Category: Fellowship
Subject: Fellowship
“You will know them by their fruits”
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits…” (Matthew 7:15-16).
Jesus affirmed a truth regarding false prophets (and false teachers) that many Christians have forgotten. It is not all about their motivation or heart, it is about their fruits! When people say, “He is a good man” despite the fact that he preaches a distorted gospel, the correct response is “A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit” (18).
Sermon: How’s Your Relationship with God?
A relationship with God requires contact with Him, time spent in His presence, trust in Him, and an effort to nurture that relationship. How are you doing?
COVID-19 (26) You, Me, Them
Paul wrote to the Galatians, urging them to remain true to the gospel. He was concerned by the fact that they had turned away from the simplicity of His will to another gospel (cf. 1:6-9), which was in fact a perversion. As Paul put it in chapter 4, “I am afraid for you, lest I have labored for you in vain” (4:11).
In this part of his discussion, he notes three distinct groups. He refers to the Galatians as “you.” He talks about himself “me.” He also refers to the Judaizing teachers who were leading them astray as “them.”
COVID-19 (15) Mr. Lonely
This article was inspired by an online Bible study by one of our members, Dennis Craig. His lesson was titled Learning the Value of Solitude. It was a great help to our members who are observing the shelter in place guidelines from local and state government.
Bobby Vinton wrote a song in the late 1950’s after being drafted into the military. He spent two years serving domestically, and wrote Mr. Lonely which later became a number one hit when released in 1964. Here are the lyrics, which more accurately describe a soldier sent overseas.
The Patternists: Fellowship in the Gospel
Paul expressed thanksgiving for the disciples in Philippi, writing, “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:3-5).
The word “fellowship” used here describes a wonderful truth that brings blessings to God’s people. While all may not have the same talent, capability and opportunity to share the gospel message, we are able to have fellowship in the work by supporting those who can and do! Fellowship is defined as “joint participation, association, intercourse.” Put simply, if I support a man who preaches the gospel, by extension I am participating in that work!
Continue reading “The Patternists: Fellowship in the Gospel”
Partners
The word “partner” is used to describe a special kind of relationship. You may refer to your spouse as a partner, or a friend, or a business associate.
The word “partner” is defined by Webster: “one associated with another especially in an action.”
The idea of action in a partnership indicates that those so associated are pulling in the same direction, striving for the same goal, helping one another to be successful. As such, the word has an obvious application to spiritual matters.
The apostle Paul wrote to a good friend, Philemon, about his desire that Philemon would forgive and receive another (the slave Onesimus). Paul wrote, “If then you count me as a partner, receive him as you would me” (Philemon 17).
Paul’s “action” was the proclamation of truth in order to save souls. Onesimus had benefited from that work, and would be put to use by Paul, if allowed. Philemon could associate with him in that work of preaching by accommodating Paul’s request.
Being a partner in the quest to save souls is referred to in scripture as “fellowship.” It is a familial partnership. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17).
If we are seeking righteousness, we are partners with Christ. If we are partners with Christ, we have access to the greatest of blessings! Something to think about!
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Sermon: The Clarity of Revelation
The lesson answers two questions using the scriptures:
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Is scripture sufficiently clear to be understood by man?
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Is our understanding relative? Does a lack of understanding on our part excuse false teaching or sinful action?
We must defend the truth of God’s word against those who teach error. False doctrine cannot be tolerated among the people of God.
Sermon: “Therefore let us”
Paul’s language in Philippians 3 describes a wonderful relationship between believers, as we together seek to gain the resurrection, and an eternal reward in heaven.
Sermon: The Controversy Over Fellowship
Lesson 4 of 5 in Lecturship Series: Controversy Among the People of God
Speaker: Armando Vera
This lesson examines the Biblical teaching regarding the nature and limits of Christian fellowship, and the proper attitudes and actions toward disciplining the erring child of God.
Sermon: 150 Years of Controversy
Lesson 2 of 5 in Lectureship Series: Controversy Among the People of God
Speaker: Stan Cox
This lesson examines controversies that have troubled God’s people in the last 150 years. This is especially an examination of the Lord’s church in recent history, here in America. Issues discussed include the Missionary Society, Instrumental Music, Premillennialism & the Grace/Unity movement.
The Importance of Assembling
When God created man, he made him to be a social being. Throughout history, men have typically gathered together in communities. In fact, the institution of marriage was established by God as He determined “It is not good that man should be alone.” So, God said, “I will make him a helper comparable to him” (Genesis 2:28).
Sermon: The Joy of Fellowship
The lesson discusses the great joy that we have from fellowship with God, and our brethren in Christ. Some practical suggestions are made showing how to cultivate and rejoice in our love and affection for each other.
The Power of God’s Foolishness
In 1 Corinthians 1, the apostle Paul realistically predicted the reaction of most people to the message of the cross. He wrote, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing” (18). Many times when I have preached a simple lesson on some aspect of truth, I will be asked by a brother or sister in Christ, “How can anyone in their right mind reject such an obvious truth?” The answer is given by Paul, it is foolishness to them. They reject the message and proofs supplied by God, preferring instead their own ideals and opinions. As Paul continued, “For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness.” (22-23).
In contrast, to those “who are being saved”, the message of the cross is “the power of God” (18). In verse 24, the preaching of “Christ crucified” is said to be to “those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God” (24).
Fellowship and the “Days” of Genesis
It is interesting, and rather disheartening to note that brethren can quickly become complacent with regard to false doctrine. Typically, when a false doctrine is introduced, it is dealt with by those who uphold the truth, sides are taken, and the issue fades. Unfortunately, those who hold to the error are seldom fully expelled from fellowship with God’s people. This was the case with Israel, which failed as a nation to eradicate idolatry. As such, the worship of foreign gods was a constant sin of the nation throughout its history. It seems that we have not learned from history. In this generation, God’s people continue to fellowship those who bring error into the camp. As Paul wrote, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables” (2 Timothy 4:3-4).
Sermon: Paul’s Love for the Ephesians
The apostle Paul, in his final words to the Ephesian elders, expressed his great love for them. This love was the motivation for the warnings and admonitions he gave in Acts 20:17-38.
