Are there any scriptures that instruct us on fellowshipping with other Christians (i.e. where to fellowship, what to do when we fellowship)?  I've been meeting with a group of Christians here and there, and it seems all we do is eat, talk about random things, and go home.  I have yet to see a Bible opened at one of the fellowships; we don’t even speak about God and His Word.  If someone walked in on our fellowship, they would think we're just a bunch of friends sitting around and having a good ol’ time.  I want to bring this up before the group.  Any suggestions?

Sincerely,
A Different Kind Of Hungry

Dear A Different Kind Of Hungry,

The Bible talks a lot about fellowship but not in the way we often use the word today.  The word ‘fellowship’ means ‘the share which one has in anything, participation’.  In short, the word fellowship doesn’t have anything to do with social gatherings; it is about partnership and sharing in a common goal.  The Greek word for fellowship is sometimes translated ‘communion’ (2 Cor 13:14) or ‘contribution’ (Rom 15:26) because when we share in a common work or contribute to a common work, we are in fellowship.

The church must be in fellowship with one another constantly.  We must work together for a common purpose at all times.  However, that doesn’t have anything to do with whether or not you socialize… in the case of Php 1:3-5, Paul said he had fellowship with the Philippian church because they financially supported him even though he was in a distant land.

Now that we know what fellowship is and isn’t, let’s talk about this group getting together.  There isn’t anything wrong with Christians just spending time together for fun and social enjoyment.  However, if you are getting together for the purpose of studying and spiritual growth, it sounds like this group isn’t meeting those goals.

      I have relationship problems.  My girlfriend keeps leaving me while I'm at work.  We’ve been together for five years, and every now and then, she gets really bothered and gets distant and treats me like a total stranger and leaves for her sister’s.  Her sister is no help; she compounds the problems in my girlfriend’s head, so she will leave and be with her.  My girlfriend has mental issues; she’s paranoid schizophrenic, and she’s really impressionable.  When she leaves with our son, I have no way to contact her, and I’m really anxious and freaked out.  I don’t think our problems are any worse than anybody else’s.  We’ve had our problems; she’s had drug problems and cheated on me.  The most I’ve done is talk to people on the internet because I feel so alone sometimes when she ignores me.

I’m so lost, and I miss my son, and I know he’s so confused.  What do I do?  Her sister keeps quoting scriptures to me through Facebook and telling my girlfriend that I’m some evil person she shouldn’t be with.

Sincerely,
Not Evil

Dear Not Evil,

From what you are saying, you and your girlfriend aren't married but are living and sleeping together – this is why your son is confused.  Sin has a way of destroying our lives and tearing us apart.  You are sinning by living and sleeping together without being married.  God designed those things for marriage only (Gen 2:24).  You both need to make a decision: either commit to a life together and get married or stop sinning and separate yourselves.  Nothing will get better until you do that.

     I was wondering if someone could provide me with some information about Jesus and His work as well as life on Earth?  Could you point me in the right direction?  What does history or the Bible say?

Sincerely,
Investigator

Dear Investigator,

The best place to read about Jesus’ life is in the first four books of the New Testament – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  These four books all tell about the life of Jesus from four different perspectives.  Secular historians, like the Jewish historian, Josephus, make mention of Jesus, but the most detailed accounts of His life are found in the Bible.  A detailed study of Jesus life can be downloaded from our website – click here to go to the first lesson in our study of the gospels.

(This question is in response to “Irrelevant Gender” )

     I just read the post about when we die, we will not be woman or man.  When I die, will I not know about anything or anybody in this life?  I feel like when I die, it will be my soul living but not really me.  I feel sad thinking I will not remember my husband and kids... this leaves me feeling empty.

Sincerely,
Sad Mom

Dear Sad Mom,

When we die, we don’t forget our family.  Even when the rich man woke up in torments, he remembered his brothers (Lk 16:27-28).  If those in torments remember, then how much more will those in Paradise remember their beloved families?  Hopefully, you can find comfort in that.

     I was reading the Bible, and I have one question and am looking for the answer from you.  In Matt. 5:5 it says, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth", and what comes to my mind is all we need is inheriting the kingdom of God… so what does that mean, “shall inherit the earth”?  Would you make this clear for me please?  God bless you!

Sincerely,
Feeling Bold

Dear Feeling Bold,

A meek person is one with a soothing or gentle attitude.  Meekness is the opposite of self-assertiveness, bossiness, or arrogant forcefulness.  A meek man allows his will to be subjected to the will of God and accepts the Lord’s instructions with peace and self-control.

Though it is true that Christians understand their final inheritance is reserved in heaven (1 Pet 1:4), a meek person is able to fully appreciate and enjoy the blessings of this earth because they have submitted to the Lord’s instruction and guidance.  When we are meek, the Father supplies all our needs (Php 4:19), and we can enjoy the blessings because we put them in proper perspective.  Meekness allows us to truly love life and see good days here on this planet… as well as eternally in heaven (1 Pet 3:10).