FELLOWSHIP OR ISOLATION
II Corinthians 9:22-24
"And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love an of our boasting on your behalf."
It appears that there was a good amount of communication and cooperation between the early churches. It seems to me that there is very little interaction between churches today. We gather in our four walls, separated from the rest of Christ's church, not caring or involved in the struggles of other fellowships. When was the last time I have heard any mention of sister churches in my city or even in my denomination – either praise for them or prayer for a need? In days gone by, we used to have fellowship meetings where the churches from an area gathered monthly for mutual encouragement. Perhaps we had a sense of need because most churches were very small. Now it seems we are larger and more self-sufficient so we don't need the help and encouragement of other congregations. Or perhaps we are so competitive that we are jealous of other churches' successes. I think we are missing something when we isolate ourselves. So where is the unity of the body of Christ? This is not to infer that we need one denomination or one megachurch in each city. But Jesus prayed that the church would be one, and we are so very splintered.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is one Church and we need each other.
[end]
Have a "fellowship" day. Love you.
II Corinthians 9:22-24
"And we have sent with them our brother whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which we have in you. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker concerning you. Or if our brethren are inquired about, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love an of our boasting on your behalf."
It appears that there was a good amount of communication and cooperation between the early churches. It seems to me that there is very little interaction between churches today. We gather in our four walls, separated from the rest of Christ's church, not caring or involved in the struggles of other fellowships. When was the last time I have heard any mention of sister churches in my city or even in my denomination – either praise for them or prayer for a need? In days gone by, we used to have fellowship meetings where the churches from an area gathered monthly for mutual encouragement. Perhaps we had a sense of need because most churches were very small. Now it seems we are larger and more self-sufficient so we don't need the help and encouragement of other congregations. Or perhaps we are so competitive that we are jealous of other churches' successes. I think we are missing something when we isolate ourselves. So where is the unity of the body of Christ? This is not to infer that we need one denomination or one megachurch in each city. But Jesus prayed that the church would be one, and we are so very splintered.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: There is one Church and we need each other.
[end]
Have a "fellowship" day. Love you.
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