9/29/09

Matthew 28:8-15 (New International Version)

8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9Suddenly Jesus met them. "Greetings," he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me."

The Guards' Report
11While the women were on their way, some of the guards went into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, 13telling them, "You are to say, 'His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.' 14If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble." 15So the soldiers took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been widely circulated among the Jews to this very day.

By brothers, Jesus probably meant his disciples. He had already forgiven them. Even after they had deserted him, their relationship would be stronger than ever. Jesus' resurection was already starting a big stir in Jerusulam. These women were sharing the gospel, and the religious leader were trying to cover it up. There is still a great stir over the resurrection and there are still only two choices-To believe that Jesus rose from the dead or to be closed to the truth- denying it, ignoring it, or trying to explain it away.

I also want to talk a little more on fellowship. Community and it's importance. Community requires commitment. It takes both God's power and our effort to produce a loving Christian community. It takes honesty even when you would rather ignore an issue. Love someone enought to tell them the truth. Whenever something is uncomfortable, it many times is ignored to preserve a false sense of peace. Real fellowship depends oon frankness. The tunnel of conflict is the passageway to intimacy. You don't have a liccense to say whatever you want. Speak to each other as loving family members. We must also have humility. Pride builds walls between people, humility builds bridges. Pride will block God's grace in our lives. We receive God's grace by humbly admitting we need it. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, but thinking of yourself less. We need to show ccourtesy by respecting differences, being considerate, and being patient. God puts difficult people in our life for ours and their benefit. Understand where people are coming from. You will be more understanding once you know what they have been through. Do not downplay others feelings. Just because you don't fear something doesn't make it invalid. Be confidential. What is shared with you must stay with you. God hates gossip. Be a frequent visitor with your church family. You must have frequent contact with your group to buuild genuine fellowship. Community is not built on conveinience. There are nine characteristics of good fellowship. 1. share our true feelings 2. encourage each other 3. support each other 4. forgive each other 5. speak the truth to each other 6. admit our weaknesses 7. respect our differences 8. don't gossip 9. make group meetings a priority. The benefits of sharing life together far outweigh the costs, and it prepares us for Heaven.

Lord I pray that you make me strong in the community. Show me your ways and your purpose for my life so that I may step through the doors that you open. I am still praying for this bible study that you have presented and I pray that it brings glory to you. I pray for our children. I also pray for all my friends and family that you give them what they need today. Thank you for such a wonderful church family and may we all hold each other accountable and build each other up as needed. Forgive me where I fail you. In your precious name I pray.....amen