A Place for Fellowship

Special note: Since April 3, I've been working through a series of posts about a basic spiritual fitness routine. It started with prayer, Bible study and a willingness to obey the Word. I continued with forgiveness and new mercies each day. Today, I am looking at Christian fellowship. Next week, this series will conclude with doing good -being Christ-like. After the May 15 post, I will take a break from writing for the summer as I begin to develop some topics for the fall. 

I am working on this topic of Spiritual Fitness in several ways. In the fall I hope to launch a podcast program - "Training for Godliness". We already have several episodes completed with some great guests. I'll also further develop this spiritual fitness 'workout' with an advanced routine. 

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

Let's Be Together 

We live in a fast-paced world. Our calendars can be filled with work, appointments, kids activities, social events and a host of other things. We tend to go-go-go! However, the Bible clearly teaches us that we are to make a time and a place for fellowship with our Christian brethren. In order to squeeze this into your calendar, you have to place a high enough priority on it. Let’s see what the Bible teaches.

In Hebrews, we find this: “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God. You must warn each other every day, while it is still “today,” so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God. For if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed, we will share in all that belongs to Christ.” Hebrews 3:12-14 (NLT). This frequent fellowship is crucial in remaining faithful!

Paul encouraged the Thessalonians to support each other in fellowship. “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT).

Corporate worship is also part of this fellowship. “Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:16-17 (NLT). Someone recently asked me "Did she have to attend church?" She said she had several church services she liked to watch on TV or listen to on the radio and she got a lot out of those services. What she doesn't get from those services is the fellowship with other Christians. She doesn't stand with brothers and sisters in Christ and praise and worship the Lord. Her opportunity to ask other believers to pray with her is lost. She might 'get' something from those TV and radio services, but it's not always about receiving. It should also be about giving; giving God the Glory by praising and worshipping. 

We want to prevent having an unbelieving heart so we should remain in fellowship with believers, talking about faith and encouraging each other. Having this fellowship frequently with other believers will strengthen our faith in Christ!

“We need the understanding that comes from the preaching and teaching of God’s Word, as well as the love and friendship that grows from fellowship with other believers.” (Billy Graham Evangelistic Association).

So, decide now to make time for fellowship with other believers and go to it!!

Remember, "His faithful love endures forever."

Until next time...

Chaplain Gray