far.
Our faith is that of the gospel (Good News), not that of any religion or gossip.
But I thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger (apostle) and minister to my need; [Phil 2v25]
Be a soldier in/of Christ for the faith.
Be prepared to receive your fellow workers in Christ, who might minister to your need.
To sum up, let all be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;
not returning evil for evil, or insult for insult, but giving a blessing (blessings) instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing. [1Peter 3v8,9]Be kind even in sufferings.
Deliver good wishes all the time. Fill the world with christian goodness. Do things with positive intention.
Be GOOD!
Leave behind the evil you were practicing. Unbelievers are blind to the goodness of God. They need your help, such as prayers and deeds, to experience God.
Pick up the very opposite.
Be hospitable to one another without complaint. [1Peter 4v9]
You know the bad guys. We know the hurt. But we are here to heal as well as to help out. We are doctors with a mission. We are the messengers of Christ, bringing good stuff, of course.
Give blood to all blood-suckers? NO!
Rather, do what you are best at, knowing others are less fortunate than yourselves.
Use the special gifts you have for service to others. Do not withhold the strength you have when your brethren is in need.
You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble. [1Peter 5v5]
Live in harmony. Let those who can rule rule with gladness. But keep watching for the evil acts stealing into the assemblies. Be the watchmen of God, rather than just be Chieves.
Glory, and reward do not only belong to leaders.
and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, [Hebrews 10v24]
Do you know why I am writing this?
Writing letters and messages are conceivable means to establish, encourage and to help discerning good and evil.
Can you think of other means to improve life and the assemblies of God?
Do not just be followers. See the vision? Hear the calling? Fight the good fight!
And the Lord be with you through all depths and separation.
not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near. [Heb 10v25]
Your assembling warms the hearts of many you might not be aware of. Your encouragement by facing difficulties help many to go along the paths of life.
Christians may even assemble together on the internet, and through e-mail, via snail mailing. There really are many ways to come together for witnessing the Good news.
When the going gets tough, the tough get going.
Characters are built up in hardship.
Put on the full armour of God and preach the gospel, that by all means, even by going together, you may save some.
Here comes the day when Christ will return. Not much time left! There is always a sense of duty and emergency. Yet a bit longer and we will see the Lord, our beloved Christ in Glory, coming for us. Keep up the good work!
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.
This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. [James 1v26,27]
In the Christian faith, there is such a thing as religion.
And one who practice the religion is religious (doing what is taught in that faith/religion). This is living out what is received.
It is not a matter of just saying something and anything all the time, disregarding what the faith is and built upon.
This pure religion is about acting out; doing what is good for others, that they may receive needed help. It is about supporting life of the poor, needy and lowly. There is no room for selfishness, self-glorification.
Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, [James 1v2]
Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer(supplication) of a righteous man can accomplish much. [James 5v16]
This is a mutual act. The listeners pray with the confessors and confess to the listeners. This is a group gathering in Christ. This is gathering supplication before reaching Christ in common/joint effort. This is scriptural. (Nothing like the Catholic heresy of Penance, where there is someone acting as higher authority to receive confession and to pardon sin.)
Much conflict could be avoided with honest admission of weakness and difficulties.
what we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, that you also may have fellowship with us; na d indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. [1John 1v3]
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. [1John 3v16]
Life is far from boring when one can even die for others. It is a matter of life and death. Serious stuff!
Not just for someone really great; but for any of our brethren.
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