Biblical Fellowship

Recently I had been asked to preach at a memorial service of a fellow police officer and friend that had passed after getting to difficulty in the ocean.  At that assembly, I had the wonderful privilege to spend some time with one of the men at the meeting.

It seemed that there was a real hunger in his heart for substance in fellowship.   The conversation started and evolved as I have come to expect since my view of Biblical fellowship has been shaped over several years. Traditionally we refer to Heb 10:25 ISV "not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another even more as you see the day of the Lord coming nearer."

On this occasion, we were hovering around the content of this verse and what it meant to believers in the current world setting where churches are being subjected to a radical decline in membership and attendance. 

I believe that the masses have been starved of the true essence of our faith in Jesus during the global Covid pandemic.  The world and the believers in it are becoming more desperate for an authentic functional gospel. 

Rom 8:23 ISV However, not only the creation, but we who have the first fruits of the Spirit also groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies.

It seems counterproductive for those who are hungry for a true gospel to leave or abandon the one place that has the potential to meet their need.  In my mind, this global trend reinforces my view of Heb 10:25.  

This passage has two distinctive parts to it when it speaks of fellowship or assembly. The first part is the act of meeting together with one another. The second is exportation. 

The assembly of churches is still taking place regularly, but with the pews running empty and this begs the question.  Why are committed believers abandoning their home church after attending for such long periods?

I believe that the straying of the people has two origins. Firstly it is because the body of Christ (the church) has fallen away from the essence of the gospel that Jesus came to bring.   Whenever Jesus taught it was always about relationship.   His greatest desire was that we would know the Father.

Joh 17:3 WEB This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.

The churches are empty because the church has made Christianity a world religion when it was always intended to be a personal relationship with our Creator.  The second part of Heb 10:25 is just as clear about this gospel of relationship.

Assembly is only the how.   The what is; fellowship, exportation, education, and dare I say relationship-based personal care for one another. When we assemble people with the promise of God's Kingdom we must be sure THAT'S WHAT THEY WILL EXPECT. 

The fact that the church does not offer what the gospel of Jesus advertises has made the church the source of much hurt pain and I dare say sin. I will be the first one to say that churches and church structures have massive issues.  On the flip side....

REAL SINCERE RELATIONSHIPS FULFILL THE GOSPEL MANDATE IN BUCKET LOADS.

My earlier comment mentioned two reasons for people leaving the churches in mass.  I believe the second reason and by far the most important one is that Jesus is coming back SOON.   

Across the world, people from all religions are looking for the truth.   The truth that sets us free.   Even mainstream media have shown Hindu deities being discarded by loyal followers for failing to deliver on expectations. 

I am not for one second suggesting that God will give people what they want just to keep their loyalty. I am saying that those who are encouraged and supported in their relationships with the Father will find new desires when they get close to God. 

Psa 37:4 ISV Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.

I am also of the opinion that sound Biblical teaching of the true gospel will empower the masses to mature and find peace with God as their thinking evolves to better understand  God's ways and his order of things. 

I believe without a doubt that the challenges in the churches CAN be solved and that the bride of Christ can be restored to its rightful place at His feet.   Sadly I also believe that this solution may ask more of the leaders in our churches than they are willing to commit or for that matter give up.   

The Lord said we will all give a personal account for the lives we have lived. This is why I have made it my mission to promote Biblical teaching on the gospel message of my Lord and Saviour. 

FATHER.  

MAY YOUR GRACE BE POURED OUT ON THOSE WHO EARNESTLY SEEK YOU.   PLEASE DRAW US INTO YOUR PRESENCE GRANTING US MERCIES ENOUGH TO GROW IN SERVICE TO YOUR DIVINE PURPOSE. 

AMEN.