We find one more purpose for our fellowship in Acts 20.
Acts 20:31-38 says, “Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.”
Let us note several aspects of Paul’s ministry to and with the Ephesian pastors. First, love drew him back to these dear brothers in Christ. He had spent three years among them, which was a long time in Paul’s ministry. We as a fellowship have the privilege to have several pastors who have ministered in one church over the period of several decades. Love is a commitment, and you cannot minister in one location with longevity for any other reason but love. I appreciate the ministry Continue reading “Purpose #9 — The Fellowship of Love”