Absolute Dependence

Experiencing the joy of authentic fellowship begins when we realize that all our dependence must be centered on Jesus himself. We don't share fellowship because we need to. We don't do it to get our needs met. True fellowship can only be known where our dependence upon Christ spills out in our love for others. Knowing the joy and freedom of his life, we can't help but share it with others.

Scripture is clear. True life is only found in Jesus. There is life in no other--not even a correct arrangement of Christians in houses or buildings. That's what Paul meant when he called Jesus the Head of the Church, declaring that it was God's purpose for him to "have first place in everything." Our needs are not the focus of body life. His presence living among us is.

We've taught for years the mistaken notion that we need to go to church to fill up on the life of God. Not true! We can only fill up on God's life through a transforming relationship with the Father through his Son. We were never meant to come to fill ourselves with church, but to live full of him and then share his life together with God's people…

Church life grows out of a group of people who are focused on Jesus. Focus on the church, and you will always be disappointed. Focus on Jesus and you will find him building the church all around you.

By Wayne Jacobsen

I like it when he said that all our dependence must be centered on Jesus. If you think about it, all is a powerful word. That means, everything, total, not even one little thing can be left out of the equation. Every single detail of every second of every day of every week of every month of every year, and so on…

I know that no one does this completely. But this is the truth, He is the Truth, and this is the goal we need to live for. If you could throw away all and every goal you have except for this one, you would be amazed at how your life would be changed. But be careful, don’t do this so YOUR life can be changed. Do this because He is the Truth. Because he deserves all glory and honor and praise. Because He is the answer. Because He is the King of Kings. I could go on and on…

These past two weeks, I’ve been in the process of buying a condo. And let me tell you, being the first real estate purchase, it’s been scary at times. Okay, okay, most times. But the Lord has showed me that during those times of fear (or anxiety or stress), I was not dependent on Him. The moment I focus my eyes on Jesus, everything that is not Truth, dissipates. He is such a merciful and gracious God that nothing can come close to His healings and teachings and disciplines. Someone reminded me in the process too, that perfect love casts out all fear.