Be Hospitable one to another- by Mark and Sara

What is hospitality?

In recent years, we have taken a good hard look at our own lives, searching God's Word for examples, and then put into practice those things we found one by one. We still have a long ways to go, but here are some of our thoughts on the subject.

I would like to preface this study with a thought: many are on limited budgets, and have homes that they consider "not good enough to entertain in" We have never been to a home that we didn't find the accomodations or food to be adequate. If you can only afford a bowl of rice and water, then serve that. It is not about the food, but the time spent together, and the fellowship of sharing what we have with others in the Lord.

Our family has had many folks to our home(a camper trailer of about 275 square feet) with families as large as 7 plus our family of 5(soon to be 6), so don't think the size or condition of your home is not good enough. Honesty and transparency in our dealing with one another is a necessary first step to getting to truly know each other and be able to help. We are family, as believers in Christ, united in spirit, and we desire to see the body of Christ worldwide unified, caring for one another, and glorifying God in every area of our lives.

I pray that the intent of this teaching is evident, not to judge or point fingers, nor to boast in anything. We are all in this together, and we all have much to change in our lives to please the Lord. May we all be unified in the love of God, and the fellowship we have in Christ Jesus our Savior and Lord, giving all thanks and praise where it is due, to Him alone who is worthy.

Dictionary definition-

HOS'PITABLE, a. [L. hospitalis, from hospes, a guest.]

1. Receiving and entertaining strangers,with kindness and without reward; kind to strangers and guests; disposed to treat guests with generous kindness; as a hospitable man.

2. Proceeding from or indicating kindness to guests; manifesting generosity; as a hospitable table; hospitable rites.

3. Inviting to strangers; offering kind reception; indicating hospitality.

Biblical references -

Romans. 12:13- (in regards to one another)Contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

Practically, this speaks to serving a need inside the body. Maybe inviting someone to your home(someone who does not have the means to eat well, or prepare food due to loss of home), taking a meal to a family in need(injury, death in family, baby born, etc). This is based on filling a practical need, and also of meals being a great time to talk, fellowship, and after eating to pray and read God's Word together. This type of encouragement is seriously lacking in most of our lives. True fellowship is not about the regular meetings of the church body, but also in our daily lives. The 1^st century church shows this pattern, and I believe is both described and prescribed for the body to function as it should.

1Timothy 5:10- (speaking of widows, receiving them)Having a reputation for good works, and if she has brought up children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints feet, if she has assisted those in distress, and if she has devoted herself to every good work.

The example here is not meant to shun those who are not known for these character traits, but to show the example of what would be expected of a lady in fellowship(the example is specific, but applies to men also), these traits being exhibited over the course of time while her husband was alive, and if she had children, that the expectation is not neglected. We all should strive to take up these roles, to follow the Christian model of hospitality and care for one another.

Hebrews 13:2- (strangers and visitors)Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

When you invite into your home the poor, destitute, single moms, young men and women, and so many other people in various situations, our heart to please the Lord is evident by our desire to serve others, and in so doing, to serve God. Visiting Christians to your church, missionaries and the Lord's workers as they travel through are a blessing to the home, and it is such a blessing to know that no matter where you go, the body of Christ is there to love and care for you. If we are to be a family, we must act like family. We must be proactive in seeking out ways to serve, not taking this up only when no one else is doing this vital work in the body. We ought all to be known for our hospitality.

1Peter 4:9- be hospitable to one another without complaint.

This is not a burden, nor a difficulty, but a blessing to our own hearts to serve the saints, and bless the Lord's heart in loving His church. Not a chore or a necessary task to dread, but a wonderful blessing to be able to show practical love to one another.

Examples from the early church, a pattern we look to so often-

Acts 2:44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

Acts 2:45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

Acts 2:46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,

Acts 2:47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

The pattern of the early church is that of sharing, caring, spending time together both in prayer and study. This is for edifying the saints, and if we love each other as we ought to, this type of living will be the natural result. Make no mistake about it, if we know something to be good, and don't do it, it is sin!

Disruption and Destruction- by Kevan Fortier

This post was submitted by Kevan Fortier, a brother in Maine who meets at Lincoln County Assembly of God in Damariscotta, Maine. Kevan labors for the Lord in the Gospel through jail ministry in Knox County, Maine Feel free to post comments here, or email oneanothering@gmail.com and I will forward mail on to Kevan. Thanks to Kevan for this teaching, one that reminds us to follow the path the Lord leads us on, and not veer to the left or the right, simply focusing on the Lord Jesus and God's Holy Word to guide us.

Disruptive and Destructive / Matthew 7:13-14

You are walking down a path. A straight and narrow path, you are focused on the trail in front of you. All of a sudden, something takes your focus and attention away from what you are doing, and you change course. You walk out into the woods where something distracted your attention and focus.

Let’s consider Peter for a moment from the account in Matthew 14:22-33. Peter was focused on the Lord, his eyes were very clearly fixed on Jesus Christ; BUT the moment Peter looked away, what happened? Destruction was at hand. Peter would have died a certain death without the Lord Jesus Christ (as will all who do not now know Him if they should die apart from Him who alone is worthy and He alone is the only One who can save us).

Peter however; instantly recognizes that Jesus (alone) can save him from this, and he cries out ‘Lord, save me!’ (verse 30). Why didn’t he call out to the others who were in the boat? Peter knew that they could not help him, only (I will say it again) ONLY Jesus Christ can!!!

As you are walking into the woods after (I don’t know) whatever it is that took away from your attention, call it a squirrel; you catch your foot on a root, a branch, an uneven part of the earth, and break your ankle.

You were disrupted from the course, you lost your focus and drive, you deviated from the path and destruction was there. This is not the worst kind of destruction, but you sure did not plan on this happening.

Jesus said; “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14 NIV).

Let’s change the scenario just a little tiny bit; the same path, with signs, or arrows pointing which way it veers. You maintain a steady direction according to the arrows until you are distracted (again) something takes your attention off the path. You walk out into the woods after that same squirrel (or whatever it is that distracts you).

This time however you slip on a slippery slope. When you slip, you actually fall, but you notice that you do not just fall and stop; you continue to fall. The reason for this is because those arrows that were guiding you, keeping you on the path were actually also keeping you from harm. This path is along side a drop-off, and you are sliding down it to your doom. You will die.

What path are you on today? Where is your focus, attention, and drive? What does God desire for your life? Do you know that God has a plan and a purpose for you, and it does not include things that will harm you? (Jeremiah 29:11-14) His paths are straight (Proverbs 3:5-6) and narrow, we must not think that we can go off on our own and survive. His (God) ways are perfect. His guiding arrows along the path (of life) are His Word, the Bible, the Holy Spirit, which lives in all of us who are born again (John 3:1-9); these keep us on the right path, not to mention the gathering and fellowshipping with other believers in Jesus Christ! (Hebrews 10:25-25)

Consider this; A fly goes about his business all throughout the day looking for another piece of disgusting food from your trashcan, or whatever. Suddenly the fly observes a really neat and beautiful light; PURPLE light. He says to himself; “self, I will come right back to this path, but only after I go to that purple light and check it out for it is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen and something tasty must come from it”. So the fly goes to it and he DIES.

It is the same with us. Do not be deceived brothers and sisters, the devil does not put things in front of us that are repelling and vile and disgusting (by sight) to us. NO, he puts things on the path that entice us, and will ultimately destroy our souls if we are left to our own devices (1 Peter 5:8).

Let me offer this thought; there is a man who is married to a woman and has a family with her. One day they are out and about, and he notices another woman (who is not his wife), and he looks upon her in a lustful manner. Has he become disrupted from his course? I submit to you that he has; and is destruction awaiting him?

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:28 NKJV), this is Jesus telling us this. In the Old Testament Job also says this; ‘I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl. For what is man’s lot from God above, his heritage from the Almighty on high? Is it not ruin for the wicked, disaster for those who do wrong? Does He not see my ways and count my every step? (Job 31:1-4 NIV).’ Sin is SIN is SIN, and it will disrupt you and destroy you! Make no mistake about it.

I am not writing to cast stones at anyone. I am a sinful man, how can I remove the speck from your eye, when there is a log in my own (Matthew 7:5)? I am not writing or saying these things to anyone specifically. The Lord Jesus Christ through His Holy Spirit and Sovereign Will is the One who will convict hearts, minds and souls and He will bring you to Himself. The Word of God and of all truth is convicting, consuming and will teach you the truth if you are willing to hear it and put it into your heart and live according to what it says.

These things I am talking about are to convict and convince you that we cannot be disrupted, by anything, for this will bring about our swift destruction. We must stay on the path that God sets us on!

The truth is, is that we (all of us) allow disruptions to continue to occur and take place; in our homes, our place of work, within our communities and elsewhere, we are all guilty of being disrupted and deviating from the straight and narrow path that God through His Son Jesus Christ has called us to; ALL of us.

Sadly, in this world today, we will have troubles (Jesus says be glad, for I have overcome the world – John 16:33). We allow (continuously) for disruptions to happen. However, if allowed to continue in this pattern of behavior, it will cost us.

Let’s look at it this way.

Can you see that God gave his Son to die for you, for all of us? For all who would call on Him by faith (Romans 10:9-13)- Jesus takes on the role of our redeemer. He took our (my) place of shame. Jesus took our (my) SIN and Disruption upon himself to save us (me) from it. Nobody else has that authority.

‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.’ (John 3:16-19 NKJV)

JESUS CHRIST HAS THE SUPREME AUTHORITY!! Praise God! Jesus has taken away all of our sin and disruption through His sacrifice and death upon the cross, my cross, and your cross. He took my shame and forgave me when I accepted Him, and He will forgive and accept you as HIS own when you receive Him (John 1:12-13).

If we will only do away with the disruptions (sin) in our lives and live fully the way God intended, we shall not see destruction come upon us. There will be times of forgetfulness on our part; forgetting to do what God says; forgetting or failing to recognize God as the Supreme author and authority over our lives; forgetting to see the truth of His word and promises; however, if we submit ourselves to Him, and confess our sin before Him, He will forgive us our sin and cleanse us from our unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). This is one of His many wonderful promises to us.

There are some promises that we do not want to see however. God promises that all the vile, immoral, sexually impure, will not see life (eternal) but only see and taste death everlasting and eternal (Galatians 5:19-21 / Colossians 3:5-10,). Those who believe in the name of Jesus and confess Him as Lord and Savior (Romans 10:9) will live forever in heaven to the glory of God the Father through Jesus. Amen.

Let us not be slow in our obedience. The Living Word of God says this; “So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion” (Hebrews 3:7-8). Let us not be slow in our understanding of what is required of us by God the Father. Let us not be disrupted by the things of this life or of this world.

‘Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – is not of the Father but is of the world. And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever’ (1 John 2:15-17 NKJV).

Let us not be slow in our response to the invitation of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Let us be diligent to walk on the straight and narrow path that leads to eternal and everlasting life that is only through Jesus Christ.

Let us avoid any and all disruptions that will lead us astray and into destruction, even the eternal destruction.

And the God of our Lord Jesus Christ will be with you and strengthen you for all things and all times in your life if you will only place your entire trust in Him, and His finished work on the cross for you. He died for us we should live for Him.

In Christ,
Kevan Fortier

Obedience, the first step in the process.

I thought I would share with you my notes and discussion questions from this past Wednesday evening at Bluegrass Bible Fellowship. I shared from a number of passages, but the key was Saul and the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15. A powerful lesson to us all. In the desire to live out "one anothering" I think obedience to God's way of life, including the hard parts, and those that defy human wisdom, are critical. I hope this message reflects the desire I have to give glory to God by living my life in His ways, though I fail too often, the Lord gives the strength and ability, we just have to submit wholly to Him.

The audio link should be up soon, and I will post it when I get it, for those who would rather listen than read, or those who want to do both. This is just a starter, some notes. We have had such wonderful talks about how to practically apply these principles, and hope that you all dive in, and see what God would have you to do, and then faithfully obey. A challenge for us all, and as we encourage and exhort one another, we have the promise that obedience pleases our Lord and King.

Wednesday November 11, 2009

Lesson: Following God in obedience, human wisdom vs. God's wisdom

Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 15

v.1-3 Saul's charge given- God commands to kill everyone and everything

v. 7-9 Saul kills MOST, but keeps "all that was good" and king Agag.

v. 10-11 The Lord speaks to Samuel about Saul's disobedience (part disobedience is insubordination and rebellion) God is grieved and decides to punish Saul by removing him as king.

v.12-15 Saul is confronted with his sin.

v.16-21 Saul's excuses begin, claiming to have obeyed, but God's work must be done God's way. We cannot use human reasoning to excuse ourselves. The Lord has spoken, we must obey!!!

v. 22 Obedience is better than sacrifice.

v.23 Partial obedience revealed for what it is- rebellion, insubordination,rejecting the word of the Lord.

v.24-25 Saul's half hearted excuse for repentance. FALSE!

v.26-28 Judgement pronounced, Saul will not be king.

v. 29- God is unchanging, just, and righteous. He must be obeyed

v.30-31 Saul gives in, we don't see repentance,but walks in the right path with Samuel

v.32-33 Samuel cleans up after Saul's sin and disobedience.

Heavenly man excerpt (Brother Yun and Paul Hattaway) - p.255 par.6

"I have learned that when the Lord tells us to do something there is no time for discussion or rationale, regardless of the situation we face. When we are sure God has told us to act, as I was on this occasion, blind obedience is called for. Not to obey God implies that we are wiser than Him, and that we know better how to run our lives than He does."

This is a man who lived in persecuted China, was in jail for preaching the Gospel, which seems silly and ill chosen as a profession, except that God told him to. Brother Yun had 3 signs given to him to act, 1) a passage of Scripture that was shared with him, 2) a vision from God, 3) another brother who told him to escape from the prison, as the Lord opened the door and commanded him to go. This was a death sentence, escapees were shot on sight. Yun had 2 broken legs, and had not stood for more than 6 weeks, yet God said "get up and walk out of the prison" all the doors opened. Think of Peter, think of the lame man who was told to get up and walk. When God speaks, you better listen.

Discussion:

Some questions that come to mind when comparing a few passages of Scripture with the tales of lives that have been radically changed by obedient servant. When we know how the Lord would have us act, to do anything less, to do it our own way, is disobedience, insubordination, and rebellion.

1) Why did Saul take God's plans and change them for his own way?

2) Was Saul repentant either time, or just sad he got caught?

3) What do we have in our lives that are semi-obedient and therefore NOT obedient?

4) Are our methods in all things matching up with Scripture?

5) If not/why not? How do we proceed from the place of recognition of sin and disobedience to full obedience?

6) Hudson Taylor said -"God's work done God's way will never lack God's supply." Our Gospel materials, our words, our approach to reaching the lost, our interaction with each other must all be done God's way, seeking His pattern and not making it up on our own.

Associated reading:

Other passages dealing with sin, obedience, and God's desire for our lives.

Romans 7:21-25- the desire to live righteously, and the battle with the flesh.

1 Corinthians 3:7-11- God's fellow laborers, but not our plans. The foundation for all things, Jesus Christ, the NT church pattern.

James 3:13-18- God's wisdom, fruit of the Spirit.

The message that started it all

Click here to listen to the audio

I was going through my sermon archive this morning. I have said before that it was through the partnership with my friend, Justin Humes, that I came to start this ministry to the body of One anothering.

To see the full scope of our desire to see God's work done in the hearts and lives of His people, we must commit our lives to the Lord's work. We have no business excusing ourselves for not living each day for the glory of God. We all fail at times, but our failures should not cause us to feel defeated, but to cause us to rely on the Lord more and more each day.

Take the time to listen to this heartfelt message by Justin Humes. Take to heart the urging from the Scripture to not just know what was done in the first century church, but to practice the principles each day that come from an earnest desire to glorify God, to love and edify one another as we work together being built and grown into the fullness of the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ.

This message helped me see that I was not doing enough, that I must not surrender some, but ALL. Have we really given God the OK to change ANYTHING He wants in our lives, our meetings. Sometimes it starts with repentance, but wherever it starts, it must start today. Don't wait another moment, commit today. Surrender to living as the body of Christ and stop making excuses for how far the church has strayed from how it was in the beginning.

Romans 12- a picture of unity through the Holy Spirit.

Romans 12 is such a wonderful picture of not only the "one anothering" verses, but points out how it is only the Holy Spirit's work in our lives that enables us to have the love and compassion, unity and peace, with the whole body that we are instructed to maintain. It is only when we focus on glorifying God and taking our eyes off ourselves, that we see the full picture of the local church body.

The chapter does not start with love and peace or gifts, but rather instructing us how if we desire to be used by God, we must rid ourselves of the sin and selfish ways that we all tend to gravitate towards. Those with the most publicly displayed gifts must be fervently at odds with the flesh and pride. The last book of the Old Testament, Malachi, speaks of how God feels about sacrifices that are polluted.

Mal 1:8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the LORD of hosts.

The Lord took it quite seriously that the offerings were clean, healthy, and usable for service. As Christians, those who have committed our lives to God, we must prayerfully consider all our ways in order to offer sacrifice to the Lord that is pleasing. We are not obligated to sacrifice as in the old covenant, but rather in the age of grace should have love for God flowing from our hearts in spiritual worship. We are not our own, but have been bought with a price. Will we live up to the standards that Jesus said would be hallmarks of His flock?

Paul goes directly from how we must offer ourselves in sacrifice, to taking down pride in the flesh in verse 3. This is something that I often have a hard time with. Pride has at times had a stronghold in my life, and God is continuously working in my heart to humble me and show me that being a servant of God is a privilege. There is nothing that I have earned nor one single thing to be prideful about, but only the Potter's skillful hands shaping and molding, that is responsible for any accomplishments in our lives.

The changes in our hearts as we draw nearer to God are nothing that we have done in our own lives, but the fruits of the Holy Spirit as we surrender to His will and His desires in our lives. As our works can add nothing to the work of salvation, our works do not give us special titles or access to God. God draws , near to all those who draw near to Him.

The remaining verses in Romans 12 go on to tell us of the unified, universal body of Christ, with all blood bought believers acting out their parts according to the power of the Holy Spirit. We must not act as though some of us are elevated in position before the Lord just because we have certain jobs, education, or even longevity in the Christian walk. There are many that have been great examples in my life and have encouraged me to follow Jesus more closely, as evidence in their lives show me how God sustains, strengthens, and blesses those who serve Him with a pure heart.

Our tendency at times is to put the emphasis on knowing the scope and demonstration of spiritual gifts, developing gifts, and putting people into categories of service. Don't misunderstand, we must seek to know how God is working in our lives and how He will use us. However, the larger emphasis must be put on the fact that an offering of a pure vessel for service can be endued with any gift God sees fit to give. God is able to make the high school dropout an eloquent preacher, a disabled body whole again, and we must not limit the power of the Holy Spirit by our own vision. We were dead, and now we live for eternity. Nothing is beyond the limits of God in empowering those who will commit to serving.

We are told in Scripture, even in this passage that each believer has at least one gift and a job in the body of Christ. Let us simply seek God out day by day to get our own desires out of the way and allow the full measure of the Holy Spirit to be poured out on our lives. We are simply vessels, and the Master desires that we be fit for use and available for service.

As we fill the mold the Master has designed for us, giving up all that is left of ourselves, for the sake of the body of Christ and the glory of God, we will see the bigger picture. This has so many practical applications, but there is not time to write it all out. Rather, spend your time in God's Word, in prayer, and seek to be filled with the Spirit of God more and more each day. We are indwelt with the Holy Spirit at salvation, and that will never leave us. Now it is time to fill all areas of our lives with none of ourselves, and only leave room for Him. God does not want some of your heart of most of it, but all.

Let us give our all today, surrendered to our loving and glorious Savior, Jesus Christ. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the lover of my soul. I pray that my life is a pleasing sacrifice, and that if sin should creep in that I will purge it from my heart in confession, knowing that God will not charge to my account anything, but rather has put it on the charge of His beloved Son. When I think of sin that way, I am reminded how it must grieve the Father to see us living in disobedience or mediocrity. Today is the day to give all, He is worthy and deserving of nothing less.

Mark

Living with Heaven in mind

Welcome fellow One another-ers

Clicking on the blog post title will bring up a download window. You can also go to the BUCKIT week page at http://buckitweek.org/audio if you would like to listen to the rest of the audio from this conference. BUCKIT -Bible University Christian Knowledge Intensive Training- a week of challenging messages for all believers. The message linked is by J. B. Nicholson and is titled "Stuff" taken from Matthew 5, 6, and 19. Enjoy.

I posted this link here because this message, the topic is so relevant to the idea of one anothering. I have found myself prodding many folks to listen to this message, and I feel it is worth the time. I think it is an essential teaching in the 21st century church. Download it, listen before you go to bed, on a jog, at work (as long as it is not a distraction) but make time. I believe an earnest student that listens to this will be challenged to truly walk each day as the Lord Jesus walked. I know stories that have come from application of this teaching and have encouraged me greatly.

What if the church of 2009 looked like Acts 2:42-47? (Don't skip any verses)Do we take meals together, remember the Lord at His table, or give to those in need of our own rather than just hording our stuff and looking in pity at others. All we have came from God, and even the poor have something to offer (the widow's mite).

For those who went to BUCKIT week, or have put this into practice, PLEASE send me stories of how you have put this into practice. One need not be a writer or eloquent speaker to tell a story, just have a heart full of love for our Savior and desire to bring Him glory. I have asked before for stories and input, know that this is not a one way street, I desire to be encouraged, challenged, and would like to have a colaborer in this work. Let me know if you have a desire to help.

On a side note, I would like to throw this out there. I know many people are very busy with family, ministry, school, work. I understand and do not desire to criticize. For those who have time to kill, and spend hours a day playing video games, watching TV, and other hobbies (which are not bad, don't get me wrong) maybe consider taking an hour a week to listen to sermons/messages that are available online. Voices for Christ has thousands of messages available by speaker, topic, conference. I have messages available here by myself and a few brothers in Maine.

When we gave up TV, my wife and I started listening to more sermons. We have found it challenging and enjoyable. Often a message we heard before is brought to new light and more easily applied after having some time to think about it. If I had one suggestion, it would be to make more time in God's Word and hearing from God's men as they share from it. Make no mistake about it, if we don't invest in learning how to live from those who labor over the Word, we are shorting ourselves of blessings and fruit for the Lord. Witnessing, sharing the Gospel is another area we tend to not have time for. Let's examine often our schedules to see if we are being the most effective we can to grow in Christ and be about His business until He comes.

God's Word will change your life, but only if you read it, study it, and put it into practice.

In Christian love,
Mark

We are the body- submitted by Kevan Fortier

A dear brother in Maine, Kevan Fortier, has written this post, any comments made can be posted here, or I will be happy to forward encouragement on to him. Kevan attends a church in Damariscotta, Maine. Kevan works for the Maine state marshal service. Ministry involvement includes local church youth ministry, jail ministry, and he also does discipleship work with men who have recently been released from jails in Maine. His heart is full of the love of God and I value his input here.

Kevan graciously asked me to share at their monthly men's breakfast. It was a great time talking about this very subject of "one anothering" in the body of Christ. This breakfast represented 6 or 7 local churches working together as the united body of Christ to edify one another and reach out to the communities around them. It was a great blessing to share with them. Now, on with Kevan's post. Thank you for reading.

If we are the Body why aren’t His arms reaching, why aren’t His hands healing, why aren’t His words teaching? And if we are the Body why aren’t His feet going? Why is His love not showing them there is a way? There is a way. Jesus is the Way.-Casting Crowns

Why aren’t we showing the love of Jesus Christ to this world if we are truly the Body? Jesus says this in John15:12-13; “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.”

What does Jesus mean that we should love as He loved? What is He saying when He says that we should lay down our lives for our friends? Does He want us to die for our friends; our wife or husband? Jesus tells us plainly that we are to love as He first loved us. In Romans 5:8, the Word of the living God says it this way; ‘But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ Did He wait until I was lovable? No. I am not lovable now, but my wife lays herself aside daily, not for me but for the cause and the purpose of lifting up the Lord Jesus Christ that I may see Him living in and through her love for me, and others. Jesus wants us to lay ourselves down, set ourselves aside and be set apart for Him; daily.

Then He said to them all, “if anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23 NKJ

Jesus didn’t just say that for the sake of His disciples or the crowds that regularly followed Him; He said to them all, He is still saying it to you today in the stillness of your heart; take up your cross and follow Me. When we take up our cross to follow our Lord, we are saying that we will follow Him; we will lay down our lives for our friends just like He did for us. Is this easy? No. But as we draw near to Him, we are strengthened and renewed in His grace (which is always sufficient for us / 2 Corinthians 12:9).

Jesus is our perfect example of how to love one another, and how to lay down our life for our friends; but what about those who are against the Lord? They are not against us, they are against the One who sanctified us and called us into a right relationship with Him? What about our enemies?

“But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you.” Luke 6:27-28 NKJ

When Jesus was led away to be crucified; a death that you and I rightfully deserve, He still loved those who were putting Him to death, He still prayed for his enemies (“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” Luke 23:34 NKJ), Jesus gave Himself up for all who would ever call upon His Holy name by faith as the only One who can save us from our sins. He alone is the perfect example of how to ‘one another’.

Knowing this, how do we walk daily with Jesus? How do we love those who spitefully use us? How can we show love and lay down our lives for our friends, and love our enemies? We are the Body of the living Christ! I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!!! (Philippians 4:13) We have an amazing Savior who shows us daily the depths of His heart for those who will call upon Him. He has called us into all the nations to show the world who He is (Matthew 28:18-20).

If we are the Body; why aren’t we? Jesus paid much too high a price for us to pick and choose who should come (Casting Crowns / If we are the Body). Do I have the right to say whom I will show His love to? No. Jesus died for all, ‘The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.’ (2 Peter 3:9 NKJ). I do not have the right to choose. If I am the Body, even if I am a fingernail within the Body (1 Corinthians 12:12-31) I have a clear function and purpose that Christ set me apart for, and not for my glory but all to His!!! Amen.

‘Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling aroma.’ (Ephesians 5:1-2 NKJ)

If this is how the Father shows His love for us by giving His only begotten Son (John 3:16) while we were still sinners; if this is how He first showed His love to this world by showing us how to be reconciled to Himself, what are we waiting for? If we are set apart and saved through His blood, we shouldn’t be able to contain this great love that God the Father has lavished upon us, we shouldn’t be able to walk by someone and keep silent about His love, the sweetest love I know.

I am trying to die to myself daily and show the love of Jesus Christ to my wife, my co-workers, family and friends. I am seeking Him for the strength that only He can provide, and the peace that surpasses all of my understanding. Jesus laid down His life for us not so that we can do what we want, but that we can show His love to this world. If we pick and choose who we think would be willing to listen, what have we done with this great love Christ has for us (read James 2:1-13)?

Jesus touched the untouchable (Luke 5:12-13), He raised the dead (Luke 8:52-56), Jesus ate with sinful people (Luke 5:29-32). Jesus did not care about what He would look like to others, He showed great love, compassion and mercy to all who ever called upon Him by faith. We must show this love to the world, we must be the Body of Christ to a world who will certainly perish without Him and apart from Him.

I challenge you this day to go forward, and pray to the Lord asking Him to give you courage and strength for His purpose in your life to be accomplished. Go out and show His great love for someone. We all know someone; a family member perhaps who is not saved that needs to hear that they are loved by Jesus Christ.

Pray for this daily, walk as He walked, love as He loved and loves you. Be the Body of Christ; show one another the depths of His love, grace and mercy. Don’t let another day go by you without sharing that love that has saved you from your sin to one another.

Kevan Fortier
Waldoboro, Maine

Sharing "one anothering" at Bluegrass Bible Fellowship

Our family arrived in Richmond, Kentucky this past Saturday. We are parked at a beautiful, sprawling farm owned by Jim and Rose Harmon. Jim is one of the elders here at Bluegrass Bible Fellowship in Richmond. We will be working with this local assembly of Christians as the Lord leads. In our first day here, we were greeted and helped to set up by a local family, the Everlings. The patriarch of the Everling clan promptly greeted me with "a holy kiss" and we all shared a laugh about this greeting between brothers. Seems Jesse is reading the blog, at least!

Jim Harmon and John Frasher are the elders here in the meeting and have asked me to share this Wednesday evening for the mid week prayer and Bible study meeting. What a privilege it is to share this subject with a local church. I know many of the folks at BBF are in the Facebook group, and have heard tell of a "one anothering" game. Similar to "Apples to Apples" in style, each of the "one another" verses are printed on cards and distributed to all players. They then go on to share different circumstances and choose the most appropriate verse to apply to the situation. Sorry to the Harmons if I have butchered the description. I should get them to write out the rules for us all, maybe.

Please keep me in prayer as I prepare to share tomorrow night. I have been so blessed by the responses on the blog. I have also had many conversations with folks around the USA and a few other places about how a church should function according to the New Testament pattern. We ought to all spend time truly assessing if we are functioning as Christ would have His bride function. May we all take time this week to search God out, to honestly pray about how we could better serve our brothers and sisters in Christ, and in so doing, serve our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

I will be writing again soon, but have much to do. Keep the believers here at Bluegrass in your prayers. These folks are earnestly laboring in prayer and in deed to proclaim the Gospel, disciple new believers, and all the other things that come with a major Gospel outreach. There is much to do in a local church, not to mention family, work, follow up...

As Nathanael Pena so often exhorts- "Go serve your King!"

Mark Cowperthwaite

***MINI CHALLENGE*** of the week

This week, we have been pondering some of the ideas brought out by Elijah Hall in his message "Am I my brother's keeper?" I know that in my own life, I never want to neglect how God has spoken through His Word to us via gifted teachers and preachers. I know sometimes in my own life, I find that I have forgotten what was said be Wednesday. We strive to continue to talk about Sunday sermons, and incorporate the lessons into our daily lives. This challenge is the direct result of one of those times of musing.

Sara and I have listened to the message 2 times, plus I have listened and taken notes, clips, etc 2 more times. We listen as we ride from place to place, and rather than watch TV, we listen to audio lessons, sermons, conferences, etc. We have found this time to be very profitable for our family and would encourage others to seriously consider this point: Teachers take many hours in prayer and pouring over God's Word and then speak for the purpose of edifying the body of Christ through preaching. I think we should do more than just listen on Sunday morning, and then forget what was said.

On with the challenge. One of the points in the message was that we should not be jealous of our brothers and sisters in the Lord, but rather to find Godly characteristics in their lives and see how we can learn from them. We all have strengths and weaknesses. Too often, we would rather pity our fellow believers for how they don't measure up to our standards, but we should instead look for the good things and try to learn from them as we follow the Lord together. If we all did this honestly, those areas that others have problems with would look to good examples and assess where they need to grow.

I know I would much more often look back and see someone else's faults rather than seriously consider my own life to see what must be changed. We need role models for Godly living, and can look to the Bible and Jesus specifically. Yet, it is sometimes easier to see Christlike examples lived out before our eyes. Some of us are visual learners and need to experience something firsthand to put it into practice. It is with all this in mind that we wanted to challenge you all. Sara had a wonderful idea and we have started, but it will take some time, dedication, and a true desire to see God's people through the filter of "what can I learn from them?"

Rather than issue demands, I will tell you what we did, and would welcome a better way. Implement this one your own way and see how God leads.

We made a list of some folks we know(this list will be LONG by the time we are done) and gave each person a page in a notebook. We started with a few we will see before we leave Maine. We wrote down (only) spiritual characteristics that we see lived out in their lives. We then agreed that we would pray for a person, and write them an encouraging note to let them know that we see God at work in their lives, and how specifically that inspires us to follow the Lord more closely. This keeps the positive in focus and helps us to appreciate our brothers and sisters. It also reminds us to pray for them, and will encourage them when they receive a note from someone who loves them and wants to edify them.

We will pick a few families a week, maybe one per day to pray for, consider, and write to. I also considered that this type of thing could become a way of life, to consider others higher than ourselves and stop looking for ways to fix people and be critical, but instead to try to live a Godly example and lift up our Lord while also seeking to learn from them.

One minor flaw in our system has been noticed. It isn't a flaw in the system, but rather in our lives in general. You can not write spiritual encouragement or learn from people you don't really know. We have to be proactive in learning more about those we are in fellowship with. So, we must continue to get to know one another, to see one another for the purpose of encouragement, to learn from each other, and to build up the body of Christ by working together with the other members of His body to adequately fulfill our jobs in His body, the church, that marvelous collective of all sinners saved by His grace and being ever conformed more into the image of Jesus Christ.

Please let me know if you have improvements, variations, or have put this into practice in your lives. I understand writing cards or letters may not work for everyone, but I would encourage you to try it. Seeing other believers as someone to learn from and be encouraged by is much better than the trap I have sometimes fallen into of tearing one another down to try to get myself higher. Listen to the message by Elijah , he says it better than me.

A message from Elijah Hall on the body of Christ

In our teaching time yesterday at Grace Fellowship in Union, I heard a message that both thrilled my soul and convicted me, all while pointing my thoughts to how Jesus truly desires the church to be. This message is powerful, and I believe can help change the view of many Christians from "we have it all right" and "our church is better" to see believers throughout the world as one bride, adorned for her Bride, the Lord Jesus.

I will be making some clips from this message. Still, I encourage everyone to listen to the whole thing. I do want to make a few observations for the sake of those who do not know this man, but he speaks from experience and a heart completely dedicated to God's work.

Elijah is the second born of the Eric Hall family, with one older brother and 5 sisters. Elijah's family has worked in New Guinea and the Bahamas with New Tribes Mission. Elijah is now preparing for language training in preparation to go to Paraguay with NTM. He and his wife, Moira, have 4 children. Elijah is a man that I listen to, and I believe that this message came straight from God's own heart.

For further information about Elijah Hall and his family in their journey to Paraguay, click here.

Give 'em a big smooch- REALLY?

(Rom 16:16) Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

1Co 16:20) All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

(2Co 13:12) Greet one another with an holy kiss.

(1Pe 5:14) Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

It would seem that Paul, who wrote all these passages, certainly was an affectionate man. So, what did Paul mean when he said to greet one another with a holy kiss. Do we analyze this topic too deeply, or skim over it entirely? I have a few thoughts and would welcome more insight. I do not claim to be an expert on the topic, but rather would like to offer some practical advice on how to put this into practice.

We have talked about having love for one another, and much has been fleshed out about the family of God. Well, we are family, even when we may not act like it. I don't know if you come from a physically affectionate family, or culturally if this type of affection is considered taboo. Either way, I don't really think we should just throw this one out as cultural, time sensitive, or the words of a man. Truly, these were Paul's writings, but inspired by God to show us how to live.

My home was not overtly affectionate physically growing up, and I don't often hug my dad or brothers. My mom is a hugger, and being a really big guy, it is fun to hug someone half your size. Mom enjoys a good hug from her "little boy", but not the kissing part. There are other families that are cheek kissers, mouth kissers, or that "air kiss" type. There are all flavors of folks in most churches, from what I have observed.

What is the root issue here? I believe (though I have been wrong before) that affection, be it physical, emotional, etc. is all based on love, caring, and desire to make those we love feel good. We want them to feel welcome in our homes. We wish to convey a feeling of gratitude for a gift, sorrow in times of parting, and many other emotions that just don't seem to fit so well with words as they do with a touch.

My kids tell me they love me. My wife says it, too. Still, a touch, sitting close to them and having physical contact seems much more intimate. Is this type of thing accepted practice in your home? What about in your church body? If not, have you considered why not? If so, is it always genuine, or has it become a tradition more than an true expression of love and fellowship?

I know some will feel that I have not gone into this deeply enough, others think it silly to even bring it up. These are just some thoughts to ponder. I really would love a female point of view, and may have Sara put something together if she gets a chance. If any of you ladies, or even the guys, have some thoughts, please share. I am rather affectionate, but often shy away as I have been told I am intimidating. So, if you are reading this and would like a hug, just reach out and hug me, I will hug back. If you are the kissy type, you may need to talk to my wife first. Cheek kisses are fine with us. I think Paul probably meant on the cheek anyway, but would admit to being wrong if someone could show me my fault.

Mark

*SEMI-RELATED CONTENT*
I did once get kissed by a man(on the cheek) This wonderfully affectionate brother is a great guy and not scared to show some brotherly love. When we were leaving the state, he ran out the door, grabbed me by the head and kissed my cheek. Quite forcefully! Really, I was not offended, but rather quite impressed at the genuine affection he showed me. In his culture, this is perfectly normal, and I think often Americans tend to be kind of uptight when it comes to affection, but I think we are on the lower end of the affection scale for the most part. Mexicans, Italians, French, and those few folks I know from Uganda are very huggy. Let's get on the ball, people. Paul said kiss 'em, now go kiss 'em(or not).

*NOT SO RELATED CONTENT AHEAD*
At 6'4" and 300#, I really do understand some folks being intimidated, but often feel that us big guys get the short end of the affection stick when it comes to babies. I love babies, playing with and holding babies, making faces for them, and just seeing God's wonderful creation at it's early stages. My wife would tell you that I like babies more than most women, and many mothers. Yet my size I think, may give some people pause in handing over their infants. Just a side note from the big guy.

Forgiveness"" -by Michelle Peterson

This post comes from a lovely young lady that we got to know in Kentucky. She traveled across the US thousands of miles from home to reach out with the Gospel, and even brought her little sister with her. Thank you, Michelle, for allowing me to post this for others to consider.

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” ,” For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matt 6:12,14-15

We are called to forgive, lest we ourselves be not forgiven. But I offer you this thought, is there more that we can do than just forgive our debtors? Can we do more than forgive and seek reconciliation?

I recently sat under some teaching on this very passage. And once again a person whom I thought I had forgiven came strait to mind. And I found that once again I was dealing with a situation that was hurtful and difficult and one that I really wanted to put in the past. But here it was again, and though I do not harbor bitterness or resentment towards this person, I was wronged, and it was up to me to forgive. But why couldn't I just forgive and forget. I cried out to the Lord, and in a gentle way, He showed me something more that I could do.

“Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, 'Lord, do not charge them with this sin.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” Stephen not only forgave those who stoned him, but he being the one that was wronged, ask God to forgive.
I remember also our precious Savior who prayed from the cross “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” He who had done no wrong, prayed that God the Father would forgive those who had done all things wrong.

I had forgiven before now, but I realized that I had never asked that God forgive him. It is a powerful thing when the person that was wronged asks God to forgive those who have done the wrong. And for me, it was something that I needed to do. I want God to hold no debt against him on my account. For in Christ there is not debt held against me.

If our Savior, Jesus Christ prayed for our forgiveness, should we not do the same for those who have wronged us?

Just a few thoughts, from the heart.....
Michelle

Admonish one another- a personal story

We spent this past weekend with brothers and sisters at their homes. The whole weekend, while seeing new homes, farms, and animals, and the beauty of God's creation could be wrapped up in a word as far as I see it. That word is "admonition". Of course, there was much else done and said, but the thing God showed me from this weekend was that admonition has a place and needs to be practiced properly in order to be effective for edification of the body of Christ.

Let's define the term for the sake of understanding. According to the Webster's 1828 Dictionary:
1. To warn or notify of a fault; to reprove with mildness.
2. To counsel against wrong practices; to caution or advise.(referred to in Col. 3)
3. To instruct or direct

Colossians 3 is a passage full of "one anothers" and is a great place to start reading when looking to see how the body of Christ ought to act. I had a great day Saturday visiting with an group of Christians and studying the Word of God together, then met for worship and teaching with a group of believers in a home. After the services ended, I was talking with a dear brother about many subjects, one of which was admonition.

This brother is one that I respect for his life lived for Christ. This man serves and cares for others often, and has a great knowledge of God's Word. I believe it is a logical outcome of living a life of "one anothering" to have brothers and sisters that you respect. We can learn much from each other and from our shared knowledge of God's Word with the Bible as our authority. I was talking to him about "one anothering" and this topic of admonition was brought up. I would find out later why, as this brother had been praying for my family and I.

As we talked further, he seemed hesitant to continue, but finally told me that there was something we needed to talk about. I had no doubt that whatever was on his mind was going to be fruitful, even if unpleasant to hear. This brother went on to admonish me about a certain fault in my life. He was not picking, not seeking to cause disorder, and only had my walk with the Lord and what was best for my family at heart. This is evident not only by knowing his heart, but also by the approach and my brother's hesitation. I encouraged him to say whatever needs to be said, as I know that I am not perfect by any means. I wondered as I look back if I would have received this counsel so well from a brother that was not walking as he should. I will leave that for personal thought, and would welcome input as always.

It is strange to me that I, a pig headed and stubborn man in the flesh, was able to take this admonition as encouragement and teaching. He had seen a fault and lovingly pointed it out. He did not point his finger, he did not speak loudly or even have a hint of pride as he spoke. I heard the love of Christ brought out in this discussion. I believe this is the way we should handle admonition.

My tendency as a large and loud man is to deal with a brother or sister in Christ as I would a small child. This authoritarian role is at times necessary for children, but as children mature they are able to understand more and more. This maturity process does hold many admonitions and corrections along the way. It is not my place to point fingers and intimidate people, but to love them and help them see from God's perspective.

This admonition is not an every day occurrence, but prayerfully considered when folks really need the help. The most important role for me, as I see it, is to be a good role model, to live in a Christ-like manner in all things and share how God is working.

Admonition must be done in love and for the purpose of teaching and encouragement, not to put oneself up to a higher position or exert authority. There are some cases in which we must look to Matthew 18 and such passages, but I think most times we would see it is God's way to gently and lovingly share a suggestion than to formally file a complaint. I wish I could say that I have always done this the right way, and at times I have been put in the role of correction. May we prayerfully seek God as to which role to play as we interact with those around us in our marriages, with our children, and with the family of God.

Mark Cowperthwaite

~MINI CHALLENGE~

Take time today to pray for the leaders in your church. Then, as the Lord leads, write to one or more of them and tell them that their labor for the Lord is appreciated. If you have not thought about the work required to shepherd a flock, pray about it right now and thank God for providing laborers for His work. If you are having problems with your local leaders, please read the blog post here and then pray that God will lead you in how to forgive, how to submit to your elders even when you think they may be wrong. Let God work, don't do things in your own strength. He is able, you are not. Church leaders- you don't get away without a challenge. Pray for a specific family in your local body. Maybe visit,call, or write them a note letting them know that you are praying for them. It is a great example to those in the local body. As I have said before about parenting, "If we don't lead by our own example, surely they will not follow"
Mark Cowperthwaite

The experiment part of this "one anothering"

I am so excited to see all the people following the blog and joining the facebook group. It has been a whole 5 days since this started, and 139 people have joined the Facebook group. I pray that as we work together, we can find a way to implement the teachings of God's Word in this area.

Justin Humes, my best friend and ministry partner, wrote the following:

Submitting to one another (Phil. 2:3-4, & all those one anothers I spoke of in California) has lots of Scripture, but very little practical examples for people to follow. Brainstorm: find another brother/couple or two willing to go in together on taking this challenge - pick 1 or 2 'one-anothers' and commit to whole-heartedly practicing them to the whole body for a month. Hold each other accountable and really go all out, then discuss what the results were at the end.

The challenge is laid out there, and that is the challenge we are looking for folks to join. Key words to note here are "whole-heartedly, committed, and accountable" This simple email between friends has sparked interest from all over. I originally sent emails to one brother and one sister in Christ. The intent is to find ways to reach out within the church body and follow the teachings we all know about yet often disregard. In our experiences, we have seen good examples of some of these traits in every church. Yet none of us have arrived yet, and thus have much more work to do to become who God wants us to be.

I have posted teaching and Scripture to think about. Most of those following have done so for a few days. With that in mind, I have a few questions:

Do you have a "one another" in mind yet?

Have you prayed about how to put these into practice?

If you have picked one, have you started practicing it?

Would you like more teaching on specifics with examples?

If you have picked one, don't forget to write and let me know. This is not meant to be Mark writing and teaching and everyone listening. If you wish to contribute an article,please email it to me at oneanothering@gmail.com. If you simply wish to give comment on a teaching, use the comment section on the blog page.

Facebook users: join the group "One anothering in the body of Christ" and contribute on the message boards, wall posts, etc. Encourage one another by sharing your stories both present and past, along with your plans to reach out in Christians love.

Non-Facebook users: I would encourage you to consider joining Facebook. As with any online community, there are traps of misuse and spending too much time on the computer. Facebook can also be a very useful tool. I keep up with Christians all over the world with Facebook. The group "One anothering in the body of Christ" is a good example, I hope, of how the computer can be used for edification of the church.

I just wanted to check in, so many new people to meet. Will be sharing more later. Thanks for taking part.

Mark

Some helpful teaching from J.B.Nicholson

I wanted to share this link from the Southeast Workers Conference this past March. Jabe goes into much detail trying to see how the early church worked, and the Biblical example of discipleship that led them, as our brother would say "to take people from raw pagans to functioning elders in the local church in 3 years" Are we so active in discipleship and personal growth so as to bring people along to serve the Lord in this way?

I would encourage you to listen to all the teachings from this conference, first by Jabe Nicholson, and the others are great too. Jabe's teachings and example in his life have been part of how I got started on this journey of "one anothering" along with my friend Justin's constant prodding. Justin and I work well together, and I love sitting around with him searching the Bible and talking about how to put it into practice. We all should have accountability partners with such desire for the Lord.

You can listen to the audio here

I hope this resource is of help and encouragement. If anyone has more links or teaching to consider, I would love to check it out. This is a group effort, all of us working and the Holy Spirit giving us the discernment, strength, and love for one another to properly fulfill our duties in the body of Christ.

Mark

Not judging one another

You hear it every day from those in the world, "judge not, lest ye be judged" This strikes me funny that folks who never utter a word of Elizabethan era English would say it that way. So what does this verse mean, and why should we not judge one another? What is the difference between teaching and admonishing, as opposed to judging?

I have heard many answers on this subject and will try to avoid making judgment but rather let Scripture speak for itself, truly let God speak by His Word. Romans 14 is pregnant with doctrine and demonstration, and is often picked apart with self-justifying motives. I speak as one who has, in the past, not seen the truth of God's Word, but rather taken what verses fit with my own perceptions and tried to make it say things that it does not. Proof texting is not true to God's Word, and has been the beginning of cults, separatists, and divisions on many subjects. Read Titus 3 to see how Paul felt about those who divide the body, and how Christ feels about His church being divided over frivolity.

Let's look at the passage in question:
Rom 14:10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
Rom 14:11 for it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."
Rom 14:12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
Rom 14:13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.

I see sometimes how men(myself included at times) have left a meeting around the table remembering the Lord and are so preoccupied with what someone said that we don't think they mean. We are there to honor the Lord Jesus, not pick each other apart. How are we to know the hearts of others? Though past behavior is a good indicator of future behavior, I know God changes me daily. If this is true, then we should not take the worshipful words lifted up towards our Savior as material for personal assault. This is just one example of judging.

Discernment, I believe, is the other end of this. Should a brother, known for a sinful lifestyle, be set in a position of authority or recognized service such as an elder? No, of course not. 1 Tim. 3 tells us that elders are to be exemplary, men of great character that have lived out their lives in such a way that we can see God's power and love in them. To discern, one must be in touch with the Spirit of God. I cannot put words behind it exactly, but sometimes I just know when someone is out of fellowship. God seems to give us clues to know who is really sold out for Him and who is not. Either way, we are not to follow men. They are just examples and shepherds for our little local flocks.

In an effort to understand the situation more, I pray you will continue to study this out. Pray about your attitude, motivations, and why we are so quick to render judgment when it is obviously God's place and not our own. If someone offends us, we are to forgive. If we have a problem with the elders, we are to submit. This defies human reasoning, but leaving it up to the Lord to work in hearts will be much more effective than "praying against" someone, or revolting. Gossip, bitterness, and division are the fruit that follow those who love to sit in the place of judgment. Read Psalm 1 and see how it applies to this issue.

I pray that this has been helpful to all. I welcome input and criticism if I approach something the wrong way. Be prepared, in that case, to point to Scripture and not man's arguments. We ought to use God's Word as our only authority, and I welcome discerning persons to help me when I am wrong. May the Lord richly bless as you continue to submit to Him in all things.

Mark

Forgiving one another

This is another difficult one. Well, I guess in the flesh all spiritual attributes seem impossible, really. What does the Bible say about forgiveness? How do we go from "getting on with our lives" to true and genuine repentance?

Genesis 50 gives a portrait of how genuine hurt and wrongdoing affects us. Joseph had every "right" to take this opportunity when his brothers were hungry and destitute to take advantage of them. Humanly speaking, Joseph should have tortured them, made them stay in bondage in prison as he had to because of them. Yet, that is not the picture we see.

We are given this true story to show us how God works in His economy. His ways are higher than our ways, and not so high as to not be understood, but only truly grasped by those who are willing to obey Him no matter what. The way God was leading Joseph to deal with this wrong is not the human way. It is not how I would normally deal with being wronged. Certainly, in today's society at large, especially here in America, we would sue, malign, and call the press in such a case. But, is that the course of action prescribed in holy writ? NO!

As I continue to learn, I see again and again that I have not learned so much by intellectual learning, but by study, prayer, and putting into practice those things that I have seen borne out by God's Word. If you have E-sword, just search the Bible for the word "forgiveness" and see what comes up. Read all the verses, then select a few passages and read the context. When we study this way, we see the complete lessons, not just bits and pieces.

I am reading "Living by the Book" by Howard Hendricks. I suggest it for everyone who truly wants to learn not just what the Bible says, but to find the methods that flesh out the truth as God intended, then use these truths to shape our lives. I have attached at bottom a list of references to look at for those without study helps. Read God's Word, see what it says and then apply it. That is the basic method. The book by "prof" Hendricks is amazing and simple enough that even a child could read it and understand (thus my fascination).

Pray about who you may be harboring bitterness against, seek God out, and dedicate time to pray for the ability to forgive. As we do this together, we will see more and more of the fruit of the Spirit borne in our lives. Grace and peace to you all though Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3:13, Matt 18:35, Mark 11:25,26, Luke 6:37, Luke 23:34, 1 John 1(chapter) please read all these in context. Just a summary, lots more could be brought out. Enjoy!
Mark

Tackling one of the "not one anothers"

Gal 5:13 For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only use not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another.
Gal 5:14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
Gal 5:15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Gal 5:16 But I say, walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Gal 5:17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.

There is so much to be said from this passage when we see the context of it. I am going to stick to verse 15 for now. This is the negative side of "one anothering" and I hate to have to admit that at times I have been guilty of talking badly, jesting coarsely, and spending my time tearing down instead of edifying my brothers and sisters in Christ. Often I have what I feel to be a valid complaint. Not always has someone wronged me, per se, but that I see the body is suffering in consequence of someone's actions indirectly. Of course, logically this would be best remedied by complaining, railing, and gossip, right? WRONG!

Q: So, is it my place to complain and talk badly about my fellow laborers in Christ?
A: Eph 4:32 and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you.

Q: Is it acceptable before the Lord to have an attitude in my prayer of pride and spite?
A: Mat 6:14 "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Mat 6:15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. "
Luk 18:10 -14(speaking of the publican and the Pharisee)"for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted."

Q: What would be an acceptable time to "air out" our differences, and what could be roadblocks to finding solutions?
A: Read Matthew 18:12-20 and see what Jesus said about the situation. There are other passages, look around and see the Bible is rich in examples, teaching, and daily life experiences of many who came before us and did things God's way.

We ought always to find these answers in God's Word, our final authority on all things. When we have troubles, we will find our answers when we submit ourselves to God, coming fervently and humbly in prayer. We must pour out all that is self and simply submit to all the Lord has for us, all that He has commanded us to do.

Some may feel that I have left this incomplete, and I have for this reason. The best way to learn is not to ask someone for the answer, but rather seeking the answers from God's Word. Studying to show ourselves approved unto God is a privilege that we have as believers, at least in my country, have taken for granted far too long. Too often we think it is the job of the pastor or teacher to instruct us in all things, yet God desires us to be committed to His Word not just on Sundays or mid week services, but all days. Let's work together to not just practice one anothering, but to truly seek God each day. If we take the time to pray about our struggles and listen to God's Spirit leading and His Word, we will find we have much less trouble with how to handle things.

I pray this has been a help. I am recruiting a few close brothers and sisters to collaborate on this. All material submitted will be checked carefully with Scripture. Please let me know if something slips by me that is not scripturally accurate. I consider it joy to be able to help in practicing these "one anothers" and look forward to insight from many others. Let God be our guide through His Word, have a great day, and go "one another" someone.

Verse texts posted

At the bottom of this blog page, you will find all the verses that talk about the "one anothers" even those that tell us what not to "one another". I hope it will be useful to you and would encourage anyone interested in a free, wonderful resource that has challenged me more and more to study God's Word, go to E-Sword and download this free software. Many Bible versions, commentaries, and dictionaries are available. It is a great resource and makes many aspects of Bible study that until recently required great volumes of books much easier, giving you a computerized, searchable, and comprehensive study tool.

A little flesh on the bones

What does it mean to love one another? Jesus says we ought to love one another. Paul tells many churches in the New Testament to love each other. I got to thinking about this and wondered what it would look like if we didn't just like each other in the body of Christ, but really loved each other.

Love like the Lord loves is sacrificial, selfless, and esteems others higher than ourselves. Do we really love each other as Christians? Do we sometimes put on a good face for church and then talk badly about each other when we get home? I know I have been guilty of this, and have had to come before God in repentance.

Jesus humbled Himself, took on a fleshly body, and walked in the ways we are told to walk. He didn't just say it, but He did it. Jesus denied His power and ability to protect Himself so that we would not be held accountable for our sin by trusting in His work on the cross to save us from a debt we could not pay ourselves.

Paul sat in prison and witnessed of the love of Jesus Christ that overtook him on the road. He was blinded and Jesus told Paul what was expected of Him. He was called to give up his own life and wholeheartedly commit to what the Lord told him to do. Paul was a great example of how to love one another, and Paul regularly shows us different ways to love as Christ loved the church, sacrificing Himself for her, His bride.

In the following days, we will continue to flesh out what it looks like to love one another, serve one another, exhort, pray for, and prefer one another. I will be including letters, as I get them, from believers taking part in this challenge to live each day with eternity in mind. You will read testimonies of believers all over that have prayerfully considered how best to serve the Lord through serving their brothers and sisters.

I pray that you have a great day, but even more, that you take time today to see what God wants from you and live that out in whatever way He burdens your heart to do.

Mark

Let the experiment begin!

At the end of this post is the list of "one anothers". I encourage you to read over these passages for the next few days. Pray specifically which "one anothers" you are doing already and either expand on that, or add another one. Consider reaching out not just to those closest to you, but those who you may not know well. In a larger body this would be easier, but even in many small churches we organize ourselves into little cliques. I don't believe, if we honestly think about it, that the Lord would be pleased to know that we fellowship only with those that are our same age, same interests, but rather that His body, His church would be united around the head, Jesus Christ.

The challenge- Each week, select a family in the local body to pray for. In the instance of hospitality, I would use this example taken from a letter I wrote to a friend regarding hospitality:

"Friday evening, invite a family(or2) that you have prayed about throughout the week either to your home or to stay after on Sunday at the church(if there are facilities)to have a meal that you will prepare for them. If they choose to bring something fine, but be prepared to do all the work. Do this for the next 8 weeks. The purpose is to get to know them, encourage them, and to show the love of Christ for these other members of His body, your family in Him.

We have seen this work wonders in our own personal experiences. We have seen people come to trust us more, be more invested in each other's lives, and reach out with the Gospel, too. We have intentionally made the discussion not just small talk, but trying to get to know each other, help meet needs, and let people know that we love them as family, and not just as people we see on Sundays and Wednesdays.

We love you and miss you all. This is a way we feel that we can continue to help the body there your local church even from afar. We look forward to hearing how God works, remember more than anything that you are God's ambassador, speaking and showing His love for His people in the same we He loves you"

Another recent challenge to a brother reads like this:

 "My brother, you are an encourager. I know this firsthand as you have shown me Scripture from the Lord, prayerfully considering a passage and then applying it to my situation and my life to remind me of our Savior. This helped bring me closer to the Lord. I believe this is something we should all try to do. But I am taking it a step further. I would like your permission to share results with others to encourage them also. I will be doing this type of thing with believers all over the country and some other parts of the world where I know folks personally.

 The challenge- in your daily prayer time, ask the Lord to lay on your heart 1 person that you don't normally talk to regularly. Pray for this person and consider what passage God would have you share with this brother or sister. Then, call them or write them just to share that message. Do this once a week for the next 8 weeks and let me know the results."

The "one another" passages are below. Some seem repetitive, but I would think that they are more emphatic and important if they are repeated so often. Love one another is often the sentiment, brought out in many different venues. Love like that our beloved Jesus has for His church, sacrificial love that points not to ourselves but to our Savior. I do not make any assumption that anyone is doing none of these, nor that this is an original idea. Rather, it is my prayer that we seek to please the Lord in all things, to bear one another's burdens.

When we live like this, sharing the Gospel is more genuine. When we think of all God has saved us from, the gratitude of our hearts should spur us to tell others of the consequence of sin and what a great price Jesus paid to reconcile us to God. If we do not love each other, and are constantly berating other believers, how can we expect the Lord to bless our seed sowing. Be not deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. If we sow discord and selfishness, we will not reap the bountiful blessing of sweet fellowship around the Lord Jesus.

So, will you take the challenge? If so, please write and let me know. I will be keeping track and would like permission to share results with others. I would keep names out of it for privacy sake, but just want to see what can happen when we act like we are commanded to act. This is not just a command, but a privilege.

There is much more to this, and it goes outside the walls of the church, reaching out with the Gospel. I pray that you will take this challenge seriously, bathe it in prayer, and step out to see what God can do when His people obey Him in all things.

(Mark 9:50)(John 13:14) (John 13:34)(John 13:35) (John 15:12) (John 15:17) (Rom 12:5) (Rom 12:10) (Rom 12:16) (Rom 13:8) (Rom 14:13) (Rom 14:19) (Rom 15:5) (Rom 15:7) (Rom 16:16)(1Co 11:33) (1Co 12:25) (1Co 16:20) (2Co 13:12) (Gal 5:13) (Gal 5:15) (Gal 5:26) (Gal 6:2)(Eph 4:2) (Eph 4:25) (Eph 4:32)(Eph 5:21) (Col 3:9)(Col 3:13) (Col 3:16) (1Th 3:12) (1Th 4:9) (1Th 4:18) (1Th 5:11) (Tit 3:3) (Heb 3:13) (Heb 10:24) (Jas 4:11) (Jas 5:9) (Jas 5:16) (1Pe 1:22) (1Pe 3:8) (1Pe 4:9) (1Pe 4:10)(1Pe 5:5) (1Pe 5:14) (1Jn 1:7) (1Jn 3:11) (1Jn 3:23) (1Jn 4:7) (1Jn 4:11) (2Jn 1:5)

Mark and Sara Cowperthwaite
oneanothering@gmail.com