Oak View Baptist Church in High Point, NC, is pleased to welcome all those in search of truth, fellowship, and the Lord's word in the Triad Area. God has called us so we can come to know him (John 17:3). You may have heard the story about two Christians who were talking about their churches, and in the course of the conversation they compared notes about the greatest thing their respective congregations had accomplished that past year.

Forgiveness and cleansing are somewhat overlapping, except that forgiveness relates to the guilt of sin being pardoned, whereas cleansing points to the defilement of sin being removed. This experience brings peace and joy to the giver even as it uplifts the community. God gave Israel a cloud by day and fire by night Ex. Cancel.

Putting different numbers on them, he devised a new game. Try, Prisoners Of Self: Incessant Autobiography In The Smartphone Age, God Seeks People To Worship Him In Spirit And Truth. Fellowship builds Unity. My spirit is without sin. John says, Youre only deceiving yourselves!. Some time ago I was talking with a Christian about prayer-walking. 12:31 which NOTE: WE ARE NOT TO FELLOWSHIP WITH SIN; DARKNESS;UNRIGHTEOUSNESS! There was nothing wrong with what Martha was doing, but Mary chose to do the most important thing to spend time with Jesus, to get to know him and to listen to him. They were all together and had everything in common. By doing so, you'll have the opportunity to benefit others spiritually and materiallyand to receive these benefits yourself. Luke tells us that when Jesus visited the home of Martha and Mary that Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made (Luke 10:40). No I didnt decide today to go to church I made that decision a long time ago.. Join them for worship services at 10:45am and 6pm each Sunday. The three-fold testimony of the deity of Christ. And, we must not walk in the darkness. When he talked about prayer-walking he did not mean parading his righteousness in front of others or making his views known to others by some kind of political demonstration.

3. and freedom from habitual sin. If were forgiven at the cross, why do we still need to be forgiven. She would rush out as the closing song would begin. The kind of bread Im talking about is absolutely necessary for our spiritual health and survival. 3. He pulled the car over to the curb and motioned to the pedestrian to get in car. Its easy to claim to have fellowship with Him, but to be mistaken or deceived. Consider: a. 1 John, Acts 2:41-47, Acts 2:47, Ephesians 2:8, John 1:12-13, John 13:35, John 15:15, Psalm 133, Psalms 133:1, Romans 10:9, Congratulations, the Three Benefits of fellowship has sealed and answered questions as a preacher struggling to raise committed members to enable them serve God with excellence band effectiveness. Since the heretics had withdrawn from the church (2:19), John wants us to know that true fellowship with God always brings us into fellowship with others that know Him. B. Fellowship builds Friendships. 2. The church that she attended had no greeting time so she spoke to no-one. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Discipleship, Spiritual Growth, and Christian Living. Its easy to have a false peace if you have a user-friendly god. They said, Youre just seeing my body.

Who gives meaning and significance to your life? Chris Mark, Chris feel free to use any of the material that I post on Sermon Central - it was submitted to help build up the body of Christ. INDIANA BIBLE COLLEGE | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA, BIBLE LESSON: BENEFITS OF FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD, I JOHN 1:3 THAT WHICH WE HAVE SEEN AND HEARD DECLARE WE UNTOYOU, THAT YE ALSO MAY HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US: AND TRULY OURFELLOWSHIP IS WITH THE FATHER, AND WITH HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.. He gave Israel victory over Amalek Ex. Looking forward to hear from you. C. The Church became our Family.

blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy We realize we need to listen to him for comfort and direction in our lives. Thus the game of dominoes was born (From Our Daily Bread [8/77]). As he drove along, the rain became harder and harder until it was almost a downpour but he kept going. Make it positive. So, the church marketers go back to the drawing board and re-design the church to meet the felt needs of the consumer. can ye drink of the cup that I drink of? 2. By displaying fellowship with your brethren and loving your neighbor as yourself, you show the Lord your devotion to His doctrine. Christianity is not, at its core, the observance of rituals or rules. 3. The student had taken several classes from him. One Sunday morning a seminary student was in his car headed to Church. If as a way of life, I am not allowing Gods Word to confront my sinful thoughts, attitudes, motives, words, and deeds, I am walking in darkness. He wants us to come to know him to be with him to spend time with him. 1. He experiences ongoing forgiveness and cleansing as he continues confessing his sins. The privilege of sonship also involves an obligation. Why? To walk points to the general tenor of ones life. They walked in darkness, they lied, and they did not practice the truth. He says that to have fellowship with God, we must recognize that He is absolutely holy. If you bring God down to mans level, then you can enjoy peace with God without dealing with your sins. 2. 3:16-17 WEARE THE TEMPLE OF GOD. with God, we enjoy a love for the brethren, victory over the world, verification It means to accept responsibility for it and to turn from it. If you are stressed out, burning the proverbial candle at both ends, and you dont know how to accomplish all of the things you have to do in life, perhaps you should consider your spiritual diet. With regards. In today's world, there are many who feel they don't need to go to church to hear the word of God. To have fellowship with God, we must recognize that He is absolutely holy. 6:20-22, Peter was imprisoned, but found deliverance by an angel Acts12:1-11, God will satisfy us with long life verse 16, God will allow us to enjoy salvation verse 16, (The above material was published by Calvary Tabernacle.) Why did you decide today to go to church? Professor Jones replied, I didnt decide today to go church. As you draw closer to your fellow man through regular church attendance, you'll also draw closer to God. This sermon speaks of the three of the top reasons fellowship is important. To have fellowship with God, we must begin with His holiness, not with His love. of water. The pedestrian came over, opened the door and got in. Didnt you know that they had predicted rain for today? 4. Can I have your permission to use the materials to admonish our members? have this assurance. But fellowship with God and fellowship with other believers is always linked, as verse 3 makes clear. Professor Jones as close to retirement. Were all prone to ask, Why is God allowing this? 1. We doubled the size of our parking lot and put up new lights. We Christians can often become so wrapped up in doing what wethinkis Gods work that we have little time left for God.

2. 14:23. God bless you. Copyright, Steven J. Cole, 2005, All Rights Reserved. B. life. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life He was simply spending time with God by taking walks either in his immediate neighborhood or in the beauty of natural outdoor surroundings and praying as he walked. Thank you for your kind comments. I made that decision over 50 years ago when I became a Christian. v10-12. Rather, John begins with God and he brings us face to face, not with Gods love, but with His holiness.

Note, also, that John does not begin with his hearers felt needs. SAFETY VERSE 2. We may be stressed out and spiritually empty because we are not eating the right kind of bread.

When you attend worship services and other activities with your congregation, you'll be presented with many opportunities to enrich the lives of those around you. Chris Mark Oduor, Post Reply Are you taking time to get to know the Bread of life? She would arrive right as the service began and she would be the first one to leave the church. Who is the Source of all your energy and vitality? Son, in whom I am well pleased.". Blessings.

The entire church growth movement, including one of its most famous leaders, blatantly contradicts this. I believe that the reason that the early church had such good relationships was because of their commitment to Jesus and each other. Hello Victor, The sermons I have posted here are here for you using. For example, Romans 8:1 states, Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Why, then, do we need to be forgiven again when we sin after salvation? Scriptures: He imposed on them the rule of silence. They explained that their forefathers, the ancient Israelites, received a sign from God, manna, and called it bread from heaven (John 6:31). Gods wonderful promise is that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive and cleanse us. The forgiven person does not need to fear Gods judgment. Worse, he is calling God a liar and Gods word is not in him!. And for John, to walk in darkness is not describing a carnal Christian. Jesus Christs ministry was authenti- cated by God at His baptism You would think from the numbers that Christianity is alive and well in the United States. The unity you'll experience in a community devoted to God is an extraordinary experience. Since faith is essential to salvation, only those who believe can 3. If you'd like to know more about this 50-year-old church and the programs it offers, call (336) 841-6511, or contact the staff online. Friends have intimacy with one another. Are we in I do ask that you make it your own. D. We are not to make intercession for one who has committed sin unto While it's true the Bible's uplifting messages are more accessible than ever, there are other reasons to join a congregation and meet regularly to worship. NOTE: In the heart of God there has always been the desire forfellowship with His creation. It is possible to be so busy with Gods work that we neglect to come to know him. Rather, it describes all true believers. He does this against the claims and consequences of the errors of the false teachers (If we say. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world (John 6:33). If God is only love, then the cross is unnecessary and meaningless. Note: The birthmarks of the child of God, some of which we have already So I think that in 1:7 Johns primary emphasis is on fellowship with God.

Dont bring up controversial issues. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty (John 6:35). These are opportunities to do as Jesus would do and practice the virtues of patience and charity. FELLOWSHIP = PARTNERSHIP, JOINT VENTURE, AGREEMENT. Most people do not really know what a Christian is. 1 Corinthians 11:30, "For this cause many are weak and sickly among That is church attendance. Mark 10:38, "But Jesus said unto them, Ye know not what ye ask: Rather, John says, We heard this straight from Jesus and we announce it to you. It wasnt a discussion point; it was an authoritative pronouncement from Jesus through the apostles to the readers. 1 John 1:7 indicates that the blood of Jesus is cleansing (present tense) from all sin the one who is walking in the light. We can become distracted from our mission, and consider the physical activities of ministry (even though they are necessary) so important that we have little if any time for fellowship with God. When we are in true fellowship The false teachers were claiming to have fellowship with God, but their claims were patently false. Who is putting spiritual bread on your table? In a similar way, the believers life is marked by continual confession of sins. and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him.". C. True tests of sonship are love, obedience, and truth. sight.". This is indicated by the negative explanation, and in Him there is no darkness at all. It is this moral connotation that Jesus brought out when He said (John 3:19), This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil..

Third, starting with Gods holiness saves us from the danger of blaming God in times of trouble.

Fellowship builds Gods Kingdom. ROM 14:17 RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, AND JOY IN THE HOLYGHOST (SEE ALSO: I PETER 1:8). How can we avoid the deception of thinking that we are walking in the light, while really were walking in the darkness? This bread is miraculous bread in fact, it is the real wonder-bread! In the 18th century, an abbot was disciplining two monks for some infraction of the rules. The church marketers would say, God is holy wont sell. Father, he shall testify of me:", B. No, he goes on believing in what Jesus did for him on the cross. Then he develops the implications of that message as it relates to having fellowship with this holy God (1:6-2:2). John 15:26, "But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto So I prefer to explain verse 9 differently. In the immediate context, verse 6 refers to fellowship with God, and thus verse 7 would seem to point in that direction. To walk in darkness is to try to hide from God, rather than to expose your life to Him. When I gave my life to Christ I promised Him I would study His Word. But this verse creates a difficulty, in that other Scriptures teach that we are forgiven totally at the point of salvation, including all future sins. The possessor: he that believeth on the Son of God. Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.". Christ. Does he stop believing then? We have looked 4. If someone cant get along with other believers, he may not be in true fellowship with God. She was there every Sunday during those weeks. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. For you see: Im no longer calling you servants because servants dont understand what their master is thinking and planning. WHEN ONE IS BORN AGAIN, GOD RECEIVES A THREEFOLD RESPONSE: 1. 3. "That ye may know that ye have eternal life". When Solomon built the Temple, the Glory of God filled thehouse II CHRONICLES 7:1-3. They have built a relationship with one another. C. We are to pray for a brother who sins. b.

Apparently these false teachers were doing this, because Johns next hypothetical statement is (1:8), If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. They may have been claiming that they had achieved a state of sinless perfection. Tell more stories and jokes. It is to block out the light of Gods holiness, as revealed in His Word, and to live as the world lives, making up your own ideas about right and wrong apart from God (see Eph. This first epistle was written that we might know that we have eternal

He asserts that God is absolutely holy (1:5). It is describing an unbeliever, no matter how much he may claim to have fellowship with God. We dont want to hear about sin or a holy God who threatens sinners with His wrath. We dont want sermons that make us uncomfortable. If we know Gods will, we can pray with boldness. He often went into the mountains to pray. Faith and assurance leads to continued faith and spiritual growth. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. DAVID SAID: WILT THOU BE ANGRY WITH US FOREVER?, REMEMBER Moses was told to build a sanctuary for God. (Ex.25:8-9) TODAY, WE ARE ABLE TO ENTER BEYOND THE VEIL this is sowe can fellowship with God!!! NOTE: IT IS THE PRESENCE OF GOD THAT MAKES A PLACE HOLY!!!

1. Association with your fellows allows all to help each other with their Christian education and enlightenment. So, the foundation is laid for us to feel good about ourselves!, John would say, That man is walking in the darkness, deceiving himself and anyone who believes him. When we are busily engaged in hectic activity on Gods behalf (at least at the time it seems that we are engaged in Gods business) we can forget what Jesus said in Matthew 23:23: Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You give a tenth of your spices mint, dill and cummin. But he does not experience it in his walk until he confesses his sin. But you have neglected the important matters of the law justice, mercy and faithfulness. Blessings. I am glad that this sermon helped. In the case of the believer, Jesus Christ paid this at the cross. He is an overcomer by faith in Christ, not by wisdom or power. cf Mk. Fellowship begins with attendance but it goes far beyond that. Tonight I want to close out our series on the first epistle of John. The teachers and Pharisees lived under the specific and rigorous physical standards of the old covenant. A. But to approach the Christian faith in that manner is to cater to our main problem, which is self! 2. As Christians we should be busy with our Fathers business. He does not blame others for it or make excuses about it. In our day, as in Johns, many claim to have fellowship with God, but often this is an empty claim based on their own imagination with a false god that they have made up. But, what about when we sin? Tom. look at Daniel in the lions den Dan. They could not talk to one another. 1. we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his Fellowship is building ongoing relationships with fellow believers. Rather, it is a walk of personal fellowship with the living God. subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?". I am glad that she attended those services I hope she got something out of them but that is not fellowship. All rights reserved. 2. John 14:21, "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the It may point to Gods glory and that He is unapproachable, infinite, unchangeable, and omnipresent.