Praise & Pray

The earliest Christians found comfort in spending time together. They had no choice because they were often rejected by the religious and political authorities who believed they had strayed from the Laws of Moses. However, those forced circumstances caused believers to grow in God's Word, in their belief in Jesus, and in the manifestation of the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit.

Things are no different today. Groups of Christians make it a point to converge on Sundays in churches and house gatherings across the world. And beyond that day, there are meetings online and in person throughout the week. Believers congregate to build one another up, correct one another, and keep moving forward in the faith (Colossians 3:16).

Paul emphasized this when He taught believers to keep gathering and not let that aspect of Christianity disappear (Hebrews 10:24-25). We are provided further context on Christian fellowship in 1 John 1:3 - We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

It is this ability to listen and share what has been learned from the Lord that makes Christian fellowship unique. Proverbs 27:17 puts it simply, As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another. This only happens as believers actively assemble to disperse and receive the wisdom provided by God the Teacher. He gives His people - the Body of Christ - revelation so it is strengthened.

And this leads to a question - who do you fellowship with? Are you fellowshipping with your fellow believers more so than unbelievers? Are you making time to congregate with Christians who are living for Jesus in truth and encouraging you to do the same? Or is your fellowship and friendship primarily with the world?

To evaluate this, take a frank look at the time devoted to secular things versus how much you give to the things of God. Which is more? Now realize that when Christians spend more time receiving what unbelievers have to share than from God's people, the fruits they produce will not match the Word. Attitudes and opinions will develop that don't reflect God's Kingdom, resulting in backsliding.

All because of the spiritual blindness that typically comes from forgetting Psalm 1:1 - Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers. Far too many of us see no harm in spending time with the wicked, the foolish, the mockers, the scoffers, and unrepentant sinners who neither obey God nor pretend to.

We also don't allow the Holy Spirit to lead us away from those spoken of in 2 Timothy 3:5 - having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people. However, God's children should be careful who and what they fellowship with and be very mindful of what information they receive and let into their hearts.

Whatever takes root, comes past their lips, and becomes reality. And without caution, a believer will end up agreeing with satan instead of the Lord and not enjoy the peace and goodness that should be their rightful and godly inheritance. That shall not be our portion, IJMN, Amen. God bless you.

As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:

1. Will He Know You?

2. On Fools

3. Hidden Identity

4. Blindness

5. Responding to Scoffers

6. Blindspots

7. The Mockers of Jesus

8. Agree With God Not satan

9. Should Christians Befriend Unbelievers?

10. Foolishness vs Wisdom

11. Topic: Backsliding/Turning Away/Apostasy

12. Topic: Friends

13. Topic: Kingdom Identity

14. Topic: The Wicked/Evil