The more we trust God, the more intimately we come to know him. Devotions help us remember that no matter what is happening in the world, God holds all of it in his hands. The benefit of being part of a Christian family who does this is enormous. Jesus told His disciples, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" (John 13:35). His virtues rub off on you and you start becoming like Him. Now, let us first examine closely what God's Word . Jesus is the only way to the Father (John 14:6), yet throughout the ages man has attempted to devise other paths to God through false religions or to live in such a way . The godly soul "follows on to know the Lord;" "presses on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." This, then, is the condition of fellowship with God - walking in the light; holiness of heart and of life. 3. I know that without God's help and the strength given by being part of a fellowship that walks in obedience to this, we can never fulfill His mission. Yet just as sometimes we need someone to help us read a map, we benefit from others' experience of digging deep in God's Word. Fellowship with the brethren is an exercise of love bringing us toward spiritual maturity. READ: PSALM 85:5-10 With the psalmist we say, "for me it is good to be near God" ( Psalm 73:28 ). This benefit get deep and brings transformation to our life. This all part of our fellowship with Him. We can offer insights that they have not yet learned. Jesus told His disciples, "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another" ( John 13:35 ). [** The nous is the mind, a part of the soul. 15:7 When God is our number one relationship, we will naturally develop healthy relationships with our fellow man — that is as sure as day follows night. It helps you to make the LORD, not man, yourself or the situation, your focus. Let's read together Ephesians 3:8-11. INTIMACY - VERSE 14. 6. Two reasons fellowship with other believers is important are because it helps express love to one another and it encourages good works. In short, Christian fellowship is an inner unity expressed outwardly to do God's will. "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper [a]), and to prayer". 2. That is what changes an assembly or a congregation into a church. Paul talks about living in the Spirit and walking in the Spirit. Forgive me for my conscious sins, too. Greater Confidence. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 5:18. Here are some good benefits of fellowship of churches. Fellowship with the saints. Sharon Simms Freelance contributor. . Then they said to Him, "Lord, always give us this bread.". It is important to spend time alone with God because God is the source of our strength and we need His strength to fight the spiritual battles of our lives ( Ephesians 6:10-20; 1 Peter 5:8-9 ). And by the power of His Holy Spirit, He drew us to Him and adopted us into His family. Fellowship provides correction necessary for our spiritual growth. Rom. 2022 1 Jul. 4: When you are obedient, you're choosing God's best. Return to: God by His grace called us into "fellowship with His Son" (1 Cor 1:9). 4. "We have fellowship one with . Fellowship is the indispensable means of accomplishing the God-given purpose of the church. Koinonia is being in agreement with one another, being united in purpose, and serving alongside each other. . That obedience isn't burdensome or grievous. Jesus answered and said to him . A sense of purpose. "Keep your servant also from willful sins.". To play this great symphony He has formed an . Bible verses related to Fellowship from the King James Version (KJV) by Relevance. 3. That these leads us to produce the fruit of the Spirit. Reason No. As iron sharpens iron, in true Christian fellowship Christians sharpen one another's faith and stir one another to exercise that faith in love and good works, all to God's glory. Multitudes of people are in the church everyday yet God is looking for whom to speak to. Believers have Fellowship . John states in verse 7 that it is those who are walking in the light, i.e. THE CONSEQUENCES OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. Fellowship builds friendships, but it takes time, energy, and effort. Whatever you behold, you become (2 Corinthians 3:18). Open the eyes of my heart that I might see You as close as the mention of Your name. Christian fellowship also fosters things like trust, hope, a sense of belonging, security, lifelong friendships, faith, patience, selflessness, and best of all, true, unconditional love that can only come from people who have a personal relationship with God, the Author of love. A third important reason for Christian fellowship is its impact on unbelievers. 5. We do not pick. But God is not a tyrant. It helps you to make the LORD, not man, yourself or the situation, your focus. Hebrews 10:25 - Not forsaking the assembling . Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Once you've forgiven me, it'll be as . Everyone needs and benefits from fellowship but it is especially vital for the church. God's love for us is clear from the sacrifice He arranged through Jesus Christ. Rather, its primary importance stems from the fact that: 2. NOTE: IT IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD THAT MAKES A PLACE HOLY!!! The LORD changed his name to Israel and blessed him. They will have found gems of wisdom that we have not yet discovered. 4:16). The Smart Guide to the Bible: The Book of Acts connects… He keeps himself from Satan. "Two have a good reward for their labor." "Then will I be blameless, innocent of great transgression.". In order to do that we must first make a plan, a plan to keep us . Johnny and Sean conclude the seven part series based on Henry Blackaby's book "Experiencing God." For us to Experience God we need to be in His word, be in Prayer, be in fellowship with others and to learn from them and then we can seize the day. I. FELLOWSHIP MAKES LABOR EFFECTIVE. In this aspect of prayer, it is not a matter of petitioning but of receiving. ROMANS 8:7-14 shows us the benefits of the Spirit when we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit. He does not force His will on us. If you want God's blessing on your life and you want to be known as a child of God, you must learn to be a peacemaker. And, praying together is an important key to enable us to stay grow our closeness to God. Each of us together shows all of God's graces to the world. And if there is no fellowship with God, then there can not be fellowship with Christians. By displaying fellowship with your brethren and loving your neighbor as yourself, you show the Lord your devotion to His doctrine. We hear God's voice. John writes (1:5), "This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all." Note two things: A. Two reasons fellowship with other believers is important are because it helps express love to one another and it encourages good works. When the Bible talks about fellowship, it means more than just having a few friends. Fellowship with other believers is extremely important. And, praying together is an important key to enable us to stay grow our closeness to God. Fellowship builds unity. Often the Lord will deal with us about a matter of forgiveness. Fellowship builds Friendships. We are born into a social life, trained in it, and in it we must live. Benefit 2. He is as real as life itself and as close as your very heartbeat. being obedient to . • We experience joy and happiness when we make God a priority in our lives. God the Almighty One, Who worketh all in all, is even now waiting to work in me, and make Himself known." Take time, till you know God is very near. The Greek word translated "fellowship" in the New Testament i koinania, meaning "partnership, sharing in common, or communion," and the essence of partnership is agreement or unity of purpose. Sin is so natural to me, forgive me for the ones I don't even know I've committed. Co-workers share what they have received from God with believers, and believers hope to find pastors who model themselves after Jesus. 3. In the new covenant, our spirits have been made alive to God, and we can actually KNOW Him and have fellowship with Him. We cannot twist the Scripture so that it encompasses those that no longer want fellowship with God, yet desire all of the benefits of being in relationship with God. Benefits of Putting God First. Closer fellowship with God. Jesus himself gives us this mission in Matthew 6:33; 28:19-20; and 23:11. Our interaction with God is compared to eating the bread of life: Jesus then said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you… it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one . Always take the initiative. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV) Prayer is a lifestyle of being God conscious and having constant access to the heart of your Father and in Heaven. Your degree of love toward the brethren is the gauge that shows our love . The Greek word for fellowship, koinonia, essentially means a partnership that mutually benefits all of those involved. God has composed a symphony called His eternal plan (Ephesians 1:9-11). We can't lose His love. Therefore, as the Scriptures say, "If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD." (1 Corinthians 1:30-31) I humbly add (with respect) that I agree :amen: Any gift (s) that we each have is chosen and measured to us personally by Jesus Himself. a manner opposite of how God wants you to live, then you do not have fellowship with God. The result is an abundant life that bears fruit for the Kingdom of God. Picture of God Every human is a God’s grace to the world. 5. A felt distance from God is often due to a disruption in trust, such as a sin or disappointment. This reality is vitally important to understand. Unity is having everything in common and being of the . Fellowship with the saints. 6. This is a part of the mind which collects data and through the process of reasoning, makes decisions.] Fellowship builds God's Kingdom. Everyone is alike, and no one is perfect. From time to time, conflict may arise between those from different walks of life. Fellowship means communicating with each other in spirit and sharing the benefits of serving together. If we backslide, it is because we have failed to keep the vow of fellowship. The Book for Authentic Christian Living and Fellowship The early church was filled with Christians who had seen Jesus, and who were committed to telling His story for the benefit of future generations of God's family. 3d ago • 40 mins. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.". For our benefit God made him to be wisdom itself. No fear. As you draw closer to your fellow man through regular church attendance, you'll also draw closer to God. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 - Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. In fact don't let me commit one. Good evening & welcome to GSC online. The godly soul "follows on to know the Lord;" "presses on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." This, then, is the condition of fellowship with God - walking in the light; holiness of heart and of life. C. True tests of sonship are love, obedience, and truth. 1. 5. The Christian life is one of continuous . There are benefits when you commit to and embrace fellowship with God's people, some of which include: You demonstrate a sincere love for Jesus. As Christians, we want to experience intimacy with God. Please share this exp. For example, when we sense the Lord desires to fill us, we can say, "Lord I'm willing for You to fill me. Your relationship with the brethren is the ba-rometer that measures your spiritual tempera-ture. Hearing about God's grace and love for you is something you can always take comfort in. If these benefits could have babies, number 4 would have like 100 kids! One of the greatest of these is . It is important to know that fellowship with God comes exclusively through Jesus Christ. To have fellowship with God, we must recognize that He is absolutely holy (1:5). If you are looking for ways to grow spiritually and find comfort in a . It is natural that Christians desire to enter into the fellowship of the Lord's suffering (Phil 3:10). You'll look gloomy if you're looking at your negative situation. We pray that you enjoy praise, worship & the Word of God. Here are some of the reasons or benefits: (1) Corporate Prayer & Worship A wise child of God continually meets privately with the Lord in prayer, praise and intimacy, BUT it must be balanced out with corporate times of worship and praying with other saints. Forgive:When you are hurt by someone in your pursuit of fellowship, remember who God has called you to be, and faithfully be that person, regardless of someone else's weakness. This is perfect ALIGNMENT AND HARMONY WITH GOD. But the importance of fellowship to the church does not rest solely upon the fact that it was the natural result of the coming of the Holy Spirit. We, as women, help each other to trust and show our closeness to each other in God's eyes. The church is called to be united. What I have found in the Spirit is not some mystery-shrouded secret. Having fellowship with God is a different kind of relationship that goes much deeper than a casual friendship with God. Patience & Acceptance. Nobody had to come to the disciples and other new believers on the day of Pentecost and say, "You need to practice . Here are seven Biblical steps to restoring fellowship: Talk to God before talking to the person. Become More Forbearing. Quiet time is the time you spend in God's presence, reading His word and praying. The proof will be in your life. For example, He forgives your sins, heals you, redeems you from the pit of hell, crowns you with love and compassion, and satisfies your desires with good things (Psalm 103:1-5). To have fellowship with God, we must begin with God and His authoritative revelation of Himself. There are many benefits of being in a relationship with God. Fellowship builds Unity. He is the only true God, and he is eternal life" (1 John 5:20). A basil plant sat on a small wooden table on the front porch. 1. God is love, longing to communicate H imself to me. Acts 2 describes how in its earliest days fellowship among the brethren was key in the growth of the church. Next. 1. Hope Anchors. As Christians we must "walk in the light" to enjoy His fellowship (1 Jn 1:3, 6). He humbles us and forgives us, allowing us to get to the point where we, in turn, can forgive the person He's told us to forgive. It is a time to fellowship with God and enjoy the Father-Child relationship. As you give of yourself, your life . A key aspect of the Christian life is this koinonia . brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?" (1 John 4:20). The one reason we emphasize on being an active member of a local church is that you will have fellowship with them. You rub mind with the Most High God during your time with Him. Fellowship Is The Ability To Pray Together. God desires to make you His home of fellowship. Live A Victorious Christian Life. This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. No guilt. • When we put God first in our lives, we accept his direction. This is the beauty of journeying through the Bible together. 2. Coming to pray together with women helps to make all of us feeling relieved and peaceful. He derives the conditions for fellowship from the nature of God. When we repent of our sin and trust in Christ, the result is that "now we live in fellowship with the true God because we live in fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ. It invites us into something deeper that can change our lives in so many areas. 3. John 14:21, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I . (Read More.) Forgive my hidden faults.". A Christian has three enemies—the world, the flesh, and the Devil ( Galatians 4:3; 5:17; James 4:7 ). The love that a believer has will lead to obedience. "We have fellowship one with . To help us better understand what fellowship is, and why it is important, I will use the analogy of an orchestra playing a symphony. 2. Attack the problem, not the person. Revelation flows from intimacy with Jesus and communion with the Holy Spirit, our friend and helper. 3. 15:5; You experience mutual acceptance among radically different people. We, as women, help each other to trust and show our closeness to each other in God's eyes. If you are walking in the darkness, i.e. Receiving Jesus As A Guest Communion With God Coming To God Goals Fruits Of Righteousness ethics, incentives towards Love For God God, Love Of Fellowship, With God Jesus answered and said to him, " If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him. If you focus on the wrong things, you'll find yourself in the wrong destination. It is very common to be in the house of God (church) but not in the presence of God. DAVID, IN PSALM 91, SAW THE PLACE OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD AS ONE OF: 1. Benefit 4: Producing the Fruit of the Spirit . There are different levels of fellowship - with the world, with all believers, and those in our local church. Through fellowship, we receive needed encouragement in time of weariness, failure and discouragement. Coming to pray together with women helps to make all of us feeling relieved and peaceful. 1 John 1:5-7 ESV / 2 helpful votesNot Helpful. Following are five tips for maintaining the most important human relationship in life — that of "marriage:" You need to set time apart to be alone with God and sort out some issues of your life instead of chatting away with people who can't help you. Psalms 133:1-3 gives us a good idea of the purpose of fellowship; to live with others in unity, which will result in blessings: (Psalms 133:1-3 KJV) "A Song of degrees of David. Fellowship with God is essential to fruitful-ness (Jn 15:4). This is worship in Spirit and in truth. He guides us into all truth . But Adam chose to reject and disobey God's command, producing sin which separated mankind from God (Romans 5:12) Aloneness can lead to loneliness Intimacy With God Full Product Description A poetic and accessible introduction to the method of Centering Prayer, this guide explains its origins, theological basis, and psychology by drawing on . Peace of mind - better sleep, gratitude. 1. Confess your part of the conflict. God will answer your enquiries. II. Fellowship with other believers is a vitally important need for me. We recognize that cleansing is an ongoing process and so the benefits should increase over time. We all sin, but each of us has a purpose here on Earth to show aspects of God to those around us. 1. Christ made us right [and restored our relationship] with God; he made us pure and holy, and he freed us from sin. A third important reason for Christian fellowship is its impact on unbelievers. Fellowship Gives Us a Picture of God . Heb. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life [zoe] to the world.". It creates meaningful . Hope. Each of us has been given specific spiritual gifts. Rom. In such a fellowship we need to learn to pray according to our inner sense. And you can find blessed fellowship as you spend time in His presence! It is a time you shut down every other thing to focus on God. PRIVACY - VERSE 7. A call to repent and believe is the Scriptural response. God is faithful and just to forgive my sins every time I confess them . It is not love to give false assurance and fellowship to those that that are perishing in their sins. Attend: When there are "work parties" or other service opportunities at church, go! Fellowship Is The Ability To Pray Together. We are glad you joined us this evening. Better self-worth. God has united you [in a relationship] with Christ Jesus. The Importance of Christian Fellowship. Fellowship with God is . Yes, daily devotions may seem daunting, but the benefits are well worth it. Good evening & welcome to GSC online. 2. Sympathize with their feelings. Removing What Hinders Fellowship With God. SAFETY - VERSE 2. God made us for Himself (Rom 11:36; 1 Cor 8:6; Col 1:16). Please share this exp. 7. II. THE CONSEQUENCES OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD. "He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall . 3. I have found in my experience that to forgive is one thing, but to forbear is quite another. A Prayer for Today: Dear God, help me to know You. 6. Be part of them, share your gifts, skills, energy, whatever you have! Think of it like a cake. This is precisely the bottom line to the strength and weakness of any believer. II. You'll look gloomy if you're looking at your negative situation. No one is perfect. When you have given God His place of honor, glory, and power, take your place of deepest lowliness, and seek to be filled with the Spirit of . There are great blessings and benefits promised to the person who walks in the light. Fellowship is part of God's design for mankind. If you focus on the wrong things, you'll find yourself in the wrong destination. It enables you to focus and refocus on God, and gain divine perspective of life and life issues. Acts 2:42. We are glad you joined us this evening. When we come together in fellowship, it's like us as a whole demonstrating God. REMEMBER - Fellowship with God is being led by the Spirit of God. We cannot become the men and women God wants us to be if we are out of fellowship of the brethren. The worship and following of people has not replaced our worship of God. And such voluntary association, we are taught in this passage, is productive of the highest benefits. According to the Bible, one of the crowning benefits of our redemption is the restoration of our fellowship with God. Whatever you behold, you become (2 Corinthians 3:18). "None of us liveth unto himself." But there is a sense in which it rests with us to cultivate fellowship with our kind. This sermon speaks of the three of the top reasons fellowship is important. 1John 4:19-20; Romans 12:9-16; You receive the encouragement of harmony. In the opening verses of his First Epistle, John speaks of the privilege and joy of fellowship with God the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3). If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. I open that You may saturate my mind, emotion and will with Yourself.". We pray that you enjoy praise, worship & the Word of God. HIDE ME DAILY IN YOUR PRESENCE Join us for authentic Bible Studies (titled BENEFITS OF DAILY FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD) and prayers 8pm GMT Wednesday 3rd. This, to me, is one of the greatest privileges of my salvation. It is the organ of mental perception, fed and influenced by the five senses, or by the spirit. That being said, we can safely say that fellowship is based on having a common purpose. The importance of true Christian fellowship is that it reinforces these things in our mind and helps us to focus on Christ and His desires and goals for us. • There is a purpose to each of our lives and a reason for our being here in the first place. Being in fellowship with God means walking in the sphere of His light (1 John 1:5-7), being honest with Him about my sin (1 John 1:8, 10), and coming before His throne of grace in transparent humility and confessing my sin that I will be forgiven (1 John 1:9; cf.