Fellowship of believers

Saying Good bye to Gary Barto
Every Friday, we hold a cell group meeting at our home commencing at 10.00 a.m. and usually ending at 11.30 a.m. Some stay for lunch afterwards, others make their way home.

Today, Mr. Gary Barto, an American working as an engineer on the MV Doulous Phos for the last ten years hosted the cell members to a farewell lunch at North Border Restaurant at Rochester Park. He started attending our cell more than a year ago when he and his mother stayed at our Retreat Centre. Recently, his son and daughter-in-law came to Singapore for a holiday. His 95 year old mother came with them; it was her second visit to our country. The whole family attended our cell.

On 20th August 2010, our cell group members paid a visit to Doulos. Gary had made all the arrangements. We had a great time exploring the ship anchored at Tuas. We were told the interesting history of the Doulos.

On 2nd September 2010 Gary invited our cell group members to the RIVERBOAT for dinner. We enjoyed the fellowship and the delicious dinner. This floating restaurant is moored at Marina South Pier. We met the owner Mr. Eric Saw a very humble devout Christian who gives a wonderful testimony of his walk with the Lord.

We thank God for good Christian friends who visit and share fellowship with us. Not all belong to our church, but the important thing is, they are citizens of the Kingdom of God. We have been blessed by our friends local and from overseas fellow pilgrims on the journey of life.

Many times in the New Testament, we are exhorted to relate to one another. If all fellow believers are obedient to these instructions, then truly there is real unity of love in the church of Christ.

Let me share with you some of the verses that tell us of our duties towards our fellow members of the church.

We must bear one another’s burdens whether spiritual or material. ‘Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ.’(Gal. 6: 2) We are to be a sharing community. Sometimes a brother or sister may be compelled to bear burdens due to the chances and changes of life. It comes from outside – some crisis, some emergency, some sorrow may suddenly descend upon a person. We are told to give support and in doing so, fulfil the law of Christ.

We are to consider how we may ‘spur one another on toward love and good deeds.’ (Hebrews 10: 24) We live in a world where bad people incite others to do wrong.
We Christians need to encourage each other to noble living. We can best do this by setting the fine example. We can do it by reminding others of our tradition of doing good deeds without thinking of reward.

Let us edify or build each other up by our speech and actions. ‘Therefore encourage one another and build each other up....’ (1 Thes.5: 11) We do this by our speech and actions. Honour and esteem other members of the church as better than ourselves. ‘Be devoted to one another by brotherly or sisterly love. Honour one another above yourselves.’ (Rom. 12: 10)

This list is not exhaustive, so add to it your own verses. One thing I want to emphasise – unity is a very important aspect of the well being of our church. It is a very powerful testimony to the world that we are Christ’s followers.

Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above.

Before our Father’s throne,
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts, and our cares.

We share our mutual woes,
Our mutual burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again. John Fawcett
(SA Song Book 660)





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