A caring, conquering, kingdom community of God’s people

The church Jesus Christ is building is like an oasis of love in the worldly desert of egoism and materialism. It is an ever expanding community of love where all the believers are caring for one another and assisting according to their ability. But it is not an inward looking fellowship. The Christian love supersedes all human limitations like gender, race, age, caste, social status, religion, etc. simply because it is an expression of the ever-expanding Lordship of Jesus Christ.

A caring fellowship

The church Jesus is building is a caring, serving fellowship where people love each other. It is a fellowship where people help each other, encourage each other and protect each other against all evil attacks. Jesus taught us to care for one another, to seek out the one lost sheep, to visit the one who is suffering to bring healing and comfort. Jesus has, as the good shepherd, shown us the quality of the care we should have for one another in his Church.

A conquering-fellowship

The revelation that Jesus is the one whom God has anointed and made to be the King of Kings and Lord of Lords gives fellowship a dynamic power which even the gates of Hell shall be unable to resist. The Church Jesus is building is a conquering fellowship which, through the preaching of the Kingdom of God, shall spread abroad the Lordship of Jesus Christ.

Jesus came to put an end to the works of the devil (1 John 3:8) and he calls us to realise (put into effect) the victory that he has already won (1 John 5:1-6). Just as Jesus was victorious when the Devil tempted him so shall his church be victorious over: 1. Materialism, 2.The struggle for status, 3.The desire for power, (see Matt. 4:3-8 and 1 John 2:15-17). As Jesus is, so are we also called to be in this world.

A God’s kingdom fellowship

Jesus said that he gave the keys of the kingdom of heaven to his church. The church Jesus is building is a church that opens for people (and does not do as the pharisees did who, by their rules and commands, excluded people). We are a fellowship of people who have received authority to release God’s blessing over people and to bind evil powers. Jesus has given us authority to lay hands on the sick and make them well. He has given us authority to drive out the destructive powers and set people free.

The church Jesus is building has a Kingdom of God vision of seeing God’s will done on earth as it is in heaven.

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14.17)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. (2.Cor. 4.20)

A kingdom of God fellowship is people who together demonstrate God’s power, righteousness, peace and joy.

Exercise:

Explain how a. Materialism, b. Struggle for status, c. Desire for power are seen in your culture.

How can the church counteract and be victorious in the three areas mentioned above?

Have you ever laid hands on sick people to get healed? Decide to see some new people getting healed this week!

Continue to memorise Bible verses. Add this verse to your list:

They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Acts 2:42)