Working Together



I thank my God ... for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now" (Phil. 1:5, NIV)

In the church family, we are to work together to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs to proclaim the gospel (the twelve in Mark 6:7-13, the seventy in Luke 10:1-12).  Missionaries in the early church were also sent that way:  Paul with Barnabas (Acts 13:2-3), Judas with Silas (Acts 15:22), Barnabas with Mark (Acts 15:39), Paul with Silas (Acts 15:40).

Building a house is hard work.  Building God's house is even harder.  The church of Jesus Christ is built more effectively when we work together.

The Bible even tells us that two working together are better than one alone:
 

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!  Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?  Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, NIV)


This applies not only to the work of spreading the gospel.  It applies equally well to your marriage relationship, business partners, or projects you work on.  Two will be able to carry on the work longer and better.

Working together in the ministry of the church forms deep abiding bonds between believers.  As the relationships grow through mutual work, your fellowship grows.  Think about how your fellowship grew in different church activities you participated in:
 

• Prayer meetings
• Mission trips
• Visitation to church prospects
• Church social events
• Home Bible study groups
• Choir trips


In all these different activities, your work with other believers caused your relationships to grow and your fellowship to deepen.  This was true even when things did not go as planned (which is certainly the case on every choir trip!).  What happens is the bond of Christ's love between you grows stronger.

Sincere, hard work in the helping others find Jesus Christ helps you experience fellowship in the family of God.  In fact, one could argue that fellowship is experienced the most when you give of yourself to others.







Our Creator God loves you and wants you to know Him! If you would like to contact this ministry for further information or questions, please send your e-mail to:
Email: ministryrequest1@WordTruth.Com
Web Site: WordTruth.Com

Copyright 4/10/2001, Randy Lariscy.