Fellowship: A Community of Believers

 

Welcome back! Thanks for visiting my blog!

 

We are discovering together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life? Recently, we have been discussing the 5 scriptural tools to maturity (Acts 2:42, 47) as a means to build powerful biblically-based wellbeing into our lives! The first three tools were scriptural knowledge, praise and prayer. Today, we discuss fellowship!

 

Fellowship is vital to our Christian walk. It may be best described by the Greek word ‘koinonia’ (the New Testament was originally written in Greek) which speaks of our partnership with fellow Christians in the brotherhood in Christ. The basis of our fellowship is our mutual forgiveness in Christ by grace (1 John1:6-10), and that each of us is placed into the church universal by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Practically speaking, those of us in the church universal often express our fellowship with those in the local church, church-based small groups, and close Christian friends.

 

How, then, do we have fellowship? Although fellowship ‘lite’ might be merely being in the presence of another Christian, effectual fellowship depends on several biblical standards based on how we think and speak:

1. Careful Reflection - Even before we interact with another Christian we should consider how we can meet their needs; do they need to be encouraged, taught, reminded of scripture, or just to have a quiet and listening friend? This takes a bit of time and prayerful reflection to know how to best help other people and bear their burdens (Ephesians 4:30; Galatians 6:2).
2. Effective Speaking – After reflecting, we need verbally to convey our thinking to our friend or colleague based on their needs and not to satisfy our own emotions (unless we are in desperate straits). Importantly, our speech should be used as a tool for the good of other people to express: gratitude, commendation, encouragement, admonishment and teaching (Ephesians 4:30; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 2:23-24).  

These two steps, used together and sequentially, help assure effectual fellowship with other believers so we can help fortify each other in our faith, push each other on to greater acts of service, and a live a godly lifestyle before our precious Father (Colossians 1:9-10; Hebrews 10:25). Fellowship must be done in balance with the other for tools to maturity.

 

What do young people think about fellowship? See survey results here - https://teleiosresearch.com/what-christians-believe-about-fellowship/.

 

Stay tuned next week as we discuss the final tool - outreach to other believers and non-Christians.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

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Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

Praise you like I should

 

Reasons why we should praise God:

• Praising God helps us focus on reality and build a closer relationship with Him.
• God loves praise and seeks worshipers.
• Praise is the primary, eternal occupation of heaven.
• It helps us remember who we are and who God is.
• Praise enlists God’s protection.
• It expresses gratitude, thankfulness, and love towards God.
• It transforms lives and keeps us God-oriented.

 

We are discovering together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life? We have been discussing the 5 scriptural tools to maturity! The first two were biblical knowledge and prayer. Today, we will discuss praise! Praise is paramount in our Christian life. The epistles frequently attribute praise, honor and glory to God and Christ which they deserve because of their perfect character and magnificent actions. 

 

As mentioned in prior blogs, for the first church in Jerusalem praise was an ongoing occurrence among these first believers (Acts 2:47). Our lives also are to be a praise and honor to God (Philippians 1:11). In addition, we make a sacrifice of praise to God as a part of our daily lives (Hebrews 13:15). 

 

Why is praise so important for a Christian? Prior Teleios sponsored research showed in a Bible believing church praise was associated with greater wellbeing especially with greater frequency (Read full article at https://teleiosresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/CV-TELEIOS-GCC-I-CTCP-2013.pdf).   

 

We do not know the exact reason that praise helps personal wellbeing. However, we might suspect the following: 

• First, praise commends our great God for who He is and what He has done. Not only does He deserve this praise, but it helps us think of ourselves as well as our personal issues and problems in proper perspective compared to God and His higher goals. This helps us maintain a humble attitude in life and promote service to God and others (Romans 12:1). Such an attitude allows the Holy Spirit to better work in our lives and allows us to know God better (Colossians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:19).
• Second, recognizing through praise that we have a great and powerful God, who also answers prayer, helps us to know more fully that we can trust our issues and problems to him (John 14:13; Philippians 4:6).

 

Praise God frequently. He deserves it and you will be better for it!

 

Read results from a recent survey - Do young Christians’ praise?

 

Thanks for reading my blog and please join me again next week as we continue this series on the tools to maturity.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

Pray the force be with you!

 

We are discovering together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfying, fulfilling life! We recently discussed the first step to entering the gateway to biblically based wellbeing: becoming a Christian by accepting Christ’s forgiveness by faith, understanding that our salvation is permanent, and that we should not feel guilt. What great promises!

 

Based on this sure foundation, we began to discuss the 5 scriptural tools (Acts 2:42-47). to mature our faith (scriptural knowledge, prayer, praise, fellowship and outreach). Today, we discuss prayer!

 

Prayer is one of the cornerstones of the Christian life. Scripture tells us that we should pray frequently and persistently. As Christians we can come boldly before God in prayer uninhibited and unafraid to receive mercy in our every time of need (Hebrews 10:19-22). The content of our prayer should be thankfulness for God and others (Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 1:3), praise (Hebrews 13:15) and petitions for ourselves and others (Philippians 4:6).

 

The content of our prayers should be consistent with what glorifies Jesus Christ (John 14:13-14; John 15:7). Paul offers 3 model prayers in which he emphasizes what God wishes us and others to attain by our prayers no matter the situation (Ephesians 1:15; Ephesians 3:14; Colossians 1:9-15) including: knowledge of our salvation and the Bible, understanding, hope, power and love as well as demonstrate service, patience and persistence in our Christian walk.

 

Medical research indicates that active prayer increases wellbeing and the more frequent prayer the better for wellbeing (1-5). Why would this be? Well, this has been studied little to my knowledge, but several potential benefits might be: 

• Prayer provides a release for our emotions to God perhaps relieving tension and frustration.
• It engenders a sense that somebody cares and is listening. We also know that the Holy Spirit and Christ Himself pray on our behalf (Hebrews 7:25; Romans 8:26,34).
• It causes us to pay attention to Scripture, hopefully, as we pray and so offers us help to consider, and form an answer to, our problems as we deliberate mentally our requests to God.
• It reminds us to be thankful for others and for His blessings to us.
• It helps us to praise and remember that we have a great God whose purposes are greater than ours. Thus, it helps keep our own problems in perspective.

In addition, as Christians we have the benefit of God's promise to answer prayer so there may be a further benefit through His gracious provisions (John 14:13-14).

 

Therefore, prayer is a key tool to maturity as a Christian, invoking God's help, but reminding us of Scripture, praise and to be thankful, all which may our assist our wellbeing. Prayer is one of the great benefits of our Christian life. Thanks be to God for such a provision.

 

Read results from a recent survey about prayer habits - https://teleiosresearch.com/young-christians-and-prayer-habits/.

 

Thank you for joining me. See you next time!

 

William C. Stewart, MD

• Stewart WC et al. The source and impact of specific parameters that enhance well-being in daily life. J Rel Health 2016;55:1326-35.
• MacIlvaine WR et al. Association of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-582.
• MacIlvaine WR et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-255.
• Stewart WC et al. Review of clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health 2013;52:91-106.
• Stewart WC et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to attitudes regarding glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Ophthalmic Res 2011:45:53-6.

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures

Know your scripture!

Welcome back! I am glad you are here. We are discovering together what the Bible says about wellbeing. Otherwise, how can you live a more satisfied, fulfilling life! We recently have discussed the first step to entering the gateway to biblically based wellbeing: acceptance of Christ’s forgiveness by faith (i.e. becoming a Christian), understanding our salvation is permanent, and that we should not feel guilt. What great promises! 

 

Where do we go from here? Last week we discussed that we can proceed in our faith using the 5 tools to maturity outlined in Acts 2:42 and 47. Today we begin to examine these tools individually and how they can promote wellbeing. Today, we discuss scriptural knowledge!!

 

We know from the medical literature that identifying as a Christian, church attendance and prayer can enhance wellbeing as well as various measures associated with wellbeing (1-3). To gain a better understanding of this effect Teleios has analyzed specific measures associated with wellbeing, one being scriptural knowledge. Several studies indicate that studying scripture in general enhances wellbeing (4,5). Knowledge of individual important scriptures could improve wellbeing, such as: acceptance of salvation, confidence in salvation and lack of associated guilt. Interestingly at a study done at the University of Georgia, Christian and non-Christian students alike recognized scriptural wisdom as being good for their life, such as ‘Be slow to speak and quick to listen’! See full results here - https://teleiosresearch.com/college-students-wellbeing/. More research is needed to evaluate the effect on wellbeing associated with pivotal scriptures, but we are all off to a good start!

 

Why would Bible study improve wellbeing? Scripture is the manual by which we can mature and live our Christian life. Scripture indicates good fruit in our life will occur as we mature in the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). Importantly, the Spirit uses God’s word to teach us and provide us power (1 John 2:27; Ephesians 6:17). Just as when we buy a new iPhone or droid we read the manual (hopefully!) to determine how it may be used to help our life, so we should study Scripture for our Christian life. The more we read and understand the more fruit we should gain.

 

Importantly, this takes personal study of God's word. It is not enough to live by the jargon within church society which may actually not represent God at all (e.g., ‘I will do this will when I have peace from God’; or ‘God will open the door’). We are to the act obediently whether or not we have peace or not and we make decisions based on His Word and prayer and then act in faith (1 Timothy 4:4-5; Romans 14:23). In a recent survey of conservative pastorsconducted by Teleios, they overwhelmingly supported the concept of using scripture to teach truth and not jargon in the church.

 

Study God's word and reap the reward! Signup now for your own free Bible study - https://teleiosresearch.com/bible-study-program/.

 

Thanks for joining me today.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

• MacIlvaine WR, et al. (2014). Association of strength of community service to personal well-being. Community Ment Health J, 50: 577-82. 
• MacIlvaine WR, et al. (2013). Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract, 19: 251-5. 
• Stewart WC, et al. (2013). Review of clinical medicine and religious practice. J Relig Health, 52: 91-106. 
• Hamilton JB, et al. (2013). Reading the Bible for guidance, comfort, and strength during stressful life events. Nurs Res, 62:178-84. 
• Levine EG, et al. (2009). The benefits of prayer on mood and well-being of breast cancer survivors. Support Care Cancer, 17:295–306.

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tools needed to mature your relationship with God

 

Welcome back to my blog. We are on a fascinating journey evaluating what the Bible says about wellbeing. Can we further improve our lives with the benefits of Christianity and the Bible?

 

The answer comes from the Bible’s 5-step approach to maturing our relationship with God which helps us access additional benefits to our wellbeing. I call this method the ‘5 tools to maturity’ and they are taken from Acts 2:42 and 47. They are as follows:

·       Prayer

·       Praise

·       Fellowship

·       Receiving biblical teaching

·       Reach others with biblical truth

 

These five tools describe the activities in the very first church in Jerusalem and provide a model to us today for what actions individuals and the church should perform routinely. Importantly, these five activities are confirmed in later verses in the epistles.

 

Why are these 5 tools important? When implemented consistently, and in balance with each other, these activities appropriate God's Word into our daily lives. We will consider them individually in upcoming blogs. 

 

For now, it is important to emphasize that the 5 tools may enhance personal wellbeing, not only when performed individually, but even more so done in aggregate. A number of studies have shown that church attendance, which would allow for these 5 tools to be expressed in a community setting, may enhance personal wellbeing (1-4). Further, several studies sponsored by Teleios also have noted that individuals who perform these activities have enhanced wellbeing and especially when performed in aggregate (5-6).

 

This is exciting news! Consequently, scripture tells us that we can have a sure and certain relationship with God, guilt-free, and He provides us measures to propel our spiritual growth, leading to better personal well-being. What great promises! Join us in upcoming blogs as we look individually at these 5 tools and why and how they can promote well-being. Thank you for joining me today. I look forward to seeing you next time.

 

Read more on this topic at https://teleiosresearch.com/tools-to-maturity/.

 

Please tell me your questions and comments and please share this blog with your friends.

 

• Parsons S et al. Religious beliefs, practices and treatment adherence among individuals with HIV in the Southern United States. AIDS Subject Care STDS 2006; 20:97-111.
• Reed P. Spirituality and well-being in terminally ill hospitalized adults. Res Nurs Health 1987;10:335-44.
• Keefe F, et al. Living with rheumatoid arthritis: the role of daily spirituality and daily religious and spiritual coping. J Pain 2001;2:101-10.
• Cotton S, et al. Exploring the relationships among spiritual well-being, quality of life, and psychological adjustment in women with breast cancer. Psychooncology 1999;8:429-38.
• MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of community service to personal wellbeing. Community Ment Health J 2014;50:577-82.
• MacIlvaine WR, et al. Association of strength of religious adherence to quality of life measures. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2013;19:251-5.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email – info@teleiosresearch.com

Website – http://teleiosresearch.com/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TeleiosResearch

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/TeleiosResearch

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/c/TeleiosVideos/

 

Disclaimer – This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author alone and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.