Christian Community. Section I: Study Structure Section II: Introduction...3. Section III: Koinonia & God s Purpose...4

Transcription

1 Christian Community Table of Contents: Section I: Study Structure... 2 Section II: Introduction...3 Section III: Koinonia & God s Purpose Session I: Fellowship with the Father 4 2. Session II: Contribution through Spiritual Gifts 7 3. Session III: Distribution of Goods Session IV: Communion of Brotherhood (Edification and Fellowship) Session V: Communion of Brotherhood (Oneness and Worship) 17 Appendix A: One-Another References

2 Section I: Structure Designed as a general study, for all those desiring to learn the Word of God, meditate upon Holy Scripture, and spend time with other believers discussing the Word. In order to get through the material, this study is best for small groups of 6 or less. Each session should be covered over two separate meetings, as separated into part 1 and part 2. Each session will take an hour to prepare for; another hour should be allowed for each discussion, depending upon group size and individual preparation. Scripture in the Reference Scripture section, following the session Preface, is scripture for both parts of the study and may be helpful for more than one question. Remember: the point isn t to get through every question just to complete the study, the goal is spiritual edification and to spend time together in the Word. The memory verse should be recited at the beginning of each meeting. The memory verse for the study is Ephesians 4:16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. 2

3 Section II: Introduction Koinonia is the Greek word used in the New Testament to describe one of the Bible s most important and consistent themes. Koinonia (Strong's G2842) can be simply defined as one anothering and has been translated into English (KJV) as fellowship, communion, communicate/communication, contribution, and distribution. While the togetherness described by koinonia is typically considered a pleasant thing by Christians, today rarely is it understood as anything essential to the work that God is doing in the world. However, when St. Paul explains that God has a special family, into which He is gathering together and reconciling everything in heaven and earth, it is for the purpose of koinonia (Titus 2:13-14, Eph 1:10, Col 1:20). The key concepts of reconciliation, communion, fellowship, and edification in the Christian faith pertain to relationships. The fellowship of the Church and communion of all things isn't just an afterthought, but is in fact the goal; this can be seen from the beginning, as demonstrated in the Ten Commandments. The first four commandments are granting structure to our heavenly relationship, and the last six offer guidance to our earthly interactions. In the New Testament, Jesus in His High Priestly prayer asked "that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us" (John 17:21). According to Jesus prayer, the ultimate end of salvation is not simply that an individual may go to heaven, (i.e. blissfully walking about on streets of gold), when they die, but that individuals may be reconciled together in full fellowship, or koinonia, with the Triune God (John 17:20-23); living eternally with Him (Rev 21:3-5). The koinonia displayed by Christians today gives testimony that Christ s High Priestly prayer continues to be answered by God the Father. Christian koinonia does not come without sacrifice. Yet, when the Church does display koinonia it provides a living witness that Jesus Christ is truly Lord and King who has preeminence over all of our life and creation (Col 1:16-19). Koinania is the core of Christian community and we ll spend the rest of the study reflecting upon the Word s instruction and the Apostolic church s example of how we are to live in communion with God and one-another. What are some examples of Koinania that you see practiced in our church today? How many times, in the New Testament, can you find where one-another, each other, or together is mentioned? 3

4 Section III: Koinonia & God s Purpose Preface: Session I: Fellowship with the Father Koinonia begins with God. It begins with a God whose name is to be hallowed, who devised a plan to enable his wayward and sinful creation to become reconciled to Him. He sent His Son for the work of reconciliation. Because of Christ s reconciling work we can be partakers of the Gospel and His Divine Nature (2 Peter 1:4). We can join God s family business and share in His work of advancing His kingdom: as Christ prayed (Mat 6:10), Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven, and he taught The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth labourers into his harvest (Luke 10:2), and Christ s parable of those working in the householder s vineyard (Mat 20:1-20). We each begin our journey as prodigals and, by God s grace, we come to our senses and desire just to be a servant, willing to obey every command. While a long way off we are met and embraced by a loving Father and invited to be a full partaker in the Father s work (Luke 15:11-32). It is necessary for two interrelated things to occur in order for God to receive us as sons and daughters: Christ s work of propitiation on the cross and His father s forgiveness for our sins. Once he redeems us we are baptized into his body, (1 Corinthians 12:13), a community, the Church, where we become fitly joined together (Eph 4:16) with fellow believers. In the Kingdom, the family business, there are instructions or commands to be followed. The commands may be in regards to the work of the father or the building of the community necessary to do the work. God not only asks us to be reconciled to Him but also to fellow believers (Rom 12:18). How we interact with our fellow workers is an integral extension in our relationship to God and our Lord Jesus Christ. We are invited to be partakers in a grand communion of all relationships centered on Christ, in whom all the fullness of the Trinity dwelt: in human form (Colossians 2:9). -Have you ever thought about how you prepare for dwelling with God in eternity? Reference Scripture: 1 John 2: John 4: John 1:6-7 4

5 Questions: Part 1 1. Why do you think we often refer to the Lord s supper as communion? a. When celebrating the Lord s Supper do you think of it primarily as communion with God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or your brothers and sisters? Explain. (1Co 10:16-17) 2. Have you ever been tempted to separate yourself from other members of Christ s body and just serve God on your own? What do you think is the root cause that underlies this temptation? 3. When asked about the greatest commandment (singular), why do you think Jesus went on and also related a second commandment? (1 John 3:14-18, 1 John 4: 20-21, Mark 12:28-31). a. How do the two commandments interrelate? i. Has there ever been a time when you realized you have been neglecting one command by focusing on the other. 4. What part of the Lord s prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) does Jesus stress after he finishes praying? What is your impression on why he stresses this part? a. How does our relationship with others impact our relationship with our father? (1 John 4:20) 5. In this life we, the Church, are engaged to Christ (2 Co 11:2)(Eze 16:8), to be wed, drawn that much closer together with Christ, at the Marriage of the Lamb (Rev 19:7). a. Consider the joy, peace, care, and love experienced from our relationship with Him during this earthly engagement time. How will it compare with what we shall experience in all of eternity (Rev 21:3-7)? 6. In the parable of the prodigal son, what kind of relationship was the prodigal seeking with his father and why? (Luke 15:18-19) What kind of relationship was the father seeking (Luke 15: 22-24)? Do we serve Him as children or servants? (Consider John 15:15, Romans 8:15) 5

6 Part 2 1. Why did God initiate the work of reconciling lost sinners back to a right relationship with himself? (John 3:16-17) a. Why was it necessary for God to forgive us? b. What is the connection between Christ s atonement and our fellowship with the Father? 2. In Romans 12:1 we are instructed to present our bodies a living sacrifice, Holy, acceptable unto God. Why do you think Paul began his beseeching with the phrase by the mercies of God? a. What does it mean (and what are some examples) for us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice? b. Is the living sacrifice acceptable to God as a sweet smelling savour based on what is done or the attitude and desire? (Acts 13:16, Eph 6:6, 2 Corinthians 2:15, Mark 12:33, Mark 12: 42-43) 3. The hymn Open the Wells of Salvation (171 in the Hymns of Zion) opens with: Lord am fondly earnestly longing into thy holy likeness to grow; Thirsting for deeper communion, Yearning (for) thy love more fully to know. a. How would you suggest we might satisfy our longing, thirsting, and yearning? b. List some attitudes that you believe are essential to a closer communion with God, and then list some scriptures that underscore these attitudes. Share your lists. 4. Discuss the difference between praising, giving God adoration, and loving Him with our whole heart, soul, and mind. (Eph 6:6, Luke 18:9-14). 5. Now that we have been reconciled to God: what does it mean to be a partaker of the divine nature (2Peter 1:4); and how does this new nature impact our relationships with all others (2 Peter 1:7&8)? 6. As a transition question from our heavenly relationship to those around us, count the number of one-anothers listed in Appendix A: why do you think this was mentioned so often in the New Testament? 6

7 Session II: Contribution Through Spiritual Gifts Preface: On all of our American coins there is a stamped Latin phrase, E pluribus unum, which means, out of many: one. While the American melting pot largely consists of individuals seeking the American dream and freedom from oppression, the Kingdom of God is mainly compiled of the weak and foolish things of the world (1 Co 1:26-27) who the truth has set free from the power of sin. One thing we do know about the Kingdom is that there is diversity (Rev 7:9). When we look at the 12 Disciples of Jesus in Luke 6:12-16 we see a great deal of diversity: John is young and believed to be single, Peter is married and older, all were from the country except Judas, (a thief with background in finances). Simon is a Zealot who despised the Roman government while Matthew was an accountant who worked for the government, and still others were fishermen. Read Matthew 4:19, where all of these were picked by Christ, each given the same command, and all became the first fathers of the early Church. What are the benefits and challenges of diversity in your own local and national Church? Near the end of three years training, Jesus gave his commencement address to the fishers of men; in John 13:35 we read, By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. Another type of diversity within unity is the exercising of Spiritual gifts. Rather than going into detail about specific spiritual gifts, let us examine how to live with one another in Christ (one Lord, one faith one baptism [Eph 4:5]). -Why is love such a critical foundation? Reference Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:28 Ephesians 4: Corinthians 12 1 Peter 4:10 Romans 12:6-8 1 Corinthians 14 Ephesians 4:11 7

8 Questions: Part 1 1. What is the purpose of spiritual gifts? (Eph 4:15-16) 2. There are three passages in the New Testament that list spiritual gifts and explains their purpose for the body into which we are all baptized. 1 Corinthians 12 is one passage that tells us about life in the body. What does this passage tell us about the head, and the relationship among the parts of the body? (1Co 12:18) (John 15:4) a. From Eph 4:12, what is the purpose of having people with different gifts or positions? b. What does Eph 4:13 tell us is the ultimate goal of spiritual gifts? 3. There are many different spiritual gifts listed in the New Testament, how many can you find? 4. What is a spiritual gift, your Brothers and Sisters have been given, which you least understand? a. How have you come to appreciate the contribution of this gift? 5. How are the diverse spiritual gifts of our Brothers and Sisters utilized within our Brotherhood? 6. The Apostles John and Luke recount experiences with Jesus in John 13:4-17 and Luke 6:12. What are the spiritual gifts Jesus demonstrated in these two passages? 8

9 a. What gift is Paul demonstrating in Philippians 1:3-4? Part 2 1. What should be our motivation for excelling in the use of our spiritual gifts? (Ephesians 4: 11-13)(1 Corinthians 12:31) a. Discuss ways you have been personally edified by the church? 2. Why does Paul prefer 5 words in a known tongue over many words in an unknown one? (1 Co 14:19) a. How could we use our gift(s) in a way which is similar to speaking many words in an unknown tongue and how could we avoid doing this? 3. Tell of a time that you saw or experienced someone using their gift for the good of the Body? 4. What does it mean to be members one of another (Romans 12:5)? (Consider 1 Peter 4:10) 5. In American culture we are often encouraged to be rugged individualist and to do your own thing; why is this mindset detrimental to a child of God? What can we do to counter that mindset from taking hold in our lives? 6. Paul instructs the Galatians and Romans in self-denial/restraint: 9

10 o use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. (Gal 5:13). o We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope, (Romans 15:1-4). a. How can our strengths be used as an occasion to the flesh? How does the word caution us in this? (Romans 15:1, Romans 14:22, ) b. How does denying our self for our neighbor promote unity without destroying diversity? 7. Discuss an instance when God used your gift to edify others? (1 Co 14:26) 8. In I Cor. 14, Paul gives some guidance on what the Corinthians should do when they come together. a. In general, what is the purpose in coming together? (church, singing, potlucks) b. What is the benefit of coming together decently and in order? 9. In his first letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul spends an amount of time on spiritual gifts (chapter 12), transitions to a focus on love (13), and then elaborates on how gifts should be exercised within a group of believers (chapter 14). What, do you feel, was Paul s purpose in putting the section on love in the middle of talking about spiritual gifts and their purposes? 10

11 Session III: Distribution of Goods Preface: We have seen that Koinonia involves many levels of sharing. Perhaps at times we are tempted to only focus on spiritual matters and the intangibles like encouragement; James reminds us that If a brother or sister be naked and destitute of daily food and one of you say unto them depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled, not withstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit? In this lesson we will focus on sharing our material resources with those who have needs greater than our own. As mentioned in the previous session Koinonia begins with God however if it does not continue into our interaction with others we have missed the blessing and purpose of this wonderful communion that helps believers in their walk with the Lord. If we truly distribute this to others we are fulfilling the Law and Commandment of Jesus Christ. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another Jesus Christ is the perfect example for us to follow, he walked with a pure heart, always seeking ways to help others. -When we share our resources with those in need: who are we really sharing them with? (Consider Matthew 25:31-40). Reference Scripture: Luke 10:33-35 Luke 11:5-8 Romans 15:26 2 Corinthians 9:13 11

12 Questions: Part 1 1. Christ said we cannot serve God and mammon [or money](luke 16:13); many find that living in modern day America makes holding mammon in its appropriate place challenging. a. What might we do to help us keep goods and money in proper perspective? (Phil 2:3-4) 2. While Acts records the generosity of the early Church, a great case study of generosity is seen by the Churches of Macedonia in 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. The second verse mentions the abundance of their joy as the poverty stricken Macedonians found a joy many Americans are unable to find in materialism (or accumulating things ). Why do you think this is the case? 3. How generous we are reflects our priorities and our focus, or lack of material attachment (not getting our tent stakes too deep in this life). Those that see God as a generous God will be generous, not because they have to, but because they have the opportunity to reflect how God has treated them. 1 John 3:1 declares Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. Take a moment to reflect on how gracious God has been to you and count your many blessings below. 4. The Apostolic Christian Church World Relief identifies Galatians 6:10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith as their guiding verse. Why do you think the Apostle Paul added the last section concerning the household of faith? 5. Jesus states in John 13:35 that By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. In John 17:23 Christ says that our love for each other communicates to the lost world that Christ was sent from the Father. How does the love and care we have for others make this connection? a. Find examples in the early Acts church where specific examples are given on how this was lived out. (Acts 2:44-45, Acts 4:32-35) b. How can you serve your brethren today? (Give examples) 6. How might we honor the scriptures that instruct us to support our ministering Brothers, elders, and deacons? (1 Ti 5:17-18, Php 4:16, Luke 10:7). 12

13 Part 2 1. In Job 31:22, Job summarizes the punishment he should have if he cared not for those in need (as listed in vs ): let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. a. We see needs around us all the time, how do we discern who to be generous toward with our limited resources of time and money? (Mat 5:42)(2 Corinthians 9:7) 2. Who did Christ care for when he healed physical ailments? i.e. was he a respecter of persons? (Mat 8:16, Mat 15:22-31, Mat 8:13) 3. After the Good Samaritan cared for the stranger, he told the innkeeper, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. How can we follow up better with those that we have had opportunity to help? 4. Describe an opportunity when you have experienced helping a complete stranger. 5. How have you found ways to share your goods with those that have needs? (Romans 12:13) 6. What is your attitude when giving to others and how do you align your immediate reaction to giving with what attitude God desires us to have? (2 Cor 9:7) 7. What is the purpose of making more money than we personally need in order to live? (2 Co 8:11-15)(Eph 4:28) 8. Spend some time thinking of the blessings you have experienced when helping others and serving one another. a. How does helping those in need bring God s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven? b. Why is this work important to a Christian s walk of life? (Matt 5:16) 13

14 Session IV: Communion of Brotherhood (Edification and Fellowship) Preface: We live in a time when autonomy (self-determination and self-sufficiency) is highly sought after and demanded, but cries from the heart thirst for interaction with others, acceptance, mercy, and forgiveness. When we are made new in Christ (2 Co 5:17), we are accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:6), and then are continually sanctified by the master potter (Isa 64:8) and Christ s spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18), which can and does work through fellow believers (Eph 4:11-12). There are many levels of communion believers can have one with another. As we continue our study with the focus on Christian community, this section will look at sharing meals with others, edifying activities, Christian fellowship, and the encouragement each of us have experienced and desire from caring Brothers and Sisters in the Lord. -Who comes to mind when you think of someone who has the gift of edification? -Acts 2:42 lists eating with other more serious actions of the early church, have you ever wondered at this? Reference Scripture: Mark 6:34-44 Mark 8: 1-9 Luke 22: Romans 15:7 1 Peter 1:22 1 Peter 4:1-2 1 Peter 4:8-9 14

15 Questions: Part 1 1. Jesus ate at the marriage of Cana, with Zaccheus, at Martha s, and the evening he washed the disciple s feet. Can you think of three other examples of when he dined with others? a. What does this tell us about the person of Christ? 2. What are benefits of Christian fellowship? (Col 2:2, Heb 3:13) 3. How does living out Romans 12:15 and Galatians 6:2 fulfill the commands of our Lord found in Philippians 2:1-2 and 1 Peter 3:8? a. How are unity and fellowship related? b. How do you relate with others, weeping and rejoicing, when you have not experienced what they are going through? 4. What is an example where you have witnessed another believer living out Romans 12:10? - Preferring another in honor. 5. Noon lunch is a practice of the Apostolic Christian denomination, what contribution do you feel this has to strengthening Christian community? a. What blessing do you believe potlucks have brought to your local church family?? 6. There are many creative Brothers and Sisters who continue to use their gift of edification to bless others, share some examples of different activities which have cultivated wonderful times of spiritual communion with other believers. 15

16 Part 2 1. How have you experienced fellowship, or encouragement in the Spirit, while being with other believers? 2. How would you explain the fellowship of Christ s sufferings? (Phil 3:10, Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8:17, 1 Pe 4:12-16, 2 Co 1:4-7) a. Have you seen another believer treated differently because of their faith in Christ? b. How would you build up your Brother or Sister if you did see this happen? 3. What does it mean to admonish through Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs? (Col 3:26) 4. In what setting have you found the greatest encouragement from another Brother or Sister? 5. Paul commended the Romans for their ability to admonish one another (Romans 15:14). Share how you have exhorted a fellow believer (Matt 18:15, Mat 7:3-5, Eph 5:21). 6. Hebrews 10:25 tells us to exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching. What do you think are some of the most important exhortations we can give each other? 16

17 Session V: Communion of Brotherhood (Oneness and Worship) Preface: In many ways, the previous sessions have given shape to the two great commandments, and what it means to love God by loving others. It s easy for us as individuals to say we love others in our local church, those throughout the Brotherhood of believers, and all those around us (including our coworkers and those we see on the streets), but what does that mean? How is this love evident? Is it that we say hi or good morning when we see others, that we are nice, that we wave, or that we don t do anything bad toward them? Is this love really love? In 1 John 4:20, John asks how we can love God whom we have not seen if we can t love those we have seen, who are created in the image of God; and previously, in 1 John 3:17, John asks the same question with an example: how is the love of God in someone who denies his Brother s needs when he has the means necessary to help? In the preceding verse, 1 John 3:16, God speaks through John on how our love for Him and others should be lived: Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. When we deal with a concept such as love, and its fullness, we are dealing with the things of the Spirit. We might say that it is the Spirit which brings the flow of love: from God to us, and onto others. Unfortunately, there are times when our awareness of the Spirit s presence seems to dissipate; believers often engage in prayer and worship to renew their spirits and relationships with our heavenly Father and with one another. In order for our relationships with one another to be developed, a spirit of unity (focused upon following the selfless example of Christ, living in obedience to the Spirit of God and His commands (Gal 5:13-14, Mat 16:24-27)) must be cultivated. -How do you find yourself expressing your care and love towards fellow believers? Is this only when assembling for service such as on Wednesdays and Sundays? Reference Scripture: Acts 12:12 Colossians 1:

18 Questions: Part 1 1. Most of Paul s letters were written to churches, and often in his letters he expressed his desires for them as a particular church. In Romans 15:5-6 there is a prayer imbedded in Paul s instructions. What is Paul s petition? a. In essence this is a desire echoed throughout Paul s writings. For example, he exhorts the Philippians to stand fast in one spirit (Phil. 1:27) and he instructed the Ephesians in endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph. 4:3) Why do you think Paul stressed oneness in the spirit? 2. What are the two one another s listed in James 5:16? a. Do you think one might have some impact upon the other? Explain. i. How does confessing your faults foster deeper relationships? b. Given the first half of the verse, what do you think James meant when he said, the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much? 3. Share with the group ways that have helped you follow through with praying for others. 4. In the episode where Peter is miraculously released from jail, Acts 12:5 and 2 Cor. 1:8-11, Paul recounts a very close brush with death. What were others doing at the time of both these perils? Do you think it affected the outcome? a. Share a time when you were part of a situation where prayers of others apparently brought about an outcome that might not have been predicted. 5. How important is Brother and Sister reconciliation to our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:23-24)? a. How does Romans 12:18 reaffirm Matthew 5:23-24? What fruit of the Spirit does this take? (James 4:10) 18

19 6. Before Christ s intimate prayer at the last supper (John 17) He instructed the disciples, recorded in John 15, to abide in His love. When teaching, Jesus instructed the disciples to love each other as he had loved them (John 15:9, 12-14, and 17); how can we love others in such a way? a. What is an example you have seen, or experienced, when a believer has loved another after the model of our Savior? 7. Why do you think Paul says we are baptized into a body (1 Co 12:13); as opposed to isolated individuals? 19

20 Part 2 8. Worship is what we do while giving honor and adoration to God. What are the benefits of worshipping together in a group or as a church? 9. What does it mean to sing with grace in your heart? Why is this important? (Col 3:16) 10. In Hebrews (10:25) we are instructed not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together. Why is it important to assemble together? a. Why even more so as we see the day approaching? (2 Pet 3:3-4) i. What is the wonderful promise given to us in Luke 12:37? b. We are also told to exhort one another; do you consider exhortation to be a part of worship? Why or Why not? 11. When Christ prayed to the Father, at the Last Supper, He prayed and asked the Father that they may be one, as we are (John 17:11&21). What is the intended result of this oneness? (John 17:23) 12. In Acts 2:42 Luke tells us that the new believers continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers and a few verses later he writes (vs ), they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people. Do you think prayer and praise can be used interchangeably? (Can we pray without praising or praise without praying?) Why or why not? 13. What other activities, besides singing and praying, can be done in worship? (1 Chronicles 28:2)(Col 3:23) 20

21 a. Could being the best mother, father, boss, employee, executive, farmer, friend, building a building, caring for a patient, overseeing an operation, carrying out groceries, and delivering mail be an act of continual worship? (Col 3:23)(Eph 4:1). i. What is the impact on others when they see us doing all things heartily unto the Lord (1 Pet 2:12 and 2:15) ii. Are any of the above vocations more important than another? (Matthew 25:14-19). (Notice how, in verse 15, Christ states that each is given according to his several ability, how well does that say Christ knows each one of us?) 14. Which of the one anothers, listed in Appendix A, do you believe God would like for you to work on? 15. How is it possible to strive together? (Phil 1:27) 16. How would you answer the question that Cain asked God? (Gen 4:9) 21

22 Appendix A: One-Another references John 13:14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another s feet. John 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. John 15:12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. John 15:17 These things I command you, that ye love one another Romans 12:10 Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one Another Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Romans 13:8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. Romans 14:13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. Romans 15:7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. Romans 15:14 And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. Romans 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. 1 Corinthians 11:33 Wherefore, my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. 1 Corinthians 12:25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 22

23 1 Corinthians 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss. 2 Corinthians 13:12 Greet one another with an holy kiss. Galatians 5:13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another Galatians 6:2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Ephesians 4:2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Ephesians 4:32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ s sake ) hath forgiven you Ephesians 5:21 21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Colossians 3:13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 23

24 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all towardeach other aboundeth; Hebrews 3:13 But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. Hebrews 10:24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Hebrews 10:25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. James 5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. 1 Peter 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: 1 Peter 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. 1 Peter 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:9 Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 1 Peter 4:10 24

25 As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.. 1 Peter 5:5 Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble 1 Peter 5:14 Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen. 1 John 3:11 For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 1 John 3:23 And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 1 John 4:7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 1 John 4:12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 2 John 1:5 And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 25