True Fellowship

Social gatherings tend to be focused upon those who share a common interest. These gatherings often become more meaningful when people know each other and can share their lives with each other in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways.

I John 1:2-3 says, “the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us, that which we have seen and heard, we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.” To have true unity and fellowship we must have believed and experienced the same truths. True fellowship in the body of Christ is based upon knowing Christ and sharing the blessings we have in Him with others. Fellowship becomes deeper and more meaningful when we can share our experiences with God, testifying of His goodness and mercy, and also when we can support and encourage each other in God’s truths and promises.

Formed and Consecrated

I have heard that artists often see the finished product of their craftsmanship even before they begin work on the project. I imagine that musicians can hear some form of the music before they compose it. When I took golf lessons, I was instructed to “see the shot” before even addressing the ball. Only the skilled can make what they see before beginning actually come to fruition.

God spoke to Jeremiah and said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” (Jeremiah 1:5) God is completely sovereign. He knows all things even before they happen. He calls the believer to specific works and empowers us to do them. He knew us and consecrated us for these works even before He formed us. When we trust Him, He will bring His consecrated work come to fruition through us.

Keeping Promises

I learned at a very young age how important it is to keep our promises. My father often promised to take me to a ball game at some later date. Since I loved baseball, I really looked forward to those games. However, since my father was addicted to alcohol, often he was unable to deliver on his promises. I remember the utter disappointment of not going to the game.

I Peter 1:4 says, “by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” It is wise to know the promises of God. But it is wiser still to trust in these promises and in the God who made them. By trusting in God’s promises we actually receive portions of His divine nature and forsake sinful desire. God is always faithful to His promises and, therefore, will never disappoint us.

Relentless Pursuit

Many people spend their lives in the relentless pursuit of becoming better. Athletes are constantly training to become the best at their sports. Artists work hard to perfect their crafts. Business owners seek to make their businesses more successful. However, at the root of these pursuits is often the selfish ambition to gain fame and wealth. What would happen if we turned these selfish desires into a generous spirit of serving others and God.

I Peter 1:3 says, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” Life and godliness begins with knowing God. As we grow in the knowledge of God, we also mature in His glory and excellence by His divine power.

What is Truth?

What is truth? We tend to degrade the definition of truth just to mean the facts. But truth is far more powerful than just facts. Truth is wisdom showing us the way to live and impacting our lives. Truth gives us the knowledge and understanding to make wise decisions. Truth improves our lives by helping us to avoid deceptions.

In John 14:6 Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” It is no accident that Jesus declared Himself to be the way, the truth, and the life. Jesus is the Truth, who reveals the way that we should live and who give us life. Truth is more than just facts. Truth is the Person, Jesus Christ, who provides the power for living now and eternally.