Food And Fellowship: The Church That Marches On Its Stomach Jon Wright 25 th Dec 2005

Joe and Jenny, Dec 31st 2pm 9F

December 25 th A day set by a Pope in ~200AD to celebrate the birth of Jesus Jesus was probably born sometime in late Sept/early Oct around the feast of tabernacles Started ministry at ~30, was put to death (probably on a Thursday!) at ~33, rose after 3 days and ascended to Heaven after 40 days

Jesus baptized at 30: Matt 3: As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. 17 And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” 16 耶穌受了洗，隨即從水裡上來。 天忽然為他 開了， 他就看見神的靈彷彿鴿子降下，落在 他身上 17 從天上有聲音說：這是我的愛子， 我 所喜悅的。

Jesus knew the importance of fellowship. He spent a lot of time with his disciples He ate with them (Matt 12:1-8) He trained them (Matt 5-7) He sent them out (Matt 10:1-2) Only through fellowship can we counsel/equip/train and have a Godly relationship with each other

Jesus ate/fellowshipped with Sinners Zacchaeus the cheating tax collector, (Lk: 19) Many were angry that Jesus ate with a sinner (Lk: 19:7) however Jesus knew the importance of sharing bread/time/love with people (Lk 14:12-14) By spending time in fellowship with Zacchaeus, he became saved ‘v10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”’ Jesus didn’t come and die for just a select ‘good’ few he came for all to have a chance to know him.

Luke 14:12-14 "The next time you put on a dinner, don't just invite your friends and family and rich neighbors,.. invite some people who never get invited out, the misfits from the wrong side of the tracks. You'll be & experience a blessing. They won't be able to return the favor, but oh how the favor will be returned -at the resurrection of God's people." 耶 穌又對請他的人說：你擺設午飯或晚飯，不 要請你的朋友、弟兄、親屬，和富足的鄰舍， 恐怕他們也請你，你就得了報答。你擺設筵席， 倒要請那貧窮的、殘廢的、瘸腿的、瞎眼的， 你就有福了！因為他們沒有甚麼可報答你。到 義人復活的時候，你要得著報答。

Jesus is the bread of life John 6: V27: Do not work for food that spoils V29: The work of God is to believe in Jesus V32: Bread is provided by God the Father V35: Jesus declared “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.” V40: All who look to Jesus will be raised up on the last day by the Father.

The Great Commission Matt 28: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

The Great Commission Matt 28: 耶穌進前來， 對他們說：天上地下所有的 權柄都賜給我了。 19 所以 ，你們要去，使萬民作我的門徒，奉 父、子、聖靈的名給他們施洗（或作：給他們 施洗，歸於父、子、聖靈的名）。 20 凡我所吩咐你們的，都教訓他們遵守，我 就常與你們同在，直到世界的末了。

Jesus did things at Gods’ timing not mans’ John 11:1-43 The message said “Come Quick” Lazarus is sick Jesus waited before going, The disciples 1 st said “Its dangerous - lets not go”; 2 nd said “Okay if He’s going to die then lets all go die together” Mary/Martha complained “You’re late you could have saved him” Jesus called Lazarus out from the tomb God timing is never late, do not be forced to run after man, instead follow the call from God

Summary Jesus knew his disciples by spending time with them He fellowshipped with sinners and disciples alike He is the bread of life, who will not let you go hungry or thirsty All who look to Him will be saved on the last day The great commission tells all of us to go and share the good news