FELLOWSHIP

"Then they that gladly received his word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship and in breaking of bread and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together and had all things common." Acts 2:41-44

For my essay at discipleship this Saturday i used this as the center verse among the others i used. i feel the body that is supposed to be fitly joined together (Ephesians 4:16), is not so fitly joined together anymore but needs to get back to that. i had to turn my essay in, but i will try to duplicate it here.

STEADFAST...firm, secure, moral fixity, a support, foundation, to establish.

APOSTLES DOCTRINE......The word of Jesus, the Gospel, the cross, repentance and salvation!

FELLOWSHIP.... Bond of common purpose and devotion that binds Christians together and to Christ. Koinonia was Paul's favorite word to describe a believers relationship with the risen Lord and the benefits of salvation that come through Him. On the basis of faith believers have fellowship with the Son (1 Corinthians 1:9), share fellowship in the Gospel (1 Corinthians 9:23; Philippians 1:5), and share fellowship with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 13:14), a most important bond for unity in the life of the church (Philippians 2:1-4).

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and mercies, Fulfill my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." Philippians 2:1-4

BREAKING OF BREAD.... sharing with one another, communion, taking what you have and meting it out as needed.

FEAR.....the moral dread of being displeasing to God. (dread would be like you would rather die than have something happen...gut wrenching)

The word says that fear came upon them and wonders and signs were done. This is power, and it is this power we lack and need. The power of the Holy Ghost working through us because we do not truly get in the word, fellowship, break bread and pray, in LOVE. The selfless love of 1 Corinthians 13. The power of the Holy Spirit is the power of the wonders and signs. Of miracles, healing, word of wisdom, word of knowledge, prophecy, divers tongues, interpretation of tongues, faith, discerning of spirits. Power we can access when we are in right standing with God...we need breakthrough, we need genuine on our knees crying out before the Lord, we need healing and cleansing like never before in the land, in the body, in ourselves. Yes, i am sure some of us have seen and experienced small glimpses of these gifts, been able to use them here and there. But there is power unimaginable, unsearchable, to be used in His name, to flow through us, and we need it now. The hour is now, the time is upon us.....NOW. The acceptable year of the Lord (Isaiah 61:2) is now when we are restored to a place of power for the Lord. Where Jesus is truly revealed in our hearts. The urgency to reach the lost has never been greater, the need for the power of the Holy Ghost never greater. Come heal us Lord Jesus, restore us to a people you can use mightily for your kingdom. Amen.