Someone has said that fellowship is defined as two fellows on a ship, headed to the same destination, and as they go, they get to know one another.  Acts 2:42 says, "They devoted themselves to. . .fellowship." Fellowship is the glue that holds the body of Christ together; caring for one another in love; agape love.  Agape love is loving like Christ.  It's the love that lays down its life for another. 

The early church exploded in growth because the people loved being together.  There is a myth that says small churches have the best fellowship and stronger relationships because everybody knows everybody.  But churches that genuinely love one another don't stay small very long. (p. 199, When God Builds A Church)

Today, I hope you'll read and discover God's directive of fellowship for every believer.  Have a wonderful weekend and bring someone with you Sunday as we launch our new series, "INFLUENCE: HOW GOD WIRED YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE."

Read it:

   1 John 1:3-7

Getting to know you

Are there any inconsistencies in your life?

What do you have a tendency to deceive yourself about?

Study it:

1.  Why were they telling others about Christ? (v3)

2.  Who do believers have fellowship with? (v3)

3.  What gets in the way of our fellowship with God and others?

4.  What does it mean to claim you believe something. (v5)

Live it:

What can you do today to prove you are who say you are in Christ?

Is there anything in your life, a habit or action that you need to ask God for the strength to remove so that your life will be light?

            














































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































Every person who considers themselves a Christ follower must serve someone, sometime, in order to be like Christ.  We are the body of Christ.  And as such we have a responsibility to look like Jesus!  Read today's devotional and if you're not currently involved in the ministry of your church, sign up this weekend to do so.  If you are already serving, recommit yourself to that place of service God has entrusted to you.

Rick Warren, pastor of Saddleback Community Church and author of The Purpose Driven Church, says, "God gave me a gift, not for me but for you, and God gave you a gift, not for you but for me.  If you don't use your gift, you're depriving me; if I don't use my gift, I'm robbing you."
(page 180, When God Builds A Church)

Getting to know you:

1.  Is there any task that you would consider to menial for you to do in the ministries of your church?

2.  What is it you enjoy doing in service to others?

Read it:

   Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 2:9

Study it:

1.  What is the central ingredient in salvation? (Eph. 2:8)

2.  Is there anyway to earn salvation? (v9)

3.  What is to be the result or the do of being made a new creation in Christ? (v10)

4.  Since God chose us, what kind of royalty did He say we are?  As His possession, what are we to do? (2 Peter 2:9)

Go with it:

Be willing to be still, be quiet, and listen for God's voice as you commit to serve Him by serving others.

What good works can you do in your family or workplace today that will bring honor and glory to God?