Category: Fellowship
Subject: Fellowship
Diotrephes the Prater
John’s third epistle is a personal letter to his beloved brother Gaius. There is a reason why John is known as the apostle of love. His greeting of Gaius is a wonderful example of John’s true devotion to others. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers … I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (2,4).
Further, a good portion of his letter is a commendation of the hospitality Gaius showed to other Christians, notably those who were traveling as ministers of the gospel of our Lord. John wrote, “We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth” (8). Continue reading “Diotrephes the Prater”
Sermon: Proper Alliances
Our friendships and associations can be helpful or destructive, depending upon who it is that we fellowship. This is especially true spiritually.
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Sermon: To the elect lady and her children
An examination of the text of 2 John, with applications.
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1 John 2:9-11
Light contrasted with darkness. This is a concept that John talks about often. A true Christian is “in the light.” This refers to a right relationship with God, who is our illumination. It is the place a Christ is supposed to be. But, any man who claims such a place, and yet shows hatred for others (in this context, another brother in Christ) remains in the darkness rather than the light.
God loves the world (cf. John 3:16). Love must be characteristic of His children, especially love for those in this glorious family. If we love our brother we abide in the light, “and there is no cause for stumbling.” (10) Light illuminates, making the way easy, and directing the paths of the child of God.
However, hatred keeps one from the light. Without light we do not know where we are going. Sightless and yet walking is a dangerous proposition. Physically we can stub an toe. Spiritually we can lose our soul, a far worse possibility.
Love is the answer. Love for one another. Don’t fool yourself!
Sermon: Fellowship
Ian Tilley gives a good lesson on the subject of Fellowship, using the rebellion of Korah as an illustration of the concept.
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Mining the Scriptures: 2 Timothy 1:15-18
In his second letter to Timothy, as Paul neared the end of his life, he was again in prison. The fact that he referred to his “chain” in verse 16 indicates that his circumstances were far worse than the house arrest of his first imprisonment.
During this imprisonment, the apostle had been deserted by some. He mentions individuals in Asia, including Phygellus and Hermogenes. These two are mentioned only here, and we know nothing else about them.
In contrast, we have Onesiphorus. While others deserted Paul, this man sought to help him. In doing this, Onesiphorus helped not only Paul, but the Lord Himself (cf. Matthew 15:36). We are told he “refreshed” Paul. Consider the relief that comes amidst dark despair when your brethren bring encouragement and help.
When Paul received such encouragement, he was quick to note that such diligence brings benefits to the one offering the gift (cf. Philippians 4:17). Here Paul prayed such for Onesiphorus and his family.
Sermon: The Unequal Yoke
In the text of (2 Corinthians 6:14-18), the apostle Paul instructs Christians not to be unequally yoked to unbelievers. What is that unequal yoke?
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Sermon: Proper Attitudes Toward One Another
As we work together as brethren, certain attitudes will help us to be successful in our efforts.
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Sermon: Abide in the Love of Christ
With Jesus, concepts of love, joy and obedience go hand in hand. We need to abide in Him and His love.
Sermon: I Am the True Vine
Jesus is the source of life, and His disciples must be in spiritual fellowship with Him. Without Him we can do nothing.
Sermon: We Will Come to Him
A discussion of Jesus’ conversation with His disciples in John 14:19-24. The text emphasizes the relationship Jesus would have with them in His kingdom.
Sermon: The Right Hand of Fellowship
A study of the basic principles of Fellowship. What is is, and who enjoys it.
Sermon: “Am I my brother’s Keeper?”
Speaker: Ian Tilley
Ian discusses the obligations we have to edify and encourage one another, with many applications.
Sermon: Fall 2021 Gospel Meeting (Dennis Scroggins)
All lessons preached by Dennis Scroggins, October 2-7, 2021
Lesson 1 (Saturday, October 2, 2021)
By Faith Noah Condemned the World
Dennis uses the example of Noah (and the text of Hebrews 11:7) to show that as he condemned the world by his righteous life, we as Christians are to shine as lights in the world as well.
Lesson 2 (Sunday @ 9am, October 3, 2021)
The Sin of Unforgiveness
Too often Christians harbor resentment and anger in their hearts when they have been offended. Such anger is self-destructive and sinful.
Lesson 3 (Sunday @ 10am, October 3, 2021)
Bitterness: The Devil’s Distraction
Bitterness of heart can destroy the spiritual well-being of the child of God. It is one of the Devil’s most successful tools in derailing the Christian walk.
Lesson 4 (Sunday @ 11am, October 3, 2021)
Spiritual Cannibalism
When Christians attack one another, it is a form of spiritual cannibalism. (Galatians 5:15), “But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!”
Lesson 5 (Monday, October 4, 2021)
Friendship – Fellowship
The basis for Christian fellowship has never been friendship. It revolves around obedience and faithfulness to the Word of God. Too often in the world today, Christians forget this truth.
Lesson 6 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)
Why Does the Holy Spirit Speak to You, and Not to Me?
Many religious people believe the Holy Spirit speaks directly to them. The Bible reveals that the Holy Spirit guided the apostles into ALL truth, and now we have it in written form. So many, though sincere, are misguided in their feelings on the matter.
Lesson 7 (Wednesday, October 6, 2021)
Who is the Greatest Among You?
Greatness in the kingdom is the product of service. We must humble ourselves before God and man to serve Him as He desires.
Lesson 8 (Wednesday, October 7, 2021)
Progressive Church Movement Found in the Churches of Christ
A progressive attitude is present as a part of an ecumenical movement in many evangelical denominations. Progressive in the sense of a depature from the standard of God’s word. Unfortunately, such attitudes can be found in the Lord’s church as well.
The Patternists: Are You Honest? Or a Liar?
Let me ask you a question. “Do you know God?”
“You do? Wonderful! But, can I trust your answer? Do you really know God? You aren’t lying, are you? Can you prove that you really know God?
The above conversation would anger some, unsettle others. I understand that many would take offense at being asked such a question, and then having their affirmative response questioned or challenged. But, consider the following words from the pen of John the apostle.
“Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. He who says, “I know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him. He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked” (1 John 2:3-6).
Continue reading “The Patternists: Are You Honest? Or a Liar?”
