“Foundation for Fellowship”

Staying in “Fellowship with God” is number one priority of every born again believer. 1 Jn 1:3, 6, 7 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ—— 3 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.—-6

But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 7 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 8 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.——9 1 Cor 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

  1. “The Basis” upon which we can fellowship with God is “The Blood of Jesus”. Heb 10:19; Isaiah 1:19; 2 Chron 26:5 Heb 10:12-14 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, —12 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 13 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified.—-14 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus 19 This is God’s Part: 1) The Blood – Redemption
  2. The Word – Light
  3. The Spirit – Guides us This is our Part: 1) Meditate on His Word
  4. Willing & Obedient Isa 1:19

The believer is called to walk in the light:

  1. The light of God’s Word. Ps 119:105
  2. The light of our born again spirit. Pr 20:27; 1 Jn 1:7

Fellowship with God is maintained by a daily decision of “Right Priorities”. Lk 10:38-42 Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. —-38

And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. 39

But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”—-40

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. —-41

But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”——42 The psalmist, David said… Ps 27:4 One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. The apostle Paul said Phil 3:12-14 Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. 12

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.—14

Build your lifestyle around the things of God. Word – Listening Prayer – talking Obedience – to walk in the truth Church —- The Assembly of God = Attendance ( Planted ) Giving — Your Time = corporate gathering — Your Talents = serving, helping , — Your Finances = Tithe / Offerings This week: Jn 15:1-8 I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. —-1 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. —2 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.—-3 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.—-4 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.—-5 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.—-6 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. —-7 By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

  1. Every believer is called to live in a constant state of fellowship with God. Jn 15:4 Abide = permanent dwelling place. (eg) John 15:4

Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.—-4 Abiding in continual fellowship empowers us to produce spiritual fruit. [Same sap that is I the vine runs into the branches & produces the fruit] Broken fellowship – causes a believer to wither (shrivel, loss energy, force, freshness) Jn 15:6 (eg) to busy to read the word, to busy to pray John 15:6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.—-6 We lose our capacity to move in God’s direction … Phil 2:12-13; 4:13 Phil 2:12-13 NLT Dear friends, you always followed my instructions when I was with you. And now that I am away, it is even more important. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear. —-12 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. Note �� When we lose our desire / zeal . Ps 37:4 …and our Flesh dominates. Ps 37:4 DELIGHT yourself also in the LORD, And He shall give you the DESIRES of your heart