1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:03,320 Most of you are probably wondering why me 2 00:00:04,700 --> 00:00:05,960 up here this morning. 3 00:00:06,880 --> 00:00:09,600 Several months ago I was talking with Kevin Young 4 00:00:10,600 --> 00:00:14,460 and I was telling him how much I was enjoying 5 00:00:14,460 --> 00:00:17,080 the Wednesday night prayer meeting 6 00:00:18,020 --> 00:00:23,020 and that each of us had been given a topic to explore 7 00:00:23,820 --> 00:00:26,320 and to present to the group. 8 00:00:26,320 --> 00:00:30,720 And Kevin asked me, well what was your topic? 9 00:00:30,720 --> 00:00:32,800 I said fellowship. 10 00:00:32,800 --> 00:00:34,880 And he said, well could you give that 11 00:00:34,880 --> 00:00:37,320 some Sabbath morning presentation? 12 00:00:37,320 --> 00:00:40,520 I said, only if I'm put on the back burner. 13 00:00:41,720 --> 00:00:43,760 Well today I've moved from the back burner 14 00:00:43,760 --> 00:00:45,180 to the front burner. 15 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:48,940 So just pray for me please. 16 00:00:49,960 --> 00:00:52,800 And let's begin with a short word of prayer. 17 00:00:52,800 --> 00:00:57,800 Father in heaven, please extend your Holy Spirit to us 18 00:00:59,280 --> 00:01:03,600 to bring us understanding, to bring us peace. 19 00:01:03,600 --> 00:01:05,660 In Jesus' name, amen. 20 00:01:06,900 --> 00:01:11,420 The first thing I would like to have you do is stand up 21 00:01:11,420 --> 00:01:13,760 and turn to those who are closest to you 22 00:01:13,760 --> 00:01:18,440 and wish them a happy Sabbath, give them a handshake 23 00:01:18,440 --> 00:01:19,960 or maybe even a hug. 24 00:01:19,960 --> 00:01:22,700 Women like to hug. 25 00:01:36,460 --> 00:01:41,460 What you have just done is have the joy 26 00:01:41,460 --> 00:01:44,460 of fellowship in action. 27 00:01:44,460 --> 00:01:49,460 Fellowship means a friendly association, 28 00:01:51,340 --> 00:01:55,660 especially with people who share one's interests. 29 00:01:56,940 --> 00:02:00,220 A second definition is the status of a fellow 30 00:02:00,220 --> 00:02:05,220 of a college or society, such as she held 31 00:02:06,100 --> 00:02:08,420 the Faulkner Fellowship. 32 00:02:10,180 --> 00:02:13,820 A friendly feeling that exists between people 33 00:02:13,820 --> 00:02:17,620 who have a shared interest or are doing something 34 00:02:17,620 --> 00:02:18,860 as a group. 35 00:02:20,860 --> 00:02:23,260 We are a group. 36 00:02:23,260 --> 00:02:28,260 Fellowship is a shared participation within a community. 37 00:02:28,760 --> 00:02:31,680 The word in the Greek is koinonia, 38 00:02:33,420 --> 00:02:38,420 and it's spelled K-O-I-N-O-N-I-A. 39 00:02:38,460 --> 00:02:43,060 And it's most often translated into English as sharing. 40 00:02:43,060 --> 00:02:45,240 Fellowship or communion. 41 00:02:46,180 --> 00:02:49,180 Let's take a look at how koinonia 42 00:02:53,120 --> 00:02:58,120 and a similar word, koinos, are used in Acts 2, 43 00:02:59,620 --> 00:03:02,220 verses 38 to 47. 44 00:03:03,320 --> 00:03:08,320 I've asked you, given you, some of you some slips of paper 45 00:03:08,380 --> 00:03:11,700 and to read from the Bible. 46 00:03:11,700 --> 00:03:16,660 And if you'll stand and turn to your classmates, 47 00:03:18,700 --> 00:03:23,020 we will have an interactive message today. 48 00:03:23,020 --> 00:03:28,020 So I need Acts 2, verses 38 to 47, 49 00:03:28,620 --> 00:03:33,280 to put into context our scripture reading in Acts 2. 50 00:03:36,200 --> 00:03:41,200 Now when they heard this, they were gripped in their hearts 51 00:03:41,200 --> 00:03:46,200 and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, 52 00:03:46,980 --> 00:03:49,580 men and brother, what shall we do? 53 00:03:49,580 --> 00:03:51,780 Then Peter said unto them, 54 00:03:51,780 --> 00:03:56,020 repent and be baptized every one of you 55 00:03:56,020 --> 00:04:00,500 in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, 56 00:04:00,500 --> 00:04:05,300 and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost 57 00:04:05,300 --> 00:04:10,300 for the remission is unto you and to your children, 58 00:04:12,180 --> 00:04:15,580 and to all that are afar off, 59 00:04:15,580 --> 00:04:20,300 even as many as the Lord our God shall call. 60 00:04:21,620 --> 00:04:26,620 And with many other words did the testifying 61 00:04:26,740 --> 00:04:30,300 and exalted saint save yourselves 62 00:04:30,300 --> 00:04:35,300 from this uncorporate generation. 63 00:04:37,220 --> 00:04:42,220 Then they gladly received his word, were baptized, 64 00:04:45,900 --> 00:04:50,900 and the same day there were added unto them 65 00:04:51,460 --> 00:04:56,460 about 3,000 souls, and they continued steadfast 66 00:04:56,460 --> 00:05:00,540 in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship 67 00:05:00,540 --> 00:05:04,500 in the breaking of bread and in prayer, 68 00:05:04,500 --> 00:05:09,380 and far came upon every soul, 69 00:05:09,380 --> 00:05:14,380 and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles, 70 00:05:14,740 --> 00:05:17,880 and all that believed were together 71 00:05:17,880 --> 00:05:20,540 and had all the things common, 72 00:05:20,540 --> 00:05:25,540 and solid their provisions and goods, 73 00:05:27,300 --> 00:05:32,300 and parted them to all men, as every man had needed, 74 00:05:35,580 --> 00:05:40,580 and they continued daily with one according in the temple 75 00:05:41,200 --> 00:05:45,140 and breaking bread from the house to house, 76 00:05:45,140 --> 00:05:50,140 did eat their meat and gladness and singleness of heart, 77 00:05:51,700 --> 00:05:56,620 praising God and having favor with all the people, 78 00:05:56,620 --> 00:05:59,780 and the Lord added to the church daily 79 00:05:59,780 --> 00:06:03,540 such as it should be said. 80 00:06:03,540 --> 00:06:04,700 Thank you, Janet. 81 00:06:05,740 --> 00:06:10,740 So Luke in Acts two, what are the words 82 00:06:10,740 --> 00:06:15,740 that stand out the most? 83 00:06:16,100 --> 00:06:18,500 What are we talking about? 84 00:06:18,500 --> 00:06:23,220 He mentions the apostles' doctrine and fellowship 85 00:06:23,220 --> 00:06:27,220 and in breaking bread and in prayers. 86 00:06:27,220 --> 00:06:30,660 He tells us that the church should be devoted 87 00:06:30,660 --> 00:06:35,060 to shared participation with all members, 88 00:06:35,060 --> 00:06:38,100 and then he explains that the members of the church 89 00:06:38,100 --> 00:06:42,500 are to hold all things as shared in common. 90 00:06:42,500 --> 00:06:44,700 In Acts 2, 44, it says, 91 00:06:44,700 --> 00:06:49,060 and all those who had believed were together 92 00:06:49,060 --> 00:06:51,580 and had all things in common. 93 00:06:52,620 --> 00:06:54,500 In other words, the members' commitment 94 00:06:54,500 --> 00:06:57,300 to sharing their lives with one another 95 00:06:57,300 --> 00:07:01,580 is tangible and action-oriented. 96 00:07:01,580 --> 00:07:04,900 They sacrifice to share all their resources, 97 00:07:04,900 --> 00:07:09,340 their space, their time, and their stuff 98 00:07:09,340 --> 00:07:13,380 with anyone in their community who has a need. 99 00:07:13,380 --> 00:07:15,260 In Acts 2, 45, it says, 100 00:07:15,260 --> 00:07:19,780 and they began selling their property and possessions 101 00:07:19,780 --> 00:07:21,980 and were sharing them with all 102 00:07:21,980 --> 00:07:24,980 as anyone might have the need. 103 00:07:27,060 --> 00:07:30,700 The church practices koinonia 104 00:07:30,700 --> 00:07:35,700 when it helps to alleviate poverty in communities. 105 00:07:36,020 --> 00:07:41,020 Romans 15, 26, would you stand and read that one? 106 00:07:42,860 --> 00:07:45,380 Romans 15, verse 26. 107 00:07:55,300 --> 00:07:58,980 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Acacia 108 00:07:58,980 --> 00:08:02,180 to make a certain contribution for the poor 109 00:08:02,180 --> 00:08:04,660 among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 110 00:08:06,820 --> 00:08:11,820 And so they're encouraged to financially support others 111 00:08:12,660 --> 00:08:16,180 and focuses on sharing the good news of the kingdom. 112 00:08:17,340 --> 00:08:19,900 Second Corinthians 8, 4 says, 113 00:08:19,900 --> 00:08:23,940 begging us with much urging for the favor participation 114 00:08:23,940 --> 00:08:25,860 in the support of the saints. 115 00:08:25,860 --> 00:08:30,860 And when it comes to generously 116 00:08:31,900 --> 00:08:35,300 giving our resources that we have. 117 00:08:36,900 --> 00:08:40,980 Hebrews 13, 16, please. 118 00:08:43,260 --> 00:08:45,140 Hebrews 13, 16. 119 00:08:45,140 --> 00:08:50,140 Okay, I'll find it on my Bible here. 120 00:08:55,220 --> 00:08:56,220 13, 16, okay. 121 00:09:05,060 --> 00:09:09,020 And do not forget to do good and to share with others 122 00:09:09,020 --> 00:09:11,980 for with such sacrifices God is pleased. 123 00:09:11,980 --> 00:09:15,820 The words here to do good and to communicate. 124 00:09:15,820 --> 00:09:17,860 But that's not all. 125 00:09:17,860 --> 00:09:19,980 While the sharing of practical resources 126 00:09:19,980 --> 00:09:23,380 is a crucial part of what it means to have fellowship, 127 00:09:23,380 --> 00:09:27,660 it cannot be done apart from fellowship with God. 128 00:09:27,660 --> 00:09:32,660 It all originates from a loving koinonia 129 00:09:33,660 --> 00:09:36,580 with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 130 00:09:36,580 --> 00:09:38,740 First Corinthians, verse 16, 131 00:09:38,740 --> 00:09:43,740 Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, First Corinthians 1, 9 says, 132 00:09:44,300 --> 00:09:47,300 God is faithful through whom you were called 133 00:09:47,300 --> 00:09:51,940 into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. 134 00:09:52,900 --> 00:09:55,060 Isn't that interesting? 135 00:09:55,060 --> 00:09:59,780 God, one of his characteristics is fellowship. 136 00:09:59,780 --> 00:10:02,260 Second Corinthians 13, 14. 137 00:10:02,260 --> 00:10:05,260 Second Corinthians 13, 14. 138 00:10:14,260 --> 00:10:17,260 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ 139 00:10:17,260 --> 00:10:21,260 and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Ghost 140 00:10:21,260 --> 00:10:23,780 be with you all, amen. 141 00:10:25,260 --> 00:10:29,260 So we see the first two verses of the first chapter 142 00:10:29,260 --> 00:10:32,260 and then we go to the next chapter. 143 00:10:32,260 --> 00:10:35,260 What is the second verse of the first chapter? 144 00:10:35,260 --> 00:10:38,260 What is the third verse of the first chapter? 145 00:10:38,260 --> 00:10:41,260 What is the fourth verse of the first chapter? 146 00:10:41,260 --> 00:10:44,260 What is the fifth verse of the first chapter? 147 00:10:44,260 --> 00:10:47,260 And the last two verses are the last two verses. 148 00:10:47,260 --> 00:10:52,260 So we see the communion of the Holy Spirit 149 00:10:53,260 --> 00:10:57,260 and that's the English definition of koinonia. 150 00:10:57,260 --> 00:11:02,260 Verse one, therefore, if there is any encouragement 151 00:11:02,380 --> 00:11:06,060 in Christ, if there's any consolation of love, 152 00:11:06,060 --> 00:11:08,740 if there's any fellowship of the Spirit, 153 00:11:08,740 --> 00:11:12,500 if any affection and compassion. 154 00:11:12,500 --> 00:11:17,180 And three, verse 10, says that I may know him 155 00:11:17,180 --> 00:11:19,540 and the power of his resurrection 156 00:11:19,540 --> 00:11:22,060 and the fellowship of his sufferings 157 00:11:22,060 --> 00:11:23,940 being conformed to his death. 158 00:11:23,940 --> 00:11:27,180 Thank you very much, Cindy. 159 00:11:28,300 --> 00:11:32,460 So we're seeing here the communion of the Holy Spirit. 160 00:11:32,460 --> 00:11:35,180 We're seeing the fellowship of the Spirit 161 00:11:36,300 --> 00:11:41,300 and Christ's fellowship through his sufferings. 162 00:11:43,300 --> 00:11:46,420 First John one, three says, what we have seen and heard 163 00:11:46,420 --> 00:11:49,980 we proclaim to you also so that you too 164 00:11:49,980 --> 00:11:51,980 may have fellowship with us 165 00:11:51,980 --> 00:11:55,100 and indeed our fellowship is with the Father 166 00:11:55,100 --> 00:11:58,060 and with his Son Jesus Christ. 167 00:11:58,060 --> 00:12:03,060 Isn't that interesting that they share fellowship with us 168 00:12:03,300 --> 00:12:06,900 and that they want us to have this fellowship? 169 00:12:08,420 --> 00:12:10,780 What is the basis of fellowship? 170 00:12:10,780 --> 00:12:15,340 God enjoys perfect fellowship within himself. 171 00:12:15,340 --> 00:12:19,980 The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are an eternal relationship 172 00:12:19,980 --> 00:12:24,100 and always participate in acts of self-giving love 173 00:12:24,100 --> 00:12:25,380 toward one another. 174 00:12:26,740 --> 00:12:30,540 Would someone read John 17, verse five? 175 00:12:34,140 --> 00:12:39,140 And now, oh Father, glorify thou me with thine own self, 176 00:12:46,500 --> 00:12:49,500 with the glory, which had with thee 177 00:12:49,500 --> 00:12:51,140 before the world was. 178 00:12:54,100 --> 00:12:55,540 So the key words here, 179 00:12:55,540 --> 00:13:00,060 which I had with thee before the world was. 180 00:13:01,100 --> 00:13:05,180 This fellowship is the attributes of heaven, 181 00:13:05,180 --> 00:13:09,500 full of joy, generosity, and peace. 182 00:13:09,500 --> 00:13:12,780 Before creation, we know it existed, 183 00:13:12,780 --> 00:13:17,780 this mutual and loving participation with God's reality. 184 00:13:17,780 --> 00:13:22,020 And he chooses to share this with us. 185 00:13:22,980 --> 00:13:25,980 He created humans in his image 186 00:13:25,980 --> 00:13:30,980 so that we could share in his eternal self-giving fellowship 187 00:13:30,980 --> 00:13:35,460 and partner with him to share with all of creation. 188 00:13:36,580 --> 00:13:41,380 As we look back to creation and Adam and Eve, 189 00:13:41,380 --> 00:13:46,380 they had this special fellowship with God, didn't they? 190 00:13:46,380 --> 00:13:48,340 With Jesus. 191 00:13:51,580 --> 00:13:55,780 How can humanity respond to God's invitation 192 00:13:55,780 --> 00:13:57,580 to a shared partnership? 193 00:13:58,700 --> 00:14:01,340 We can share with others. 194 00:14:01,340 --> 00:14:03,420 We have the same interests. 195 00:14:04,500 --> 00:14:06,580 We are with like believers. 196 00:14:08,780 --> 00:14:10,620 There are two ways we can respond 197 00:14:10,620 --> 00:14:13,100 to God's fellowship invitation. 198 00:14:13,100 --> 00:14:16,780 Since humans are made in the image of a God who shares, 199 00:14:16,780 --> 00:14:20,540 we could do anything but share. 200 00:14:21,500 --> 00:14:23,980 It turns out there are two ways of sharing. 201 00:14:26,100 --> 00:14:30,260 Let's go to Acts 2, 44. 202 00:14:30,260 --> 00:14:35,260 Hold on, almost there. 203 00:14:43,300 --> 00:14:47,220 Now all who believed were together 204 00:14:47,220 --> 00:14:49,620 and had all things in common. 205 00:14:50,540 --> 00:14:54,260 Key words here, the believers. 206 00:14:54,260 --> 00:15:01,260 They were together and they had all things in common. 207 00:15:01,380 --> 00:15:03,660 This is found throughout the New Testament 208 00:15:03,660 --> 00:15:08,660 to describe both negative, which is unclean or defiled, 209 00:15:08,700 --> 00:15:13,700 and positive, either approved or holy, ways of sharing. 210 00:15:14,020 --> 00:15:18,420 We were made to share, but how we share is important. 211 00:15:18,420 --> 00:15:22,620 This idea is repeated in the Bible. 212 00:15:22,620 --> 00:15:27,420 The first way humans can respond to God's shared life 213 00:15:27,420 --> 00:15:31,500 is to willingly give and share resources 214 00:15:31,500 --> 00:15:33,620 so everyone has enough. 215 00:15:33,620 --> 00:15:37,820 This way of life leads to wholeness for the entire community. 216 00:15:37,820 --> 00:15:41,860 It is good, but humans can also define goodness 217 00:15:41,860 --> 00:15:44,820 according to their own wisdom, 218 00:15:44,820 --> 00:15:48,700 taking and consuming things for their own advantage, 219 00:15:48,700 --> 00:15:52,300 and then sharing their self-promoting strategies 220 00:15:52,300 --> 00:15:54,140 with others. 221 00:15:54,140 --> 00:15:57,780 This second way destroys shared participation 222 00:15:57,780 --> 00:16:00,060 in relationships. 223 00:16:00,060 --> 00:16:04,060 It leads to mistrust, shame, and blame. 224 00:16:06,740 --> 00:16:09,700 But God kept his first choice 225 00:16:09,700 --> 00:16:12,380 and remained committed to giving humanity 226 00:16:12,380 --> 00:16:17,380 the gift of shared relationship he has always enjoyed. 227 00:16:17,380 --> 00:16:22,380 To restore his fellowship with each other, 228 00:16:22,900 --> 00:16:25,860 the Father sent his Son to take the blame, 229 00:16:25,860 --> 00:16:29,820 bury the shame, and restore us by his Spirit 230 00:16:29,820 --> 00:16:32,980 into fellowship with him and to one another. 231 00:16:32,980 --> 00:16:37,980 We are now invited to trust him with everything we have. 232 00:16:39,460 --> 00:16:43,900 And this leads to enjoying fellowship with God's family 233 00:16:43,900 --> 00:16:48,700 and sharing with one another whenever needs arise. 234 00:16:48,700 --> 00:16:51,940 But this invitation asks us to trust 235 00:16:51,940 --> 00:16:56,620 that God has provided more than enough to go around. 236 00:16:56,620 --> 00:16:58,740 And sometimes that's not easy. 237 00:16:59,660 --> 00:17:02,820 I'm so thankful about this giving tree 238 00:17:02,820 --> 00:17:07,100 that we are going to be experiencing. 239 00:17:07,100 --> 00:17:10,300 We're going to extend our hand of fellowship 240 00:17:10,300 --> 00:17:14,820 out to the community. 241 00:17:14,820 --> 00:17:17,500 Sometimes it looks like there will not be enough. 242 00:17:17,500 --> 00:17:20,500 The pantry is empty and our people are hungry. 243 00:17:20,500 --> 00:17:21,780 What then? 244 00:17:21,780 --> 00:17:23,780 Surprisingly, we read in the Bible 245 00:17:23,780 --> 00:17:26,180 that when not enough is given, 246 00:17:27,260 --> 00:17:32,260 Jesus will step in and complete the scarcity. 247 00:17:32,260 --> 00:17:37,260 Matthew 14, 15 to 21, please. 248 00:17:43,820 --> 00:17:48,820 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him saying, 249 00:17:48,860 --> 00:17:52,660 this is a desert place and the time has now passed. 250 00:17:52,660 --> 00:17:56,660 Send the multitude away that they may go into the villages 251 00:17:56,660 --> 00:17:59,660 and they may go to the mountains and they may go to the mountains 252 00:17:59,660 --> 00:18:04,660 and they may go into the villages and buy themselves rituals. 253 00:18:04,700 --> 00:18:08,500 But Jesus said unto them, they need not depart, 254 00:18:08,500 --> 00:18:10,300 give them to eat. 255 00:18:10,300 --> 00:18:12,940 And they say unto him, we have here 256 00:18:12,940 --> 00:18:15,580 but five loaves and two fishes. 257 00:18:15,580 --> 00:18:18,860 He said, bring them hither to me. 258 00:18:18,860 --> 00:18:22,780 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass 259 00:18:22,780 --> 00:18:25,940 and took the five loaves and the two fishes 260 00:18:25,940 --> 00:18:28,740 and looking up to heaven, he blessed and break 261 00:18:28,740 --> 00:18:31,300 and gave the loaves to the disciples 262 00:18:31,300 --> 00:18:34,140 and the disciples to the multitude. 263 00:18:34,140 --> 00:18:37,460 And they that did all eat and were filled 264 00:18:37,460 --> 00:18:39,340 and they took up of the fragments 265 00:18:39,340 --> 00:18:42,740 that remain 12 baskets full. 266 00:18:42,740 --> 00:18:46,300 And they that had eaten were about 5,000 men 267 00:18:46,300 --> 00:18:48,420 beside women and children. 268 00:18:48,420 --> 00:18:51,980 There must have been about 15,000 people there at least. 269 00:18:51,980 --> 00:18:54,300 At least, uh-huh. 270 00:18:54,300 --> 00:18:56,740 So they had leftovers. 271 00:18:56,740 --> 00:18:58,660 How much leftovers? 272 00:19:01,020 --> 00:19:03,620 Do we share our leftovers? 273 00:19:03,620 --> 00:19:07,140 What happens to the leftovers from our fellowship dinner? 274 00:19:08,380 --> 00:19:11,540 I like my plates to go home empty. 275 00:19:11,540 --> 00:19:13,820 That way I know everyone's been filled. 276 00:19:14,820 --> 00:19:17,020 Luke 638, please. 277 00:19:17,020 --> 00:19:22,020 Luke 638, give and it will be given to you. 278 00:19:28,980 --> 00:19:31,580 They will pour into your lap a good measure, 279 00:19:31,580 --> 00:19:34,820 pressed down, shaken together and running over 280 00:19:34,820 --> 00:19:37,020 for by your standard of measure, 281 00:19:37,020 --> 00:19:39,580 it will be measured to you in return. 282 00:19:40,900 --> 00:19:43,940 And Philippians 4, verse 19. 283 00:19:43,940 --> 00:19:45,660 Philippians 4, verse 19. 284 00:19:46,620 --> 00:19:48,460 Philippians 4, verse 19. 285 00:19:51,820 --> 00:19:53,500 Anyone who has it? 286 00:19:53,500 --> 00:19:54,340 Okay. 287 00:19:57,580 --> 00:20:00,140 And my God shall supply all your need 288 00:20:00,140 --> 00:20:03,700 according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 289 00:20:05,900 --> 00:20:07,540 When we fear we don't have enough, 290 00:20:07,540 --> 00:20:10,780 our instinct is to hoard our space, 291 00:20:10,780 --> 00:20:15,780 hoard our time, hoard our stuff in order to survive. 292 00:20:16,740 --> 00:20:19,180 But this very fear ends up creating 293 00:20:19,180 --> 00:20:23,780 and fueling a whole system based on perceived scarcity 294 00:20:23,780 --> 00:20:25,940 that leads to even less. 295 00:20:25,940 --> 00:20:30,940 Resisting our instinctive fear and tendency to take 296 00:20:31,500 --> 00:20:35,940 rather than give is not easy, but it is possible. 297 00:20:35,940 --> 00:20:39,540 We can learn to trust the truth explained in scripture 298 00:20:39,540 --> 00:20:41,900 that God has given his children 299 00:20:41,900 --> 00:20:45,380 unrestricted access to everything. 300 00:20:45,380 --> 00:20:47,900 And this is the season of giving, isn't it? 301 00:20:49,100 --> 00:20:52,900 Psalms 84, 10 to 12. 302 00:20:54,460 --> 00:20:57,180 Psalms 84, oh, we have someone here. 303 00:21:04,060 --> 00:21:08,140 For the day of thy court is better than a thousand. 304 00:21:08,140 --> 00:21:12,620 I have rather be a doorkeeper in the house of the God 305 00:21:12,620 --> 00:21:15,780 than to dwell in the tents of the wickedness. 306 00:21:15,780 --> 00:21:19,780 For the Lord God is a sun and shield. 307 00:21:23,540 --> 00:21:26,500 The Lord will give grace and glory. 308 00:21:26,500 --> 00:21:30,580 No good thing will he withhold 309 00:21:30,580 --> 00:21:32,380 from them that walk uprightly. 310 00:21:32,380 --> 00:21:35,300 Thank you. 311 00:21:35,300 --> 00:21:39,300 The key words here, no good thing will he withhold 312 00:21:39,300 --> 00:21:43,260 from them that walk uprightly. 313 00:21:43,260 --> 00:21:46,260 Now let's go to Luke 15, verse 31. 314 00:21:50,420 --> 00:21:52,020 Miss Katie has it. 315 00:21:54,020 --> 00:21:56,020 Would you open the mic for me? 316 00:21:56,020 --> 00:21:57,020 Appreciate it. 317 00:21:57,020 --> 00:21:59,500 Would you open the mic for me? 318 00:21:59,500 --> 00:22:00,500 Appreciate it. 319 00:22:03,340 --> 00:22:08,060 And he said unto him, son, thou art ever with me, 320 00:22:08,060 --> 00:22:11,180 and all that I have is thine. 321 00:22:11,180 --> 00:22:13,060 Oh, isn't that comforting? 322 00:22:13,940 --> 00:22:17,580 All that Jesus has is ours. 323 00:22:20,100 --> 00:22:23,380 What we give cannot compare to what we gain. 324 00:22:23,380 --> 00:22:28,380 Does someone have Matthew 16, verses 24 to 26? 325 00:22:39,580 --> 00:22:42,140 And Jesus said to his disciples, 326 00:22:42,140 --> 00:22:44,420 if anyone desires to come after me, 327 00:22:44,420 --> 00:22:48,100 let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 328 00:22:48,100 --> 00:22:50,820 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, 329 00:22:50,820 --> 00:22:54,180 but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 330 00:22:54,180 --> 00:22:57,180 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world 331 00:22:57,180 --> 00:22:58,660 and loses his own soul? 332 00:22:58,660 --> 00:23:01,620 Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? 333 00:23:03,260 --> 00:23:05,140 So what's this talking about? 334 00:23:06,700 --> 00:23:08,260 Denying ourselves. 335 00:23:10,620 --> 00:23:15,620 Taking up Jesus' cross and go where he leads us. 336 00:23:15,620 --> 00:23:17,660 Acts 20, verses 35. 337 00:23:20,660 --> 00:23:23,660 Acts 20, 35. 338 00:23:23,660 --> 00:23:25,340 Oh, the man, there you go. 339 00:23:33,540 --> 00:23:36,540 I have showed you all things how that, 340 00:23:36,540 --> 00:23:40,300 so laboring, you ought to support the weak 341 00:23:40,300 --> 00:23:43,900 and to remember that you are not alone. 342 00:23:43,900 --> 00:23:45,980 You need to support the weak 343 00:23:45,980 --> 00:23:49,780 and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus. 344 00:23:49,780 --> 00:23:54,780 How he said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. 345 00:23:55,500 --> 00:23:58,980 Ah, support the weak 346 00:24:00,420 --> 00:24:05,420 and that it's more blessed to give than to receive. 347 00:24:06,540 --> 00:24:10,220 Romans 8, 17 to 28 says, 348 00:24:10,220 --> 00:24:15,220 it's also heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ 349 00:24:15,340 --> 00:24:17,820 if indeed we suffer with him 350 00:24:17,820 --> 00:24:22,260 so that we may also be glorified with him. 351 00:24:22,260 --> 00:24:25,740 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time 352 00:24:25,740 --> 00:24:28,180 are not worthy to be compared 353 00:24:28,180 --> 00:24:32,780 with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 354 00:24:32,780 --> 00:24:36,820 Our instincts to self-preserve are strong, 355 00:24:36,820 --> 00:24:41,820 but our image bearing identity is stronger. 356 00:24:42,100 --> 00:24:44,700 We are created by a God who gave 357 00:24:44,700 --> 00:24:47,820 and continues to give abundantly. 358 00:24:47,820 --> 00:24:51,100 King Jesus shared like a servant 359 00:24:51,100 --> 00:24:55,940 because he knew and trusted what he had with the Father 360 00:24:55,940 --> 00:24:57,300 and with the Spirit. 361 00:24:58,620 --> 00:25:01,700 John 13, verses three to four. 362 00:25:01,700 --> 00:25:03,580 Does someone have that? 363 00:25:03,580 --> 00:25:08,060 Miss Katie does. 364 00:25:08,060 --> 00:25:08,900 Thank you. 365 00:25:10,540 --> 00:25:13,780 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things 366 00:25:13,780 --> 00:25:17,540 unto his hands and that he was come from God 367 00:25:17,540 --> 00:25:21,500 and went to God, he rises from supper 368 00:25:21,500 --> 00:25:25,700 and laid aside his garments and took a towel 369 00:25:25,700 --> 00:25:27,220 and girded himself. 370 00:25:28,700 --> 00:25:31,500 What was Jesus's act in that 371 00:25:31,500 --> 00:25:35,060 washing the disciples' feet? 372 00:25:36,820 --> 00:25:38,460 He was a servant, wasn't he? 373 00:25:39,780 --> 00:25:44,300 He has called us into the same generosity 374 00:25:44,300 --> 00:25:47,340 and empowered us with a relationship 375 00:25:47,340 --> 00:25:50,300 with the Father and with the Spirit. 376 00:25:50,300 --> 00:25:52,900 How are we going to respond to him today? 377 00:25:53,860 --> 00:25:56,660 Just tuck that into the back of your minds 378 00:25:56,660 --> 00:25:58,380 and think about it today. 379 00:25:58,380 --> 00:26:01,380 Why is fellowship important to God? 380 00:26:01,380 --> 00:26:04,180 God wants us to receive and reflect 381 00:26:04,180 --> 00:26:06,820 the generous fellowship he enjoys 382 00:26:06,820 --> 00:26:09,540 as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 383 00:26:09,540 --> 00:26:14,540 This is the mission of God to unite creation to himself 384 00:26:14,900 --> 00:26:17,780 and human beings to one another. 385 00:26:17,780 --> 00:26:20,180 When God's message is carried out, 386 00:26:20,180 --> 00:26:23,900 more and more of the joy, generosity, 387 00:26:23,900 --> 00:26:27,500 and peace of the Father, Son, and Spirit 388 00:26:27,500 --> 00:26:30,180 can be seen on earth. 389 00:26:31,140 --> 00:26:33,220 And isn't that what we all want? 390 00:26:34,780 --> 00:26:39,740 Relationships that are so authentic, generous, 391 00:26:39,740 --> 00:26:42,580 and secure that we are not afraid, 392 00:26:42,580 --> 00:26:46,220 where real love is shared between every human being 393 00:26:46,220 --> 00:26:50,380 and we are no longer threatened by abandonment, 394 00:26:50,380 --> 00:26:55,380 rejection, betrayal, or violence. 395 00:26:55,380 --> 00:26:58,780 This is the kind of fellowship that God enjoys 396 00:26:58,780 --> 00:27:03,780 when he helps us to have fellowship with one another. 397 00:27:04,940 --> 00:27:08,220 Our joy is fullest and most complete 398 00:27:08,220 --> 00:27:10,380 in the loving fellowship 399 00:27:10,380 --> 00:27:13,500 that the Father, Son, and the Spirit enjoy. 400 00:27:15,220 --> 00:27:20,220 Do we have John 15, 10 to 12? 401 00:27:21,660 --> 00:27:23,060 Someone have that one? 402 00:27:23,060 --> 00:27:28,060 Okay, Julie has it here. 403 00:27:29,060 --> 00:27:31,020 John 15, 10 to 12. 404 00:27:31,860 --> 00:27:35,580 If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, 405 00:27:35,580 --> 00:27:38,420 just as I have kept my Father's commandments 406 00:27:38,420 --> 00:27:40,420 and abide in his love. 407 00:27:40,420 --> 00:27:42,180 These things I have spoken to you 408 00:27:42,180 --> 00:27:44,380 that my joy may remain in you, 409 00:27:44,380 --> 00:27:46,580 that your joy may be full. 410 00:27:46,580 --> 00:27:49,420 This is my commandment, that you love one another 411 00:27:49,420 --> 00:27:50,820 as I have loved you. 412 00:27:50,820 --> 00:27:55,820 Abiding in Jesus is one of my favorite thoughts 413 00:27:57,980 --> 00:28:02,980 that I have, and the Father's love. 414 00:28:04,300 --> 00:28:08,180 How much do we all want our Father's love? 415 00:28:10,140 --> 00:28:14,340 And when we have these things, our joy is fulfilled. 416 00:28:14,340 --> 00:28:19,340 I need 1 John 1, 3 to 4, and that's our last scripture. 417 00:28:30,100 --> 00:28:33,580 That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, 418 00:28:33,580 --> 00:28:36,100 that you also may have fellowship with us, 419 00:28:36,100 --> 00:28:38,420 and truly our fellowship is with the Father 420 00:28:38,420 --> 00:28:40,660 and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 421 00:28:40,660 --> 00:28:42,140 And these things we write to you 422 00:28:42,140 --> 00:28:44,460 that your joy may be full. 423 00:28:44,460 --> 00:28:49,020 That he might have fellowship with us. 424 00:28:50,100 --> 00:28:52,220 But to really experience joy, 425 00:28:52,220 --> 00:28:56,340 we are invited to trust God as we devote ourselves 426 00:28:56,340 --> 00:29:01,340 to sharing our lives and our resources in a real community. 427 00:29:01,940 --> 00:29:06,940 When we do, we participate with heaven while on earth. 428 00:29:06,980 --> 00:29:09,820 When we give our time to the family of God, 429 00:29:09,820 --> 00:29:12,580 we all get a glimpse of eternity. 430 00:29:12,580 --> 00:29:17,500 Every time we emotionally spend ourselves to one another, 431 00:29:17,500 --> 00:29:22,500 we all can feel God's love and commitment for us. 432 00:29:22,940 --> 00:29:27,220 How did you feel when you stood up and shook someone's hand? 433 00:29:27,220 --> 00:29:29,220 Did it give you joy? 434 00:29:29,220 --> 00:29:31,140 Did it give you fulfillment? 435 00:29:32,220 --> 00:29:35,660 When our limited resources are generously shared, 436 00:29:35,660 --> 00:29:40,660 God's limitless resources can be experienced by all. 437 00:29:41,500 --> 00:29:43,460 We were created in the image of God 438 00:29:43,460 --> 00:29:48,460 who has always known the abundance of shared fellowship. 439 00:29:48,460 --> 00:29:51,180 His reflection can be seen on earth, 440 00:29:51,180 --> 00:29:56,100 just as it is in heaven, when we share all that we have. 441 00:29:59,120 --> 00:30:02,620 The fellowship that we take apart in 442 00:30:02,620 --> 00:30:06,940 produces our mutual cooperation in God's worship, 443 00:30:06,940 --> 00:30:11,140 God's work, and God's will being done in the world. 444 00:30:11,140 --> 00:30:13,900 Because of the importance of Christian fellowship, 445 00:30:13,900 --> 00:30:18,480 it is essential to distinguish biblical guidelines 446 00:30:18,480 --> 00:30:23,480 to govern our interactions with other professing believers. 447 00:30:25,040 --> 00:30:28,460 Think for a moment about the people you know 448 00:30:28,460 --> 00:30:31,420 and the relationships you share. 449 00:30:31,420 --> 00:30:35,540 Each of us is constantly enriched by family 450 00:30:35,540 --> 00:30:40,540 and extended family, friends, and acquaintances. 451 00:30:40,540 --> 00:30:43,420 Beyond that, many of us have literally 452 00:30:43,420 --> 00:30:46,020 hundreds of other connections 453 00:30:46,020 --> 00:30:49,900 in the virtual world of social media. 454 00:30:49,900 --> 00:30:52,700 Simply put, relationships are the most important 455 00:30:52,700 --> 00:30:54,620 aspect of our lives. 456 00:30:54,620 --> 00:30:58,300 Our associations with those in the body of Christ 457 00:30:58,300 --> 00:31:00,780 are especially important. 458 00:31:00,780 --> 00:31:04,780 As Christians, we have become brothers and sisters 459 00:31:04,780 --> 00:31:09,060 in the family of God through the blood of Christ. 460 00:31:09,060 --> 00:31:12,660 We used to call each other brothers and sisters. 461 00:31:12,660 --> 00:31:14,200 I really like that. 462 00:31:15,400 --> 00:31:17,620 The Bible gives these relationships 463 00:31:17,620 --> 00:31:22,020 a special distinction between mere friendship. 464 00:31:22,020 --> 00:31:26,520 That's because bonds between believers 465 00:31:26,520 --> 00:31:31,520 are capable of developing a degree of spiritual closeness. 466 00:31:32,100 --> 00:31:36,020 That far surpasses the limitations 467 00:31:36,020 --> 00:31:39,260 of natural human friendships. 468 00:31:39,260 --> 00:31:43,000 Christian relationships enjoy 469 00:31:43,000 --> 00:31:46,180 biblical Christian fellowship. 470 00:31:47,420 --> 00:31:48,980 Amen. 471 00:31:48,980 --> 00:31:50,020 Let's have a short prayer. 472 00:31:50,020 --> 00:31:52,540 Thank you, Lord, for this study 473 00:31:52,540 --> 00:31:57,540 to know that we can lean on you in every circumstance, 474 00:31:57,740 --> 00:32:02,180 in every problem, and that we can experience 475 00:32:02,180 --> 00:32:06,040 your joy and fellowship as we travel through this, 476 00:32:07,520 --> 00:32:09,820 travel through our journeys. 477 00:32:09,820 --> 00:32:12,920 And please be with us now, keep us safe, 478 00:32:12,920 --> 00:32:17,220 give us a safe journey in the rain. 479 00:32:17,220 --> 00:32:22,220 We pray all these things in Jesus' name, amen.