Spirit-Filled Fellowship (Withholding Nothing)

Last week we talked about Gratitude and Joy. I am grateful and joyful knowing that you are participating with me today. This week, since we are nearing Pentecost, I want to talk about the Holy Spirit and the Fellowship of Believers.

Acts 2 – The Holy Spirit comes when the apostles are all gathered in the same room. Crowds gather when they hear different languages being spoken. Peter shares a prophecy from Joel 2:28-32, a reference to Psalm 16:8-11, and a gospel message, which cut to the heart of the people (2:37). To this day, the gospel message cuts deeply to my heart because of the Holy Spirit. It was not because of Peter’s great words or because of a convincing message, but because the Spirit spoke through him and stirred in the hearts of the people listening.

Acts 2:42 “Fellowship” – Greek word is “Koinonia” meaning partnership, communication, participation, communion, community, intimacy, or oneness. When you think of fellowship, do you think of these things?

At this time, the world around us puts us at high risk of becoming critical Christians. Critical of the government. Critical of the decisions church leaders are making. Critical of the viewpoints of one another. Everything is becoming politicized. This is why we must cling to fellowship with one another and continue to be sharpened by God’s Word.

As partners with one another and partners with Christ, we are called to serve and submit to one another in love.

We are part of a family of believers. Sometimes family fights or disagrees with one another, but iron can only sharpen iron with a little friction. It is okay to disagree, but our fellowship must still be centered upon Christ as we live out the important commandment, to love.

Acts 3 – The Holy Spirit works through the apostles to miraculously heal.

Acts 4:32 – The sharing of possessions.

Acts 5 – Withholding Nothing! Ananias and Sapphira were withheld from the people and lied to God, which led to their death.

Is there any area of your life where you are holding back from God?

Now that the Holy Spirit has filled us, we are ALL IN for Jesus! God can do incredible things with your life is you surrender everything to Him. It might not look like your plan or your idea of success, but it is the best life you could possibly have.

I’m not just talking about surrendering your possessions like Ananias and Sapphira were told to do. I mean giving your entire self to God; withholding nothing. Are you willing to give everything to God today?

I know from scripture that my life is much better in God’s hands than my own, but I still get scared, and it can be hard to trust in Him. Each day I need to take a step out in the measure of faith I have been given.

I want to be able to sing the song Give me Jesus and not lie to God. You can have all of this world, but give me Jesus. I am a deer panting for water, whether I realize how thirsty I am or not. I am always in need of more of God and less of me.

When I have God, I know that I have everything I need.

Hebrews 10:23-25 (TPT) The Church is continuing to find creative ways to encourage one another and to have fellowship. We are worshiping and praying now more than ever, but we need our fellowship too. This is why Aldersgate Church has started Life Groups.

As we continue to look into creative ways to meet together and use our building, it will demand much of my attention. After praying, I have felt that it is time to conclude Wednesdays in the Word (at least for now), to focus more on Life Groups, Home Church Worship, Worship Arts, and a plan for our reopening.

May God fill you with the power of the Holy Spirit today so that the world might be changed through Christ dwelling richly within you.