{"id":3342,"date":"2022-02-15T23:11:41","date_gmt":"2022-02-16T04:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/riveroflifetwinlake.org\/riveroflife\/?p=3342"},"modified":"2022-06-15T09:57:00","modified_gmt":"2022-06-15T13:57:00","slug":"next-steps-the-power-of-fellowship-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/riveroflifetwinlake.org\/riveroflife\/next-steps-the-power-of-fellowship-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"NEXT STEPS: How To Practice The Power of Fellowship Part 1"},"content":{"rendered":"

Narrow road followers of Jesus practice the power of fellowship: Our local church is called to be a Heavenly Community and our duty is to unite as a team to help one another and share salvation with our neighbors and friends.<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"\"And they continued steadfastly in the apostles\u2019 doctrine and fellowship<\/strong><\/u>, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44Now all who believed were together<\/strong><\/u>, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.<\/em><\/p>\n

46 So continuing daily with one accord<\/strong><\/u> in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house<\/strong><\/u>, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, 47praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.<\/em> [Acts 2:42-47 NKJV]<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Our fellowship together is defined as koino\u00f4nia from the Greek language of the New Testament. It means partnership, close social union, deep communication, and common distribution.<\/strong> Like a piece of plywood, God wants our local church families to be glued together in such a union that the pulling apart of any one Christian will hurt and scar the group. The Holy Spirit formed \u201coriginal church\u201d exemplifies this for us. This is clearly presented in the language of our text, \u201cAll who believed were together;\u201d \u201call things in common;\u201d \u201ccontinued daily with one accord;\u201d and \u201cbreaking bread from house to house.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"According to Acts 2:42-47 we are partnered together<\/strong><\/u> in four ways: membership<\/strong><\/u>, mission<\/strong><\/u>, ministry<\/strong><\/u>, and maturity<\/strong><\/u>. Therefore we must understand what fellowship embraces. Fellowship is based on the \u201cone another commands\u201d of the New Testament.\u00a0 \u201cLove one another;\u201d \u201cexhort one another;\u201d \u201ccomfort one another;\u201d \u201cbearing with one another;\u201d \u201cforgiving one another;\u201d edify one another;\u201d \u201cspeaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs;\u201d \u201cwe are members of one another;\u201d minister your grace gift \u201cto one another;\u201d, and \u201cpray for one another\u201d are examples of at least twenty-three one another commands. Therefore, as the local church gathers for worship it must follow the teaching and example of how the Bible guides the church to fellowship. We must interweave into our gatherings the opportunity for believers to obey these commands. Did the early church?<\/p>\n

As Paul instructs the church at Corinth to use their spiritual gifts to love one another and not be spiritually self absorbed, he states: \u201cPursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. 3 But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men<\/strong><\/u>.\u201d\u00a0 [1 Corinthians 14:1-3 NKJV].<\/p>\n

The obvious teaching is that when they met on Sunday they came to fellowship with God and their Christian family. The reason we gather, Paul instructs, is for \u201cedification and exhortation and comfort to men.\u201d We can have fun alone with God and worship God in our \u201cclosets.\u201d Yes we can have incredible prayer in our \u201cclosets.\u201d But, when we gather a partnership unfolds.<\/strong> A common distribution of love and ministry must<\/u><\/strong> begin. Everything must happen so that \u201cloving one another\u201d is clearly practiced.<\/p>\n

Further evidence of this is expressed in chapter 14: \u201c\u2026prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? 24 But if all prophesy<\/strong><\/u>, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all<\/strong>. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cHow is it then, brethren? Whenever you come together<\/u><\/strong>, each<\/u><\/strong> of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be two or at the most three, each in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 But if anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.\u201d\u201d<\/p>\n

We can be grateful to the Lord that the church at Corinth was immature and out of control because we have clear evidence of how God wants all his people to take responsibility for loving one another. Paul had to rebuke and correct these new believers who were doing just about everything wrong with great zeal. They were a wild bunch of little spiritual kids that desperately needed a mature voice of leadership, and Paul stepped in. Because of this, God reveals to us that local churches must gather and allow everyone to speak clear words of encouragement, correction and support for each other in the faith. We come together to strengthen others, through our words and our actions.<\/p>\n

As we examine our example of Acts 2 and compare it to 1 Corinthians 14 we find an unsettling fact about our modern church worship in America. We do not follow God\u2019s instructions. \u201cLocal churches are for the feeding of the flock, the edification and fellowship of believers<\/strong>, and the demonstration of God\u2019s mighty power through prayer and crying out\u201d [How to Make Your Church a POWERFUL HOUSE OF PRAYER, copyright 2002 IBLP, Box one, Oak Brook, IL 60522-3001]. Far too often church fellowship has fallen to eating food together. Even though fellowship can happen around food, there is a larger and more effective way God has designed for true fellowship to happen.<\/p>\n

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The close social union of church membership<\/strong> includes the responsibility of serving and caring for one another as we gather. Our fellowship of mission<\/strong> melts us into one voice proclaiming the Good News of Christ and His kingdom. The common distribution of our spiritual gifts ministers<\/strong> God\u2019s love throughout our church and community cementing us with God\u2019s love. And the deep communication of our loving exhortations, confessions, and testimonies matures<\/strong> the saints around us.<\/p>\n

No longer can you be a selfish individual, no longer can you just attend worship gatherings to be “fed”, but instead you are required to enlarge your perspective and live in the counterculture of Jesus.<\/p>\n

Yes it is true, fellowship is costly and dangerous because you must open your hearts and allow others to get close to you. Fear not! Some will hurt you. But for Christ\u2019s sake, deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Jesus! Learn to forgive and love without receiving anything in return. Obey the God who knows us best, and truly enter the fellowship God designed for the church, before the foundation of the world!<\/p>\n

This must be an immediate choice as soon as you start following Jesus. Acts 2 illustrates the immediate change God wants as this historical account reveals how 3000 STRANGERS turned from their sin and followed Jesus. It was not an individual and personal religious experience. It was a total transformation into a community of life, involving all of Christ\u2019s followers becoming BEST FRIENDS. It was an immediate alteration of thinking and living.<\/p>\n

Their new life was based on the four major changes of their lifestyle. \u201cAll the believers devoted themselves<\/i><\/span><\/strong> to the apostles\u2019 teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord\u2019s Supper), and to prayer.\u201d Acts 2:42 (NLT) By immediately<\/span><\/strong> making these four commitments to Jesus and His followers, they quickly became best friends together.<\/p>\n

First off, these strangers<\/i> from all over the Roman Empire took a risk and immediately joined the church, the rest of all the local followers of Jesus, and gathered with them to learn<\/b> from the church leaders the teachings and mind of God. They did not go home for a private Bible study to decide for themselves what they would follow or not follow. They did not start a private family worship time as they preferred it with their children. They did not start a new small group that fit their fancy.<\/p>\n

No, they submitted to the leadership and humbly listened and learned how to follow the Lord Jesus. The apostles\u2019 doctrine was the teaching of Jesus\u2019 commands. See Matthew 28. They joined the Christian collective and became important parts of the ministry. They immediately connected in fellowship<\/b> with their new community of friends.<\/p>\n

This is the second important life change that they fully committed themselves to, and on the very day they followed Jesus. Not months or years later when they got around to it. Fellowship is the real response of love to one another as commanded throughout the New Testament. God expects immediate action on your part. Love is not a feeling but fellowship in action.<\/p>\n

And not only did they join the Christian crowd and learn the teachings and involve themselves in fellowship, they also joined the community by gathering in the homes of the fellow disciples of Jesus to eat together and celebrated the Lord\u2019s Supper<\/b> as a church. And also, they joined the large groups and together they prayed for God<\/b> to continue His mighty work of salvation to others to come to know the truth.<\/p>\n

So now we need to look closer at the responsibility of fellowship. You must participate in fellowship. This is not an option, but the will of God for your life.<\/p>\n

Remember fellowship is defined from the Greek word koino\u00f4nia. It means a strong <\/strong>partnership<\/strong>, close social union<\/b>, deep communication<\/b>, and common sharing<\/b>. Like a piece of plywood, God wants our local church families to be glued together in such a union that the pulling apart of any one Christian will hurt and scar the group. Honestly, isn\u2019t this what being best friends is all about?<\/p>\n

\"\"1\/ Christ commands us to become best friends with his disciples immediately when we follow Him<\/b><\/p>\n

So first let\u2019s look at the words of Jesus. In John 13:34-35 (NLT) \u201cSo now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other<\/b>. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. 35 \u00a0Your love for one another will prove to the world<\/b> that you are my disciples.\u201d<\/p>\n

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  • We are to love each other just like<\/b> Jesus loves us<\/li>\n
  • We want Jesus to be our BEST FRIEND<\/b>, don\u2019t we?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    2\/ Jesus commands this because He wants the world to marvel and desire Him also<\/b><\/p>\n

    This is why fellowship is essential and commanded:<\/i> I want you to see how comprehensive the Bible is in its\u2019 Love One Another Commands. First, the Lord clearly demands<\/b> that we, His followers are to LOVE EACH OTHER. This is not an option or suggestion, but His orders to us. And He explains how far this is to go in our lives.<\/p>\n

    John 15:12-14 (NLT)<\/p>\n

    12 \u00a0This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.<\/p>\n

    13 \u00a0There is no greater love than to lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s <\/b>friends<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    14 \u00a0You are my friends<\/b> if you do what I command.<\/p>\n

    So the foundation of friendship is fellowship, which is based on the fact that Jesus commands us, does not ask us to \u201cLove one another\u201d [John 13:34,35; 15:12,17] And as we understand that \u201cGod is love\u201d [I John 4:8], we then have our standard or measuring rod to give us specific instruction of what this means.<\/p>\n

    He does not mean to just be nice or friendly<\/b>. God is the truth of love. If you want to understand love you look at God. If you are practicing love you must measure yourself to the absolute truth of love which is God and what He instructs in the Bible. What the Lord God does, says, and illustrates is love. And Jesus makes it clear, \u201cThere is no greater love than to lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s friends.\u201d<\/p>\n

    Self-sacrificing love is God\u2019s standard. <\/b>\u201cAgape\u201d is the Greek term which explains this type of love, which is caring and giving with no strings attached or selfish demands for returned favors. No, only selfless giving. Love is given without trade or need of a return gesture or a pat on the back.<\/p>\n

    This is the foundation of how to measure genuine love.<\/b> Therefore, His intent is that church people, His true followers that are miraculously born again members of His family, are expressing His love to one another in such an extreme way that it impacts the world so deeply that they become jealous of what all \u201cthose Christians\u201d have.<\/p>\n

    And one more thing about this concept. Genuine love is defined<\/b> as providing for and protecting <\/b>the people you love [see Ephesians 5:25-32]. Again understand this, it is a measurable and visible action, not something hiding deep inside people\u2019s imaginations. Fellowship is the Biblical opportunity for the expression of God\u2019s love to fellow believers, your BEST FRIENDS<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    To be concise, God commands his people to love one another and then breaks down how to do it<\/b> with many descriptive \u201cone another\u201d commands. These actions are the actions of BEST FRIENDS<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

    So let\u2019s start with what is to take place when the church gathers together. For example, Paul instructed the new local church in the city of Corinth, Greece [1 Cor 12-14] that all prophecy [public speaking and preaching the word of God] is for all of them to fellowship together by encouraging<\/strong>, building up<\/strong>, and comforting<\/strong> each other when they gather together on Sunday. This is what pastors do as the preach!<\/p>\n

    Is this not what best friends do?<\/p>\n

    The rest of the \u201cone another commands\u201d are acts, mostly without public speaking, but with \u201cagape\u201d attitudes and actions cemented together, and practiced no matter when and where Christian friends are together \u2013 and whether all or part of the church family is in one place.<\/p>\n

    And this is why this is the completely new way of life or the new counter-culture created by God for His followers. And never forget, that is what sets us apart from the world under Satan\u2019s control. God intends to have a new society on earth, His called out ones, just like He has in heaven which is glowing with friendship and love.<\/p>\n

    Today we are scattered in local churches all over the world in the same way our country puts ambassadors in other countries. God established the local church as the embassy of the Lord Jesus, allowing the foreigners and enemies of God to see what they are missing. God loves the world and sends us to reach them with the Kingdom message.<\/p>\n

    Next, let\u2019s focus on the Lord\u2019s commands for the weekly worship gathering for the rest of this article. What is your responsibility when you gather with your friends to worship the Lord?<\/p>\n

    1\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO OUR FELLOW CHRISTIAN<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cGreet<\/b> (embrace, hug) one another<\/b>\u201d [Romans 16:16; 1 Corinthians 16:20; 2 Corinthians 13:12; 1 Peter 5:14] Obviously this means to care as much for a Christian as your own family member and show it by the genuine warmth of CLOSE FRIENDSHIP<\/b>. We easily show our care to our family, but it takes a risk to do this at \u201cchurch.\u201d You must choose to love your fellow Christ follower the way Jesus loves that same Christian.<\/p>\n

    And there are no exceptions in God\u2019s command. The person you do not like is the first one you must warmly reach out to and greet. In obedience, you choose to love as Christ tells you to. If you have a problem with someone, the way it is cured is \u201cto lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s friends<\/b>.\u201d This means you choose them to be your friend, and you choose to do whatever is necessary to sacrifice for them until they know you love them. \u201cThe man of many friends [a friend of all the world] will prove himself a bad friend, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother<\/b>.\u201d Proverbs 18:24 (AMP)<\/p>\n

    \"\"2\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE HUMBLY BEND TO THE PASTOR\u2019S LEADERSHIP<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cSubmit to one another<\/b>\u201d is voiced in (Ephesians 5:21) and the context clarifies it by telling wives to submit to husbands and children to obey their parents. In other words, God has established family roles and an order of authority delegated in His wisdom and by His divine commands. Humility and servant attitudes are greatly valued by God, not the ungodly. So intentionally subordinate yourself under your authorities by helping and pleasing them.<\/p>\n

    Here\u2019s what Jesus said, \u201cIn this world the kings and great men lord it over their people, yet they are called \u2018friends of the people.\u2019 26 \u00a0But among you it will be different<\/b>. Those who are the greatest among you should take the lowest rank<\/b>, and the leader should be like a servant<\/b>.\u201d Luke 22:25-26 (NLT)<\/b> So obey your pastor\u2019s leadership and follow and submit to your ministry team leader\u2019s directions.<\/p>\n

    Jesus \u201csat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, \u2018Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else<\/b>.\u2019\u201d Mark 9:35 (NLT) <\/b>Christ is looking for those who are driven to serve, not take control; help a friend, not bully someone.<\/p>\n

    Peter adds, \u201cIn the same way, you younger men must accept the authority of the elders<\/b>. And all of you, serve each other in humility<\/b>, for \u2018God opposes the proud but favors the humble.\u2019\u201d 1 Peter 5:5 (NLT) True fellowship involves submission to God\u2019s ordained authorities, and Americans have a lot of pride, so work hard at this. Also, friendship is to be real between the young and the elders. \u201cI am a friend to anyone who fears you\u2014 anyone who obeys your commandments.\u201d Psalm 119:63 (NLT) <\/strong><\/p>\n

    3\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE OTHER BELIEVERS ENOUGH TO WARN THEM OF SPIRITUAL DANGER<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cAdmonish <\/b>(caution and warn) one another<\/b>\u201d [Romans 15:14; Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16] Just like any member of your immediate family [children, brothers and sisters, etc.] Christ expects you to caution and warn other Christians when you see them doing wrong or erring in judgment. This is clearly explained, in Hebrews 3:13 (NLT) \u201cYou must warn each other every day<\/b>, while it is still \u201ctoday,\u201d so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God.\u201d This will take love to risk a backlash or rejection, but fellowship is expanding your love into a deep friendship, not with the intent of condemning or taking control over others. Loving care will drive you to say something when you see a Christian friend in real danger<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    4\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE OTHER BELIEVERS ENOUGH TO BE HONEST LIKE CHRIST IS TO US<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cTell the truth to one another<\/b>\u201d (Colossians 3:9) Be completely truthful to each other and do not try to deceive or hide the facts. Truth mingled with grace and mercy allows transparency in your friendships.<\/p>\n

    \u201cWho may worship in your sanctuary, LORD? Who may enter your presence on your holy hill? Those who lead blameless lives and do what is right, speaking the truth from sincere hearts<\/b>. Those who refuse to gossip<\/b> or harm<\/b> their neighbors or speak evil of their friends<\/b>.\u201d <\/b>Psalm 15:1-3 (NLT)<\/p>\n

    Every word must be given through love, not revenge or fear.<\/p>\n

    5\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE OUR FELLOW CHRISTIANS BY ENCOURAGING THEM TO KEEP ON KEEPING ON THROUGH EVERY SITUATION AND NOT GIVE UP<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cSo encourage each other<\/b>\u201d (1 Thessalonians 4:18; Hebrews 10:25) The Holy Spirit indwells all true believers. His presence releases grace, which is the divine influence on the Christian\u2019s heart causing new holy desires to obey and please God.<\/p>\n

    The same Greek term used of the Holy Spirit is used in this \u201cone another\u201d command, but speaking of us makes it clear that we must come alongside each other to invite, invoke and cause each other to desire God\u2019s will and the hope of heaven. Hebrews 10:25 (NLT) commands, \u201cAnd let us not neglect our meeting together<\/b>, as some people do, but encourage one another<\/b>, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.\u201d<\/p>\n

    We must motivate all believers to obey and trust Christ through the everyday struggles. We must become like individual coaches and come alongside them and help them achieve victory over sins, problems, etc. We must be the friend that encourages, again and again, so that our friends know that through it all, we can and must be overcomers!<\/p>\n

    6\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE LOVE EACH OTHER ENOUGH TO HELP OUR FRIENDS GROW AND MATURE<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cSo encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing<\/b>.\u201d (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Like a house builder, we must help construct each other\u2019s spiritual faith, or in other words, we must lean into each other\u2019s lives, and help build each other up in the faith. We are to confirm the truth of what God teaches and strengthen them, by giving testimony of answered prayer, by affirming the changes God has made in our lives by His grace, and by reminding others of His Word. We are called to build our brothers into spiritual leaders and help them become complete [mature] disciples. Only lifelong friends can do this!<\/p>\n

    7\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE ADMIT OUR FAULTS OPENLY FOR THE HELP WE NEED FROM OUR FRIENDS<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cConfess to one another<\/b>\u201d (James 5:16) This takes guts! you are to openly acknowledge your weaknesses and sins to other believers for the sake of needed support and prayer. If you really love Jesus and want to please Him you need help. Pride hides sin and suffers, but humility dares to ask for help and gains spiritual freedom. Overwhelming problems demand the hands of many friends.<\/p>\n

    8\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE SPEND REAL TIME PRAYING FOR OUR SPIRITUAL FAMILY<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cPray for one another<\/b>\u201d (James 5:16) We tend to pray for others with great needs or crisis situations like tragic disease or accidents. But the Word tells us the main focus of our prayers is to be very specific.<\/p>\n

    \u201cEpaphras \u2026 always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature<\/b>.\u201d (Colossians 4:12a NCV) \u201cMay you be able to feel and understand \u2026 how long, how wide, how deep, and how high [God\u2019s] love really is; and to experience this love for yourselves<\/b>\u201d (Ephesians 3:19a TLB). \u201cI pray\u2026 that you will always be eager to do right<\/b>\u201d (Hebrews 13:21 CEV).<\/p>\n

    \u201cI pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in him<\/b>\u201d (Romans 15:13a NCV). \u201cI pray that the glorious Father \u2026 would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation<\/b>\u201d (Ephesians 1:17a GW).<\/p>\n

    Only by crying out to God for deliverance and grace can anyone be set free from their bondage and spiritual blindness. Read the group prayers of the church in the book of Acts. Learn what to pray for and join others in seeking the Lord through group prayer meetings with best friends.<\/p>\n

    \"\"9\/ FELLOWSHIP MEANS WE SERVE OTHERS BY USING OUR GRACE GIFT TO HELP THEM
    \n<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cGod has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another<\/b>.\u201d (1 Peter 4:10) Discover your grace-gift [Romans 12], and put yourself to work serving your fellow believers in the church<\/b>. For example, if you are a servant, clean the church building without being asked and not grumbling that others do not help. Agape love never needs recognition.<\/p>\n

    Set the rest of your fellow saints free to serve you and the Lord with their special abilities, by serving them first, because their gifts are different than yours. Don\u2019t make them feel sorry for you! And do you know what? This actually means to become deacon-like [slave-like] with your gift and do all the menial tasks that are attached to your gift to show endless love to your church family while you glorify God by laying down your life for them<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    10\/ FELLOWSHIP IS MAKING A JOYFUL NOISE TOGETHER TO GLORIFY GOD WHICH ACTUALLY HELPS YOUR CHRISTIAN FRIENDS<\/b><\/p>\n

    \u201cSpeaking <\/b>to one another<\/b> in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord<\/b>\u201d (Ephesians 5:19) As we worship the Lord God together in music, we do not just worship God, we also strengthen and teach one another as we sing together. Your passionate worship builds up others. Music is a great way to memorize scripture and Biblical concepts. Corporate worship electrifies the soul of every believer.<\/p>\n

    For now, remember\u2026 FELLOWSHIP is living life together as a church full of BEST FRIENDS united in a strong partnership<\/b>, close social union<\/b>, deep communication<\/b>, and common sharing<\/b>.<\/p>\n

    It only works when it is driven by God\u2019s love deep inside you, no political or antichrist social order forced upon men will ever duplicate this powerful life. So when you personally take these commands seriously, obey them joyfully, and freely give yourself to your local church you will begin to really experience the Kingdom of God here on earth!<\/p>\n

    Also, remember what Jesus expects of you. \u201cThis is my commandment<\/b>: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one\u2019s life for one\u2019s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command.\u201d<\/p>\n