Sowing Those Quaker Oats (THE SECOND PART)

Posted on September 19, 2018 by America's Keswick in Freedom Fighters

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)

With all the noise that folks made for and against taking a knee during an NFL game, in both the 2016 and 2017 seasons, there was one thing that almost got drowned out by all that racket…the Philadelphia Eagles. There was something that was going on within that organization that should have set an example for EVERYONE who had something to say about the knee issue, but instead it was treated as an anomaly and only a few folks caught onto it. It was the fellowship they shared…more importantly the Christian fellowship they shared.

Back in February of 2018, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes put out an article on the experiences they shared with members of the Philadelphia Eagles. (https://www.fca.org/magazine-story/2018/02/01/super-huddles-before-super-bowl) Within this article  I read how big time football players became brothers in Christ who came to share the Word with them. Quarterback Carson Wentz introduced to them to the logo, “AO1” (Audience of One) and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles was quoted as saying, “Let’s just get the Word in all these kids’ hands.” The article struck this cord within me… no matter how loud Secularland gets with it protests, no matter how hard they try to mold us to their liking, Christian fellowship does have an impact.

In my last posting I pointed to Acts 2:42-47 as a fine example of what “κοινωνία” (koinonia) looks like. In that passage of Scripture, we find that one of the four things the early church devoted itself to was fellowship. In the church I go to, we say one of the basics of fellowship is the building of authentic connections. To do this it takes commitment, it takes a frequency in getting together, there should always be courtesy and honesty, the need to have confidentiality and the most important ingredient …humility. I really believe the early church had all these elements and that was the key in the expansion of the Gospel message throughout a soon to become ancient pagan world.

In Matthew 9:36-38, we read….  “When He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them because they were confused and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask Him to send more workers into His fields.’” I believe that Jesus is sharing His vision of finding a shepherd for every sheep. In order for this to happen we need to establish fellowship with folks. Not a “meeting together” once in a while but an actual living this life together. This means fellowship as a priority and not a “hall” where we get together to share a potluck dinner.

The early church made it a point to be devoted to fellowship. Their definition of fellowship was deeper than just social gathering. It was a getting together for spiritual purposes, for sharing needs, for PRAYER, for discussing and sharing the Word to encourage, comfort and to edify one another. Because these folks were able to maintain this cohesion as a group of believers, other folks saw what they had and they wanted in. Thus, once the Gospel of Jesus Christ was shared with them the impact it made turned the Roman Empire into a giant evangelizing machine and the message that “Jesus Saves” went out into a world that had no hope.

So as William Penn sat atop City Hall, in the city of brotherly love (and not on a container of oatmeal apparently), I hope he was grinning as the Super Bowl winning Philadelphia Eagles made their way past him during the parade that followed the article written in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes magazine. Because within that parade there were men who made it a point to be devoted to fellowship, not just with their fans, but with those who wanted Jesus Christ like they had Jesus Christ.

As I wrap this up for today let me ask you this…How’s your fellowship with other believers? How’s your view on fellowship, period? For me, I value the fellowship I have with some of the men who have graduated the Colony of Mercy on the grounds of Americas Keswick and with the folks that have been an impact on my walk with Christ that serve there. Is there a group for you out there that can help you grow in Christ? I suggest that you find one, because “What is the outcome brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification” (1 Cor 14:26). Amen?

Written by Chris Hughes: Chris, a graduate of The Colony of Mercy (11-2003) has been married for 25+ years (Kathy), has a married son (Kevin) and a daughter in college (Karen). He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008.

The Daily Bible Reading: Ezra 4-6 , Psalm 137| You can download our 2018 Daily Bible Reading Plan by clicking here

Daily Quote: “There is a brotherhood within the body of believers, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the common denominator. Friendship and fellowship are the legal tender among believers.” — J. Vernon McGee

This Week’s Verse to Memorize:And I will wait on the Lord, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him. Isaiah 8:17