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FELLOWSHIP

 

Hi Everyone:

 

Sooner is better than later. Recently I mentioned to you that I would write an article on fellowship and the more I thought about it the more I said to myself, do it now. Understanding fellowship is important, not only to be informed, but also an understanding of the meaning of fellowship might cause one to think about other areas. One thing is for certain, we are going to be in Heaven with all the believers we personally know today and all the others in prior times and all the others that we don't know. Certainly this is an awesome thought.

 

Let's examine what fellowship isn't and then we will discover what Biblical fellowship is; the way God wants it to be, that is. It is not just going to services and giving lip service to those with whom we come in contact. It is not meeting other believers for breakfast after services and discussing golf or football or whatever. It is not sitting next to someone without recognizing them.

 

No, quite the contrary, to fellowship is to experience, yes to EXPERIENCE relationships with other believers. Fellowship is coming together with other believers who have something in common; Jesus. It is getting involved with other believers and sharing your heart with each other. When one reads 1^st Corinthians 12:12-31, a clear understanding begins to replace misunderstanding or confusion or simply ignorance. Paul uses the human body in analogous terms. Each member of our body is vital to the next and each part wonderfully compliments the next. For example, the big toe is small and insignificant when compared to the whole body, but try walking without it. Your balance is gone and you will have difficulty staying steady. Therefore, as we look at each other we should keep in mind how important the other person could be to the whole body of believers. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I do not need you,' quite the contrary, it is much truer that the members of the body which seem to be weaker are very necessary; see 1^st Corinthians 12:22.

 

Some time ago the pastor in our local church group expounded on this very subject and I must say he did a very wonderful job of it, so good that I am going to share his thoughts with you. When I say his thoughts, I mean the Bible coming to life. This is the reason Bunny and I have attended. His sermons are actually Bible studies, pure and simple. People are taught the word of God in every meeting.

 

He presented four levels of fellowship:

 

       Level 1 is choosing to belong. Ephesians 2:19 says "you are members of God's very own family…" and you belong in God's household with every other Christian. Romans 12:5 states, "In Christ we who are many form one body and each member belongs to all the others."

 

       Level 2 is learning to share. In Acts 2:44…"all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other." (We should remind ourselves occasionally that what we think we own, we do not, it all belongs to the Lord). It is much easier to share when we understand the meaning of sharing. I do believe that we would all admit that it is much easier to give away someone else's property. This is what we do when we give in Jesus' name. 1^st Peter says "open your homes to each other." God opened His home to us in Jesus when He gave up the Spirit on the cross. We should be ready to share each other's troubles and problems, (Galatians 6:2).

 

       Level 3 is doing my part. 1^st Corinthians 3:9 says "we are partners working together for God." Ephesians 4:16 says, "the whole body is fitted together perfectly…each part does its own special work." Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, "Just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me." This is such a tremendous verse of Scripture, imagine, helping each other is the same as helping Jesus. WOW!

 

       Level 4 is to love believers as though they were your own flesh and blood (As God loves us). This is not an easy task, it takes effort and constant vigilance, however we can try. It will be easier if we remember to ask the Lord to help us love as He loves us. The Holy Spirit is always with us and ready to help; just ask. Acts 2:42 "…they were like family to each other". Romans 12:10…'be devoted to each other in brotherly love.' 1 John 3:16…"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren." John 13:35…"Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples." Last but not least is Galatians 3:26, "You are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus."

 

My prayer is that we all look at our brothers and sisters who are in Christ as exactly that…FAMILY. This is what God wants and it makes Him happy. It will make us feel good, too.

 

Your servant and friend, Nick                                                            Number 13

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PRAYER

 

Hi Everyone:

 

The subject of prayer is seldom talked about or discussed, but I believe it to be a subject of extreme importance and vital to our walk as believers in Jesus Christ. Perhaps the most heart wrenching prayer ever recorded was the communication (prayer) between Jesus and His Father just prior to His crucifixion. It was actually an intercessory prayer for those who were going to form the Church (John 17). Jesus asked the Father to glorify Himself (Jesus), to protect the believers, to sanctify the believers, for the unity of believers and the ultimate glorification of the believers. Talk about being unselfish, this is the ultimate. He was praying for the people who were going to form the Church in these early days of Christianity. What is vital for us in this passage is that Jesus did not use an organized prayer. He merely spoke His heart to the Father. AND that is what He wants us to do talk to Him. In Matthew 6:7, Jesus says, "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetitions, as the Gentiles do, for they suppose they will be heard for their many words." This verse speaks volumes about praying and states the opposite of those who believe in 'meaningless repetitions,' as Jesus said. It is a simple, uncomplicated fact from Jesus Himself. As a matter of fact Jesus further explains to them in Matthew 6:8 that God knows in advance of our needs or prayer requests. Jesus then proceeded to tell them in Matthew 6:9 to 'pray in this way'…Our Father who art in Heaven, etc. We all know this as the 'Lord's prayer', i.e. everyone but the Father Himself. What Jesus was saying to them was this was to be a model for us when we do talk, or communicate, or pray to God. We are to recognize the sovereignty of God in prayer. We should pray for His return and to follow His will as it is best for us. We should ask God for assistance each day and to be by our side. (He always is with us; it's that we forget He's there. This thought reminds me of the song, 'Footprints In The Sand' (When we think He is not there He actually is). We are to pray for help to love and forgive others just as Jesus did for us, and finally, to help us in our trials and temptations. This also, reminds me of a most beautiful song called, 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus.'

 

Some time ago, some cousins and I were discussing the Bible and they asked me how I prayed. Rather than explain how I prayed, I simply bowed my head and told the Lord what was in my heart at that very moment and thanked Him for the opportunity of having the very discussion I had asked Him for prior to our visit. Believe me friends, God answers our prayers. Today is a good example of communicating with God (praying). I was having a struggle with myself over a topic to write about (Satan is alive and well and always active), By the way, there is a book called 'Satan is Alive and Well,' and I would encourage you to read it. It's always nice to know what Satan, our enemy, is up to. So I just told the Lord I was having a difficult time and asked Him to help me, (He just loves us to ask; 'Ask and you shall receive', remember?). Before I knew it, I was reading the Bible and out popped Matthew 6:7,"…'and when you are praying,' etc."

 

One last point I would like to touch on is our consideration to the conflict one can create with organized prayer. Jesus wants us to love Him, honor Him and only Him. We are to have no other God's before Him, and therefore, should not engage in those practices that could result in conflict with this commandment. We are to remember we truly have a loving God, but He is also a jealous God who loves and watches over His flock very closely with an intensity not to disregard. May the Lord always shower you with His blessings.

 

I remain your friend and servant, Nick                                               Number 12

 

P.S. Would you all do me a favor and let me know if my letters are helping you in any way? I would deeply appreciate it.

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THE CRUCIFIXION

 

It seems that everyone is talking about The Passion Of Christ movie.  The comments are both positive and negative. Let's keep in mind that a diversity of people have seen the movie resulting in a myriad of comments. If we consider all the various beliefs in the world today, it is no wonder that there will be differing opinions. I have a comment or rather a question. Is anyone focusing on what I believe to be the real issue? What is the real issue? Is it that Christ died on the cross for sinners? Is it the Roman's fault? Is it the Jew's fault? The main issue of the picture is obvious; it is a display of a very horrible and humiliating crucifixion of the Son of God, Jesus Christ. Most people know that Jesus was crucified and the reason why. They may not accept or believe the Biblical explanation and that is their prerogative. Remember please, if you will, that Jesus voluntarily offered Himself as a sacrifice on the cross for sinners who believe in Him. In the Gospel of John 3:16, Jesus said that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

 

Let's think about an issue that the movie doesn't show and yet is extremely important; Old Testament Prophecy that accurately predicts the coming, the death and the resurrection of Jesus. These prophetic statements are true, proven by the infallibility of the Bible itself and even outside sources such as the Dead Sea Scrolls discovered within the last century that are validating the authenticity of the Bible. In lieu of discussing the movie which in itself would be argumentative, let us examine what makes this story believable.

 

Psalm 22 is one of the most quoted of all Psalms. It is a prophetic description of what was to happen to Jesus on the cross. This prophecy dates back approximately eight hundred years, to the best of my knowledge, before the crucifixion. The point here is that these words were written long before Jesus appeared on the earth and were fulfilled in Jesus on the cross. In Psalm 1, David said, "My God, My God, why hast thou forsaken me?" See Matthew 27:46 for the exact same words uttered by Jesus on the cross, which probably reflects the desertion that Jesus felt while dying on the cross for the sins of  the world. Psalm 22: 11-18 describes the crucifixion; verses 11-13 foretells of the troubles near to Him and that no one was there to help Him. Verse 14 describes the piercing of the spear in His side and His bones being out of joint because of the way He hung on the cross. Both water and blood poured out of Jesus signifying shed blood and a broken heart. Verse 15 describes more of the physical aspects of the crucifixion. Verse 16 describes the nailing of His hands (wrists actually) and feet…"they pierced my hands and my feet". Verse 18 describes the division of His garments by the soldiers casting lots. In Matthew 26:31 Jesus tells the disciples they will fall away and scatter like sheep, see Zechariah 13:7…'strike the Shepherd that the sheep may be scattered.' Psalm 69:21 speaks of Matthew 27:34, 'they gave Him wine to drink mingled with gall.' Psalm 22:7 speaks of Matthew 27:39…'hurling abuse at Him.'

 

When Jesus yielded up His spirit (more on this later) the veil in the Temple, which was four inches thick, as reported by Josephus, was split from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51). It is interesting to note that the veil was renewed every year and was so strong that two teams of horses tied to each side could not tear it apart. The veil barred all the people but the High Priest from the presence of God, but when it was split in two at the very moment Jesus yielded up His Spirit (Matthew 15:38), access to God was now available to all who come through Jesus. This was a very significant event, which one could say was the very beginning of true Christianity.

 

Although I have not fully investigated the following statement I know it comes from several reliable sources. There have been in excess of 500 prophecies already fulfilled in the Bible. This is not fortune telling, it is the infallible Word of God, the Bible proving itself over and over again. The Bible in its entirety is its own best testimony. No one has ever been able to find one word of contradiction. The fulfillment of the large number of undeniable prophetic statements that have come true causes one to wonder why so many deny the truth and accuracy of the Bible; both the Old and the New Testament. It has been said that the Old Testament is the New Testament contained and the New Testament is the Old Testament explained. In 2^nd Timothy 3:16 it states that 'all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness;' and 2^nd Peter 1:21 states 'for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but by men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.' These verses, as well as many others, are telling us that God is the author and the writers are the instruments. As I stated in the second paragraph of this letter, the real issue, for me, is this paragraph. We can and we should take solace that the Bible is truly the inspired Word of God. Each of us would be well served if we read and studied the Bible every day. Believe me when I tell you that God will indeed bless you. When you do, you are communicating with God as He wishes.. The Bible tells us that God will be pleased. See Proverbs 16:7..

 

Matthew 27:50…"And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up His spirit." Please note that Jesus was not killed by anyone nor was He overcome by natural events; He released His Spirit. There is so much more on the crucifixion I could write, however there is one final point I would like to make about the last words Jesus spoke just before He gave up His Spirit. Those words are found in John 19:30 when He said…"It is finished" and He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit. The meaning of these last words, very simply, is the payment for the sins of the world was made in full and final. There is nothing more that anyone can do, nor should anyone want to, but to believe what Jesus said so many, many times;  "…..believe in Me and you have eternal life (John 3:16)." Believing what Jesus said is all there is folks, we don't need any help from any organizations who proclaim themselves to be "Christians" under the guise of some name or whatever. The Word of God, the Bible is all that we need for salvation. What I am saying here does not preclude the need for fellowship, actually the Bible does indeed tell us to fellowship. I'll write a letter soon on the topic of fellowship. It'll be interesting. I'll give you a hint…it won't be about 'churching'. I'm talking about genuine, old time Biblical fellowship.

 

                                                          Number 11

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Hi Everyone:

 

In John 3:17-18 Jesus is saying He did not come into the world to judge it but to save those who believe in Him. Believers are not to be judged on their own merits regarding salvation, whereas unbelievers will be. God will look at believers through Jesus and will not see our sinful nature. Unfortunately for the unbeliever this is not true. Unbelievers will stand naked before God and will be condemned because they rejected Jesus by not accepting Him. And there is no second chance. Hebrews 9:27 states men die once and judgment follows death. In John 5:24 Jesus emphasizes that believers will not come into judgment. Believers pass from separation (death) from God to union with Him through Jesus. By the way, do not confuse the judgment of non-believers with the rewards to be given to believers when they are in Heaven, predicated of course, on their lives on earth and service to God. See 1^st Cor. 3:14.

 

John 6:29 makes a very important point on the issue that Jesus raised while talking to the multitude; "This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent". In verse 27 Jesus tells them not to work for 'food' that perishes, but for 'food' that leads to eternal life. In other words- works or working for salvation doesn't result in salvation-wasted effort equals wasted time. Remember, I didn't say it, Jesus said it. I could spend a great deal of time on this subject of works or sacrifices but I know it would not sit well with some people. Please consider what Jesus says throughout the Gospels when He talks about salvation. In essence Jesus says believe in me, period; end of story. As a matter of fact, Jesus said there are 3 things He wants us to do:

1)      Believe in Him…John 3:16

2)      Love Him…Matthew 22:37,38…Mark 12:30

3)      Love you neighbor…John 15:17

I don't see anywhere in the Bible any additional requirements other than these three, so why do religious people concern themselves with working their way into Heaven? The answer is they simply do not believe what Jesus says throughout all the Gospels. What about the Christians who keep on trying to work their way into Heaven? The answer is I don't know, that is between them and God as to their status. The Christians that I am concerned about are those who profess to be believers in Jesus and yet continue to be chained to those principles and practices of religions that are not found anywhere in Scripture. I wish I could go further in developing this point but I must remind myself that my only concern, and it is a deep concern, is for people to listen to what Jesus is saying and to believe in Him

 

John 10:1. Jesus, again, states there is no other way to salvation other than through Him. John 10 is an interesting chapter with a point or two worthy of a detour, if you will take a short journey with me. In the beginning of the chapter Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees and trying to explain to them the way to salvation, but to no avail. They simply were not listening nor did they understand His words because they were not His. Verse 16 is very interesting because He is talking about us. We, i.e., anyone who believes in Jesus are the other 'sheep' that He is talking about. As He says He will bring us into the 'fold' with the other sheep (saved Jews) and we shall become one 'flock'. If you recall in my last letter I mentioned that the veil in the Temple was torn from top to bottom (Luke 23:45) and this signified that the way to God was now open to all who believe in Jesus. There you have the reason Jesus came to the earth, to die on the cross to pay for the sin of mankind. His death is an invitation to anyone, any age and any time. Again, folks, we have so much to be thankful for in Jesus. 

Sermon

 

Now is the time for each one of us to accept the Lord as Savior, unless you have already done so. If you have then it is time to know what Jesus said and what He meant by what He said. If we listen to what He said and meditate on His Words, then, and only then, can we be free of the chains of religious bondage. I do not profess to understand every thing He tried to tell us, but there is plenty that He told us in very simple terms that do not require one to be a rocket scientist. I cannot emphasize enough how vital it is for us to know what He said and what He meant. If you believe He is our Savior, then listen to Him.

 

In the Gospel of John 1:39, Jesus' answer to the inquiring future apostles was, "Come and you will see". How prophetic this answer was, "Come and you will see". You must understand here that Jesus was saying that we must first come or go to Him and then our eyes will be opened. Then and only then will we see. One might say this is a step of faith, and indeed it is. No one asks to see the airplane he is about to board, fly, and then   get on. No, we simply, in an act of faith get on and hope it will fly. I believe, personally, that my faith in Jesus is more assured than any thing I might do on earth. So, here we have Jesus at the beginning of His ministry telling us that the first step towards salvation is to accept His invitation; 'come and see.'

 

In John 2:16 Jesus Said, "Take these away; stop making my Father's house a house of merchandise". Obviously Jesus was very angry because they were profaning the house of God. Please understand this passage in that the Temple was the place where God resided; (it was called  the Holy of Holies), before Jesus was crucified. Only the High priest could enter this area. However, when Jesus gave up His Spirit (died on the cross) the veil (covering the Holy of Holies) was split or torn open from top to the bottom, Luke 23:45. This meant that the Temple was no longer the house of God; the house of God now is the individual where the Holy Spirit resides. In essence Christianity was born at that moment in time. Salvation was now open to all. By the way, although I have not personally researched this, it is said by Bible scholars that the veil was quite thick and made of leather; quite a feat, but then again please remember who caused it. At the risk of being redundant and boring I would like to reiterate two points not to be overlooked:

1)      We are the church (the word ecclesia means called out), see Hebrews 12: 23 '….to the general assembly and church of the first born,' i.e. the body of Christ.

2)      The way to God is now open and directly through Jesus.

 

In John 2:19, Jesus says "Destroy this Temple (His own body) and in three days I will raise it up". This is a prediction of his crucifixion and resurrection and was actually said for the benefit of His apostles for they remembered it when they saw it happen.

 

In John 3: 3-8 Jesus says, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" .In this passage Jesus is trying to explain to Nicodemus (remember he was a member of the Pharisees and a Jewish ruler) that a person must be born of the flesh and then must be born of the Spirit. To be born of the Spirit is to accept Jesus as Savior and then the Holy Spirit resides in that person (the church) forever.

 

John 3:15 and of course 3:16 (perhaps the most famous and most quoted verse in the Bible). Let's remember who is saying this, Jesus is. Sometimes the source of this scripture gets lost in the enthusiasm of the moment. I've heard many people say, John 3:16 says……but as we know Jesus says it. John is just reporting what he heard Jesus say. Jesus is the one who says believers will not perish but have eternal life. And all that is required is a step of FAITH. As Jesus said to Andrew, one of the two following Him in John 1:39…"Come and see". I pray for those who have yet to 'come and see'.

 

Let us all take a moment and praise Jesus for His unconditional love.