The Matchless Worth of Christian Fellowship

I praise God for Christian fellowship!

Throughout Scripture I see the heart of God for us His people.

For example, in the Book of Jeremiah I see the Lord’s passion for the wayward people of Jerusalem. God’s passionate love for His people was never doused by a lack of response on their part to love Him in return. God helped to restore their love for Him by way of temporary exile in Babylon. Amidst trials, their love for God was restored. His ultimate goal is to save us eternally.

God knows we need Him to enter everlasting life. He loves us. He wants us to be with Him forever. He does not want a heaven without us.

Last night, the Lord blessed Sherry and I with hearts of worship towards Him. We sang together the words penned by Samuel J. Stone back in 1866…

“The Church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
She is His new creation
By water and the Word.
From Heaven He came and sought her
To be His holy bride;
With His own blood He bought her,
And for her life He died.”

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came from heaven to save us. He took on human flesh. He suffered for our sins, not His own. He committed no sin. He gave His blood to cleanse us from our sin and guilt. Now, by faith in Him, WE ARE SAVED!

Christ punctuates His love for the Church and for lost souls in The Book of Revelation.

For example, in Revelation 14:6-7, John sees an angel flying amidst heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. He says with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.”

Messengers of Christ are proclaiming the Gospel all over the world with great effort and with much personal sacrifice so that people will be saved.

Another heavenly messenger warns people against disowning Christ and embracing the beast (the antichrist). Such a decision leads to endless torment in fire and brimstone day and night. [1]

Jesus urges us His saints to be patient, to keep God’s commandments and faith in Him. He tells John to write, “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” Why, because… “They may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” [2] Our works will still be producing results long after we are gone.

Jesus shows John saints singing victoriously in heaven. They sing:

“Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints!
Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.” [3]

“Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your great love for Your bride the Church and for the lost! Thank You that Your Gospel continues to be preached throughout the earth via Your bride the Church. Help us to always realize the matchless worth of faith in You and the matchless worth of fellowship with Your people, the Church. For it is in Your Name Jesus that we pray. Amen.”

[1] Revelation 14:9-11
[2] Revelation 14:12-13
[3] Revelation 15:2-4