by

Jim Hiskey

1.        HOW DO WE DESCRIBE OUR FELLOWSHIP?

To answer this question let's begin with I John 1:3-4:

"What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ.(vs. 3)

"And these things we write, so that our joy may be complete."(vs. 4)

Note these two words, our fellowship.  These are two very exciting words to me. 

Why?  Because our fellowship is one in which the Father and His Son participate.

Said a little differently: We are party of the first part of something that the Sovereign God of the Universe and his Son, the King of Kings are part of.

The Greek word for fellowship is "koinonia."  It's the same word from which we derive common, communion, or communal.  I've been fascinated with this word.

Webster's dictionary defines it in six ways: 

1.        Companionship, company;

2.        community of interest, activity;

3.        a company of equals or friends; association; 

4.        the quality or state of being comradely;

5.        membership, partnership;

6.        the position of a fellow as in a university.

One use that the Greeks had for "koinonia" was "brotherly band."  One group the Pythogoreans united in "he tou biou koinonia," which literally meant "the fellowship of life."  Josephus, a first century historian, said the Essenes, a band of brothers of the 2nd century, based their communal life of "the idea of the equality of all members."  These are all concepts that resemble our fellowship.  We have disciplined ourselves to describe ourselves rather than define ourselves.

Let me describe some things that we do not believe our fellowship is.  Our fellowship is not the church.  We are part of the church and support it.  But we are not the church.

We are not a social group of people that meet after church -- sort of a "dinner fellowship." 

I was a member of Rotary Club International for many years.  As members, we had fellowship with each other.  Our fellowship is not a social fellowship of this nature. 

We do not think of ourselves as "an organization," like that of a 501 (c)(3) Internal Revenue Service approved religious organization.  We support organizations like these, but we see ourselves differently than an institution of this nature.

The bible scholar Wuest in his Word Studies explains this fellowship as an intimate partnership."

"The verbal form of this word says Wuest, was found in a fourth century inscription.  A doctor of medicine has put up an inscription to his wife who had also studied medicine, and who had died.  It read "as with you alone I shared my life."

"How beautiful it is when a sinner saved by grace comes to sunset of life and can say to the Lord Jesus, 'as with you alone I have shared my life.'"

Writing later he says: "The word fellowship cannot here be understood in its commonly accepted usage.  Here it has a background of meaning that forms the basis of a companionship.  That meaning is what the Greek word has 'joint-participation with someone else in things held in common'... We speak of fellows of a college ... who reside at the school and participate jointly ... have things in common, common likes and dislikes, common nature or character.  Just so, to have fellowship with the Lord Jesus in the sense of companionship, the saint must have common likes and dislikes with the Lord Jesus, he must love what He loves, namely, righteousness, and hate what He hates, namely sin ... It is these things held in common on the part of the Lord Jesus and the saint that form the basis of the fellowship and make it possible."

What is he saying?  I understand him to be saying that fellowship is equal to companionship. 

There is a sister word to fellowship in the Scripture.  It is the word: "church," in Greek "ecclesia," which means "called out ones."  It is akin to the Greek word "kyriakon,"  signifying "the Lord's," or "belonging to the Lord."  Its early usage was that of an assembly or congregation of free citizens summoned, or "called out", by a herald to do public affairs.

I used to think that the fellowship and the church were synonymous.  They are not.  The important difference is that the "fellowship" is something that we participate in after we are "called out" of darkness.  After we "belong to the Lord."  After we become part of His Global Assembly, The Church of Jesus Christ.  Once part of His Church, which is His Body, we begin a "fellowship with the Father and His Son."  And simultaneously, with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

We believe the Worldwide Church of Jesus Christ is both visible and invisible.  It is visible in that it is seen in the love of brothers and sisters in Christ in local churches and small bands of His disciples meeting together.  It is invisible in that it is made up of every believer in Christ throughout the world. 

Let me close with a few synonyms or phrases that describe "our fellowship."

First, it's a family.  As a family we are told: "Not to neglect to meet together."  (Heb. 10:24-25)

Secondly, we're a band of brothers and sisters in Christ. Or, as Webster's says: "A company of equals."

There are no titles in this "company."  Everyone is an "associate."  Everyone is an "ambassador" for this company of equals.

Thirdly, we are "friends."  Jesus said: "I call you not servants, but friends."  Together, we comprise a worldwide network of friends.

Fourthly, we're a partnership.  All the partners have things in common.  The primary common bond is our love for God and each other. 

Let me say one last thing in conclusion.  You can think of our family in Christ as an organization.  But, we are a different kind of organization.  Our fellowship functions in organization like the inner parts of our bodies -- i.e., the liver, lungs and heart, the hidden parts.  We do this because we feel God has called us to a "ministry of anonymity."  Our organization, like that of a lung, is subterranean.  If we function as we feel God would have us, we are unseen like salt in meat.  And what is seen is the Hand of God at work in people.

The exciting thing about our fellowship is that we are part of it by faith in Jesus.  And once we trust in Him, we can't get out of this family any more than a child can get out of a family he was born in.  Even if a child gets rebellious and says: "I don't want to be in this family any longer."  Still, he's a family member.

We become a part of this family by receiving Christ.  As Jesus said: "As many as received Him He gave the right to become sons of God. (Jo. 1:12)

"Jesus Christ, is the same yesterday, today, and forever." (Heb. 13:8)  He says: "Come unto me..."  (Matt 11:28)

He wants us to come to Him.  Be sure you have accepted His invitation.  Once you do you become a child of God.  Forever.  You are part of, and can never get out of our fellowship with His Father and His Son Jesus Christ!

       

       X X X X

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION

*        Refer to John 1: 12,13.  How do we become part of The Family of God?

*        Is the Church of Jesus Christ and our fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ the same?     Explain?

*        What are 3 or 4 synonyms for our fellowship?

*        Is our fellowship an organization?     Explain.

*        Compare this organization of our small family with the organization of a human body.  Why do you think God organized the body so that the more important parts like the lungs, or heart are not visible?  Can you think of the important "invisible disciples" of Christ?  For example, the person of prayer --  through intercession, he wields great power.  List other examples.

*        Read Acts 2:42, Heb. 10:23-25.  From these verses, list at least two other reasons for God's people to meet together regularly.

2.        WHAT IS OUR CHIEF REASON FOR LIVING?

Let us look at our text: 

Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."  This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"  Matt. 22:37-39

Larry Moody, my companion in ministry on the PGA golf tour, helped me understand these verses more fully.

"We're here," says Larry, "to love God completely, love others compassionately; and, love ourselves correctly.

The Love of God precedes the love of man, but it is not an either/or proposition.

We love God first by keeping His commandments.

"He who has My commandments and keeps them, he it is that loves Me; and he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will disclose Myself to him."  John 14:21 (NASB)

Obedience is the primary way we demonstrate our love for God.  It is better than any sacrifice we can make to God (I Sam. 15:22, I Cor 13:3) 

We love each other by being sensitized to each others desires.  If we love God we want to know His desire and what He wants of us.

We love God in a similar way that we love our loved ones. 

Besides being sensitized and obedient to Him, there are at least four other ways we show we love someone.

1.        We spend time together.  We get to know each other.  We open our lives to the one we love. (Phil 3: 8-10); 

2.        We listen to each other.  We want to know our loved one's thoughts and feelings and are willing to make time to listen to them.  With God, we seek His face, (2 Chron. 7:14) and look into His Word. (Jer 29:13, Psa 119:105).  There He speaks to us.  Then we talk to Him (Jer. 33:3), in loving prayer.  He asks us to share our concerns with Him (Phil. 4:6, 7) and "cast our care upon Him." (I Pet. 5:7) 

3.        We show each other respect.  Healthy relationships of love between people can not exist without respect.  The same is true with God.  We must show Him our respect.  We are to worship Him.  We give Him the praise and honor due His Name (John 4: 23, 14),

4.        We express our love verbally.  Like two lovers, we whisper to Him that we love Him.  Lovers do this in the most tender of language.  My wife and I enjoy reading The Song of Solomon to each other.  I read the part of King Solomon.  She reads the parts of the lover.  I'm sure our Savior is delighted when He hears such tender words of love from us.

The chief end in life, then, is to enlist ourselves in a life-long process of becoming a lover of God.

The love of God is first.  Second to this, is our love for neighbor. 

You can not do one without the others.

Referring to Moody's outline above, we begin by loving God completely.  Intertwined with this command is the mandate to love other compassionately.  I want to say a couple of things about the loving others and ourselves before moving on.

How do we love our neighbor as ourselves?

The Word of God says:

"After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church."(Eph. 5:29)

This gives us some insight on how we're to love our neighbor, as ourselves.  We love ourselves by making sure we are properly cared for.  We love others with similar, compassionate caring.  All three aspects of this text are sewn intricately together.

Each day, as a matter of habit, I make sure I'm properly dressed and groomed.  If I don't, Lorraine does.  I make sure I'm properly fed.  That my means of transportation is taken well care of, that I have good support in business and ministry just to name a few things.  I give a lot of thought and tender-loving care to my own needs instinctively.  In other words, I do as scripture reveals -- feed and care for myself and never give much thought to it.  It's natural

Our generation seems to be near-epidemic illness due to inadequate self-care.  Because of poor thought patterns, self-depreciation, and low self esteem.  It seems our generation struggles with loving their neighbors because, they have a hard time loving themselves.  They don't give proper care to their neighbors because they know little of how to give proper care to themselves.

Jesus adds another dimension to how we are to love in John 13:34,35.  He says we are to love as He has loved us.  How does He loves us?  I think of three ways immediately.  I'm sure there are more.  He love us:

       Patiently

       Unconditionally

       Enduringly

If we would love ourselves and others patiently and unconditionally and enduringly.  The world would be different.

It's quite simple.  When we love others compassionately  and ourselves correctly is when we are simultaneously caring for others and ourselves properly. 

Let's go back to our chief end in life.   Our ultimate purpose is to be lovers of God.  A natural by-product of being a recipient of God's love is to be a reflector of that love to others.

In I Cor. 10:31 we read: "... Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

The Westminster creed, states the chief end of man as being "to glorify God and enjoy Him forever."

At first glance this seems to be at odds with loving God as the chief end in life.  But if you think of glorifying God as "glorying in Him.  That is, -- being caught up in His Love and Glory and enjoying that ultimate of relationships.  And secondly, of letting the glorifying of Him on earth be a natural outgrowth of that relationship, the two statements are not far apart.

We believe that we glorify God by first looking vertically.  As we "glory in Him and are caught up in His magnificence.  Then, as a natural by-product, we reflect His light, love, and glory in our daily lives. (Matt 6:33, 5:16) 

In other words, we are here to mirror God's glory.  Moses, went up to Mt. Sinai seeking the "face of God," returned with "his face shining as an angel."  He was oblivious to this happening.  (Ex. 34:29-35)

When we fervently seek the face of God with the intention to love, worship and obey Him we begin to get caught up in His glory.  As God gives us understanding in comprehending His love and glory, our faces reflect His glory on earth.

       X X X X 

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION

*        Why do you think all the law and prophets are fulfilled in the first and second commandments?

*        Why do you think God wants us to love Him above all else?

*        What is The Primary way that we show our love for God?

*        List four other ways we love God?

*        Do you think the child of God can love God and glorify Him at once?   Explain.

*        Have you decided to become a lover of God?  If not, what is holding you back?

*        What tangible way can you demonstrate your love for God today?

3.        WHAT IS OUR MESSAGE?        

"And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (I Cor 2:l,2)

Let us think first, of what our message is not.  

Our message is not Christianity. 

It is not religion. 

It is not rules.  Not regulations.  Not rituals.         

Jesus said:  "...preach the gospel to all creation."  (Mark 16:15 NASB)        

What is the substance of this gospel?        

First, the gospel begins with bad news: man is lost.

"All have sinned and come short of the glory of God."  "The wages of sin is death." (Rom. 3:23, 6:23) 

The bad news is we have all gone astray. 

"All of us like sheep have gone astray.  Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him."  Isaiah 53:6        

But the word gospel means "good news."  What is this "good news?  St. Paul explains: 

"Now brothers, I want to remind you of the gospel...that Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scripture."   (I Cor 15: l a,3b,4 NIV)

Jesus died as a sacrifice for us. 

"This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.  (I Jo. 4:10 NIV)

What, then, is the gospel?  It's the good news.  Jesus Christ Himself!  Jesus Christ who died to free us from the penalty and power of sin's dominion! 

The gospel, this message that we proclaim is simply and profoundly:                

       "Jesus Christ, crucified and raised."        

The gospel is a Person. 

The gospel has do with a relationship with the crucified and resurrected Lord Jesus Christ.        

You can always tell whether a fellowship is on track, by their regard for Jesus Christ.  Is He central in that fellowship?   Do you hear the Name of Jesus Christ mentioned frequently and reverently.  Is He being exalted?  If not, be cautious about your involvement.

More importantly, guard yourself, from adding or subtracting from Jesus Christ.  The brothers and sisters of our generation have given our hearts and minds  to keep our message focused upon "Jesus Christ and Him crucified. " 

We have sought to come under the Lordship of Christ in all facets of our lives and proclaim to our generation  that "the only safe, adequate and sane leadership" is a leadership led by God for men and women in every level of society. 

We have witnessed many preaching Christ, adding or subtracting.  This was taking place too, in the first century when Paul wrote his epistle to the Philippians.  His advice is what we have followed.  He says: 

"But what does it matter?  The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true Christ is preached.  And because of this I rejoice." (Phil l:18) 

Our creed has been simply Christ. 

We believe that if we are truly putting Christ first, then all else falls into place.

Our hope for you, is that you will center on Jesus Christ, Him crucified and raised.   

Guard yourself from preaching: "Christ plus something."   Not even Christ plus fellowship.  Or, Christ plus keeping the disciplines of prayer and scripture reading as essential as these are.  The gospel is Jesus Christ, plus nothing! 

All else follows!

The message of Jesus Christ is truth.  Writing to the Galatians St. Paul says:

"...Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Gal 5:1 NIV)

Stay firm in this freedom that Christ has acquired for you at Calvary.  Do not let anyone or any new order, philosophy, theology or special experience or revelation take you away from beautiful simplicity that is in Jesus Christ.  

Paul warned us: 

"But I am afraid, lest as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds should be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Cor 11:3 NASV)        

One last thought:  Pay attention also to the message you are proclaiming.  Are you truly proclaiming Christ, crucified and raised?  Some of us have gone astray at times and our focus has been more on "small groups", or "service for Christ" than Christ and Him crucified.  Yes, people need to be part of a small group.  Yes, people need to serve Him.  But these good "emphases" can at times subtly detract from Our Risen Lord.         

Jesus says, "...when I am lifted up from the earth will draw all men to myself."   

(Jo 12:32 NIV). 

Jesus was lifted up on the cross. 

Are you lifting up Jesus Christ now? 

Lift Him up in your private time alone.  You will be drawn to Him. 

Lift up Jesus Christ without trimmings, and people will be drawn to Him.  Don't be afraid to mention His name.  When you acknowledge Jesus Christ before others, He says, "I will acknowledge you before my Father in heaven." (Mt. 10:32b NIV)  Jesus Christ is attractive.  Lift Him up.

Lifting up Christianity, doctrine and theology will not draw people to Him.  "Christian" language will not draw you or others to God.  Only Jesus draws.

Stay centered upon Jesus Christ, and you will be happy when you meet Him face to face.  Remember, "We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him..."  (II Cor 5:10).  If you center your message on Him alone, you'll be better prepared for that day.

       

       X X X X 

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION

*        The word gospel means "good news."  In your own terms, how do you see the gospel as "good news?"

*        What differences do you see between preaching "Christ" and "Christianity?"

*        What "extras" can you see today that are bring added to the preaching of Christ and Him crucified are taking away from the gospel?

*        In what way has our culture and "Christian language" crept into preaching Christ and Him alone?

*        What does Jesus say that draws people to God?

*        Why do you think it took "determination" on Paul's part to preach only "Christ and Him crucified?"

*        Have you made a "determination" to preach Christ and Him crucified? 

What hurdles do you face in proclaiming Christ and Him crucified?

4.        WHAT ARE OUR PRIORITIES?        

"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you."  (Matt. 6:33)

We have been committed to putting first things first.  Stated simply we have found this to mean:                

l.        Seeking first Christ's reign in all facets of our lives, daily. (Matt 6:33)  Spending time alone and walking with Him throughout the day, seeking to love and obey Him step-by-step is the way we have fleshed-out this first priority.        

2.        Endeavoring to love our wives or husbands as Christ loves us.

(Eph 5:25, 33 NIV). 

We have found the most effective way to love our children, as husbands and wives is to love each other.        

3.         Loving our brothers and sisters in Christ, as He loved us. (Jo 13:34)

This is the way the non-believer knows that we are His disciples.(Jo 13:35)

4.        Loving our neighbors as ourselves. (Matt 22:38)  Jesus was questioned as to:  "who is our neighbor?"  The important thing, is to remember that we should treat anyone as we want to be treated, whether it be our neighbor next door or overseas. ( Matt 7:12. Lk 10:25-37 NIV)                

5.        Conducting our occupations "to the glory of God." (I Cor 10:31). 

Notice the first four priorities have to do with personal relationships. 

First, with God.  Secondly, family.  Thirdly, brothers and sisters in Christ.  And, fourthly, our neighbors. 

However, the fifth has to do with our work.  We believe that whether we are fixing a sink or mending a torn shirt or serving our state or country in public office all should be done for the love and glory of Jesus Christ. 

Any "project" that God has put before us should be done "with all our might" (Eccl. 9:10 NIV).  "As unto the Lord and not unto men." (Col. 3:23)

X X X X

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION

*        List the five priorities.

*        What difference in priorities do you see between the values in the world in which you live in and the values God intends for us?

*        What hindrances do you face in keeping your priorities in line?

*        Do you think it is more important to put relationship with God, family and our brothers, sisters and neighbors above one's work?  Why?  or Why not?

*        Will you build your life around these five priorities?

*        What can you do this day to get your priorities more aligned with God's priorities for you?

5.        WHAT IS OUR MISSION?

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit."  Matt. 28:19        

The mission Jesus gave His children, in a phrase, is: "disciple the nations."        

Does this mean our primary focus should be on "outreach?"  The Scripture does teach: "do good for all men, especially the household of faith"; (Gal. 6:10)  Doesn't fellowship precede outreach?        

Daring to error on the simplistic side, our focus need only be Jesus Christ and His daily agenda for us.  Our first task, therefore, is to daily, moment-by moment, stay under His Lordship, seeking His Mind in all our endeavors.  If we do this we fulfill the Law of the Spirit (Rom. 8:3,4) and maintain the balance God would have between fellowship and outreach. 

Dick Halverson has said: "Fellowship is the matrix of mission."

Our mission, then, emanates from a fellowship of vision and love.  It links both outreach and discipleship, making what we do one.        

Like Isaiah (Is. 6:8) we want to be available to Him to "disciple our people group." 

My profession has been in the field of golf.  I have been sent out by my brothers and sisters in our fellowship to do my small part in "the discipleship of my people group," the golf world.

Others in our fellowship are reaching out to disciple people in government.  Others, prisoners.  Others the down trodden and hungry of the world.  Still others, students and young people. 

The "gifts" we have been given by God and skills we have developed by His grace are "tools" that we  "employ." -- for  a) the building up of the Body of Christ, our worldwide Family and, b) the work of reaching out to our "worlds", our people groups, not in Christ. (I Pet 4:10, Eph 4:11-12)          

Some of us that have been partners for years believe the most important work that we will play in "discipling all nations"  is our prayer.  If we pray, He promises to send forth laborers. (Mt. 9:28)  We'd heartily recommend you begin any mission for Christ with this prayer.

One last thought, make it your aim to discover what it means to be a "disciple".  Get into the process, yourself.  It is a lifetime process with benefits untold.  Then, make yourself available to God, and  someone else or some people group in willing obedience to His command to "disciple all nations."                

Remember, it's availability that God first seeks, not ability.  God is still making that century old request: "Whom shall I send?  And who will go for us?"        

What better response could be made than Isaiah's,  "And I said, here am I, send me." (Isaiah 6:8 NIV)

       X X X X

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION:

*        Describe the mission Jesus Christ gave to His church.

*        What part does fellowship have with "discipling the nations?"

*        What do you see as your "people group?

*        Do you agree that availability to God is more important than great human ability?  Explain?

*        Will you pray that God will show you how you fit into His great mission for the world?

*        What can you do to contribute to "discipling" your people group today?

6.        WHAT THEN, IS A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST?        

"Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, 'If you abide in My Word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.'" (John 8:31)

The Greek word that Jesus spoke was "mathetes."  Vine's dictionary of New Testament words says this about  "mathetes": "lit., 'a learner' (from manthoano, 'to learn,' --, indicating thought accompanied by endeavor), in contrast to "didaskalos", 'a teacher'; hence it denotes 'one who follows one's teaching'... A disciple was not only a pupil, but any adherent; hence they are spoken of as imitators of their teacher; John 8:11, 15:8."

The disciple of Jesus is first a learner.  He may become a teacher to others but he never stops being a learner.  The journey in discipleship with Christ leads downward.  Yet, in this downward path, the disciples of Jesus grow upward in Christlike godliness and character.         

There is a staggering verse in Hebrews:  "Although He was a son, He learned obedience..." (Heb 5:8 a NIV) 

Think of that.  Jesus Christ, totally divine, totally human "learned obedience!"  Let me say that again:

HE LEARNED OBEDIENCE!

To become a proficient golfer the player must make his body "learn obedience."  After years of teaching golf, I have concluded that the body does not want to do what it needs to do to get the ball to go where it's supposed to go. 

Paul must have known something of this concept.  "Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; he says, I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body, and make it my slave..." (I Cor 9:26, 27a NIV)  

To become Jesus's disciple means enrollment in character development.  It means first becoming a "learner." 

Disciples of Jesus, aren't know-it-alls.  They are people ever-learning to be like their Leader.

There are at least seven "disciplines" that Jesus taught His "learners".  No student of Scripture would limit Jesus teaching to only 7 "disciplines",  to that I am well aware.  Since seven is the perfect number in the bible and my favorite number, I am listing the following aims as a brief guide for the person who would become a serious "learner of Christ":

1.        Learning to become a person of the Word."

"Jesus therefore was saying to those Jews who had believed him, If you abide in my word then you are truly disciples of Mine." (Jo 8:31 NIV)

2.        Learning to become a person of Prayer.

"Now he was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart." (Lk 18:1 NIV)

"Keep watching and praying, that you may not enter into temptation; the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." ( Matt 26:41)                

3.        Learning to become a person of Love.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another."   "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another."(John 13:34, 35) 

4.         Learning to become a person of Unity.

"I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one, even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me." (John 17:20,21)

5.        Learning to put Christ before self, others and things.         

"If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple."  "Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple." 

"So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions."  (Lk 14:26, 27, and 33 NIV)

6.        Learning to become a person who treats the poor and needy like Christ. 

"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of  them you did it to Me."  (Matt 25:40)        

7.         Learning to become a person who bears much fruit.                

"By this is My Father glorified, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples." (John 15:8)

As I said above,  this is not an all-inclusive list of the "traits of discipleship."  However, I believe if you would give your heart and mind to grasping a sound understanding of these seven and the application of them, you will have no problem at The Last Day.  I am confident you will hear those words every human person on earth deeply longs to hear:  "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of the Lord." (Matt 25: 21 KJV)

       X X X X

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION

*        Why do you think Jesus called His followers "learners?"

*        List the 7 characteristics of a disciple of Christ.

*        Look up each verse and read together each of the 7 traits.  State your understanding of each or note questions you have.

*        Which trait do you find the most difficult for you personally?

*        What can you do today to apply what you have "learned?"

7.        HOW ARE WE TO DO HIS WORK?        

"...Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord God        Almighty." (Zech. 4:6 NIV)

"...for without me you can do nothing." (John 15:5b KJV)

We do His work by first an admission that we cannot.  That in our own human strength or by our gifts that we have no capacity to do it.  And apart from reliance upon His Spirit all we will produce in our own efforts is "straw" (I Cor. 3:12)  Therefore, we begin to do His work by becoming totally dependent upon the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Secondly, we do His work in concert with at least two or more others "agreed in Spirit."  As Jesus said:

"Again I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven.  For where two or three come together in my Name, there am I with them." (Matt 18:19,20 NIV)

Notice, that Jesus says that if "TWO OF YOU."  Since the day of Pentecost, we live in a new age.  After Jesus ascended a period was introduced called the church age.  This means that God does not work apart from His church.  Many will argue with me, but, I believe this is the true teaching of Holy Scripture.  What this means is that there are no "lone rangers" today.  He means for us to walk together.  Jesus sent His disciples "by twos." (Mt. 10)  The expansion of the church came from Antioch as God directed His children to send out Paul and Barnabas as a team.  They were joined by Mark.  Later the Spirit directed Paul, Silas, Luke and Timothy to do His work.  Since that day until today God has chosen to work through at least 2 or 3 of his children who seek the Mind of Christ and find "agreement in the Spirit." 

Bank on this: the power of God is unleased, by His Spirit as "TWO OF YOU ...AGREE!" 

He promised to grant whatever we agree upon!  He works when His children,  "COME TOGETHER."  We often say among ourselves: "We've got to be together!"  The idea behind this statement is that we need to be in step with each other.  In sync.  It's more than geography, but it's hard to get "in sync" with each other without "COMING TOGETHER".  This is one

The reason why the writer of Hebrews warns us: "Not to forsake the assembling of yourselves together...(Heb 10:25 a KJV)        

We have noticed over the years that whenever we have had a financial problem in a ministry there has not been a little "core of men and women" coming together regularly to pray for those set apart to do that ministry.  Find a minister of God that is powerless and you will note He knows little of the power of His Holy Spirit's ministry and is probably not "walking by faith with a brother or two." 

We have discovered that there is our way.  And, there is the Right Way.  Our "human" way is regarded by God as a vine branch cut off from the main trunk. 

Paul says "we are God's fellow- workers."  Doing God's work is like building a house. He says: 

"Each one should be careful how he builds...If a man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will  be revealed with fire and fire will test the quality of each man's work.  If it is burned up, he will suffer loss."  (I Cor. 3:10b, 12-15a NIV)

Living in His Spirit is like going frequently to Our Grand Vine Gardener -- Our Great Builder to seek His Counsel.  When we do His Work in His Way, in His timing, we are creating a lovely garden to His honor.  We are building a beautiful marble or costly stone house.  When we work in our human energy or as the bible calls "the flesh" we are building houses of straw.

God means for us to "walk with brothers and sisters in Christ."  He wants us in step with the New Covenant.  That New Covenant is the law of the Spirit. We can meet all the requirements God has for each of us if we live by faith and set our minds on "willful obedience to His Spirit."   (Rom. 8:1-8 NIV)

I'm reminded of a little saying I learned the first year I began to follow Christ.  "This life will soon be past, only the things for Christ will last."  I would amend that a bit.  "Only the things done in obedience to Christ in the energy of the Holy Spirit will last!"

Learn to walk in sync with one or two others in Christ. 

Daily, live by faith, under the leadership of His Spirit.  On that last day, your work will stand the test of fire.

X X X X

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION:

*        Read John 15: 1-8 together.

*        Why do you think Jesus compares us to branches? 

*        Have you discovered personally what Jesus means when He says "Without me you can do nothing?"

*        Why do you think God is willing to answer any prayer request of two of His children who can find agreement?

*        What is the most difficult part of "walking together with a brother or sister in Christ?"

*        What step or steps can you take today to "set your mind on the Spirit?"

*        What step(s) can you take today to walk "in agreement"  with a brother or sister in Christ?

8.         HOW ARE WE TO DO HIS WORK?

"Then they asked Him,  "What must we do to do the works God requires?  Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: To believe in the one He has sent."  (John 6:28,29 NIV)

Notice, the question was asked in the plural.  What must we do to do "the works" of God, they asked?

Jesus answered in the singular.  There's only one way to do His work.  This is like the key to heaven's ignition.

The singular work of God, is to believe in the One Whom Our Father sent. Himself.

The work is to believe God!  God's children can not do His work apart from believing in His Son.   

How do we exercise faith?  Through prayer. 

Why do we pray when God already knows what will happen?  We pray because He asks us to.  We pray because the discipline of prayer benefits us. 

We pray, too, strangely, because God shows us throughout Scripture and through 2,000 years of church history that He will not move His Almighty Arm without His children moving it through prayer.

Jesus will move mountains if we trust Him in childlike faith.

"I tell you the truth, if anyone says to this mountain, "Go throw yourself into the sea," and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.  Therefore I tell you, believe you have received it, and it will be yours."  (Mark 11:23, 24 NIV)

How could this be?  Because with "God nothing is impossible." (Lk l:37)  It's no problem for Him to move a mountain.  There is no power in us strong enough to move a mountain.  But, strangely once we indicate that we have sufficient reason and confidence in Him that He is able to move them, they move.

You will face all kinds of "mountains" in your lifetime.  Only believing prayer will drive them into the ocean!

My brothers and sisters in our generation have done the work of God poorly, but God knows our hearts.  We have desired to love Him with all our hearts and be obedient to His lovely commandments. 

He taught us that we cannot do His work without "laborers."  We may need money, materials, tools, and facilities to do His work.  But we first need, "laborers."

Jesus saw this problem in the first century.  It moved Him deeply.  Matthew describes his emotions:

"But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.  Then saith he unto his disciples.  The harvest truly is plenteous, but the laborers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest."  (Matt 9: 36-38)

Notice.  Jesus said to PRAY.  Pray for LABORERS!

I am confident that one of the best contributions our fellowship will make to our generation is the feeble prayers we have made in obedience to Christ for "laborers" 

He has done it. 

By his Grace, through His Spirit, obedient to His command, we prayed for laborers in every level of society.  He has done it.  He raised up laborers in the Halls of Congress.  He did it among the poor and hungry of the world.  He did it on the campuses.  He did it in the world of sports.  

We are well aware that we are not the only ones who prayed.  Many others have and we rejoice to have joined them.  We know we had but a tiny part in the thousands of laborers He raised up in our generation.

Learn well, the singular work of God is to believe in Jesus Christ. 

He will remove gigantic mountains if you will give Him opportunity through believing prayer.         

Bob Pierce, one of Dick Halverson's close brothers and a brother to us all said:  "Let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."  And later he said:  "I may not be able to do everything, but I can by God's grace do something."   He founded World Vision that today is reaching millions of brokenhearted people throughout the world.

We can, do something significant about the evil or heartbreak in the world by "praying for laborers."  We can do something significant about the "discipling of nations," by "praying for laborers."        

Review what Is Our Main Work, therefore?   Only one work: believe in Jesus Christ!

How is the work expressed?  Through prayer.

       X X X X

May your heart be burdened with the things that burden the heart of God.  Desire to do His Work, in His Way, on His Timetable. 

We hope you follow Solomon's advice and:

"Listen, my son to your father's instruction, says Solomon, and do not forsake your mother's teaching.  They will  be" a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."  (Prov 1:8, 9 NIV)

You can be assured you will make a contribution with your life to your country and the building of His Kingdom, if you believe in Jesus Christ and pray for laborers.

X X X X

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION:

*        Read John 6:25-37, Heb. 11:1-6.

*        The crowd asked Jesus: "What must we do to do the works of God?  He answered: The work is to believe in The One He has sent"  Why do you think He answered in the singular?

*        Some teachers teach you to have "faith in faith," or to take a "leap of faith."  Obviously Jesus is teaching He is the Object of faith.  Why is this important?

*        Referring to Hebrews 11: 1-6, why do you think it is impossible to please God without faith?

*        Why are we to pray for laborers? (Matt. 9:36-38)

*        What area of your world is lacking "laborers?"

*        If you haven't done so, will you come yourself today to pray, believing for laborers in obedience to Christ's commands?

9.        WHO IS THE PERSON I WANT MOST TO REACH?

"Keep watch over yourself and all the flock..." (Acts 20:28 NIV)

"So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith." (Mal 2:16 b NIV)

"My son, pay attention to what I say;  listen closely to my words.  Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body.  Above all else, guard your heart, for it is a wellspring of life."  (Prov. 4:20-23)

"Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live.  Teach them to your children and to their children.....Watch carefully...Be careful not to forget the covenant of the Lord your God that he made with you; do not make for yourselves an idol in the form of anything the Lord your God has forbidden.  For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God."  (Deut. 4:9, 15b, 23, 24)

God is a jealous God.  What does that mean? 

It means He's a One-God, One-Lover kind of God.  He doesn't take lightly to His lover -- that's you and me--going after another love.  Just as a faithful husband or wife burns with jealous anger when their spouse is unfaithful, so does our Heavenly Lover.

He made us for Himself and yearns for us to be responsive to His love more than anything else.  That's why the greatest of all the commandments is to love God with all our being.  He passionately loves us and longs for us to love Him.

He wants us to "guard ourselves closely" so that we do not go astray after lesser loves.

When I read, "work out your salvation with fear and trembling,"  (Phil. 2:12b NIV)   I wonder if Paul is thinking of these texts above?  Certainly, Paul was diligently cautious in "keeping watch over (himself) ..."  (Acts 20:28 NIV)

This thought.. "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" -- raises the age-old debate of faith versus works.  But no one in Scripture comes down more on the side of faith than Paul.

More than anyone he knew that a person was saved by grace and not by works.  That was the heart of his message.  (Rom. 1:16,17; 4:4,5; 5:1-8; Gal 2:16-21; Eph 2:1-10) 

However, he taught here and numerous other places that our faith needed to be worked out in the world.  We use the term: fleshed out. 

In Ephesians 2:10 he says,

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, so that no one can boast."

In Titus 3:8 we read,

".... And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good....."

The in-work of Jesus must work-out in the world or we can question whether we have genuine faith.  As James says: 

"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?  Can such faith save him?  Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well;  keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical need, what good is it?  In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

"Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one God.  Good!  Even the demons believe that and shudder.  You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?  Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?  You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." (James 2:14-22) 

It was Abraham's faith that saved him. (Rom. 4:9)  However, it was an obedient faith being fleshed out that gave him the capacity to put his son on the altar because he knew God could raise him from the dead if He chose.

What has this age old debate or faith versus works have to do with the question:

WHO IS THE PERSON I WANT MOST TO REACH?

It is important to understand you are saved by faith.  But it's also important to accept Solomon's counsel and: "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." (Prov 4:23 NIV)  Like a soldier keeping watch, we, must guard our heart attentively. 

Life in Christ, is like traveling in a high-powered motor boat upstream on a winding mountain river.  We have all the power (Acts 1:8, Phil. 4:13) and resources (II Pet 1:3,4) we need to take us up that stream. 

But, the child of God has to be on constant guard that He does nothing to cut off that power.  One act of disobedience, whether of commission or omission cuts off the engine.  Marvelous means are available to begin again in I John l: 7-9: 

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."  (I John 1:7-9)

Be we must practice this.

Learn to guard your soul.  When you say or do something displeasing to Him, which is predictable of fallen people, develop a habit of confessing your sin and "keep short accounts with God."  He is readily willing to forgive.  And He graciously does this 70 times 7 million times with us. 

Learn to practice daily repentance.   What I mean by this is, morning-by-morning, afternoon-by-afternoon, evening-by-evening, turn to Him.  Keep in tune with Him.  When you do or say something that displeases, turn away from your sin and toward His Face.

Your outreach in life, begins with daily,  joyful up-reach in getting to know Him more closely, loving Him more dearly and following Him more nearly.  Your up-reach happens simultaneous with in-reach and self-examination, desiring to be obedient because of His love to you.  What  results is fulfillment of the destiny He has for you in outreach to others that He is concerned about.   

X X X X

QUESTIONS FOR YOUR THINKING AND DISCUSSION:

*        Read Deut. 4:1-24.

*        Note in verse 9, 15, 23, the Lord says to "watch yourselves carefully."  What do you think He means and why do you think it was necessary to repeat the command three times?

*        This culture was filled with false idols that led them away from God into immoral life styles.  What are the idols your culture faces and what measures must you take to "guard your heart?"

*        Do you agree that your primary "outreach" to the world is preceded by "up-reach" (Mt. 6:33) and "in-reach"? (Prov. 4:23)   Why?

*        What action can you take today that would be helpful to "guarding your soul diligently?"

       X X X X

CONCLUDING REMARKS:

There are many other principles that we have lived by as God has been pleased to give us His grace.  But these are the nine major ones. 

I will be referring to these concepts throughout my series of studies.  I pray God will bless you.  Remember the words of the Psalmist : 

"Praise the Lord!  Blessed is the man who fears the Lord, Who greatly delights in His commandments."  (Psalm 112:1,2)

And Solomon said; 

"My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." (Prov 2:1-5 NIV)

My brothers and sisters have endeavored to talk of these concepts daily in one way or another.  I want  to encourage you to set aside regular time to discuss them one by one.  You will notice there is nothing original in their composition. 

I pray that you will master these truths.  Spend your life enjoying them.  You will not only have a great legacy to leave your children, but astonishingly they will equip you so you will be able to make a contribution to every man or woman you meet.