Tag: fellowship

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With Suffering Comes Power

“that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.”

Philippians 3:10-11

To join a fellowship usually brings prestige or social recognition, such as a fellowship of doctors or an educational society. We even call gatherings for eating together fellowship. However, there is one fellowship that is sure not to bring social ease or prestige – the fellowship of Jesus’ sufferings.

But, while identifying with Jesus’ sufferings may not bring the praise of society, you can count on it bringing power, the power of the resurrection. What is it about suffering that caused St. Paul to be certain of such an alignment between power and suffering? Paul knew that if Satan was deprived of the greatest fear he could bring, the fear of dying, then he would have no power over humans.

By embracing the suffering of Jesus, a suffering that leads to death, we put Satan on notice that he can’t harm us. Not even the power of death can keep us from resurrection in Christ Jesus. With that confidence we can see why Paul said, “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Rom. 8:31)

So what are your fears today? If you want the power to face your fears with strength, then realize that any suffering that may come your way from what you presently fear is already a victory. Christians need not fear. St. Peter tells us, “His divine power has given us everything we need…” (2 Peter 1:3) We have victory in the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. Death truly has lost it’s sting.

Always remember, Christ is risen…and so are you!

Grace & Peace,

+Pastor Brad

 

Prayer

Almighty God, my Father,  help me to see Christ’s resurrecting power at work in my life bringing victory of suffering and fear. Amen. Alleluia!

Image credit: http://thepainteddoor.org/series/details/the-fellowship-of-his-sufferings

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It’s More Than A Potluck Dinner

It’s More Than a Potluck Dinner

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now,

Some mistakenly think that God has given us new life in Christ just so that we can avoid eternal damnation in Hell, and live forever in Heaven. The mistake isn’t in believing those who are in Christ will escape Hell and inherit Heaven, (It’s true) but rather it’s in thinking this is the primary reason for salvation. The primary reason for our salvation is to restore our “fellowship” with God our Creator. And, to be restored to fellowship with God is to be restored to fellowship with the entire body of Christ; indeed, even all of humanity.

St. Paul points out the importance of this “fellowship”. The Greek word rendered here as “fellowship” is “koinonia”, which means far more than simply hanging out together or having a potluck dinner. The Greek meaning speaks to real communion, a sharing or participating in one another; with our God, and with each other. Such communion is only possible by the power of the resurrection.

The power that raised Jesus from the dead is the same power that gives eternal life to our mortal bodies, and binds us together as the body of Christ. So, the fellowship we share is rightly said to be in “the gospel”, not just in our own human connecting. In Christ, we have a real solidarity with humanity, regardless our sex, race, or creed. His resurrection power is what breaks down our walls and brings reconciliation.

To be in Christ is to be raised from the dead, for He has trampled down all death, by His own death. He has given us the power of His resurrection, but it remains for each us to awake to that power, and daily live in it. So, the next time you’re feeling powerless, remember the resurrection power which is at work within you.

Christ is Risen!

+Pastor Brad

Father, open my eyes that I may see and know the power of your resurrection that is at work in me, in my communion with You, and all humanity. Amen. Alleluia!