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In today's episode, the guys discuss how to cultivate healthy fellowship, friendship, and accountability. Many of us, when we come to Christ, believe that all our non-believer friends won’t stick with us. This is part of the price of discipleship. There is, however, something steeped in a gospel community which non-believer friendships can never recreate. In a world where people are constantly trying to create community in every realm, most people are so starved of the sanctifying processes of lifelong friendships centered around the gospel.
If you want friends, you first have to be friendly and reach out to others yourself. We are reminded that Jesus referred to his disciples as his friends, even Judas. Friendship includes a closeness in which two people are intimate and open with each other. True discipleship, historically, consists of spending time on a regular, continual basis with someone who is older and wiser than yourself. Sometimes, people’s experience at church can morph into a facade. However, individuals are encouraged to gain understanding of the true value of fellowship and seek it out on their own. This enables them to move out of facade and into authentic behavior, which in turn helps to cultivate authentic relationships. We should keep in mind that there are things which God wants for our lives, even if we don’t think we want them. It all comes down to being—or becoming—the kind of person that will cause people to gravitate towards you.
There is a difference between godly friendships and friendships with non-believers for the sake of the gospel. Love wants to meet the greatest needs, and the greatest need for anyone unsaved is the gospel. We must make ourselves available during regular day-to-day interactions with our non-Christian acquaintances and neighbors, or they will likely never know that our door is always open when they are in need. A hallmark of fellowship is the willingness to live your lives side-by-side in good times and bad. Finally, we are reminded that true Christian fellowship includes openness and accountability on both sides.
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Visit the Living Waters website to learn more and to access helpful resources!
You can find helpful counseling resources at biblicalcounseling.com.
Check out The Evidence Study Bible and the Basic Training Course.
You can connect with us at podcast@livingwaters.com. We're thankful for your input!
Learn more about the hosts of this podcast.
Ray Comfort
Emeal (“E.Z.”) Zwayne
Mark Spence
Oscar Navarro
Ep. 264 - How to Grow in Godly Discernment
Ep. 263 - Lessons From the Life of Elijah
Ep. 262 - The Sin of Christians Being Unequally Yoked
Ep. 261 - The Downside of Virtual Reality
Ep. 260 - How to Kill Sin in Your Life
Ep. 259 - How to Guide a Prodigal Back to the Lord
Ep. 258 - How to Handle Emotional Pain
Ep. 257 - Lessons From the Life of Judas
Ep. 256 - Lessons From the Life of Nehemiah
Ep. 255 - Does the Bible Support Slavery
Ep. 254 - Lessons From the Life of King Josiah
Ep. 253 - Lessons From the Life of King Solomon
Ep. 252 - How to Avoid Becoming a Hypocrite
Ep. 251 - Lessons From the Life of Joshua
Ep. 250 - Takeaways From Jesus Walking on Water
Ep. 249 - Triumphing in Our Trials
Ep. 248 - Lessons From the Woman at the Well
Ep. 247 - Lessons From the Conversion of Cornelius
Ep. 246 - Why Self-Help Books Leave You Helpless
Ep. 245 - How Christians Can Use the Internet to Share the Gospel
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