APR 23

Hebrews 10:23-25
Memorise Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, 12
“Two are better than one…”

When an item is precious and important to us, we hold on to it tightly and always keep it in our sight. If you have professed, that is, declared faith in Christ, hold on to it with a firm and determined grip and keep holding on to it strongly. Living a life of faith is not easy - it requires perseverance, not just now, but until the end of your life. Many saw the miracles of Christ and professed faith but only for a short time, and then fell away. This is why fellowship is so important. There is strength in numbers. When Christians gather together there can be encouragement, correction, help and, last but not least, friendship. As we consider one another, we will spur and prod each other to love and bear fruit – good works. Fellowship is to be taken seriously because through it believers can mutually strengthen one another in the faith. Sadly, many, even during Paul’s time, have abandoned fellowship to their own peril and detriment. They are the opposite of those who have held on to their faith to the end. The need for fellowship is all the more important as the day of Christ’s return approaches. As the need to stand fast increases, the pull and lure of sin to give in will also be all the stronger.

It is easy to have interest and be committed to something for a while. Consider the many hobbies, toys or pets that you once found interesting, but not any more. Your faith cannot be like this. If you stand alone, it is all too easy to allow sin to creep in and have a foothold in your life, such that you succumb to the temptations of the Devil and live a life that is no different from an unbeliever. You lose heart when disappointments and trials come your way and begin to doubt God and stop trusting Him. You grow to have more in common with unbelievers and you draw further and further away from living a Christian life. It happens all the time. So many friends who were once active and zealous for the LORD are now living disobedient worldly lives. We must place fellowship as a priority in our life. Recognise that is an essential and basic part of maintaining a reformed life. Good and sound Christian fellowship will challenge us to put away sin, overcome discouragement, grow in our knowledge of God and give us precious friendships that can encourage us in our Christian walk.

Thought: What are your obstacles to fellowship? Are you a good Christian friend, or no better than an unbelieving friend? 
Prayer: LORD, may I love fellowship with Your people and may I be a spiritual friend.