Doing Life Together

The first revelation that Saul who became Paul, had, was of the church. Jesus revealed to him the indivisibility between Himself and the church (Acts 9:4) Jesus gave Himself for her. He is returning for her. The redeemed of the Lord are to "receive one another because Christ received us" (Rom.15:7) Believers are exhorted to "bear with one another...forgive one another... put on love...let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which you were called in one body..." (Col.3:13-15)


Having fellowship with one another is more than finding agreement or even displaying our human preferences. The body of Christ is every member submitting to the Head and thereby being motivated and empowered to submit to its many parts. Personal preferences are trumped by honour of one another as sons and daughters and as brothers and sisters in Christ. We often say that 'blood is thicker than water'. In the body of Christ, His blood has bought reconciliation and wholeness. All that remains is for believers to receive it and to walk in it. Fellowship like community cannot be created. It can only be entered into. Like falling into love, believers are made to 'fall into fellowship'. When believers fellowship there will be expression for mutual growth, the basis of which is total forgiveness of sins.


Healthy (spiritually healthy) groups will have as their foundation the truth of total forgiveness. This is the only basis upon which we can do life together so that we all grow in Christ. Interestingly one of the core elements of Wesley's classes (small groups) was that its members knew 'forgiveness of sins'. From that foundation its members were able 'to speak in order, freely and plainly, the true state of our souls...' Jesus had the twelve with Him during the course of His ministry on earth. Because He is the essence of community (Father, Son and Holy Spirit), He initiated community with the twelve. Growth is never to be done alone. It is designed to happen in the context of community. Doing life together is the way we best grow in spite of individual tendencies. Healings, restorations and reconciliations are maximised in a relational context.


Fellowship happens well when it is received rather than when it is contrived or enforced. Like receiving salvation, it cannot be earned. When two or more believers meet in His name, fellowship is already established. It just needs to be realised. It is realised when we show humility toward one another and are at least courteous toward one another. We can be respectful of one another even if we don't agree with one another. The basis of health is not what I think or want but is the worth that we place upon the value of a person. This surely trumps all our so called differences!












This blog is based upon a message by Ross Smith, entitled "Doing Life Together" at The Vine church, Springwood, Logan City, Queensland, Australia, on 14th June 2015. The full message can be accessed by podcast from www.thevine.org.au/teaching