Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Fellowship in Christ' suffering.
Acts 11: 17- 12:3
"  And he killed James the brother of John with a sword."  (Acts 12:2)
(St. James day)


Fellowship, the word is used to describe everything from a gathering for coffee and donuts, to meeting for Worship Services. Usually, it is associated with a gathering where there is eating. But we learn from the Bible that Fellowship is a heart issue, something to be felt and expressed, and something essential to be a part of. It is the way of life for believers in Jesus Christ, to need to be in each others company, to share things, and to help and support each other, physically and spiritually. If one of the members of our congregation hurt we share that burden.

James was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ and considered the first Apostle to be martyred. He is known as Apostle of Spain, and Christians celebrate St. James day on July 25. Acts of Apostle Chapters 11-12 gives an account of that event. He was martyred by the king Herod and the Jews liked the kings action. Herod then proceeded to try and murder Peter and Jesus miraculously saved him from prison. This account illustrates James shared fellowship in Christ's sufferings.

Biblical fellowship is a family relationship. You become the part of the family of God on earth. Fellowship requires having concern and a spirit of restoration for each other. We have to bear the burden of one another. Fellowship requires us to love one another, confess to each other and to forgive. Philippians 3:10 Paul was saying "I want to know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, being confirmed, molded, shaped and transformed to His likeness, even to His death". Paul wanted to know the fellowship of Christ's sufferings, being confirmed to His death.
When Jesus died on the Cross He was the perfect sacrifice for all of our sins. One of the last thing He said on the Cross was “it is finished" that means paid in full. Christ's suffering for sin was over. All we need to do is receive God's gift of salivation by receiving the risen Christ as our Savior and Lord. Are you in fellowship with God? Trusting in Christ? Are we in fellowship with one another? Are we forgiving? Or rather are we judgmental? Are we considerate and sensitive to one another' feelings? Accept Jesus Christ as your savior and partner in your life. Join in fellowship with your fellow Christians.

Prayer: Lord Jesus with a deeply grateful heart I thank you for your sacrifice up on the cross. Your blood has cleansed my sin and made me worthy of forgiveness....Amen

Thought of the day: Each time you see the cross remember the suffering and victory of Lord Jesus.
                               

M.C Alexander, New Jersey MTC, Randolph

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind who are evil by nature, give good gifts t
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tell a child as to why they’ve been a
Read more