fellowship – Kingdom Life Principles

And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved. [Acts 2:42-47 NKJV]

Narrow road followers of Jesus practice the power of fellowship: Your local church is called to be a Heavenly Community and our duty is to unite as a team to help one another and share salvation with our neighbors and friends.

[bctt tweet=”Narrow road followers of Jesus practice the power of fellowship.” username=”RandyMBell”]

Our fellowship together is defined as koinoônia from the Greek language of the New Testament. It means partnership, close social union, deep communication, and common distribution. Like a piece of plywood, God wants our local church families to be glued together in such a union that the pulling apart of any one Christian will hurt and scar the group. The Holy Spirit formed “original church” exemplifies this for us. This is clearly presented in the language of our text, “All who believed were together;” “all things in common;” “continued daily with one accord;” and “breaking bread from house to house.”

According to Acts 2:42-47 we are partnered together in four ways: membership, mission, ministry, and maturity. Therefore we must understand what fellowship embraces. Fellowship is based on the “one another commands” of the New Testament. “Love one another;” “exhort one another;” “comfort one another;” “bearing with one another;” “forgiving one another;” edify one another;” “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs;” “we are members of one another;” minister your grace gift “to one another;”, and “pray for one another” are examples of at least twenty-three one another commands. Therefore, as the local church gathers for worship it must follow the teaching and example of how the Bible guides the church to fellowship. We must interweave into our gatherings the opportunity for believers to obey these commands. Did the early church?

As Paul instructs the church at Corinth to use their spiritual gifts to love one another and not be spiritually self absorbed, he states: “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” [1 Corinthians 14:1-3 NKJV].

The obvious teaching is that when they met on Sunday they came to fellowship with God and their Christian family. The reason we gather, Paul instructs, is for “edification and exhortation and comfort to men.” We can have fun alone with God and worship God in our “closets.” Yes we can have incredible prayer in our “closets.” But, when we gather a partnership unfolds. A common distribution of love and ministry must begin. Everything must happen so that “loving one another” is clearly practiced.

Further evidence of this is expressed in chapter 14: “…prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.”

“How is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together, each of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.””

We can be grateful to the Lord that the church at Corinth was immature and out of control because we have clear evidence of how God wants all his people to take responsibility for loving one another. Paul had to rebuke and correct these new believers who were doing just about everything wrong with great zeal. They were a wild bunch of little spiritual kids that desperately needed a mature voice of leadership, and Paul stepped in. Because of this, God reveals to us that local churches must gather and allow everyone to speak words of encouragement, correction and support for each other in the faith.

As we examine our example of Acts 2 and compare it to 1 Corinthians 14 we find an unsettling fact about our modern church worship in America. We do not follow God’s instructions. “Local churches are for the feeding of the flock, the edification and fellowship of believers, and the demonstration of God’s mighty power through prayer and crying out” [How to Make Your Church a POWERFUL HOUSE OF PRAYER, copyright 2002 IBLP, Box one, Oak Brook, IL 60522-3001]. Far too often church fellowship has fallen to eating food together. Even though fellowship can happen around food, there is a larger and more effective way God has designed for true fellowship to happen.

As the early church gathered together they studied the apostles’ doctrines; then they responded and affirmed God’s Word through mutual fellowship [edifying, encouraging, etc. one another as a group; they had communion together [“love feasts” according to Jude] examining themselves for purity as described in 1 Corinthians 11; and then prayed together, crying to God to expand His kingdom through His power. Like a four legged table, it works when all legs are up and holding together the surface. The church works when as a group the whole church participates in all four elements together. This is the secret of spiritual growth and blessing.

If you research you will find that most church worship services are patterned after Old Testament temple worship. We sing first, take an offering, have a special song or presentation, have a message, then a closing song. Even the use of the word “service” is connected to serving up an animal sacrifice to God. We are no longer under the law! But, God’s organized church meeting gives all four elements necessary to glorify Him and fulfill the purpose of fellowship.

What would happen if we got radical and changed? Could we benefit from following the New Testament church? The pattern of Acts 2:42 has the teaching of scripture first, and the saints are purified by the Word of God. Once everyone’s hearts are probed and the saints respond to the scripture, then all are ministers [priests according to 1 Peter 2:5] and able to “love one another” by affirming the Word, publicly testifying of God’s grace in their lives, confessing their faults one to another, and exhorting [encouraging] one another to walk faithfully in the narrow way.

The evidence of God’s blessings are the results of amplifying the teaching of the pastor’s message. Everyone is greatly fed spiritually, even the pastor! Once all have examined themselves [“Examine your motives, test your heart…” 1 Cor 11:28 (MSG)], confessed and repented if necessary, they are ready for the sacred cup of communion with God. As scripture verifies, this always causes rejoicing, and praise swells up from pure hearts which releases powerful praise and worship. Then if we conclude with group intercession and crying to God with clean hands and pure hearts, the spiritual family of God finds powerful answers to their prayers.

Therefore, the close social union of church membership includes the responsibility of serving and caring for one another as we gather. Our fellowship of mission melts us into one voice proclaiming the Good News of Christ and His kingdom. The common distribution of our spiritual gifts ministers God’s love throughout our church and community cementing us with God’s love. And the deep communication of our loving exhortations, confessions, and testimonies matures the saints around us.

Yes it is true, fellowship is costly and dangerous because you must open your hearts and allow others to get close to you. Fear not! Some will hurt you. But for Christ’s sake, deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus! Learn to forgive and love without receiving anything in return. Obey the God who knows us best, and truly enter the fellowship God designed for the church, before the foundation of the world!

30 Jul 2017

Kingdom Life Principles

The Power of Fellowship Part 2

Introduction: When a person begins to follow Jesus, our Lord God wants his narrow road followers to take responsibility by making major life changes. No longer can you be a selfish individual, following your dreams and living your life, but instead you are required to enlarge your perspective and live in the counterculture of Jesus.

Acts 2 illustrates the immediate change God wants as this historical account reveals how 3000 STRANGERS turned from their sin and followed Jesus. It was not an individual and personal religious experience. It was a total transformation to a community of life involving all of Christ’s followers becoming BEST FRIENDS. It was an immediate alteration of thinking and living.

Their new life was based on four major changes of their lifestyle. “All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.” Acts 2:42 (NLT) By immediately making these four commitments to Jesus and His followers, they quickly became best friends together.

First off, these strangers from all over the Roman Empire took a risk and immediately joined the church, the rest of all the local followers of Jesus, and gathered with them to learn from the church leaders the teachings and mind of God. They did not go home for a private Bible study to decide for themselves what they would follow or not follow. They did not start a private family worship time as they preferred it with their children. They did not start a new small group that fits their fancy.

No, they submitted to the leadership and humbly listened and learned how to follow the Lord Jesus. The apostles’ doctrine was the teaching of Jesus’ commands. See Matthew 28. They joined the Christian collective and became important parts of the ministry. They immediately connected in fellowship with their new community of friends.

This is the second important life change that they fully committed themselves to on the very day they followed Jesus. Not months or years later when they got around to it. Fellowship is the real response of love to one another as commanded throughout the New Testament. God expects immediate action on your part. Love is not a feeling but fellowship in action.

And not only did they join the Christian crowd and learn the teachings and involve themselves in fellowship, they also joined the community by gathering in the homes of the fellow disciples of Jesus to eat together and celebrated the Lord’s Supper as a church. And also, they joined the large groups and together they prayed for God to continue His mighty work of salvation to others to come to know the truth.

But for this talk, we need to look closer at the responsibility of fellowship. You must participate in fellowship. This is not an option, but the will of God for your life.

Our fellowship together is defined from the Greek word koinoônia. It means a strong partnership, close social union, deep communication, and common sharing. Like a piece of plywood, God wants our local church families to be glued together in such a union that the pulling apart of any one Christian will hurt and scar the group. Honestly, isn’t this what being best friends is all about?

1/ Christ commands us to become best friends with his disciples immediately when we follow Him

So first let’s look at the words of Jesus. In John 13:34-35 (NLT) “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”

We are to love each other just like Jesus loves us
We want Jesus to be our BEST FRIEND, don’t we?

2/ Jesus commands this because He wants the world to marvel and desire Him also

This is why fellowship is essential and commanded: I want you to see how comprehensive the Bible is in its’ Love One Another Commands. First, the Lord clearly demands that we, His followers are to LOVE EACH OTHER. This is not an option or suggestion, but His orders to us. And He explains how far this is to go in our lives.

John 15:12-14 (NLT)

12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.

13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.

14 You are my friends if you do what I command.

So the foundation of friendship is fellowship which is based on the fact that Jesus commands us, does not ask us to “Love one another” [John 13:34,35; 15:12,17] And as we understand that “God is love” [I John 4:8], we then have our standard or measuring rod to give us specific instruction of what this means.

He does not mean to just be nice or friendly. God is the truth of love. If you want to understand love you look at God. If you are practicing love you must measure yourself to the absolute truth of love which is God and what He instructs in the Bible. What the Lord God does, says, and illustrates is love. And Jesus makes it clear, “There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

Self-sacrificing love is God’s standard. “Agape” is the Greek term which explains this type of love, which is caring and giving with no strings attached or selfish demands for returned favors. No, only selfless giving. Love is given without trade or need of a return gesture or a pat on the back.

This is the foundation of how to measure genuine love. Therefore, His intent is that church people, His true followers that are miraculously born again members of His family, are expressing His love to one another in such an extreme way that it impacts the world so deeply that they become jealous of what all “those Christians” have.

And one more thing about this concept. Genuine love is defined as providing for and protecting the people you love [see Ephesians 5:25-32]. Again understand this, it is a measurable and visible action, not something hiding deep inside people’s imaginations. Fellowship is the Biblical opportunity for the expression of God’s love to fellow believers, your BEST FRIENDS.

To be concise, God commands his people to love one another and then breaks down how to do it with many descriptive “one another” commands. These actions are the actions of BEST FRIENDS!

So let’s start with what is to take place when the church gathers together. For example, Paul instructed the new local church in the city of Corinth, Greece [1 Cor 12-14] that all prophecy [public speaking and preaching the word of God] is for all of them to fellowship together by encouraging, building up, and comforting each other when they gather together on Sunday. Is this not what best friends do?

Is this not what best friends do?

The rest of the “one another commands” are actions practiced, mostly without public speaking, but with “agape” attitudes and actions cemented together, and practiced no matter when and where Christian friends are together – and whether all or part of the church family is in one place.

And this is why this is the completely new way of life or the new counter-culture created by God for His followers. And never forget, that is what sets us apart from the world under Satan’s control. God intends to have a new society on earth, His called out ones, just like He has in heaven which is glowing with love.

Today we are scattered in local churches all over the world in the same way our country puts ambassadors in other countries. God established the local church as the embassy of the Lord Jesus, allowing the foreigners and enemies of God to see what they are missing. God loves the world and sends us to reach them with the Kingdom message.

So now let’s focus on the Lord’s commands for the weekly worship gathering for the rest of this article. What is your responsibility when you gather with your friends to worship the Lord?

1/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO OUR FELLOW CHRISTIAN

“Greet (embrace, hug) one another” [Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14] Obviously this means to care as much for a Christian as your own family member and show it by the genuine warmth of CLOSE FRIENDSHIP. We easily show our care to our family, but it takes a risk to do this at “church.” You must choose to love your fellow Christ follower the way Jesus loves that same Christian.

And there are no exceptions in God’s command. The person you do not like is the first one you must warmly reach out to and greet. In obedience, you choose to love as Christ tells you to. If you have a problem with someone, the way it is cured is “to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This means you choose them to be your friend, and you choose to do whatever is necessary to sacrifice for them until they know you love them. “The man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24 (AMP)

2/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE HUMBLY BEND TO THE PASTOR’S LEADERSHIP

“Submit to one another” is voiced in (Ephesians 5:21) and the context clarifies it by telling wives to submit to husbands and children to obey their parents. In other words, God has established family roles and an order of authority delegated in His wisdom and by His divine commands. Humility and servant attitudes are greatly valued by God, not the ungodly. So intentionally subordinate yourself under your authorities by helping and pleasing them.

Here’s what Jesus said, “In this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26 But among you it will be different. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.” Luke 22:25-26 (NLT) So obey your pastor’s leadership and follow and submit to your ministry team leader’s directions.

“He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, ‘Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.’” Mark 9:35 (NLT) Christ is looking for those who are driven to serve, not take control; help a friend, not bully someone.

Peter adds, “In the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, serve each other in humility, for ‘God opposes the proud but favors the humble.’” 1 Peter 5:5 (NLT) True fellowship involves submission to God’s ordained authorities, and Americans have a lot of pride, so work hard at this. Also, friendship is to be real between the young and the elders. “I am a friend to anyone who fears you— anyone who obeys your commandments.” Psalm 119:63 (NLT)

3/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE OTHER BELIEVERS ENOUGH TO WARN THEM OF SPIRITUAL DANGER

“Admonish (caution and warn) one another” [Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16] Just like any member of your immediate family [children, brothers and sisters, etc.] Christ expects you to caution and warn other Christians when you see them doing wrong or erring in judgment. This is clearly explained, in Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) “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.” This will take love to risk a backlash or rejection, but fellowship is expanding your love into a deep friendship, not with the intent of condemning or taking control over others. Loving care will drive you to say something when you see a Christian friend in real danger.

4/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE OTHER BELIEVERS ENOUGH TO BE HONEST LIKE CHRIST IS TO US

“Tell the truth to one another” (Colossians 3:9) Be completely truthful to each other and do not try to deceive or hide the facts. Truth mingled with grace and mercy allows transparency in your friendships.

“Who may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts. Those who refuse to gossip or harm their neighbors or speak evil of their friends.” Psalm 15:1-3 (NLT)

Every word must be given through love, not revenge or fear.

5/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE OUR FELLOW CHRISTIANS BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON THROUGH EVERY SITUATION AND NOT GIVE UP

“So encourage each other” (1 Thessalonians 4:18; 10:25) The Holy Spirit indwells all true believers. His presence releases grace, which is the divine influence on the Christian’s heart causing new holy desires to obey and please God.

The same Greek term used of the Holy Spirit is used in this “one another” command, but speaking of us makes it clear that we must come alongside each other to invite, invoke and cause each other to desire God’s will and the hope of heaven. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) commands, “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

We must motivate all believers to obey and trust Christ through the everyday struggles. We must become like individual coaches and come alongside them and help them achieve victory over sins, problems, etc. We must be the friend that encourages, again and again, so that our friends know that through it all, we can and must be overcomers!

6/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE EACH OTHER ENOUGH TO HELP OUR FRIENDS GROW AND MATURE

“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Like a house builder, we must help construct each other’s spiritual faith, or in other words, we must lean into each other’s lives, and help build each other up in the faith. We are to confirm the truth of what God teaches and strengthen them, by giving testimony of answered prayer, by affirming the changes God has made in our lives by His grace, and by reminding others of His Word. We are called to build our brothers into spiritual leaders and help them become complete [mature] disciples. Only lifelong friends can do this!

7/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE ADMIT OUR FAULTS OPENLY FOR THE HELP WE NEED FROM OUR FRIENDS

“Confess to one another” (James 5:16) This takes guts! you are to openly acknowledge your weaknesses and sins to other believers for the sake of needed support and prayer. If you really love Jesus and want to please Him you need help. Pride hides sin and suffers, but humility dares to ask for help and gains spiritual freedom. Overwhelming problems demand the hands of many friends.

8/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE SPEND REAL TIME PRAYING FOR OUR SPIRITUAL FAMILY

“Pray for one another” (James 5:16) We tend to pray for others with great needs or crisis situations like tragic disease or accidents. But the Word tells us the main focus of our prayers is to be very specific.

“Epaphras … always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature.” (Colossians 4:12a NCV) “May you be able to feel and understand … how long, how wide, how deep, and how high [God’s] love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves” (Ephesians 3:19a TLB). “I pray… that you will always be eager to do right” (Hebrews 13:21 CEV).

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him” (Romans 15:13a NCV). “I pray that the glorious Father … would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation” (Ephesians 1:17a GW).

Only by crying out to God for deliverance and grace can anyone be set free from their bondage and spiritual blindness. Read the group prayers of the church in the book of Acts. Learn what to pray for and join others in seeking the Lord through group prayer meetings with best friends.

9/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE SERVE AND HELP OTHERS BY USING OUR GRACE GIFT TO HELP THEM EVERYDAY

“God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” (1 Peter 4:10) Discover your grace-gift [Romans 12], and put yourself to work serving your fellow believers in the church. For example, if you are a servant, clean the church building without being asked and not grumbling that others do not help. Agape love never needs recognition.

Set the rest of your fellow saints free to serve you and the Lord with their special abilities, by serving them first, because their gifts are different than yours. Don’t make them feel sorry for you! And do you know what? This actually means to become deacon-like [slave-like] with your gift and do all the menial tasks that are attached to your gift to show endless love to your church family while you glorify God by laying down your life for them.

10/ FELLOWSHIP IS MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE TOGETHER TO GLORIFY GOD WHICH ACTUALLY HELPS YOUR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS

“Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19) As we worship the Lord God together in music, we do not just worship God, we also strengthen and teach one another as we sing together. Your passionate worship builds up others. Music is a great way to memorize scripture and Biblical concepts. Corporate worship electrifies the soul of every believer.

For now, remember… FELLOWSHIP is living life together as a church full of BEST FRIENDS united in a strong partnership, close social union, deep communication, and common sharing.

It only works when it is driven by God’s love deep inside you, no political or antichrist social order forced upon men will ever duplicate this powerful life. So when you personally take these commands seriously, obey them joyfully, and freely give yourself to your local church you will begin to really experience the Kingdom of God here on earth!

Also, remember what Jesus expects of you. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Don’t miss part 3 and as always… For more answers go straight to the Book, the Bible. Thank you for reading the TRUTH BLOG for Narrow Road Followers of Jesus.

26 May 2018

Kingdom Life Principles

The Power of Fellowship Part 3

Continuing from Part 2, remember what Jesus expects of us. “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.”

So now let’s focus on the Lord’s commands for our Kingdom community for everyday and/or the weekly worship gathering. What is your responsibility when you gather with your Christian friends?

1/ “Have salt in yourselves and have peace with one another” [Mark 9:50] When we choose not to fight with each other but keep the peace we obey God and love our brothers.

The context in Mark12 started with the disciples arguing about which one of them was the greatest. They had a lot to learn and Christ gave them a complete lesson on the extreme importance of being godly. Cutting off body parts and doing whatever it takes to live right must have left them embarrassed.

Have salt in yourselves (pres. imper.) points to the disciples’ need to “have salt” which is good (not worthless) within themselves continually. Here “salt” depicts what distinguishes a disciple from a nondisciple (cf. Matt. 5:13; Luke 14:34). A disciple is to maintain his allegiance to Jesus at all costs and to purge out destructive influences (cf. Mark 9:43-48).

The second command, Be at peace (pres. imper.) with each other is based on the first command and rounds out the discussion provoked by the disciples’ strife (vv. 33-34). In essence Jesus said, “Be loyal to Me and then you will be able to maintain peace with one another instead of arguing about status” (cf. Rom. 12:16a; 14:19). (The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures by Dallas Seminary Faculty.)

If you do not see peace in your local church know this, there is something very wrong with people inside the group that are not narrow road followers of Jesus. Prove your faith and salvation by being a peacemaker.

2/ “Be kindly affectionate to one another” (Romans 12:10) The actual meaning of this command is radical and unheard of. The Amplified Bible pulls out the Greek meaning with these words, “[Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.” Romans 12:9-10 (AMP)

Just as emotionally fond of your natural family [children, parents, etc.], we are told to have the same unflinching love for our local church family. The Greek word for “kindly affectionate” is a compound word, “philos” (a friend) and “storge” (cherishing one’s kindred, especially parents or children). – Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. The strength of this combination throws out the norm for the narrow road follower of Jesus. Cementing our families together with such self sacrificing love is a game changer and frankly few will go to this length in obedience to God’s will. But a local church that so loves each other shines so bright inside their city that people see God’s presence!

Matthew 5:13-16 (NKJV)
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
¹⁴ You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
¹⁵ Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

3/ “Agree to have compassion on one another” (Romans 12:14-16; 1 Peter 3:8) The strength of this command is again the Greek words chosen to explain to us this action of love.

Be ye all of one mind. Romans 12:16. The word here used (ομοφρων) does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It means, of the same mind; like-minded; and the object is to secure harmony in their views and feelings. Having compassion one of another. Sympathizing, (συμπαθεις) entering into one another’s feelings, and evincing a regard for each other’s welfare. Romans 12:15. Comp. 1 Corinthians 12:26, John 11:35. The Greek word here used does not elsewhere occur in the New Testament. It describes that state of mind which exists when we enter into the feelings of others as if they were our own, as the different parts of the body are affected by that which affects one. 1 Corinthians 12:26. – Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament.

Decide to merge yourself so deeply into the lives of your brothers so that you can weep right along with your hurting Christian brother and also truly be excited and happy with them in their triumphs and victories. “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.” Romans 12:14-16 (NKJV)

4/ “Accept one another just like Christ accepted us” (Romans 15:7) Accept into your inner circle of friends all believers and give them hospitality and care.

Paul says, “May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory. Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors.” Romans 15:5-8 (NLT2)

I love how Barnes explains what acceptance is all about.

Now the God of patience—The God who is “himself” long-suffering, who bears patiently with the errors and faults of his children, and who can “give” patience, may he give you of his Spirit, that you may bear patiently the infirmities and errors of each other. The example of God here, who bears long with his children, and is not angry soon at their offences, is a strong argument why Christians should bear with each other. If God bears long and patiently with “our” infirmities, “we” ought to bear with each other.

And consolation—Who gives or imparts consolation.

To be like-minded …—Greek To think the same thing; that is, to be united, to keep from divisions and strifes.

According to Christ Jesus—According to the example and spirit of Christ; his was a spirit of peace. Or, according to what his religion requires. The name of Christ is sometimes thus put for his religion; 2 Corinthians 11:4; Ephesians 4:20. If all Christians would imitate the example of Christ, and follow his instructions, there would be no contentions among them. He earnestly sought in his parting prayer their unity and peace; John 17:21-23. – Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament.

5/ “Have the same anxious concern (care) for everybody with no division” (no clicks) [1 Corinthians 12:25,26] Be as anxious for the health and well being of your fellow Christian as you do for your own wife, kids, or brother and sister.

Should have the same care. Should care for the same thing; should equally regard the interests of all, as we feel an equal interest in all the members and parts of the body, and desire the preservation, the healthy action, and the harmonious and regular movement of the whole. Whatever part of the body is affected with disease or pain, we feel a deep interest in its preservation and cure. The idea is, that no member of the church should be overlooked or despised; but that the whole church should feel a deep interest for, and exercise a constant solicitude over, all its members. – Barnes’ Notes on the New Testament.

6/ “Serve one another” (be a slave) (Galatians 5:13) Make yourself available to each believer helping them as you are able, filling in the gaps and weaknesses they have with your abilities and talents.

This is a given because Jesus made this clear from the beginning as we read in Matthew 23:11-12 (NLT2), “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” And in John He makes it clear that the Holy Spirit serves the Father and Jesus, and Jesus serves the Father. The Trinity highly values humility and service.

But to live it and not just generally feel we are humble, we must prove ourselves in how we conduct ourselves inside the local church. Do you passively go to worship services and run right out so you do not have to obey this command? Or do you stay and meet your fellow disciples and find ways to serve them? Do you connect with the others of your local church and obey Christ’s commands?

The Greek word translated serve (doulos) means to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary) :- be in bondage, (do) serve (-ice). – Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

To willingly enslave yourself to the needs of others is not normal either, at least not in America. So taking serving seriously shows great love and humility.

7/ “Bear with one another” (Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13; James 5:9) Suffer without complaint, bear with the irritations that your fellow believers carelessly rub against you.

As Paul says, “Accept life with humility and patience, making allowances for each other because you love each other.” Ephesians 4:2 (Phillips NT) Only a true believer mean enough to themselves to remember their past sin and changed to live in the meekness gained through salvation can make the allowances commanded here.
lowliness—In classic Greek, the meaning is meanness of spirit: the Gospel has elevated the word to express a Christian grace, namely, the esteeming of ourselves small, inasmuch as we are so; the thinking truly, and because truly, therefore lowlily, of ourselves [Trench].

meekness—that spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men, out of the thought that they are permitted by God for the chastening and purifying of His people (2 Sam. 16:11; compare Gal 6:1; 2Ti 2:25; Titus 3:2). It is only the lowly, humble heart that is also meek (Col 3:12). As “lowliness and meekness” answer to “forbearing one another in love” (compare “love,” Eph 4:15, 16), so “long-suffering” answers to (Eph 4:4) “endeavoring (Greek, ‘earnestly’ or ‘zealously giving diligence’) to keep (maintain) the unity of the Spirit (the unity between men of different tempers, which flows from the presence of the Spirit, who is Himself ‘one,’ Eph 4:4) in (united in) the bond of peace” (the “bond” by which “peace” is maintained, namely, “love,” Col 3:14, 15 [Bengel]; or, “peace” itself is the “bond” meant, uniting the members of the Church [Alford]).

– A Commentary: Critical, Experimental, and Practical on the Old and New Testaments.

All saints MUST learn that God sends people around you to teach you Christ-like character. Some lessons are harder than others, but the understanding that those who irritate you are the chiesels God uses to chip away the unwanted attitudes and character that is not Christlike. Make room for those Christians or like a spiritual mentor patiently help them to grow in the Lord.

8/ “Be kind to one another” (Ephesians 4:32; James 4:11) Be easy and soft in attitude and action to all Christians in your local church.

And going right along with the last command, kindness is easy to show to the people you like, but it takes a concerted effort to love enough to be kind to the unlikable. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT2)

We are told to be kind to those that are hard to be kind to. When you are offended you want to be bitter, angry, throw harsh words back at them, and tell others how terrible that person is to do what they did to you. Inside and outside the church conflict happens. There are no excuses for anyone with a mean streak or evil tongue. Sometimes it is a simple misunderstanding. No matter what, we are called to be kind in spite of “those people”.

But also, there are no excuses for your revenge and anger either. No one can steal your joy. When unkind words or actions come your way what is truly in your heart comes out. Again meekness (that spirit in which we accept God’s dealings with us without disputing and resisting; and also the accepting patiently of the injuries done us by men) is revealed in a true saint, but great pride and sin is exposed in those who react with “bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.” Thank God for the test and repent!

9/ “Forgive one another” (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13) Grant your Christian brother a favor by delivering them from their wrong doing toward you and forgetting about it.

In the same section of Ephesians we used in the last command we find “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:31-32 (NLT2)

If it was easy to bear with one another, be kind to one another, and forgive one another we would not need to be commanded. But the miraculous transformation of salvation altered who we are from within. Christians, true followers of Jesus, have the Holy Spirit within driving us with floods of righteousness and grace.

John explains it very simply. “This is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another. We must not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain had been doing what was evil, and his brother had been doing what was righteous.

So don’t be surprised, dear brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. If we love our Christian brothers and sisters, it proves that we have passed from death to life. But a person who has no love is still dead. Anyone who hates another brother or sister is really a murderer at heart. And you know that murderers don’t have eternal life within them. 1 John 3:11-15 (NLT2)

“And this is his commandment: We must believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as he commanded us. Those who obey God’s commandments remain in fellowship with him, and he with them. And we know he lives in us because the Spirit he gave us lives in us.” 1 John 3:23-24 (NLT2)

We really have only two choices hate or forgiveness. “If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a Christian brother or sister, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their Christian brothers and sisters.” 1 John 4:20-21 (NLT2)

10/ “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9) Change your attitude from isolationism to an open door policy. Without murmuring invite the church members over to your house and show them the same friendship you show your immediate family.

As it is written in Amplified Bible translation it is easier to understand, “Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him). ” 1 Peter 4:9 (AMP)

From the beginning of the church we are taught to open our homes and share meals and friendship. But again many Americans will not make that big of step and really become best friends in Jesus. Instead we keep them at arms length but hang out with family and the ungodly. But with an Acts 2 culture shift and cementing our families together we have the power to influence the ungodly together.

11/ “Teach one another” (Colossians 3:16) In any caring community of people, becoming humble teachers by example and experience benefit all and help everyone excel. Just like parents teach their children to become mature, everyone must love God enough to become wise teachers and love each other enough to help each member of the church grow and mature.

The Amplified Bible says, “Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.” Colossians 3:16 (AMP)

This does not mean we are all preachers, or we do not need preachers, but as parents, spouses, and friends we help each other grow in spiritual wisdom. Since wisdom is taking knowledge and seeing how it works or applies to our lives from God’s perspective. Information or random facts are useless if you need to repair the engine of your vehicle. But an experienced and wise repairman can carefully use his knowledge to fix it.

In fact we must take the responsibility of helping others understand and live the teaching and commands of Jesus. That is what a disciple of Jesus does, they make disciples.

Remember… FELLOWSHIP is living life together as a church full of BEST FRIENDS united in a strong partnership, close social union, deep communication, and common sharing.

3 May 2016

StraightTalk Articles

What Are Charismatic Spiritual Gifts?

Guidelines For Immature Believers: True Charismatic Spiritual Gifts, Maybe NOT What You Think

The real charismatic gifts are not what you think! Romans 12 gives the list of charismatic gifts and they do not include tongues, healings, or uncontrolled laughs or signs. “Charis” is grace from the Greek language and “charisma” translates as “gift.” These words are directly used by Paul when describing the motivational gifts of the indwelling Holy Spirit inside every true Christian, not the physical manifestations of the Spirit.

For example in Romans 12 Paul explains, “For by the grace (unmerited favor of God) given to me I warn everyone among you not to estimate and think of himself more highly than he ought [not to have an exaggerated opinion of his own importance], but to rate his ability with sober judgment, each according to the degree of faith apportioned by God to him..”

And Peter states each Christian has ONE such gift to be used to love and serve other Christians. This gift is for your ministry to fellow believers, not your Kingdom mission for the lost world.

Paul continues in Romans 12: “For as in one physical body we have many parts (organs, members) and all of these parts do not have the same function or use, 5 So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another]. 6 Having gifts (faculties, talents, qualities) that differ according to the grace given us, let us use them: [He whose gift is] prophecy, [let him prophesy] according to the proportion of his faith; 7 [He whose gift is] practical service, let him give himself to serving; he who teaches, to his teaching; 8 He who exhorts (encourages), to his exhortation; he who contributes, let him do it in simplicity and liberality; he who gives aid and superintends, with zeal and singleness of mind; he who does acts of mercy, with genuine cheerfulness and joyful eagerness.” [Romans 12:3-8 AMP]

Paul specifically lists only seven gifts as “charismatic” because grace is Holy Spirit power or energy that motivates and drives a believer to do His will and to see things from a very specific viewpoint.

Even in Revelation 5:6 God reveals the seven-fold eyes of the Holy Spirit. These seven grace gifts control the viewpoint [the eyes] of each believer, and cause them to see through one of the Holy Spirit’s passionate eyes. And let me remind you again, we always define grace as the divine influence upon your heart that releases new desires to please God and the needed power or strength to obey and fulfill God’s will.

So God’s grace bubbles through your soul impacting how you look at the world around you. Yes, your charismatic gift creates a deep passion to serve fellow believers from a very specific godly perspective. It is like putting on one of seven different color sun glasses.

The longer you are a born again Christian the more you see from one of these seven God given perspectives, judge everything from that perspective, and live and are driven by that specific passion of holiness. Your spiritual gift is your strength and it feels like it comes naturally, even though it flows supernaturally from the Holy Spirit.

You must learn and follow the example of others Christians to practice the other viewpoints. For example, you still must show mercy, serve, and give even if you do not have that spiritual gift.

Paul explains this holy force from within you. “Therefore, my dear ones, as you have always obeyed [my suggestions], so now, not only [with the enthusiasm you would show] in my presence but much more because I am absent, work out (cultivate, carry out to the goal, and fully complete) your own salvation with reverence and awe and trembling (self-distrust, with serious caution, tenderness of conscience, watchfulness against temptation, timidly shrinking from whatever might offend God and discredit the name of Christ). 13 [Not in your own strength] for it is God Who is all the while effectually at work in you [energizing and creating in you the power and desire], both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. [Phil 2:12-13 AMP]

Every true believer is alive from his spirit as the Holy Spirit is placed in them when they are “born again” spiritually. This is the down payment or seal of our eternal life.

For example, His presence ignites our conscience in the same way we ignite a lamp when we plug it into the electric socket. The energy explodes through the lamp and forces the bulb to shine. This is the same way God’s holy presence burns into our conscience making right and wrong become very clear. This is sure evidence of new life as the Holy God floods the human spirit of a new convert awakening the spirit with holy life energy.

If a true believer is tempted and considers disobedience to God the burning and growing desire glows from within to stop them before it is too late. This driving force from the Spirit within expands to spiritual gifts also.

Because the seven motivational gifts are the complete aspects of the Holy Spirit, He freely gives each believer one. “As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely Diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].”

“Whoever speaks, [let him do it as one who utters] oracles of God; whoever renders service, [let him do it] as with the strength which God furnishes abundantly, so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ (the Messiah). To Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever (through endless ages). Amen (so be it).” [1 Peter 4:10-11 AMP]

This means God demands that in each city, churches form, teaming up individual believers into spiritual families to locally fulfill God’s will. All seven gifts must be used to build a glorious church that God loves. Each disciple must see and respect the six other perspectives or viewpoints of the body of Christ and wholeheartedly join the team.

Churches missing even one gift are unhealthy, imbalanced and weakened in life and functionality. It would be the same as a baseball team that does not have a right fielder, or a football team without a right guard. Therefore, it is imperative that Christians do not just learn about gifts and exhibit the emptiness of “ever learning, but never coming to the knowledge of the truth.”

Instead, each local church must rise up and discover the truth of spiritual gifts and exhort [encourage] their members to immediately obey the call of God to serve one another as given in 1 Peter.

God’s love language is exhibited through the spiritual energy of the Holy Spirit gifts. Through exhaustive research on the part of many different Christian teachers and groups a very clear cut description of characteristics and tendencies have been found to distinguish each motivational gift. Defining terms becomes critical to understand God’s Word and experiencing God’s gifts. Let’s start with prophecy.

The ministers of the Word (1 Peter 4:10)…

1/ PROPHET Many want to make a prophet to be a charismatic future teller who gives all kinds of predictions and specific directions to individuals. Their word is supposed to be God’s and therefore if you question them you are rebelling against God and blaspheming. Well, when we examine the scripture we find this describes Old Testament prophets who gave clear future predictions.

But, by the time of Jesus, this was not the usage in Israel. Even in the Old Testament times the majority of claimed “prophets” proved to be false and deluded. Reread the Bible and start counting, there are far more false prophets then true prophets. What is really interesting is when you define “prophet” as it really is designed by God for the church and use the American term “preacher” you have gotten to the real truth.

Yes, the preacher is a man of God who speaks God’s word. And when you look closer at the Bible you find even the prophet of old was a spiritual doctor sent to call God’s people back from sin and to again obey His clear revelation already spoken from His written Word.

Nothing new or unusual was added. The message was repent, you have willfully disobeyed the Law of God as recorded from the early days of Moses leadership.The spiritual doctor was focused on the sin disease of the people and was called to warn them of the consequences of continuing their rebellion. Some then gave future predictions of judgment or promises of future forgiveness and restoration.

Once you understand the true prophet’s role, you can then begin to compare your motivations to determine if you are a gifted preacher. It does not demand that you are a dynamic speaker. The prophet looks at the church and sees sin and desires a restoration of true spiritual life. He sees the nation in trouble because their actions are motivated by selfishness and pride.

Burdened from within [energized by God’s holiness and truth] the prophet prays for purity in the church and preaches repentance to the city he lives in. The growing motivation to challenge people to change is a sign of a prophet’s heart. An impulse to expose hypocrites, combat injustice seen in government, strengthen the tiring saints who seem to always suffer, challenge the status quo, caution and discipline slackers, and convince the hardened sinners with truth all points to the gift of a prophet.

2/ TEACHER Another servant of the Word is the teacher. This motivation is for truth and accuracy to be established. A deep desire and pleasure of studying the Bible is a good sign this is your gift. The teacher is called to lay down a solid foundation of truth by clarifying the words and meaning of minute details.

For example, a basketball player may have great heart and talent but if ignorant of the rules the player will cause more damage to the team with fouls, mistakes, and disruption of the teams rhythm and chemistry. But, a player with full knowledge of the game becomes a powerful force for the team. If you have a growing desire to analyze, investigate, examine, and research scripture and its ramifications in life you could be separated unto the Lord to be a teacher.

3/ EXHORTER The third minister of the Word is the exhorter. The difference between an exhorter and a teacher is in the people level. Exhortation means personal encouragement. The exhorter is a people person where a teacher can be happy to sit in a library and read for two years.

The exhorter will take the teachers research and help people apply it in a practical “how to” way for blessing and results. The exhorter loves to simplify the truth into easy steps that will bring lasting solutions to life’s problems. Driven by the inward concern for struggling and broken people, the exhorter has a strong desire to help people with their problems and relationships through the truth of God’s Word.

The ministers of the work (1 Peter 4:10)…

4/ LEADER We will first examine the leader who is an organizer, or some would use the term administrator. They are goal setters and managers. When you think of Ezra you see an organizer in his true element. Overwhelming troubles are challenges and stepping stones to success. The church needs these visionaries who see past roadblocks, are able to gather resources, and pool help into a God given project with joy and excitement.

If you enjoy schedules, supervision responsibilities, government and law, able to delegate responsibilities, guide and coach teams, and plan and strategize… you may be raised up for a specific task or project God is going to do.

Also remember, if you are judging your church because it is not organized like you think it should or not setting or reaching goals, it does not mean the church is disobedient to God. But on the other hand, perhaps you see the need because God has called you to take leadership responsibility under the authority of your pastor to fulfill a project. If so, be faithful to him, and volunteer your service for the ministry you are driven to.

5/ SERVANT The servant is the “regular guy” who is good with his hands, enjoys to build things, constantly wants something to do, enjoys entertaining people at home, meeting the physical needs of people, and helping people in very practical ways. Servant ministers are an important laborer of God and who the Bible calls a “deacon”.

If you have a growing desire to see the needy helped, the widows cared for, and the orphans given a hand you may be called to serve.

The servant helps the ministers of the Word by keeping the place repaired, building sets, designing sound systems, working in the kitchen, mowing the lawn, and a thousand other necessary tasks.

But normally he does not want to organize, lead or preach. In fact, in many instances he would rather do a task all by himself to make sure it is done right, and completed correctly. If you do not feel useful unless you are doing something, or think the church is not right because it is not doing enough useful things, you are probably a servant.

Learn to submit to leadership and follow the master plan.

6/ GIVER The giver is focused on the materials needed for Christ’s church. Funding outreach projects, gathering donations, balancing the checkbook, and a strong desire to reach the city and world for Christ are a good sign you are graced with the spiritual gift of giving.

Do not be confused with a love of things and money, as this does not prove you are a giver.

A giver loves to share, give faithfully to the church, rescue people in financial troubles, bless others with surprise gifts, invest in the work of successful ministries, support missionaries, support orphans, and assist ministers as they sacrifice financial stability for the work that they are called to.

Finding the best bargain with excellent quality saves the church and extends it’s power to serve the Lord, and a giver is focused on these things. Givers guided by their spiritual leaders are great assets to reaching the world for Christ.

7/ MERCY GIVER The mercy giver is very sensitive to the hurt and emotionally damaged people all around them. Their focus is to make them feel better and to nurse them back to health. They want to repair the brokenhearted, rescue the downtrodden, sympathize with the hurting, and comfort and assure the fainthearted.

If you have a growing desire to be a caring friend to the hurting get past your indecisiveness and use your gift!

So remember narrow road follower of Jesus, our Lord tells us the greatest among you is the servant of all. Rest in the power of the Holy Spirit within you and serve your fellow believers in your local church. Make your team strong and united to fulfill the mission tasks the Lord gives your team. Be diligent and become great and glorify the Lord your God! “As each of you has received a gift (a particular spiritual talent, a gracious divine endowment), employ it for one another as [befits] good trustees of God’s many-sided grace [faithful stewards of the extremely Diverse powers and gifts granted to Christians by unmerited favor].”

Learn and prepare yourself for the greatness God intended for you, mature and become a mighty SERVANT OF GOD.

Kingdom Life Principles

Tag Archives: fellowship

The Power of Fellowship Part 1

The Power of Fellowship Part 2

The Power of Fellowship Part 3

What Are Charismatic Spiritual Gifts?