Number 19									  

"Prove yourselves doers of the Word, and not merely hearers."   James 1:22

                              SPREAD  THE  WORD

     We hope that you will hear the Words of the Lord and not man's formulas.
"For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your
servants for Jesus sake" (2 Cor 4:5). Too many people base their faith on their
own thoughts and feelings. They have formed their own religion instead of basing
their lives on the Words of Jesus Christ. Some of God's Truths are hard for us
to accept. Christ's atoning sacrifice as the only Way of salvation is difficult
for many to believe, yet it is the Truth. Will you believe God or man?
     We changed the name of this newsletter to encourage the idea of spreading
the Good News. Send us the name of someone you would like this newsletter sent
to, copy it for others, or let us know what you think. If you don't want it
anymore, let us know that too. We just want to share God's treasures with you!

           THE MINISTRY OF FELLOWSHIP - BUILDING EACH OTHER UP IN LOVE

BECOMING UNITED:   Have you ever gone to church and felt you came away missing
something? Does it seem to you that God and other believers are distant? God has
called us to be the Body of Christ. Jesus is the Head and we are to be the body.
  "They will know we are Christians by our love ."       John 13:35 (paraphrase)
If we can't love our sisters and brothers in Christ, why would anyone want to
become a Christian? Americans have become too independent and so has the church.
God tells us we are to be knit together as ligaments to the bone (Eph 4:16).
  Jesus prayed "that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are
   in Me and I am in You. May they also be in Us ..."                 John 17:21
  "so in Christ, we who are many form one body, and each member
   belongs to all the others."                                          Rom 12:5
  The scattered dry dead bone were brought together to life by God.     Ezek 37
  "God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them just as
   He wanted them to be ... there are many parts, but one body."  1 Cor 12:14-26
  "When two or more are gathered in My Name, I am in their midst."   Matt 18:20

FELLOWSHIP WITH OTHER BELIEVERS: is essential to our growth. We must be in
fellowship with Jesus first before we can love each other. God's principal is
that the more we give the more we will receive back. Those who are more mature
in the Lord have an obligation to help the weaker ones. Both are edified as they
serve Christ by serving each other. We need to worship and pray together often.
  "The harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few."              Matt 9:37
  "Go therefore, and make disciples of all nations."                 Matt 28:19
  "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak
   and not to please ourselves."                                     Rom 15:1
The above verses are usually referred to for winning people to Christ. However,
they refer to the church, also. Far too many Christians remain at the infant
stage and do not grow up in Christ. They need to be discipled! We need to be
discipled. We need each other because no man is an island. Get attached!

                                      - 2 -

DISCIPLE:  is a learner, one under discipline. Going to church does not qualify
you as a disciple of Christ. Discipleship implies one who follows and obeys.
   Christ is the Good Shepherd who led His flock by example.          John 10
  "he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me."         Matt 16:24
  "A student is not above his teacher, but everyone fully trained
   will be like his teacher."    (Jesus told his followers)            Luke 6:40
  "If you hold to My teachings, you are really My disciple."           John 8:31
  "Entrust the things you have heard me say to reliable men who will
   also be qualified to teach others."  (Paul writing to Timothy)      2 Tim 2:2
Christianity must be lived first, taught, and passed faithfully on to others.

ACCOUNTABILITY:  Without it, the job doesn't get done. Our relationship to
delegated authority reflects our relationship to Jesus Christ.  If we are
rebellious at work or at home, how can we be submissive to Christ?  Jesus said
small tasks done well lead to bigger responsibilities (Luke 16:10-12).
   "each of us will give an account of himself to God."                Rom 14:12
   On Judgement Day we must give account.    Matt 12:36  Luke 12:48  1 Peter 4:5
   We are responsible for the talents we have.           Matt 18:23  25:15
   Jesus was under the Father's authority    Matt 26:42  John 5:30  7:16  8:29
   "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority ... men who must
    give an account."                                                  Heb 13:17
If you're not accountable to anyone, are you doing anything for Christ's sake?

EDIFICATION:  is building each other up in love  (Eph 4:11-16)
   "When you come together ... for the strengthening of the church." 1 Cor 14:26
   "Let there be no unwholesome talk ... only what is helpful for building
    others up."                                      Eph 4:29-32        Rom 15:1
   "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law (love) of God."  Gal 6:2
   "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality."    Rom 12:13
   "Love one another deeply from the heart."                          1 Pet 1:22

LOVE - KOINONIA:  intimate spiritual relationship, loving the brethren.
   "in humility, consider others better than yourself ... look not only
    to your own interests ... same attitude as Christ Jesus."         Phil 2:3-5
   "Greet one another with a holy kiss."                             2 Cor 13:12
   "fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father "     1 John 1:3,6
   "Do not forsake the assembling of one another, as some do."         Heb 10:25
   The New Testament church met "publicly, and from house to house."  Acts 20:20

CHANGED LIVES:  is what we want and what God wants. So many people deprive
themselves of God's Presence and Power because they haven't taken the chance of
being vulnerable to each other. God revels Himself in mighty ways when we unite
in His Name. We should meet "publicly, and from house to house." (Acts 20:20).
You may have to take a step at a time before you can open up to other believers,
but as you do you become more like Christ, you become part of His body! You will
begin to see evangelism naturally spring forth from your fellowship. It won't
have to be worked up, it will just happen. Will you be humble enough to fulfill
Jesus' desire for you; that you be a part of His Body?
   Cheryl & I have experienced the joy of answered prayers in a fellowship. God
has done great things among us for the glory of His Name. We have been blessed
and changed as He has touched each of us in our fellowship with His love. We
have seen lives transformed. What joy to know Jesus is alive and He is King!