Preparing for Easter ~ Mark of Fellowship

[God...made a lasting mark through the sacrifice of Jesus. Hebrews 13:20 MSG

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore the visible evidence that identifies us as faithful followers of Jesus. Can others see Jesus in our lives? ~ Donna Oswalt]

God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.  1 Corinthians 1:9

God desires a relationship with us, and through faith and the Spirit, we come to understand that Christ is our only grace, our only forgiveness of sin, our entrance into everlasting life. As this relationship grows with Christ, so grows our involvement with other believers. While the diversity of Christians is great, our unity with Christ and each other is based on common ground; this commonality is Jesus. His attributes must become ours as we find fellowship with each other. In Philippians chapter 2, Paul gives us examples of fellowship within the body of believers: love one another, work together with one heart and one purpose, don’t be selfish, be humble, be interested in others. These are the marks of fellowship within the church.

God also wants us to have fellowship with Him. When we spend time with Him in prayer and study His word, we begin to hear His voice more clearly. If we have a relationship with Christ, then we should desire to be in His presence. Can you have a relationship with Christ but not have fellowship? Ray Stedman says that while our relationship with Christ “puts us into the family of God,” it is fellowship that engages this relationship and lets the light of Christ come through us. Stedman says, “This is what marks the difference between Christians. Fellowship is the key to vital Christianity.”*

• Am I having fellowship with Christ? 
• Do I bear the marks of fellowship with Christ in my relationships with others?

Lord, hear my prayer: May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit dwell within me! ~ dho (2 Corinthians 13:14)

*The Power of His Presence, by Ray Stedman

All rights reserved ~ used with permission of the author

Copyright 2013 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”