One Another, Part 2

Definition of fellowship (Bible.org) -- "Fellowship is a relationship of inner unity among believers that expresses itself in outer co-participation with Christ and one another in accomplishing God's will."

Two Biblical benefits of fellowship:

1. Psalm 133 - Blessing of God
2. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Strength & support

1 John 1:1-10 - We have fellowship with the Father and the Son, and with each other

• This passage complements the vertical/horizontal love commands ("love God, love others")
• Sin can separate us from fellowship with God
• Christ's blood restores our fellowship
• Likewise, our sinful nature can separate us from fellowship with one another; we find it uncomfortable to be around other believers when we stumble
• Just as God's forgiveness invites us back into fellowship with him, so we must seek to be reconciled with others whenever possible, and to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness at all times

1 John 2:24-27 - Remain faithful to the Word to remain in fellowship with the Father and the Son; let the indwelling Holy Spirit teach you and remind you of the truth

• Remain in fellowship with Christ

Hebrews 10:25 - Remain in fellowship with one another, for mutual encouragement, even more as you see the Day approaching

Acts 2:42-47 - The kind of Christian community we should strive to be, not compartmentalized, or divided by church walls or denominational affiliation, but by a mutual love for God and for others

‘John Wesley tells of a dream he had. In the dream, he was ushered to the gates of Hell. There he asked, "Are there any Presbyterians here?" "Yes!", came the answer. Then he asked, "Are there any Baptists? Any Episcopalians? Any Methodists?" The answer was Yes! each time. Much distressed, Wesley was then ushered to the gates of Heaven. There he asked the same question, and the answer was No! "No?" To this, Wesley asked, "Who then is inside?" The answer came back, "There are only Christians here."’

(http://dailychristianquote.com/dcqwesleyjohn.html)

As we spend this time together in fellowship, let us celebrate in our belonging to one another in Christ.  (2 Corinthians 13:14)