Question
I'm a new believer but I'm the only one in my community. I know I need the encouragement from other believers, but it's really hard to get out and get that fellowship. Any suggestions?
Answer:
Welcome to the family of God, my friend! It is amazing to realize that when you made that decision and commitment to accept God's greatest gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, as your Lord and Savior, you took on a new identity. The Bible says you became a new creation (1 Cor. 5:17).
When God first created Adam back in Genisis 2, He said, "It is not good for man to be alone" (verse 18). So, God created a helpmate for him. Again, in Ecclesiastes, Scripture says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?" (4:9–12).
I find it interesting that when Jesus sent out His disciples into ministry, He sent them two by two and gave them authority over the spirit world (Mark 6:7).
What do I learn from these examples? There's no fun in being one! God has created us to be in relationship with others.
Jesus, Himself said, "I came not to be served but to serve " (Matt. 20:28). He was others-focused. I can't help but notice in God's word we are commanded to: serve one another (Gal. 5:13), forgive one another (Col. 3:13), accept one another (Rom. 5:13), greet one another (Rom. 16:16), carry one another (Gal. 6:2), be devoted to one another (Rom. 12:10), teach one another (Rom. 15:14), submit to one another (Eph. 5:21), and encourage one another (Eph. 5:20).
Do you get the picture? God is a God of relationship. He created us to reflect His image as people of relationship. I guess that's why we are encouraged not to forsake assembling together, but to stimulate one another to love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24, 25).
We become an easy target to the enemy when we are isolated and alone. We have no defense to guard ourselves, and we become vulnerable. Then, the enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Pet. 5:8).
How do we grow in our new faith and walk in the Lord? First, your strength is in the Lord. Listen to His words and voice. Read His Word.
Second, pray. Ask God to direct your path to find others who love the Lord.
Third, begin to practice these "one anothers" in God's Word, and you may have the opportunity to lead your friends and family to the Lord.
I'm praying that as you grow, you will bear much fruit (John 15:16), and I will hear of a group of believers gathering in fellowship with the Lord and one another.
Blessings,
Huron Claus is a fifth-generation follower of Jesus Christ. He comes from the Mohawk/Kiowa tribes of New York and Oklahoma. The Claus Indian family has ministered through evangelism and music in Native communities and villages across North, Central, and South America
Answer:
Fellowship is important for spiritual growth, support, encouragement, etc. for all believers of Christ. Yet, if fellowship is not possible, be encouraged that the Lord has given us the Holy Spirit and His Word to help us!
According to 2 Peter 1:4, "He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises" that will strengthen and encourage us, despite what challenge we may face.
To combat isolation and loneliness we have the promised assurance in Hebrews 5:13 that the Lord "will never leave you or forsake you."
Despite the remoteness of our location Psalm 139:7–10 promises that "Even there Your hand will lead me, and Your right Hand will take hold of me."
Psalm 121 is a chapter full of wonderful comfort for a believer who can trust that the Lord watches over you (v. 3), is your protector (v. 4), and "will protect you from all evil and He will keep your soul" (v. 7).
God's precious and magnificent promises speak directly to every issue, challenge, trauma and sorrow that the believer may face. For a new believer, Bible reading can be a difficult practice to develop, but in time the Word will become "the rejoicing of your heart" (Psalm 119:111).
Lastly, the Lord Jesus Christ has promised to be with us always by His Holy Spirit. Jesus's disciples were undoubtedly grieved at the prospects of facing life without Jesus physically living among them (John 14). Yet, the promise that Jesus gave to them, He also gives to us today! The promise is that the Holy Spirit of God will dwell within us, and the promises in verse 26–28 provides that "the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, He will teach you all things and remind you of all that I said to you. Peace I leave you, My peace I give to you, not as the world gives, do I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor fearful."
New believer, you are never alone; Jesus is always with you! Take heart! Spend time in his Word, and the comfort and presence of the Holy Spirit will forever bless you! Praise the Lord!
Steven Keesic, a former lawyer and worker with the Adult and Teen Challenge program, now lives on the Lac Seul First Nation and pastors at Whitefish Bay.
