TRUE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” Philemon 1:6
This one-chapter epistle of Paul to his friend Philemon is essentially a personal request by Paul that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, Onesimus, and receive him back into “the church in thy house” as a new Christian, recently won to Christ (vs. 2, 10, 15-16). Our text is Paul’s prayer for Philemon and is similar to prayers by him for other believers (e.g., Colossians 1:9-10). It is an appropriate prayer on behalf of any fellow Christian. Its emphasis is on the blessings and responsibilities of true fellowship.
The “communication” of which Paul speaks is the Greek word “koinonia”, meaning “fellowship.” That is, genuine Christian faith involves a sharing of one’s life with others of “like precious faith” (2 Peter 1:1). That fellowship becomes “effectual” (literally, “full of power,” from the Greek “energes”, “energizing”) only through recognizing and appreciating all the blessings we have received through Christ.
Paul pointed out that he himself should be counted as a “partner” with Philemon (v. 17). Here the Greek is “koinonos”, practically the same as “koinonia”. Both Philemon, the wealthy Colossian master, and Onesimus, his runaway bondservant, were Paul’s spiritual children (v. 19), so they all theoretically shared “every good thing” in fellowship through Christ. Thus, Paul offered to repay anything Onesimus had stolen or any other losses, should Philemon so insist (vv. 18-19).
The demands of Christian fellowship thus might cost Onesimus his freedom, Paul his helper, and Philemon his property. True fellowship is not mere Christian socializing. It is the sharing of love and concern, time and talents, possessions and even life itself, as need and circumstance demand, with others in the household of faith. –Dr. Henry M. Morris
The Lord's Day Services
Sunday, November 17, 2019
10:00 a.m. Sunday school classes for all ages.
- Adult Bible Class – Mr. James Fraser
- Young Adult Bible Class – Upper Room
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
5:00 p.m. Fellowship Classes
6:00 p.m. Pre-service prayer time
6:30 p.m. Evening Service –Dr. Larry Saunders
Sermon Series: The Fruit of the Spirit – FAITH
Weekly Announcements
Monday, November 18th
4:00 p.m. WCS Advisory Committee meeting.
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Gym Fellowship
Wednesday, November 20th
7:25 p.m. Prayer Meeting & Report on Czech Republic Mission Church – Mr. George Robinson
Friday, November 22nd
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
Advance Announcements
Sunday, November 24th
10:00 a.m. Sunday School for all ages.
11:00 a.m. Morning Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
5:00 p.m. Session & Board prayer time.
Note: No Fellowship Classes today.
6:00 p.m. Pre-service Prayer Meeting
6:30 p.m. Evening Service – Dr. Larry Saunders
Fellowship & refreshments following the evening service. Team #3 is on duty.
Wednesday, November 27th
7:25 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Meeting
Friday, November 29th
7:00 p.m. Good News Bible Club
Saturday, November 30th
3:00 p.m. Youth/Young Adult Fellowship – Bubble Soccer
Held in the school gym – Cost is $20 per person
BAPTISM
Anyone desiring to be baptized in obedience to the Lord, please contact Pastor Saunders. Our service is planned for January 29, 2020, during our week of prayer.
LIBERIA MISSION TRIP
Our Mission Board is planning a mission trip to Liberia from August 4th–18th, 2020. We will be working with Rev. David DiCanio and Miss Joanne Greer, helping with Vacation Bible School, children’s programs, and generally assisting with other ministry tasks. This trip is intended for individuals 18 years old and over, those who are under 18 will be considered only on a case-by-case basis based upon the recommendation of their Session. Applications and Session recommendation letters must be submitted by Friday, January 31, 2020.
FPCNA PRAYER REQUESTS
Kapenguria, Kenya
Miss Margaret Russell
- Thankful for the completion of editing of two more years’ worth of the visual aids that accompany the seven-year series of Bible lessons used in the Sunday schools in Kenya.
- Please pray that this will be completed and also be used of the Lord in the children’s ministry.
- Margaret is still looking to the Lord to raise up others to coordinate the Sunday school work after her retirement.
- Pray for the students sitting for national exams this term.
- Pray for her brother-in-law, Rev. Ian Harris, as he undergoes radiation treatments.
