What commands does God ask of the church (use scripture references)?
Matthew 18:15-17 – Discipline
Matthew 22:36-40; John 13:34; 15:12 – Love God and love your neighbor.
Matthew 28:16-20 – Make disciples.
Acts 2:42-47 – Devotion to the Apostol’s teaching, fellowship, prayer, praise, and unity.
Acts 4:23-31 – Prayer and evangelism.
Acts 4:32-37 – Generosity and unity.
1 Corinthians 14:12; 26 – Build up the church.
Galatians 6:2 – Support each other.
Ephesians 4:17-32 – Righteous living.
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Encourage one another, fellowship.
James 1:22-25 – Be doers of the word.
James 1:26-27 – Visit orphans and widows and remain unstained from the world.
What expectation do you have of the church that God has not commanded?
I think we all have some unbiblical expectations. “The service was a little long,” or “I don’t care for that one song.” While I personally strive not to hold the church to unbiblical expectations, I cannot say that these thoughts don’t still enter my head from time to time.
Stop and think; Who were you loyal to this week? Was the church you “gang”?
A couple of years ago, I began gathering some men for breakfast on Saturday mornings. I must have invited 30-40 guys initially and probably another dozen or so since. I also know that some of the guys have also invited others. Most either never came or only came once or twice. Three or four of us are fairly consistent, and then there are another three or four that show up periodically. On average, I would say that we have anywhere from 3-5 guys that show up each week. Now and then, like this last Saturday, there are only two of us. And I am only aware of one Saturday since this group began in which only one guy showed up and ate by himself. I can probably count on one hand the number of Saturdays I have missed since we started.
The intent behind these Breakfast meetings has always been discipleship and fellowship. I’ve always strived to remain loyal to this group, and for the most part, I believe I have.
Additionally, this past Sunday, I began meeting with a man from Gateway that reached out to me for accountability. He is struggling with a particular sin, striving to keep his family together, and wanting a closer relationship with Christ. We plan to meet every other week going forward, and I am looking forward to a long and fruitful relationship.
I would say that the church has been my “gang” this week in light of these things.
How does true fellowship advance the gospel of God to a lost world?
I think I need not look farther than my last response to answer this question. The man I mentioned that I began meeting with is one of the men that have attended breakfast periodically. When this man reached out, I was taken entirely by surprise. He has always been a bit on the quiet side, and when he reached out last week, it was completely unexpected. This is a testimony for true fellowship and how it can advance the gospel to a lost world.
When we actively pursue true fellowship, we can impact those around us, even when we don’t realize it. You never know who is on the outside looking in, and you never know who may be on the inside longing for more. When the rest of the world sees us living in true fellowship with one another, and in true fellowship with Christ, it can stir in them questions and desires to experience the same.