Fellowship

Fellowship is a great word, and one that seems to be fading in its use these days. Oh, I'm not so concerned about a word falling out of favor. However, I am most concerned that we apprentices of Jesus Christ seem to be allowing the concept to fade. Practical applications of fellowship are many. “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal 6:2) pretty much covers my understanding of genuine Christian fellowship.

Also this: "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul...And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved." (Acts 2:42-47)

Such fellowship should characterize churches this side of the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. True fellowship is made possible as the Holy Spirit fills and draws and unites believers into God-given, God-blessed fellowship. Genuine fellowship is absolutely possible across denominational boundaries. Indeed, there are times when I’ve experienced that sort of fellowship that are particularly sweet to me. Mission trips to Russia & Poland, for example, with folks from multiple denominations all seeking to make Christian inroads into college campus cultures. United by the essentials—the non-negotiables—of the Christian faith, basically focusing on the person & work of Christ.

Or this past Sunday morning at Trinity United Methodist Church in Prattville, AL. A delightful group of people who minister with—and to—my brother and his family. Who think highly of Jim, as they should. And some of whom perhaps think too highly of his brother. *smile* They are well-led by their pastor, Steve, MacInnis. You know how, on occasion, you meet someone and instantly feel like you’ve known them all your life? That’s Steve to me. In fact, it seems that in addition to shared faith & love of our Savior and His church, we also share a love of a well-played rock guitar groove.

We were hugged, encouraged, and loved on mightily Sunday. I had the chance to preach to all three of their worship services, and the Lord showed up. He ministered to me through His Word; apparently, He also ministered to others as well. To my new buddies at Trinity, we had a blast! Thanks for enveloping us into your fellowship and loving us like your own. Thanks also to so many of you who have faithfully prayed for us through this bend in the road. Your prayers are making a huge difference in our lives. In fact, if the Lord spoke to you through my message Sunday morning, consider that the Lord blessing your prayers and ministering to you through them.

(Me? I spoke on that passage right there *points to left side of screen* But despite the quality of preaching, the Lord visited with us; apparently, He still occasionally speaks through donkeys...*smile* Thanks for your prayers for the services!)

Speaking of prayers, at the end of the middle service Sunday, Steve closed out the service by calling my family forward to join me at the altar, and then calling the church to gather around us, lay hands on us, and join him in praying for us--for healing, for comfort, etc. And let me tell you…he prayed down fire on us! (not literally, but pretty dadburn near…) Of so many high points on my spiritual journey recently, surely Steve’s prayer over me ranks right up there. And feeling the press of so many dear saints gathered around us simply added to the holiness and sacredness and, well, awesomeness of the moment. (I use “awesome” here in the truest sense of the word: to be struck with awe…what “awesome” meant before we applied it to pizza.)

The worship at the three services was great. Different vibe in all three, but yet, the same Spirit’s presence in each. Some of my favorite songs of worship: “Victory in Jesus”…“Days of Elijah”…“Did You Feel the Mountains Tremble?”…”Praise Adonai”…“At the Cross” (done in a New Orleans-ish groove that was quite good). I've watched my brother do his music thing for many years now, but I do believe that's the first time I've seen his remarkable music skills used in a praise band setting. Good stuff! (Actually, folks who knew us both 30+ years ago would likely be amazed to see Jim helping lead worship, and me preaching...God's grace truly is amazing! {note: I'm not about to confess our sins here; this post is already long, plus the Lord has promised to "remember them no more"...})

Then, lunch w/ Jim & his fam, plus our Mom & one of her friends (she “happened to be in the area” when her baby boy was preaching…*smile*), plus several of Jim’s friends & fams. Then, of course, the obligatory monster power nap followed by yanking the younger generation around on the tube behind Jim’s boat on Lake Jordan. (Sadly, I'm not part of "the younger generation" any more; when did that happen??)

All in all, a great, relaxing, blessed weekend of connecting & of recharging the batteries. There was even a AA baseball game Friday night to watch the Montgomery Biscuits (great name there!) play the Mississippi Braves.

Thanks for your prayers for last Sunday! I’ll leave you with some lyrics from the day.

Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?
Written by Martin Smith ©1995 Curious? Music UK

Did you feel the mountains tremble?
Did you hear the oceans roar?
When the people rose to sing of
Jesus Christ the risen one

Did you feel the people tremble?
Did you hear the singers roar?
When the lost began to sing of
Jesus Christ the risen one

And we can see that God you're moving
A mighty river through the nations
And young and old will turn to Jesus
Fling wide your heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord

Open up the doors and let the music play
Let the streets resound with singing
Songs that bring your hope
Songs that bring your joy
Dancers who dance upon injustice

Did you feel the darkness tremble?
When all the saints join in one song
And all the streams flow as one river
To wash away our brokeness

And here we see that God you're moving
A time of Jubilee is coming
When young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide your heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord
(lyrics end)

James & I head out tomorrow for Houston. Tests Thursday, the major appt. w/ Dr. Homsi Friday. With some Tex-Mex & angus burgers thrown in for good measure...*grin*

Thanks for continuing to hold us up before the throne during this bend in the road!
With much love and great hope,
Mike