| April 12, 2002 |
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| "Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God." Philippians 1:27-28 Fellowship, one of the keys to spiritual growth, occurs when Christians share their walk with God in an atmosphere of love and respect. The precious promise the Lord of the church gives to congregations of Christians is, "For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them." Through the centuries Christians have united in congregations, and congregations have united in church bodies. In the days of Paul's ministry the churches were united in faith and doctrine. When the need arose to help the drought, and famine-afflicted people of the Jerusalem church, Paul encouraged the congregation to help the needy. The assignment our Lord gives to His followers is a large one ~ the evangelizing of the world. No individual Christian alone can do this work. No congregation alone can do this work. But let Christians and Christian congregations unite in their efforts and they will be able to do great things for Christ, their Lord. Blessed is that congregation and church body where Christians, united in faith and doctrinal practice, stand side by side in working for Christ and sing, "We are not divided; All one body we, One of hope and doctrine, One in charity!" That church will march like a mighty army, conquering the world for Christ. United in faith in Christ Jesus we stand side by side with our fellow believers, striving to bring the Gospel to all that they with us may have everlasting life. May the Lord bless you and keep you united in love, as you strive to do His will by spreading the Gospel to the world. Love in Christ Jesus, Sandy |