Finding Fellowship
The sermon emphasizes the importance of finding and maintaining fellowship with a true body of Christians, as commanded by the Lord, to avoid spiritual coldness and maintain a strong relationship with God.
David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of finding true fellowship among believers, drawing from Psalm 107 to illustrate the plight of those who once experienced God's fullness but now wander in spiritual desolation. He highlights the struggle many face in locating a church that meets their needs, leading some to abandon their search altogether. Wilkerson reassures that God has a body of believers worldwide, and encourages the faithful to seek out their 'city' of worship, as fellowship is vital to maintaining a vibrant relationship with Christ. He reminds us that God delights in His children gathering together in worship, and urges believers to boldly ask for guidance in finding their community.
Text
"Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, and gathered out of the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. They wandered in the wilderness in a desolate way; they found no city to dwell in. Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them" (Psalm 107:1-5).
Here is a classification of people who once knew the fullness of the Lord and at some time in their life discovered glorious deliverance. But now they are in a solitary wilderness, wandering alone, and they can't find the city. "The city" in the Old Testament refers to Zion, which represents God's true church. Today, of course, that city is the true body of Christ; those who worship in spirit and in truth. And this class of believers described above is comprised of those who cannot seem to find "the city." They no longer attend church because they can't seem to find a place of worship that meets their needs.
The Lord has commanded: "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching" (Hebrews 10:25). Multitudes of starving Christians go from church to church trying to find their place. In the end, many give up even seeking a good church because they are determined there are none.
It's true that it is hard to find churches worth attending today. In fact, that is a common complaint among believers. But rest assured that God has his body of believers all over the world; those who share a bond in the Spirit. If you cry out to him, he will miraculously bring like-minded Christians to you where you can enjoy fellowship, even if it is a small group. This is important, because without fellowship with a true body of Christians, you can end up cold and lonely, and in danger of leaving your first love for the Savior.
Beloved, be bold in asking the Lord to guide you to your "city" of worship and he will be faithful to lead you. He takes great joy in seeing his children worshiping together.
Sermon Outline
- The Condition of the Redeemed
- The Importance of Fellowship
- Finding the City
- God's body of believers exists worldwide
- Like-minded Christians can be found through prayer
- Fellowship is essential for avoiding spiritual coldness
Key Quotes
“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” — David Wilkerson
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” — David Wilkerson
“Beloved, be bold in asking the Lord to guide you to your 'city' of worship and he will be faithful to lead you.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- Pray for guidance to find a community of like-minded Christians where you can worship and grow in your faith.
- Be bold in seeking out a church or fellowship group that meets your spiritual needs.
- Prioritize fellowship with other believers to avoid spiritual isolation and maintain a strong relationship with God.