Fellowship General Baptist Church

It was once said, the best argument for Christianity is Christians and the best argument against Christianity is Christians.  Our role in making faith in Christ real and valid is critical.  If we live our lives with the love of Christ we will make the greatest impact for Christianity.  Conversely, if we claim to be Christians but live our lives without the love and hope of Christ, we destroy the witness and any community possible for the kingdom of Christ.  REAL COMMUNITY is achieved through our authenticity as followers of Christ living just as He would want us to live.

Reports from various groups at Fellowship Church.  This Sunday highlighted ways for us to have real community.

God wants us to love the people around us just as He has loved us.  In order to have REAL COMMUNITY, we must accept those that are hard to love and consider them to be spiritual growth helpers for us.  We need these type of people (EGRs - Extra Grace Required) to build in us character and maturity.  We also need to consider that we might be, at times, the EGR type person.  Real Community happens when we realize our need for others and others need for us to make this journey.

One major problem for many is getting so consumed by effort put into complaining.  Our discontent can be directly related to our spiritual health.  We need to stop excessive complaining and handle the major problems we have with people directly and privately.  In general, we are blessed and need to consider all that has been done for us through Jesus.  Another great message in the QUITTING FORWARD series.

Looking at the story of John the Baptist and Jesus, we can learn a lot about unhealthy comparisons.  At the root of comparing is envy, jealousy and discontent.  We must be careful to not compare ourselves with others.  In the end, we will find that our spiritual growth is slowed.

Fear can grip us in our tracks.  Maybe you have fears that are holding you back from moving forward in your spiritual growth with God. Sometimes we need to be bold and rely on God for those times when we are overcome by fears.

What do you need to quit in order to move forward in your relationship with Christ?  Whatever impedes your ability to carry out what God's desires are for you, needs to go away.  Is it an addiction?  Is it being focused on self?  Is it living a double life?  We need to come to grips with the truth and have no excuses when living a life according to His will and purposes.  This message is the first in a series QUITTING FORWARD.

When we get to heaven, it will be ALL about the ONE who made it possible - God Almighty.  Nothing about heaven will be about us or our achievements.  The focus will be the throne of God - to Him, glory, honor and praise!

The reality of heaven is far greater than the symbols that represent it.  The classic symbols of a crown, a robe and a great city are mere attempts at characterizing the experience.  When you think about heaven, what do you picture?  Perhaps a better question for us is, do you believe in it's reality to the point that it alters your perception of dieing or death?  Are we really ready?  For many, heaven is so lofty and "unreal" that it doesn't alter or effect their lives here on earth.  This message is the third in a series on Heaven's Images.

The bible refers to an image that means so much more than it seems at first.  The table is mentioned as an image that holds deep meaning. Even though it's hard to fathom, sitting with our greatest enemy and dining is something that is implied as part of our experience in heaven. Heaven is going to be a place where we love all and are loved as well, regardless of our past or who we are. The question for the present is, "Why can't we start loving everyone now regardless of who it is we are loving?".  We are called to reconcile with eachother just as Jesus has loved without condition.  The image of the table is powerful.  This is the second of the series on Heaven's Images.  Enjoy!

So many have reported near death experiences and described going and then coming back.  One of the most common images reported is the experience of LIGHT.  We read in the Word that when we come into the presence of God, we will encounter a great time of knowing.  Our lives will be brought to bare - a truth telling experience.  This is the light that uncovers all things.  Knowing this will happen, we are encouraged to seize our opportunity in this life to do what God commands of us.  This message is the first of the series Heaven's Images - stay tuned for more!

It's one thing to know about Jesus, but an entirely different thing to have Jesus in your heart.  His spirit within you is truly needed to have the heart of Jesus.  For us to really move the world for Christ, we must have Him within us in our lives.

The greatest inspirer was Jesus.  He still holds this position today.  We can model our own lives after Him by being a person that lifts others / inspires others.  Everyone needs encouragement and inspiration in this life.

Forgiving can be hard to do.  But, forgiveness can be just as beneficial for the forgiver as the forgiven.  If we want to have the heart of Jesus, we must strive to forgive even the vilest offenders.

God loves all of us greatly.  There is no difference from person to person.  Our worth to Him is high regardless of who we are.  We must treat eachother with the same kind of overall love that is not tied to who we are or what we have done.  If we are to have the heart of Jesus, we will love unconditionally everyone around us.

When faced with hardships in life, we often wonder, why am I going through this?  What good could possibly come from this?  The scriptures tell us that God is working out a plan through us and in us.  Our response in times of hardship could save souls for the kingdom - we could make history.  We must trust in Him as we journey through it all.

In order for us to really BE like Jesus through our missional life here on earth, we must practicie humility.  It is putting self last and considering your neighbor as yourself.  A critical element to a life following after Christ's example.

We are part of God's plan.  We must realize that we shouldn't seek to live our lives the way we want without any regard for God's purpose in us.  Part of living missional is understanding that this life is not for ourselves - it is for God.

It's dangerous when we as Americans hold freedom as the ultimate value above all things.  To be free for our own gain is not good.  We are free so we must use this wonderful opportunity to serve with all that we have.  In essence, we must give up self in the midst of our freedoms to gain the most.

General Baptist Ministries National Missions Director Don Key continues our series on PRAYER looking at the One we pray to.  If we have a better understanding of the One we are conversing with, we can become better at praying and communicating with God.