Take for instance Philippians 1:27 (KJV):  “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of CHRIST:  that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;…”.  The study portion of my Bible also provided this explanation:  “Fellowship:  One of the keys of spiritual growth, occurs when Christians share their walk with GOD in an atmosphere of love and respect.  Occurs when everyone communicates in love with other believers, and the whole assembly becomes strengthened as a result.  Sometimes fellowship requires confessing our faults (See James 5:16) as we strive to develop a unity of spirit and mind.  Those who work to hinder the fellowship of the brethren practice a sin that is hated by GOD (See Proverbs 6:19).  An illustration of this would be:  The church at Philippi was particularly noted for its spirit of fellowship, but Paul’s warning to two women in the church reminds how we must constantly work to maintain fellowship (See Philippians 4:1-3).  The application of this would be:  Fellowship is so vital that we cannot live for GOD by ourselves.  As we develop deeper relationships with others, we should remember that we come to resemble those with whom we fellowship (See Matthew 18:19, Romans 6:4-10).”

Also, in describing the principal of “wisdom” and it’s role in unification, The Complete Dead Sea Scrolls in English, by Geza Vermes, gives us “…fragments of a Wisdom poem…” (4QI85):  “And why have you given up your soul to vanity, … judgment?  Hearken to me, O my sons, and do not rebel against the words of YHWH [GOD].”  These are truly powerful words to consider.

To offer further illumination to these terms, bear in mind the following passages from the Bible:  Psalm 140:1-2, 1 Corinthians 10:16 and 18, 2 Corinthians 1:7, 2:7-8 and 8:23, Luke 5:10, Colossians 2:2 and 18-19, Romans 12:4-5, Acts 4:32, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 23:28 and 24:10-13, Mark 7:21-23, Leviticus 19:17, 1 John 2:9-11 and 2 Chronicles 11:4 – just to mention a few.  Fellowship, as used in the New Testament, speaks of “partnership”, “communion”, and “sharing”; it comes from a root meaning to share in something with someone, with emphasis on participation in something rather than merely associating with others.

I hope that you will take these words to heart, as I have, and support your church family by truly becoming a solid, unified force in love, wisdom and stewardship for the glorification and servitude of GOD.

 People sometimes ask me, “Have you ever thought about writing something on Revelation and the end times?”  Yes – often!  However, it concerns me that many focus on the “Last Day” rather than the present day.  As I see it, we live in a world in which we are being increasingly challenged to walk any way but JESUS’ way.  The real question for GOD’S people is always, “What does it mean to be a child of GOD at this time and in this place?”

 These convictions have prompted me finally (after years of thought) to produce An Apostles’ Creed for the New Millennium.

 I believe strongly that the First Article should read, “I believe in GOD the Father Almighty, Maker and Owner of Heaven and earth.”  Havoc has been wrought in the church and in the world at large by the notion that GOD gives us things, that GOD has blessed us materially – and merely wants us to give a little back.  The theology of tithing has elements of “spiritual terrorism” about it, as though we who have so much need merely give a tenth and hang on to the rest – and do so in a world full of screaming need!  The real problem is not Christian giving, but unchristian keeping.  The truth is:  We own nothing and have nothing to give.  We merely manage what belongs to GOD, are to do so responsibly, and are accountable to GOD for our management style.