7 More Fellowships

~ We Possess Together ~   

The meaning of the word fellowship can be understood by imagining “fellows” together in a small “ship” for an extended period of time. Fellowship includes the concept of sharing something in common. We read in Scripture that some of the Christians in the New Testament had everything in common (Acts 2:44, 4:32).

Consider some Scripture passages which describe different aspects of our Christian fellowship.

We are fellow participants with the same calling and future (Ephesians 3:6) ~ You and your fellow Christians have been called to be God’s ambassadors on earth and you will share an eternity together!

  

We are fellow workers together serving one Master (Philippians 4:3) ~ On earth Christians are to be workers together for the kingdom of God and His righteousness. 

We are fellow members of one body (Ephesians 3:6) ~ All true Christians are members of the one true universal Church of which Jesus Christ is pictured as the head in a metaphor of a human body.  Individual components of the body are to be controlled by and take commands from the head! 

We are fellow soldiers of one warfare (Philippians 2:25) ~ We are always fighting invisible, and sometimes visible, forces of evil. Fortunately we have been given all the armor we need (Ephesians 6:10-20).

 

We are fellow citizens of one homeland (Ephesians 2:19) ~ As Christians we have become citizens of heaven and are pilgrims—not tourists—passing through life on earth. We should long for our true homeland!

We are fellow sufferers—sometimes even fellow prisoners (Romans 16:7) ~ The task we have as Christians is not always easy—trials, tribulations, and persecution can be the result of fulfilling our responsibilities.

 

We are fellow heirs of the same destination with one inheritance (Ephesians 3:6) ~ As a Christian you are truly rich—wealthy! We are joint-heirs of everything with Christ and our fellow Christians.

The bottom line is that our lives should first be devoted to our Savior and then to our fellow pilgrims (2 Corinthians 8:5). The sequence is critical—first a commitment to God, then to our fellow believers.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT:  It should also be noted that our basis of fellowship with one another is based on our relationship and fellowship with all three members of the Trinity! (1 John 1:3; Philippians 3:10, 2:1; 2 Corinthians 13:14.)   

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

Onward Christian Soldiers

~ Don’t Go AWOL ~

The Bible uses many word images of the Christian and the Christian life. One common image is that of a soldier. Consider what the Bible tells us about our life as Soldiers.

Our Captain ~ Jesus Christ is our Captain, actually our Commander-In-Chief, and He leads the way for us (Hebrews 2:10).

Our Equipment ~ We have been provided with all the provisions we need (Ephesians 6:10-18) but we must utilize them wisely. One of the most important aspects of equipment for a foot soldier is proper footwear—provisions for our feet are provided (Ephesians 6:15).

Our Armor (defense) ~ There is a secular saying, “that a strong defense is the best offense.” Armor, by its very nature is defensive and we have been given all the protection we need to endure the battle (Ephesians 6:11, Psalm 18:32).

Our Weapon (offense) ~ Our offensive weapon is truth and we find it in the Word of God (Ephesians 6:17b). Truth is the only weapon we have been given and the only weapon we need. When our Commander fought with our enemy He used the Word of God in each of His battles (Matthew 4:1- 11, note especially verses 4, 7, and 10).

Our Comrades ~ The battle has been raging for centuries. Other believers are fighting alongside us (Philippians 2:25). The battle may soon be over—but it is still intensely raging today.

Our War ~ We are in a very unusual battle—one against spiritual rather than physical forces (Ephesians 6:12).

Our Enemy ~ The commander of our opposition is the devil himself and with his multitude of soldiers is bent on our individual destruction along with obliteration of our cause (1 Peter 5:8).

Our Fight ~ We are on the right side of the battle. We are fighting the fight of faith. Our fight is for truth, right, justice, and the kingdom of God Himself (1 Timothy 6:11-12).

Our Requirements ~ We are to maintain our endurance—we must maintain our focus as soldiers and not become tourists (2 Timothy 2:3-4).

Our Discharge ~ Throughout most of history “no one is discharged in time of war” (Ecclesiastes 8:8).

Our Responsibilities ~ Unfortunately during times of tough battles, some soldiers go “Absent Without Leave” and by so doing are actually traitors. The Scriptures urge us to continue fighting the faith in a strong and worthy way (1 Timothy 1:18).

Our Secret of Success ~ The Spirit of God who indwells the Christian has given us faith, continues to give us faith, and will complete our faith. Faith will give us the victory (1 John 5:4-5).

CONTEMPLATE: Sometimes being AWOL is simply hiding from the front lines. Have you remained on the front lines of the Christian battle?