By: Bro. Sunday Eyanrin (Evangelist)
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INTRODUCTION
Beloved, if brethren must practice AGAPE LOVE, then we must be ready to make selfless sacrifices. In Rom. 12:1-2 apostle Paul declared. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. NKJV
THE STANDARD OF LOVE WE SHARE ONE FOR ANOTHER IS:
Unity In (Purpose, Mind, Understanding – Philippians 2:1-4)
Phil 2:1-4 – Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfil my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. NKJV
WHY CHRISTIANS FELLOWSHIP IS NECESSARY – 1 JOHN 1:7
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”
Fellowship comes from the Greek word, KOINONIA, which means “to share in common.” Christian fellowship is more than attending Church — it is “assimilating” into the body of believers, becoming “one” in worshipping, loving, caring and sharing.
WHAT REALLY DO WE COUNT AS CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP?
The Greek word koinania is the English word translated “Fellowship”, in the New Testament, it denotes “Sharing”, Close association, mutual participation. But what makes the Christian fellowship distinctively Christian? It is the show of “Agape Love”.
For example: When a Sister pay visit to a fellow Christian Sister, and she is invited to be part of the family meal. What do you consider that to be? “FELLOWSHIP”.
Christians share fellowship one with another when we take part in a social setting of our Christian Brethren, such as marriages or Child visitation. etc.
LET US CONSIDER DIFFERENT TYPES OF FELLOWSHIP WE SHARE AS CHRISTIANS
- MEETING THE PHYSICAL NEEDS OF BRETHREN
It is true that in times of need we need each other. We must not neglect doing good by meeting the needs of our Brethren. Hebrews.13:16.
- DEVOTING OURSELVES IN TEACHING
One of the Christian fellowships recorded in the Scriptures is the coming together of Brethren in studying the Word. It is one of the characteristics of the New Testament Church, that Brethren come together to study. Acts 2:42.
- ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER
It is absolutely necessary that we encourage one another to build up ourselves in working out our salvation. 1 Thess. 5:11, Hebrews 3:13.
- VISITING
Visiting is one primary responsibility of all Christians. Your visit to a Christian family, Brother or Sister brings hope, joy and a show fellowship. James 1.27.
- PRAYER
Prayer is another way we can extend fellowship one to another. Prayer is one vital ingredient required as a way we can share fellowship, collectively or individually. 1 Thes. 5:17, James 5:13-17.
- LIVE IN HARMONY
The love of Christ in the local congregation demands that Christians should be in harmony with one another, be sympathetic, love as Brethren, be compassionate and be humble. 1 Peter 3.8-12.
WHAT CAN DESTROY THE FELLOWSHIP WE SHARE IN CHRIST
The fellowship we share in Christ can only be destroyed if we allow the Devil into our lives. 1 John 2:15-17 – 15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world — the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life — is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever. NKJV.
CONCLUSION
Brethren, The Church of Christ is the greatest family of God on earth, where Christians are to Share the Love of God one with another, in our relationship with Christ as the Head of the body.
There can be no greater family than the church, hence, I plead with my beloved brethren to put away carnality and remember your first love, the love of Christ we share through fellowship.
Let brotherly love continue. Heb.13:1.
Phil 4:8-9
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy — meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. NKJV
MAY GOD RICHLY BLESS HIS WORD IN OUR HEART IN JESUS NAME -AMEN
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