The most important facet in our lives is our relationship with God and His son Jesus. We know that our souls can live forever, so it is of great value to have a right relationship with God. Our relationship with God will determine our eternal destiny (Matt. 25:46). To make sure we have the right relationship with God we must ask ourselves, do we really know God? And a more important question is, does God really know us? God knows who you are and everything about you, but do you have fellowship with God? Are you ONE with God? Would God identify you as one of His own (1 Pet. 2:9)? Having fellowship with God is the most secure, intelligent and prosperous thing we can do in this life (Rom. 12:1). But fellowship with God requires our respect and effort (Hebrews 11:6).
Fellowship with God entails acknowledging Him as God (Pro. 9:10). While this concept may seem obvious to some, it is very difficult for the many people who do not recognize, understand or respect the existence of God (Rom. 1:21). They will never appreciate the value of having a correct relationship with the creator.
Fellowship with God also necessitates we agree with God (Amos 3:3). We must accept that God’s guidance is the best way to live our lives (Matt. 11:29). Mankind is not capable of directing his own steps (Jer. 10:23). Therefore, we see so much confusion in the world, of which God is not the author (1 Cor. 14:33).
When we agree with God and accept that His way is the best way, we must also be willing to change. We must refrain from doing things our way and start doing things God’s way. We must make God Lord over our lives (Matt. 10:38-39). When we repent and follow God’s directions for our lives, we will have fellowship with Him (2 Cor. 7:10).
As Christians, we know that having fellowship God includes fellowship in Christ. Fellowship in Christ insures our eternal life with Jesus (John 3:16). Those who are saved are not just familiar with Christ, we have fellowship IN Christ (John 15:5). We have become a part of the body of Christ (Rom. 12:5). Christ is our redeemer (Eph. 1:7). Christ is our protector (Ps. 18:2). Christ is our guide in life (John 14:6). Christ is our advocate with God (1 John 2:1).
Fellowship in Christ means we truly appreciate the great and wonderful sacrifice that Christ made when He gave His life to save our lives (2 Cor. 2:14). Christ became our propitiation, satisfying a debt of sin for us that we would never have been able to pay (Rom. 3:25). Christ showed us grace and sacrificial love, even when we were undeserving of His care (Rom. 5:8, John 15:13).
Christ taught us how to fight the temptations of the world and to overcome sin in victory (Luke 4:8). Christ changed our lives from the wretchedness of worldly living to living righteously according to His word (Tit. 2:14) .
With Christ, we walk in the light of His guidance and when we stumble, we have forgiveness through His precious blood (1 John 1:7). Our lives are made whole when we know and understand the true blessing of having fellowship in Christ.
Our fellowship with the Father and with the Son is a source of tremendous joy (1 John 1:3-4). We must live committed lives that show that faith and fellowship to the world. If heaven is to be our eternal homes, we must cherish and protect our fellowship from above.
Edward DeBerry was born into a church of Christ Family. His late father, John Sr. was a minister in the church for over 40 years. Ed has labored at the University church of Christ in Charlotte, N.C. since 1990 as a deacon, elder and now an evangelist.
Ed graduated Magna Cum Laude and Salutatorian in his class at Montreat College in North Carolina with a Bachelor’s in Business Administration. He also holds a Teacher's Certification in Multi-Media from the University of Tennessee and is licensed to teach in both Tennessee and North Carolina.
Ed was “home schooled” to preach by his older brother John DeBerry Jr., a graduate of Freed-Hardeman University and his younger brother, Tony DeBerry, a graduate of the Memphis School of Preaching.
Recently, Ed retired as a Senior Producer for NBC News after 32 years with the company and 40 years in the television business.
He has been married to his wife Carolyn since 1980. Their adult children, Alexandria DeBerry and Jasmine Thompson, are both very active in church work. Jasmine’s husband, Dean Thompson, is also an evangelist at University church of Christ in Charlotte, N.C.
Ed's greatest passion now, besides his service to the lord, is spoiling his grandson, Nico Thompson.
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