Sunday Evening, July 18, 2010,

The meeting got started a little later tonight because the Burton family was hosting an appreciation dinner for Bro Harlan Burton at the Marriott and the saints stopped in to visit. Bro Burton was been a faithful brother whom we have known for many years. His family has had a singing ministry that has blessed many people with their talent and spiritual gifting. It was good to see him and the family again.

The meeting tonight was a very open discussion about the necessity of fellowship among all believers. Bro Joe taught from 1 John chapter 1. He reinforced that fact that fellowship is in the spirit and not in doctrinal unity. It is doubtful that there has ever been, nor will there ever be a time when all Christians view doctrine in the same light. The early Christians surely did not for there was constant friction and struggles over the differences between the Jewish church and the Gentile church because of their backgrounds.

As Christians, our primary duty is to love each other and to put others best interests before our own. It is by our love for each other that non-believers will see Christ.

There are many instances where it is difficult, if not nearly impossible to determine the motives of another person. It is also certain that we must allow God to enlighten each individual shedding the necessary light and understanding according to His own timing and choosing. In the meantime, we must always be accepting of every blood washed one and realize the we too are most likely not in full understanding. The moment that we think we have everything all worked out and are not willing to advance in enlightenment, we become a sect.

The discussion was a good one and very timely. As a gathering, we are about to embark on a new adventure in this particular area and this reminder was just what we needed.