Godly Relationship Part 3: Power of Kingdom Fellowship
Most Holy Father, we come again to you this morning in the precious Name of Jesus Christ. We thank You for our lives, for your protection, provisions and guidance. This year of 2020 has been a strange one, a year that has shaken the foundation of the world. Many things that we put our trust and hopes in have been shaken and uprooted. We have learned again “ that man must not live by bread alone, but man lives by every Word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.”
Righteous Father, You made an everlasting declaration: “ I am God, and there is no other: I am God, there is none like Me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘ My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.”
We praise You today for Your precious promises through Christ. That we shall feast on the abundance of Your House, You give us drink from Your River of delights. For with You is an overflowing fountain of life. It is through Your great Light that we truly see light!!!
We pray that You will open the eyes of our understanding today as we pen this awesome concept called Fellowship. Grant us divine wisdom and direct our thoughts. Take away ideas that are superfluous and may Your glorious thoughts and eternal plans and purposes be revealed in Jesus might Name. Amen.
The Revelation is for an appointed time: Wait for it!
In the Book of Proverbs 29:18, the Word of God says, “ where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
It was in May, 2017 that the Lord spoke to me in a dream of the night about the critical importance of Fellowship in the Kingdom of God. He emphasized the strong connection between fellowship and spiritual fruitfulness.
With all the shakings and devastations of the year 2020, the Lord reminded me again of this important principle. I have gone through my diary, and different writings on fellowship in the Christian life. This concept is so vital that more time is needed to unearth the amazing treasures in this eternal principle!!!
Word Search
Strong’s Concordance shows some Greek terminologies:
- Koinonia (2842) “ communion, sharing in common, outcome of fellowship such as contribution.”
- Metoche (3352) “ partnership”
- Koinonos (2844) “ a partaker” or “ partner “
Merriam Webster dictionary gives some insights:
- Companionship, company
- Community of interest, activity, feeling or experience
- Company of equals or friends: association
- Quality of being comradely
- Partnership
The Lord asked a most profound question:
“ Can two Walk together unless they are agreed?” [ emphasis mine ]
Amos 3:3.
In a Vision of the night several years ago, the Angel of His presence lamented:
“ The men have Failed Me. I will raise up women…….and you too.”
Kingdom Fellowship: Communion
A glance through Merriam-Webster dictionary teaches us that ‘Communion’ is not just the act of receiving ‘ Bread and Wine ‘ at church gathering. It is much more than mere human rituals.
Communion defines intimate fellowship or rapport between persons. It describes a friendly and harmonious relationship. A relationship that is known for mutual understanding, agreement and empathy that makes communication easy.
It connotes a deep level of relationship where the hearts are yoked with each other and the different persons see eye to eye. And Face to Face. It is the deepest spiritual connection where there is transparency and openness and mutual care and togetherness in all things. In fact, true Communion originated from God, the Father. The triune God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are in constant Communion. The natural Adam was in communion with God through His Spirit at the Garden of Eden until the Fall of man.
Then God said, “ Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish…..” Gen.1:26.
And the Lord God said, “ It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” Gen. 2:18.
“ out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name.” Hallelujah!!!
Gen. 2:19.
God communed with Adam, through His Spirit, to grant him divine wisdom. God shared His authority with Adam!!! Whatever Adam called the other created things was sustained by the Almighty God. The Lord poured into Adam who released what he received from God. Adam operated under the authority of ‘one with God’ in the discharge of his kingdom responsibility in the likeness of Christ.
The Lord God was in communion with Adam in the Garden of Eden.
“ And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God…….” Gen. 3: 8.
Sin brought Loss of Fellowship between God and man
The Triune God has existed in a most profound and mysterious fellowship before the creation of man. Due to His great Love and according to the counsel of His Sovereign Will, the Lord God created the Earth for man to enjoy dominion authority but not independent of His Maker.
Before the privilege of delegated authority over the earth, a relationship defined by a sweet communion that is in accord with the principles of the pre-existent God was paramount. The Enemy of God and the father of lies and deception quickly moved in and struck the ‘apples’ of God’s eyes. The decisive blow ushered in a corrupted and perverted heart. Man’s psyche and mind was badly damaged with regards to his ability to trust and submit to the ways of God. Holiness to the Lord was lost and man has gone rogue. Life on earth has become a hit and miss; a counterfeit of the original design and a woeful experiment!!!
“ So the Lord said to Cain, ‘ Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen”? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” Gen. 4:6-7.
But the Lord God’s attempt to communicate sound reasoning and prudence to Cain was not easily received. Cain’s heart was so perverted with jealousy and evil thoughts that he threw all caution to the wind and shed innocent blood. Cain murdered Abel in cold blood!!!
“ Then the Lord said to Cain, “ Where is Abel your brother? He said, “ I do not know. Am I my brother’s Keeper?” Gen. 4:9.
And ever since the Spirit of God left man, communication between God and man has been a stiff struggle. Man is at odd with His Maker and lover of His soul. Satan has turned the Pinnacle of God’s creation, mankind, against the Lord and His holy ways. Man has lost fellowship with God and with one another. We refuse to take responsibility for the welfare of one another. Our ambition has been to gain ascendancy and dominion over one another. We refuse to share our resources or respect the personal authority of others. But there is hope. Hallelujah!!!
The Lord God quickly set in motion His beautiful plan of Redemption, Reconciliation and Restoration of Fellowship, through the works of Salvation by Christ Jesus, and the advent of the Holy Ghost.
“ God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” 1 Corinth. 1:9.
“ That which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” 1 John 1:3-4.
A preview of God’s plan to redeem this critical concept of Communion with man was revealed to the patriarch, Jacob.
“ Then he (Jacob) dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: I am…Gen. 28:12.
Jesus Christ affirmed this eternal plan of the Father for mankind through His work.
“ And He (Jesus Christ) said to him (Nathanael), Most assuredly I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:51.
God is faithful to the promises He made regarding re-establishing Communion (open heaven) with man.
“ Then I will give one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and take the stony heart out of their flesh, and give them a heart of flesh, that they may walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them……” Ezekiel 11:19-20.
“ But to you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.” Malachi 4:2.
“ Then the Lord answered me and said: write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it…….” Habakkuk 2:2.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3.
Jesus Christ made a declaration on the concept of communion with God:
“ And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:45-46.
Paul prayed for the power of communion among the believers:
“ That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; the eyes of your understanding being enlightened that you may know what is the hope of His calling….” Ephesians 1:17-18.
Jesus Christ, through the message of the Cross, has granted mankind the opportunity to receive His grace by Faith and enjoy an unlimited Access and Communication with God.
I have discovered wonderful treasures on the grace of our unlimited welcome into the presence of God by Faith in Jesus Christ. Our vertical relationship with God has been restored through the Covenant of grace. Children of God are no longer defeated, condemned foes with guilt-ridden conscience but have received forgiveness and freedom of victory through Jesus Christ. Hallelujah!!!
God found fault with the First Covenant which was based on human effort to keep the holy Laws of God. He established the Second Covenant based on His grace towards mankind.
“ For if the first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.” Heb. 8:7.
“ But now He (Jesus Christ) has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” Heb. 8:6.
“ But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name…” John 1:12.
“ For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear (of wrath due to guilt and condemnation), but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba, Father.” Romans 8:15.
“ Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holies by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, and having a High Priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart……” Heb. 10:19-22.
“ For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb. 4:15-16.
Through the blood of His Cross, Jesus Christ has brokered peace with God. We can enjoy personal relationship with the Father, demonstrated in an intimate mutual communion with His Spirit.
“ To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ….” Ephes. 3: 8-9.
God wants to commune (pour) His love into your heart through His Spirit as you spend time with Him in His Word and prayer.
“ Now hope does not disappoint because the Love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:5
God communicates His love for us through His word and understanding that comes through the presence of His Indwelling Spirit.
“ But as it is written, ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love.’
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinth. 2:9-10.
The most profound and deep thing of God, ushered into my heart by the enlightening and communion of the Spirit, and according to the Scripture, is His Unconditional Love for me.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called Children of God…..” 1 John 3:1
This manner of love is the same quality of love that exist between the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Unbelievable but eternally true!!!
“I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:23.
Through this concept of Communion, God has ‘shared in common’ His divine nature with man. Holiness and maturation into the image of Christ is now possible!!!
“As His divine power has given tom us all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises that through these you may be partakers (be in communion) of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:3-4.
“But we all with unveiled face beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.” 2 Corinth. 3:18.
No relationship will grow in depth and scope without the power of effective communication. One of the foundational ingredients for intimate relationship is communication; that has clarity, transparency, openness and, even, vulnerability.
God has revealed Himself through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord:
“ And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17.
“God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…….” Heb. 1:1-3.
“While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” Matt. 17:5.
To know God, the Father, you must come to His Son, Jesus Christ, and listen to Him:
“Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you, I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works…” John 14:9-10.
God communicates His heart, thoughts, and purposes with us in various ways:
- His Word in the Scriptures: Psalms 145:8-9; 119:105, Hosea 4:6.
- Witness of the Spirit: Heb. 5:13-14; 1 Corinth. 2:14-16.
- Spiritual Experiences: Exodus: 34:5-8; Job 42:5
- Audible Voices: Numbers 12:8
- Dreams and Visions: Numbers 12:6; Job 33:14-18; Joel 2:28
- Life Experiences through wise counsels: 1 Samuel 25:32-35.
- Full revelation of God in Christ: John 1:18; 8:12; 14:6.
Communion, as the first aspect of Fellowship, is so critical that the all-wise God will find a way to commune with His redeemed and born- again children.
“God who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things….” Heb. 1:1.
In His great love, our heavenly Father lavished us with abundant grace through Jesus Christ. Our unlimited entrance into the throne room for mercies and grace is through the Sun of Righteousness. Submit to Jesus Christ and listen to Him!!!
“I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5.
“If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.” John 15:7.
“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” John 15:8.
God has made abundant provisions for man to prosper, through our Reunion to the Son of the living God, Jesus Christ. Man can reach God’s great expectations. Hallelujah!!!
“For all the peoples (now) walk, each in the name of his god (in a transient relationship); as for us, we shall walk (securely) in the name of the Lord our (true) God forever and ever.” Micah 4:5.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you
Except to be just, and to love (and diligently practice) kindness (compassion),
And to walk humbly with your God (setting aside any overblown sense of importance or self-righteousness)? Micah 6:8.
“The voice of the Lord shall call to the city (of Jerusalem)-
And it is sound wisdom to heed (solemnly) and fear Your name (with awe-filled reverence)…..” Micah 6:9.
To abide in Christ and His Word; to remain in holy communion with Jesus is a struggle for the children of God until they receive a revelation of His Majesty!!!
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.” Proverbs 29:18.
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth, for He will not speak on His own authority but whatever He hears He will speak…” John 16:13.
“He will glorify Me, for He will take of what is Mine and declare it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore, I said that He will take of Mine and declare it to you.” John 15:14-15.
Let us examine historic Biblical figures, who encountered Jesus Christ in different ways, and received supernatural revelations that transformed them into a deeper communion with God:
- Father of Faith, Abraham: After the defeat of many ferocious kings in his days, Abram (as he was called then) was met by a strange personality. The book of Hebrews described this great personality as Melchizedek, King of righteousness, King of peace. Without father or mother; without genealogy, no beginning and no end of life. Abraham met the pre-incarnate Christ.
This divine visitation and powerful revelation resulted in a changed perspective and heavenly purpose. Hear Abraham subsequently, “I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, the Possessor of heaven and earth, ‘that I will take nothing, from a thread to a sandal strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich’…..” Gen. 14; Hebrews 7.
- The successor of Moses, Joshua: Before the invasion of the highly fortified city of Jericho, Joshua had a heavenly encounter. A man with His sword drawn appeared to Joshua. In answer to question about His identity, the pre-incarnate Christ responded, “No, but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” Joshua immediately fell on his face and worshipped. Mere angels do not receive worship!!! Joshua worshipped the Lord Jesus and subsequently submitted to the Lord commands and directives that led to the miraculous decisive destruction of the fortified city of Jericho.
- Apostle Paul: Before his conversion, Saul was in a murderous crusade against the early disciples of Christ. On his way to Damascus, he suddenly had a heavenly visitation. Jesus Christ appeared in a powerful light that struck him down with blindness. Saul heard a voice that called him by name, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And Paul replied, “Who are You, Lord?” Jesus responded, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” Subsequently, Saul’s name was changed to Paul. He learned submission to the Sovereign Lord and the absolute authority of His word.
Jesus Christ was sent by the Father to redeem mankind and restore what was lost. Man lost divine fellowship with God. For man to enjoy the same fellowship that is eternally present in the triune God, Jesus Christ made a way through His flesh and the outpouring of the Spirit. God’s promise of a new
heart, new spirit, and His Word sown into our heart is now a possibility!!!
To jumpstart a new life of the Spirit, due to God’s abundant mercies, we are exhorted to take the following steps:
- Submission to the authority of Jesus Christ: God has given us the privilege of free-will and the personal authority to make choices and decisions. However, due to the separation from Him and subsequent corruption, our customs, traditions and philosophy seem to run contrary to the Will of God. Now that we have ‘tasted the infinite goodness’ of God in His work of Salvation, and grafting back to the true Vine, there is grace available to help us to submit to the Lord Jesus. The Lord submitted to the Father’s Will for the great sacrifice on the Cross because of sin. We yield to God not due to fear of wrath, but as forgiven children of God, out of reverence. Abraham demonstrated this outstanding attribute called ‘Fear of God.’ We can now ask God to fill us with this special grace of reverence and life of honor for Jesus Christ. It is a divine characteristic that can be cultivated with tremendous benefits!!! Genesis 22; Isaiah 11; Malachi 1; Psalms 34.
- Renew your mind: With the advent of the Holy Ghost in power, the book of Acts records that the disciples devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the Fellowship. A new way of relationship based on the Word of God was vigorously and steadfastly pursued. We have been born again into the family of God. But our mind must be renewed to be in accord to the unchanging Word of God. Our behavior is shaped by our values, perspective, convictions and belief systems. A heavenly way of living and Christlikeness is shown in a transformed thought process. It is in the Scriptures that we see the glory of Christ and learn to cultivate His divine character and mindset!!! We must study the Word, meditate on the Word, pray for understanding of the Word and power of the Spirit, to bring glory to Christ by a life of obedience to the Word of God. ‘As a man thinks in his heart, so is he’ (Prov. 23:7).
Isaiah 55:8-9; Psalm 138:2; 119:11,89,99-100,105; John 6:62-63; 2 Tim.3:16-17. 2 Corinth. 3:18; James 1:22-25.
You can hear and understand God. You can commune with Him!!!
- Pre-requisite to hearing from God. God hears sinners who come to Him for mercy and forgiveness. Sin and rebellion is an affront to the holiness of God. The Heavenly Father has demonstrated His love for mankind by giving the greatest gift, His Son Jesus Christ for the atonement for sin and a life of power of everlasting communion through the Holy Spirit. Psalms 51, 32; Romans 3:23-26; 6:23; 8:1-2; 10:8-13; 1 Corinth. 6:17-19; 2 Corinth. 6:17-18; 7:1.
- Pray to receive the Spirit baptism: the indwelling presence of the Spirit of God. The promise of the abiding presence of God is the eternal plan of God for the pinnacle of His creation, mankind. Man was not created to live on earth independent of his maker, just like a fish cannot survive for long outside the realm of water. Acts 2:38-39; Luke 11:13; John 3:7-8; 12: 27-30.
- God has something special to tell you: As you connect with Him through the only way and everlasting bridge between the heaven and earth, even the Lord Jesus, the mysteries of God will be made known to you. 1 Corinth. 2:9-12; Psalms 25:12-14.
- Your new priority is to love the Lord, your God and delight in His ways. A heavenly values and perspectives define a redeemed child of God. You learn to say like Jesus Christ at tough moments of decisions between self-ruled life or Christ-centered life, “not my will but let Your Will be done.” Deut. 6:4-9; Psalms 33:4-5; Exodus 34:5-9; Job 31, 36:5-15; Matt. 5:1-12.
- Grow in the pure milk of His Word and the Counsel of His Spirit. It is not the hearers of the Word but the doers that are blessed. Do not glory in preaching the Word or glory in the gifts of the Spirit but rather in being led and keeping in step with the move and directions of the Spirit of God. 1 Peter 2:1-3; John 4:24; 6:63; Romans 8:12-15; Galatians 5:22-26.
- The Lord God has invited you into His throne of mercy. As a redeemed and restored child of God, you will delight in His righteousness and mercy so that you can serve as priest unto your God in the ministry of reconciliation. Gen. 18:23-25; Job 23:1-12; Psalms 51:10-13; Isaiah 43:10-13; 25-26. 1 Peter 2:9.
- You must position yourself in humility to enjoy a constant state of righteousness before God. Isaiah 57:15; Jeremiah 9:23-24; Job 38:1-3; 40:1-5; 42:1-2; Psalms 81:10-13; Habakkuk 2:1-3.
- As you grow in maturity in the love of Christ, promotion in the kingdom business is granted. God always has promotion is His mind for His matured children. But a process of discipleship to grow in the image of Christ is necessary for fitness to receive the powers of the King. You will then reign with Christ in His righteous ways. Hallelujah!!! Matt. 16:19; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 2:2; Gen. 18:17-19; Psalms 1:1-3; 40:6-10; 66:10-12.
- God will elevate you to great honor and esteem if you persevere in communion with the Lord Jesus. Our Heavenly Father desires to win souls back unto Himself. He wants others to know and receive His abundant grace and love through your faithful witness in word and transformed life. The choice is yours. Live for temporary glory or everlasting bliss and glory with our wonderful and amazing Lord? Deuteronomy 28:2; 12-13.
Prayers: Precious Lord Jesus, I come to You now. I have lived a life of selfishness and rebellion towards God. I didn’t know that God loves me because I was ignorant of that reality. Have mercy on me. Forgive me all my sins. I confess You today as my Lord and Savior. I believe that You died for sinners like me but God raised You up on the third day for my forgiveness, justification and redemption. Wash me with Your precious Blood and fill me with Your Spirit. I want to be called a child of God and to enjoy an abiding communion with You according to Your Word. Thank You Jesus for Your forgiveness. Thank You for writing my name in the Book of Eternal Life. I give You all my praise and thanks today. I make this honest prayer of faith in You and your promise that whoever calls on Your name will be saved. I pray this in Jesus mighty name. Amen.