A few decades ago, I remember the book Jesus Freaks coming out. I'm pretty sure I even still have it somewhere. Lately, I've noticed a bit of a Jesus revolution going on. If you haven't seen the movie, Jesus Revolution, I strongly encourage taking it in. Even for those who aren't Christians, the movie presents a good narrative differentiating between behaviors that represent characteristics of good Christians, as well as those who are still trying to understand the truth--or even those who are zealots. Still, the movie takes time to unpack what being a Christian truly looks like. The movie also shows how Christians are humans who also sometimes fail (even at being Christians)...but who are also people those who love Jesus and shine the light to guide others to the truth and the way though Jesus.
Lately, there have been a lot of gatherings, in the name of Jesus. Asbury saw an influx of people who desired to stay and pray--resulting in a large crowd gathering in fellowship prayer. In Seattle recently, a couple thousand Christians gathered in the street to march and talk about Jesus. I love Jesus, and I love to talk about Jesus, so when I heard about these events, I naturally got excited about all of these people gathering around to talk about my Lord and savior.
““Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:19-20 NIV
Jesus promoted fellowship. Getting together to talk about Jesus and to do good works is one of the examples Jesus sets for us according to biblical scripture. I love this verse from Matthew, and whenever I need to pray about something with a friend, I often recite this verse as part of the prayer. This is an affirmation for me and a reminder as I pray of why Jesus made this declaration: to let his disciples know that when we are in agreement with Jesus, and when we are in agreement with other people who are also in agreement with Jesus, then Jesus is in our presence. What glory! What Joy!
Last Sunday night, I joined in fellowship with a small group of people to talk about pagans and witch culture and, of course, Jesus. Witches have been made over time and time again by popular media to represent fictional definitions romanticizing an occult culture. When people explain why they have chosen these cultures over Jesus, the explanations are often ambiguous or unclear. During our discussion, one of the things we noticed about the characteristics of pagan testimonies is that many of the people who had turned to paganism had bad experiences with people from or in the church. However many of the people who had turned to Christianity had been in situations where they had turned toward paganism to seek fulfillment, but turned to Christ when someone of the faith explained the truth about Jesus and realized how having a relationship with Christ fill a gap in their lives. Individuals gave testimony about feeling a greater sense of security and comfort in the power of God and love of Jesus than trying to manage and control everything themselves. This is one reason why it is so important for those of us who are Christians to show others the same kind of love that Jesus showed us.
““A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”” John 13:34-35 NIV
Julie and I are entering our third year of women's fellowship events. We continue to champion and encourage women in faith and fellowship. Last week, for the first time, one of my friends asked me if I thought people knew what it meant to be in fellowship. I paused because I'm not sure. A basic definition of fellowship is when several people gather together because they have a common interest, purpose, or goal to achieve. When Julie and I host fellowship events for women, our purpose is to gather women together and serve them with the same kind of love Jesus served us.
Joining in fellowship, brings at least two or more of us together in the name of Jesus. This blessed assurance of Jesus' presence at our events means we are in agreement with Jesus as he declared in scripture. The second scripture, is the command that Julie and I try to emulate is to show our love for others as Jesus loved us they serving others, by honoring others, and by teaching about the love of Jesus.
One of my favorite Bible verses is from Psalm 34. Taste and see that the lord is good.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Psalms 34:8 NIV
Friends, you don't have to do anything alone! Jesus loves you. He is with you now and always. God wants a relationship with you, and if you are confused about God, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost, come and see. Taste what it's like to be part of a community with this much love. Friends, join us at one of the upcoming fellowship events; the next one is on August 12th at 10 am at Harvest Community Church of the Nazarene. They are monetarily free. The only cost to you will be your time.
Julie and I love you and are honored to serve you. Like Jesus and some of his disciples, we even tell a good story - most of the time. (Sometimes, we will even throw a blooper or two in there...accidentally usually, but sometimes on purpose!) If you can't make it, I encourage you to get with other Jesus freaks and join the revolution. Find out what Jesus is all about. I love Jesus and sharing his story. Any of us Jesus freaks would love to share his story!
Wishing you many blessings this week and praying you come to Jesus,
Michelle
What a wonderful article and testimony thank you to my daughter. love, Mom