The Grow CourseSample

Over four days, we are looking at the essentials to grow in your relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is day four on Fellowship.

Fellowship is being in relationship with other believers. The best way to do this is to become an active part of a local church.

The Bible tells us in Psalm 92:12-15 that we should be planted in the house of God where we will grow, where we will flourish, and where we will be fruitful, and I encourage you to get together with other believers and to put down your roots and begin to grow together.

The Bible also tells us in Hebrews 10:24-25 that we should meet together to encourage one another and that we should do this regularly.

What is the church? The church is not a building, the church is not a meeting, and the church is not an organisation. The church is God's people called out to serve his purpose. The church is God's people who have been called out of the world to worship God and then sent back into the world to witness and serve.

I would like to give you three things we should look for in a local church, and we see these three things in Hebrews 13:7-8 and Hebrews 13:17.

Number one, we should look for a church that follows and worships Jesus. In Hebrews 13:8, the Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the head of the church, and it says in Colossians 1:18 that he should have first place in all things. Find a group of believers that are centred around a relationship with Jesus.

Number two, find a church where they teach and preach the Bible. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:7 that we should remember our leaders who have spoken God's word to us.

Number three, find a local church where people are leading us and who are a good example. The Bible says in Hebrews 13: 7 and verse 17 it tells us that we should remember those who have spoken the word of God to us, and then it continues in verse 17, which says they should have faith that we can follow and a lifestyle we can imitate.

Remember that a church does not just exist to fellowship with one another, but we gather together to worship God so that we can be sent out into the world to witness for Christ. We exist to tell others in our community about the love and goodness of God.

As we close this course, let me speak the blessing over you found in Numbers 6:24-26.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26.

Thank you. God bless you. The best is yet to come!

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