Fellowship

"One of the things I always pray for is the opportunity, God willing, to come at last to see you. For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord. When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours." Romans 1:10-12

"The Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy was, to say the least, wildly popular. In the story line, an unlikely group was formed called, "The Fellowship of the Ring." It included a dwarf, an elf, two men, a wizard and four hobbits. One of the great appeals of the movies for me was the undying bond of friendship between these characters. They found in each other the strength, the courage, the will, and the perseverance to complete the mission.

In his letter to this church, Paul speaks of a longing in his heart to be able to visit his fellow Jesus followers in Rome. Why? In a word ... fellowship. He wanted to help them. He wanted to both give and receive encouragement. Fellowship was so important to Paul that he prayed non-stop for the opportunity to enter into it with them.

Our culture provides false substitutes for fellowship. These substitutes claim to be the same thing, but they are void of the Holy Spirit - the Divine Connector. If we are claiming to be a Jesus follower today and yet have no points of fellowship in our lives, we are living life far beneath God's best. The great adventure with God is meant to be experienced with others.

Grace and Peace,

Tom
Location: 1102 W 700 S, Pendleton, IN 46064, USA

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