MESSAGE FROM THE ALTAR 24/01/21
SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP.
TEXT: ACTS 2:42
They spent their time learning from the apostles, and they were like family to each other. They also broke bread and prayed together.
(CEV).
Spiritual Fellowship was created by the Holy Spirit. It was a creation that came into existence as promise fulfilled for Jesus Christ before his ascension did promise to send the Holy Spirit to the disciples to empower, teach and comfort them. Jesus Christ had forseen the great affliction that would be visited upon the believers and saw the need for the disciples to be strengthened, encouraged and comforted. The Holy Spirit descending to replace his ascension was Jesus Christ’s solution to the problem facing the Church. Jesus Christ, therefore, told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem till the Power promised would descend and empower them.
The Holy Spirit descended and took charge of the Church on the Day of Pentecost when the believers received the Comforter and till today, the Holy Spirit has been sustaining and directing the Church of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. (Acts 2:1-6).
It is imperative for the Church to exhibit the characteristics of spiritual fellowship else she becomes like salt losing its savour; like light lacking its lustre ; and like beauty fading away.
The early Church had the following characteristics and it is important that we compare them with what the Church is now in order to appraise ourselves correctly.
Characteristics of the early Church :
_ Encouraging one another (one for all, all for one) ;
Supporting one another in physical needs ; Respect for one another, taking into consideration their differences ;
_ They shared their experiences, their fears and joy together without reservations ;
_They did not indulge in gossip and as such they had confidence in sharing their plight, their weaknesses and strength ;
_The truth was spoken in love ; weaknesses readily admitted and forgiveness quickly given ; and the group was made the priority. The life was communal and while nobody was forced to play a particular role, the Church
never hesitated in dealing righteously with fraudsters and the cankerworms in their midst. The gospel was given top priority and the disciples strove in all ways to be true disciples of Jesus Christ with non-believers attesting to the lifestyle, hence the name Christians ( first so called in Antioch).
Are we as the Body of Christ still qualify to be called Christians ? Do we live Christlike ? Do we respect our differences, our weaknesses ? Do we support one another and speak the truth in love ? Can God use our humility and hospitality to reveal Himself to someone needing salvation ? Can God trust us for the glorious work of evangelism ?
Prayers:
_ Lord, grant me the grace to always show love to those I come in contact with.
Lord, help me to avoid or overcome spiritual hypocrisy .
_Lord, empower me to minister effectively to people’s needs
_Lord, grant me the grace to always be thankful for your mercies instead of complaining in bitterness concerning what I lack.
_Lord, remold me totally into a vessel of honour for kingdom work in the vineyard.
_Lord, fill me the more with the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit, in the precious name of Jesus Christ.
We are hereby enjoined to remain in Christian Fellowship ; do the work of an evangelist ; depopulate the enclave of satan as we win souls for the kingdom of God.
Our labours shall not be in vain, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.
For counselling, prayers and interpretation of dreams :
Whatsapp :+234 8037172308
e-mail : abiodunmichael3075@yahoo.com
mobile no. 08037172308 , 08141887911
website:https://rebirthchristianministry.cw.center/
Host Pastor: Michael Gbemiga Abiodun
Re-birth Christian Ministry (International Outreach).