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 ….. TIME ….. Number 41 AN EXAMINATION OF TIME
In the busy world into which we live today, it seems that there is a shortage of time for almost everyone. Time, though, is consistent and can be measured by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years, decades, centuries millenniums, etc., In order to properly use time we need to understand that there is only a certain amount of it available in each day. Time is a commodity in which everything exists, it is that which never stops but relentlessly continues unabated. Time is that place where we live, indeed, we live in time, yet, time will suddenly end sometime in the future. Time, as we know it is of recent origin. Time actually had its beginning when "God created the heaven and the earth" and time will continue until all created things have died, changed, or been destroyed by God at the last day. After the end of the world has come time, will cease/end. After time ceases/ends, eternity will be the place where the righteous souls exist in heavenly bliss. Sad, but the unrighteous will be in eternal torment.
DISCUSSION OF TIME --- A SERMON
TEXT: Job 14:1-2, 1 Man, that is born of a woman, Is of few days, and full of trouble. 2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not. (ASV)
INTRODUCTION:
I know of no subject of greater importance than to properly understand the nature of time and what it eventually brings to humankind. In this study let me share with you some of the things about time that perhaps you were unaware of. Please observe the following facts: I. TIME PASSES CONTINUALLY:
As we observe that which occurs in our lives, we see our relatives and friends pass away from this life. From a casual reading of the newspaper, we observe that there are references about the past, the present, and the future. "Time," as we are able to understand does not stop for anyone. Ø The old adage, "Time waits for no one" is surely an accurate phrase.
II. TIME GIVES MANKIND OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE CHOICES:
Man lives in time; each day gives him opportunity to make either good or bad choices as they are made available to him. Man will choose to be educated or not, he will choose a career/an occupation, he will choose a mate, etc., yet, many times the most obvious and most important decision of his life will be put off. He will neglect to make a decision about his eternal existence; he will procrastinate about serving God. Matthew 16:26, 26 For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? (ASV)
III. TIME BRINGS THE END OF OUR LIFE:
As we consider our physical existence, we full-well-understand that we will die someday. The decree has already been established: Hebrews 9:27, 27 And inasmuch as it is appointed unto men once to die, and after this (cometh) judgment. (ASV)
Ø David died and his grave testified to the fact: Acts 2:29, 29 Brethren, I may say unto you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us unto this day. (ASV)
Ø There is no possibility of escaping death! Physical death will pass upon everyone; James gives us a description of physical death in: James 2:26, 26 For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. (ASV)
IV. AFTER PHYSICAL DEATH, THE SOUL OF MAN RESIDES IN HADES:
Ø Lazarus and the rich man: Luke 16:19-31, 19 "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. 20 "But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, 21 "desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 "And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 "Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' 25 "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. 26 'And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' 27 "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, 28 'for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' 29 "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' 30 "And he said, 'No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 30 "But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." (NKJ)
CONSIDER THIS:
This text includes the information about man's place of existence after death and until the resurrection, judgment, and assignment. At the last day. NOTE:
Some commentators take the position that this text is a parable, even if that were true it would in no way alter the truth that is taught in these verses. Ø In the appendix, I have inserted a chart that gives one a better understanding of this place {i.e., Hades}.
THE BIBLE DOES NOT TEACH THE DOCTRINE OF "PURGATORY." Ø The Roman Catholic Church teaches that "PURGATORY" is a place (i.e., a state or place) in which those who have died in the grace of God expiate their sins by suffering…" (From Webster's New World Dictionary of the American Language, College Edition, The World Publishing Company, 1957, page 1182, column 1). Ø This text does not teach the doctrine of "prayer for the dead" as some cults teach today. Prayer for the dead could not do the dead any good - the time for salvation from sin is while one lives, not after physical death has occurred. After one has physically died his/her eternal destiny is sealed, nothing can be done by the individual or by anyone else to change their status with God.
V. TIME BRINGS THE RESURRECTION:
Ø At the appointed time: Acts 17:31, 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.(ASV)
Ø The trump of God will signal the resurrection, on the last day: 1 Corinthians 15:52, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. (ASV) 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first; (ASV)
Ø Just as sure as all will die (or be changed), everyone will be resurrected. At the resurrection Hades will cease to exist as all the spirits will animate the dust in the graves (i.e., wherever the dust is deposited). Whenever this occurs every person, everyone who has ever lived will stand before Jesus Christ (cf., John 12:48). Indeed, everyone will be there at the last day, it will be the greatest gathering of souls that has ever occurred in time. Ø JOB understood that there was to be a resurrection: Job 19:25-26, 25 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: (KJV)
Ø DAVID also understood that there was to be a resurrection: Psalms 17:15, 15 As for me, I shall behold thy face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with (beholding) thy form. (ASV)
Ø Proclaimed by Jesus Christ: John 5:28, 28 Marvel not at this: for the hour cometh, in which all that are in the tombs shall hear his voice, (ASV)
Ø Preached by the apostles: 1 Corinthians 15:19-23, 19 If we have only hoped in Christ in this life, we are of all men most pitiable. 20 But now hath Christ been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of them that are asleep. 21 For since by man (came) death, by man (came) also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; then they that are Christ's, at his coming. (ASV)
CONSIDER THIS:
To the Bible believer, "time brings the resurrection of everyone from Adam to the last person on earth.
"AS IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, AND AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT" Prepare now for that date with the Righteous Judge
VI. TIME BRINGS THE JUDGEMENT:
Not only does time bring about the resurrection of all the dead but it also brings about the righteous judgment of God at the last day. Acts 17:31, 31 inasmuch as he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (ASV)
1. A day is appointed 2. The day is set aside to judge the world (mankind) 3. The standard of judgment will be righteousness (John 12:48) 4. The Judge will be, "… by that man whom he hath ordained … he hath raised him from the dead" 5. John 12:48 - It is Jesus Christ 6. Everyone will be there: 2 Corinthians 5:10, 10 For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things (done) in the body, according to what he hath done, whether (it be) good or bad. (ASV)
CONSIDER THIS: 1. For we must all appear 2. Before the judgment seat 3. Each person will be assigned a place, the place will depend on how they lived on this earth - remember Lazarus and the rich man. CONCLUSION: THE WEAK BROTHER - Number 42 1 But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples. 2 One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. 4 Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. 9 For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 But thou, why dost thou judge thy brother? or thou again, why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment-seat of God. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then each one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge ye this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock in his brother's way, or an occasion of falling. 14 I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself: save that to him who accounteth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 For if because of meat thy brother is grieved, thou walkest no longer in love. Destroy not with thy meat him for whom Christ died. 16 Let not then your good be evil spoken of: 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he that herein serveth Christ is well-pleasing to God, and approved of men. 19 So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another. 20 Overthrow not for meat's sake the work of God. All things indeed are clean; howbeit it is evil for that man who eateth with offence. 21 It is good not to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor to do anything whereby thy brother stumbleth. 22 The faith which thou hast, have thou to thyself before God. Happy is he that judgeth not himself in that which he approveth. 23 But he that doubteth is condemned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith; and whatsoever is not of faith is sin. (ASV) Comments: One of the most complex problems in the Lord's church today (2005) is the interpretation of this chapter in the Book of Romans. There are some who take the position that this discussion by Paul to the Romans is discussing doctrinal matters (i.e. marriage, divorce, re-marriage, fellowship limits and liberties, etc.). Yet, there is another school of thought that suggest this chapter is dealing with indifferent matters that will neither condemn or commend a person's relationship to God. The problem does seem to be the latter discussed by Paul for the following reason: The matter under consideration in the text, is the eating of meats offered to idols and the reaction to the eating of such meats by new converts or "weak brethren". "...1 But him that is weak in faith receive ye, yet not for decision of scruples. 2 One man hath faith to eat all things: but he that is weak eateth herbs. 3 Let not him that eateth set at nought him that eateth not; and let not him that eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him." The matter of eating meats offered unto idols was not evil or righteous in and of itself it was a neutral matter the strong Christian but a stumbling-block to the weak Christian. Paul says that both should consider oneanother in the matter and not hinder the weak and the weak not to judge criticall the stronge Christian in his eating, Why, because the matter of eating such meats was a matter of personal choice. 4 Who art thou that judgest the servant of another? to his own lord he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be made to stand; for the Lord hath power to make him stand. 5 One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let each man be fully assured in his own mind. 6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord: and he that eateth, eateth unto the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, unto the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. 7 For none of us liveth to himself, and none dieth to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; or whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's. Consider This: The mistaken view by some that any disputed question between brethren may be substituted for the meat discussed in this chapter is surely error. This chapter is discussing matters that are of an immaterial nature as the object of disagreement between brethren (i.e. eating meats offered unto idols). To substitute a disagreement over scriptural defined work of the congregation, the Lord's Supper, The existence of a church building, pattern Biblical fellowship, music in worship, or any subject that the Scripture makes clear cannot be inserted in the place of meat in Romans 14.. If the Bible adresses the subject in a clear understandable way, we must submit to the Biblical formula or reject the Biblical formula - both cannot be acceptable to God. Both positions from the same word or phrase cannot be true - we cannot both be right presenting conflicting exegesis but we may both be wrong, whatever is true is still true but whatever else is inserted as truth is not so! Again, the truth of a Biblical context may not be an acceptable dispute to place in the 14th chapter of Romans if the Bible addresses the matter clearly. Disclaimer: Indeed, there are some who dispute every passage of Scripture in the Bible, to consider such people as weak brethren is unreasonable, the weak brother in the 14th chapter of Romans is weak over an immaterial matter (i.e. a personal opinion). A LIST OF THINGS ALL CHRISTIANS CAN DO - Number 43 Prepared by Garreth L Clair
1. Send a Card to the sick, lonely, or bereaved.
2. Visit the sick, lonely, or shut-in.
3. Visit new members; have then in your home.
4. Visit the absentees and encourage them.
5. Worship regularly with the church.
6. Contribute regularly to the reverence in the assembly.
7. Read and study God's Word daily.
8. Distribute good literature (I.e., tracts, bulletins, etc.).
9. Use your car to bring others to service.
10. Take flowers to the sick and shut in.
11. Teach Bible classes or arrange them in your home.
12. Be friendly; greet visitors to the service.
13. Develop hospitality.
14. Give of your money as prospered.
15. Use your telephone to invite and encourage others.
16. Take food to the sick, needy, and bereaved.
17. Live Godly and peaceful lives.
18. Pray for one another.
19. Pray for the preacher.
20. Pray for the song leaders.
21. Pray for the weak that they may become strong in the faith.
22. Participate in the worship service, as you are able.
23. Love you neighbor.
24. Love your brethren.
25. Attend gospel meetings.
26. Support the elders of the church in their work.
27. Contend earnestly for the faith, Jude 3.
28. Give a copy of the bulletin to someone that will read it.
29. Help with the ongoing cleaning, preparing the communion, maintenance, etc.
30. Do good unto all men.
Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." (KJV) INTRODUCTION TO STUDY OF "FELLOWSHIP" - Number 44 Garreth L. Clair
The study that is included in this issue of "Consider Magazine" has been revised from material that the editor has used for the past 40 years in discussions and sermons. The new material is considered useful for the new readers that are receiving the magazine for the first time as well as for those that have requested in throughout the history of the publication. We want to assure each one that the material has been successfully used in several studies and it has always been helpful in arriving at the "truth" about the subject. For those of you that have a desire to purchase the booklet (8 1/2 X 11, spiral bound) let me know and I will send you as many copies as you desire for $4.95 each. We do not expect to make a profit from the sale of our material; we make it available for the purpose of furthering our understanding of the important spiritual problems of our day. A list of our publications is available elsewhere in this issue of "Consider Magazine." We continue to work with the good church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road in Hilliard, Ohio 43026, a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. When you are in the area do call or come by and see us. Brethren, you are always welcome here at the Cemetery Road church of Christ.
F E L L O W S H I P
INTRODUCTION: This material is presented with the hope that some may use it to aid their study of this important and problematic area. Far too many have deserted the Lord's church because they failed to understand the significance and gravity of joining others in their error. A great deal has been written about this subject but in recent years, the pens of some have been silenced. I do not know what has caused some to refrain from discussing and writing about the problems among brethren and those in denominations but the problems have not subsided. Sine the problem to Biblical fellowship remain a serious problem in many places we need to continue to study this subject as we have continued to study other important subjects. To fail to instruct this generation in Biblical fellowship will surely cause compromise with regard to "truth". The compiler claims no originality for the thoughts that are presented; others have written much on this subject in former times. The material is arranged by the compiler in a fashion that is completely his own. This is the second printing of the material, there have been some things changed and rearranged or added to in this edition of the material.
PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS The problems associated with Biblical fellowship are many; there are many people who advocate conflicting views regarding the subject. The problem among members of the Lord’s church has been compounded in recent years by problems over human institutions and the sponsoring churches. Yet, certain men have done a great deal of damage because of their writings and teaching on a number of subjects, among these have been W. Carl Ketchercide, Leroy Garrett, Ed Fudge, Charles Holt, etc. During more recent times, not a few brethren have been overcome by the soft teaching on the subject of "Biblical fellowship". The material presented here is presented in an effort to show what the Bible teaches on the subject. In this study we will deal with the subject in an abbreviated fashion, hoping to interest the readers in a further study of the various points discussed. We desire that others will understand the subject and pass it along to others, cf., 2 Timothy 2:2 --- "And the things which thou hast heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also" (ASV).
BIBLICAL FELLOWSHIP
1 John 1:6-7, 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. ASV
CONSIDER THIS: Ø Many brethren today use the term "fellowship" to include social activities, such things as, eating together (i.e., fellowship rooms or halls) and playing together (play grounds, ball teams, church leagues (i.e., baseball, basketball, etc.) Ø Many denominational people use the word the same way, and extend the hand of fellowship, to any and all religious people regardless of the differences in doctrine and practice. Ø Ignorance of what Biblical fellowship is and its importance is further shown by the nature and amount of religious division in the religious word. COMMENTARY:
I. MEANING OF THE WORD "FELLOWSHIP": Ø Here, we want to appeal to the Greek Lexicons to examine the meaning of the word and see how it is translated, this will tell us how the word was understood in the original usage. Please notice the following usages of the word in its contexts, Ø FELLOWSHIP (Greek Definitions): A. Nouns. 1. koinonia NT:2842, (a) "communion, fellowship, sharing in common" (from koinos, "common"), is translated "communion" in 1 Cor 10:16; Philem 6, RV, "fellowship," for KJV, "communication"; it is most frequently translated "fellowship"; (b) "that which is the outcome of fellowship, a contribution," e. g., Rom 15:26; 2 Cor 8:4. See COMMUNION, CONTRIBUTION, etc. Note: In Eph 3:9, some mss. have koinonia, instead of oikonomia, "dispensation," RV. 2. metoche NT:3352, "partnership" (akin to No. 3, under FELLOW), is translated "fellowship" in 2 Cor 6:14. In the Sept., Ps 122:3, "Jerusalem is built as a city whose fellowship is complete." The word seems to have a more restricted sense than koinonia. Cf. the verb form in Heb 2:14. 3. koinonos NT:2844 denotes "a partaker" or "partner" (akin to No. 1); in 1 Cor 10:20 it is used with ginomai, "to become," "that ye should have communion with," RV (KJV, fellowship with). See COMPANION, PARTAKER, PARTNER. B. Verbs. 1. koinoneo NT:2841, "to have fellowship," is so translated in Phil 4:15, RV, for KJV, "did communicate." See COMMUNICATE. 2. sunkoinoneo NT:4790, "to have fellowship with or in" (sun, "with," and No. 1), is used in Eph 5:11; Phil 4:14, RV, "ye had fellowship," for KJV, "ye did communicate"; Rev 18:4, RV, "have (no) fellowship with," for KJV, "be (not) partakers of" See COMMUNICATE, PARTAKER. (from Vine's Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, Copyright (c)1985, Thomas Nelson Publishers) Ø FELLOWSHIP (Definition in dictionaries); The Winston Simplified Dictionary, advanced Edition, pp. 355 FELLOWSHIP, 1. Association, especially of a friendly character; 2. common interest, as in fraternal orders; 3. an organization of friends, etc. Webster's Third New International Dictionary, unabridged, pp. 836: FELLOWSHIP, 2. "To join in fellowship or to be in communion with (a church or church member). Ø FURTHER DEFINITIONS OF FELLOWSHIP BY RESPECTED AND KNOWLEDGABLE WRITERS OF THIS GENERATION: Connie W. Adams in the Enlightener, Volume 5, Number 6, January 1970: FELLOWSHIP --- "essentially, fellowship is a divine relationship with God out of which grows the relationship between those who share God's communion. If I am in partnership with God, and you are also, then we have a share in the same thing (fellowship). Joe Fitch in the Hickman Mills Record, October 5, 1969: FELLOWSHIP --- "is joint participation, partnership, partaking. Thus, "withdrawing fellowship" would be dissolving the partnership and terminating the participation together." A. Hugh Clark in the Caprock Bulletin, Article, "fellowship": FELLOWSHIP --- "partnership; joint participation in a common enterprise. The word is active, not passive, and does not refer to abstract states but to an individual, active participation in cooperative endeavors. We have fellowship with one another in the Lord when there is an active sharing of Christian affection, matched by an equal sharing of mutual responsibilities and a regular and faithful discharge of common obligations and duties which the relationship involves us in." CONSIDER THIS ILLUSTRATION: Walking in Fellowship between God ------------------------ the light --------------------------- and man 1 John 1:3-7
John 1:6-14 Fellowship between man -------------------- faithful in Christ --------------------- and man (i.e. the light) 1 John 1:3-7
Ø Consequently, then, "fellowship" as it is used in the New Testament, refers to partnership, joint-participation in spiritual things.
Fellowship with God --- 1 Corinthians 3:9, 9 For we are God's fellow-workers ; ye are God's husbandry, God's building. ASV Fellowship with the Father and the Son --- 1 John 1:3-7, 3 that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: 4 and these things we write, that our joy may be made full. 5 And this is the message which we have heard from him and announce unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him and walk in the darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. ASV Fellowship with the Holy Spirit --- Philippians 2:1, 1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, ASV Fellowship with one another in the cause of Christ --- 1 John 1:3, 3 that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: ASV Acts 2:42, 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers. ASV Philippians 1:5, 5 for your fellowship in furtherance of the gospel from the first day until now; ASV
F E L L O W S H I P - Number 45 FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS Part 2
Ø FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD, CHRIST, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT:
Ø FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD: We have fellowship with God --- 1 John 1:3, 3 that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: ASV 1 John 1:7, 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. ASV
We are labors together with God --- 1 Corinthians 3:9, 9 For we are God's fellow-workers: ye are God's husbandry, God's building. ASV 2 Corinthians 6:1, 1 And working together (with him) we entreat also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain
Ø FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST: 1 Corinthians 1:9, 9 God is faithful, through whom ye were called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. ASV 1 John 1:3, 3 that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: ASV Christians have fellowship in Christ's suffering --- Philippians 3:10, 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, becoming conformed unto his death; ASV
Christians have fellowship with Christ when they walk in the light --- 1 John 1:3, 3 that which we have seen and heard declare we unto you also, that ye also may have fellowship with us: yea, and our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ: ASV 1 John 1:7, 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanseth us from all sin. ASV Ephesians 3:17, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, ASV
Christians have fellowship with Christ on the first day of each week as they partake of the communion --- 1 Corinthians 10:16, 16 The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a communion (i.e., fellowship) of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not a communion of the body of Christ? ASV Ø FELLOWSHIP WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT: Philippians 2:1, 1 If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, ASV All Christians have fellowship with the Holy Spirit as they continue to abide in His message (i.e., the instructions digested from the Written Word) and He continues to grow within the the heart of the Christian through acquired knowledge --- Ephesians 3:1-7, 1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus in behalf of you Gentiles,-- 2 if so be that ye have heard of the dispensation of that grace of God which was given me to you-ward; 3 how that by revelation was made known unto me the mystery, as I wrote before in few words, 4 whereby, when ye read, ye can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ; 5 which in other generation was not made known unto the sons of men, as it hath now been revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; 6 (to wit), that the Gentiles are fellow-heirs, and fellow-members of the body, and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, 7 whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power. ASV Acts 2:38, 38 And Peter (said) unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of your sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ASV Acts 5:32, 32 And we are witnesses of these things; and (so is) the Holy Spirit, whom God hath given to them that obey him. ASV NOTE - See the authors booklet on the HOLY SPIRIT, second edition, pp. 19
Consider Magazine is an independent work by Garreth L. Clair Garreth has over 50 years experience as a preacher, and is currently the preacher for the church that meets at 4840 Cemetery Road, in Hilliard OH. http://www.cemeteryroadchurchofchrist.org/ Copyright 2005, All Rights Reserved. (Please contact us for permission to reprint.) Please help us show up on search engines, by putting a link to http://www.considermagazine.com on your website!
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