THEN THEY THAT FEARED THE LORD SPAKE OFTEN ONE TO ANOTHER

This post must begin with two notable links and a visit to a passage of scripture that most of us can quote in our sleep. First the links:

UNHEALTHY VS HEALTHY FELLOWSHIP (Rachel)

ICHABOD THE GLORY HAS DEPARTED…BUT THE SHOW MUST GO ON (Acidri)

Revelation 3:14-16 “And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;
I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth.”

This passage from Revelation goes on to describe a body of saints who have convinced themselves that they are rich because of material abundance. It’s a trend that is all too pervasive in the opening decade of the twenty first century and the final moments of the church age. Consequently, a person who loves the Lord Jesus and has their affections set firmly upon things above will have an increasingly difficult time in finding others who are likewise minded. It’s a situation that may cause one to move from church to church; hoping to find a body of saints with whom they can bond. As saints who once were lost, but now have been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, we not only desire an ever deepening relationship with him, we desire fellowship with other saints. Those who, from the moment that we encounter them, the focus is instantly in heavenly places.

There’s a special bond between saints who are sold out to Jesus. Those who find themselves “betwixt between the two;” having a desire to be with the Lord Jesus, but desiring also to be about the Fathers business in this world. On our last trip into Chicago, CR and I ran into a saint on Adams street who was doing the same thing that we were doing. The encounter was ever so brief, however, there was that inner witness and joy of encountering a fellowlaborer who was proclaiming truth in that city. There’s a sweetness in such fellowship that defies our ability to explain to others. The apostle John referred to it like this:

I John 1:7 “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”

There’s a sweet bond with saints who walk in the light. Who worship the Lord Jesus in spirit and truth. They don’t seek preeminence or acquisition and have abandoned, from their heart, all attachment to this temporal world. Their foremost desire is to be about the Fathers business and will not be content to settle for a mere form of godliness. Feigned words and fleshy campaigns will be almost too painful to endure for any length of time.  Please understand that this post is addressing a level of spirituality that I have not obtained, but seek to obtain. I’m often fearful that writings such as this come across as sounding overly-confident or even arrogant. I have “a lot” of growing to do, however, I desire to grow; not sit back and go along with the prevailing winds of compromise. I pray that all who share in this desire will understand where I’m coming from.

One reason for this being in the forefront is that tomorrow, we are visiting a new church. In times past, it was always exciting to visit a new fellowship. Each time there would be the hope that “perhaps this place will be just like the church in Norfolk Virginia.” The fellowship in that place, the sincere hunger for the deep things of God, and the compassion for the lost was on a level unlike any church that I have been a part of since. I keep looking for another True Vine Church, but there are none to be found. And I fear that the fellowship currently in our sights will be more status quo, however, this remains to be seen. A visit to their web sight did not provide any profound insights concerning this felowship, however, a determination cannot be made on this alone. (A number of church web sites seem to offer little in the way of substantive information)

I seriously desire a local fellowship, which is why I keep looking. I know that apostasy and compromise is the order of the day. I know that many prefer smooth sayings and seminars on relationships as opposed to the words of life. I know that there’s a prevailing mentality of “being like the world in order to reach the world.” Yet the search goes on. I long for a church home, however, it’s more tolerable to be without a definitive address than to settle for compromise and showmanship. My faith is firmly in the Lord Jesus Christ; not the establishments of this world. The body of Christ is made up of those who have been born of the Spirit and have their names written in heaven. It’s not a building with a denominational title hanging over the door, where seminars are held on “living our best life now.” The “true church” is a holy remnant of believers who have, from their hearts, let go of all that is in the world, that they may win Christ. One more familiar passage:

Hebrews. 10:24-25 “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

This passage has been abused much over the years. Simply put, we are to fellowship one with another and exhort one another whenever possible. It’s not a schedule or a timetable; it simply means that we are to seek fellowship because the days are evil and “the day of the Lord is approaching.” However, fellowship with folks who are half-hearted or compromising can not only wear us out (if we’re serious and understanding of the times) it can be dangerous at times. Please read Rachels posting on healthy fellowship as opposed to unhealthy ones. I’m looking for a church home, however I already find fellowship in other places, such as when CR and I head into the streets. The fellowship of two likeminded saints is awesome. When we meet; we don’t talk about the weather or football or automobiles, or any other topic of irrelevance. The focus is on the Lord Jesus, the age to come, and the task at hand. (because the laborers are few)

Well I need to go as it’s very late. Please keep my wife Kimberly in prayer. This morning, she made an interesting statement. She said words to the effect of “I need to get back into a church. I’ve had a couple of dreams and…..I need to get back into church.” She didn’t offer any details of these dreams, but I keep her in prayer; knowing that the Lord can bring a person to himself in a moment. Oftentimes our biggest struggle in such cases is to keep praying and not allow discouragement to set in. And to always walk in the Spirit; lest we bring about unnecessary scattering. (Regardless of how spiritual we may think we are, when we’re walking in the flesh, we’re like the proverbial bull in a china shop) May we all have our eyes opened to the battle for eternal souls that’s raging all around us.

Malachi 3:16-18 “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

Blessings always in Jesus name.