These 7 days are foundational re: relationship and what God has in store[i]
 
We are in the Passover season, this is the most important seven days denoting the Life Death and Burial of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
This day is Palm Sunday, a week before the resurrection
This message deals with foundational truths of the gospel, covering the death, burial and resurrection

The cross is the foundation
 
John 3:16 God’s communication, plan and purpose for man
These 7 days are foundational re: relationship and what God has in store for us.
We must get back to the foundational truth of the ‘word of God
God is clear in what he means.  Holy Spirit reveals this to us.
Holy men of old wrote as inspired by God.  He is the writer of the scriptures.
God spoke, the Holy Spirit moved and men wrote as they were moved. (1Peter 1:21)
 
We cannot understand His will unless we understand the suffering of the cross.
The great exchange at Calvary
Isa 53:6
2Cor 5:21   He was made to be sin for us that we might be made righteousness
He was judged as sin for us.   
There was no sin or violation in him!
Because of the great mercy of God for us. because of the sin debt He paid for us
God judged sin and Jesus made the payment/the blood payment for our sin!!
He paid the price.  H sacrificed bled and died on Calvary for us.
Without blood there is no remission for sin.  God by His grace saved us.
Heb 2:14 14Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
Phil 2  let this mind be in you…  He is
God the word made flesh
In the beginning  He became 100%man, and 100% God when he took on himself flesh
Took on human form for the purpose of death and destroyed the works of the devil
Redeemed man back to the original relationship
He was given a name and given authority because of His death
 
He came for this purpose  .…to destroy the works of the devil and all of his power
He willingly lay down His life and took it up again
 
What occurred leading up to that great day?
Revelation 1:18 KJV Bible Gateway. I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Matthew 28  all power is given to me   Go ye therefore and teach all nations….
Keys of hell and death have been taken  there is no ear in death for saints off God  We go from life to life.
To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord.
He is the one who lives and is alive forevermore
Ephesians 4:8  He went into the lower parts of the earth,  descended and ascended to fulfill all things
When He descended He led captivity captive
He took authority over all in the lower parts of the earth
2 sides of Hades:
Sheol Hades/ the Bussom of Abraham, holding place for  souls and spirits of the saints
Place of torment reserved for those who died in their sin
He took the keys to remove the fear of death for us
We have a relationship with God now and the power to deny the Devil power
Find
 He publicly made known that there is no name above his name!
Every knee must bow on earth and under the earth
First descended into the lower parts of the earth
3 days and nights at work taking authority over all works of darkness
Blessed us with 5 fold ministry gifts and equipped us to do great works in the kingdom
THESE 7 DAYS
Greater revelation of who Jesus is
Luke 2:15 He trampled over all principalities of darkness
He rose with all power and with the keys of Hell and death
today we recognize PALM SUNDAY, the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey
while some shouted, “Hossanah, blessed be he who comes in the name of the Lord!” most did not recognize the time, born again of water and of the spirit
whosoever believes, allow Him to rule in your heart
accept Him as your savior
find
the time is come that you must receive the Holy Ghost
be endued with power
the kingdom of God is invisible kingdom regardless of age, ethnicity
born into the kingdom by faith
whosoever believes must be born again of water and of the spirit
allow Him to rule in your heart
accept Him as your savior
time now to receive power
be witnesses to me, demonstrate his love in my name ye shall…
no evil thing will overtake you
be witnesses unto me…
all people, nations, tongues.
Bring people out of darkness
You must be born again!
Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey in a powerful parade of glory
In a few days he staggered out, forced out under the sound of loud curses, “give us Barabus” and “crucify Him”
Heathens, mockers, indecent cursing
Find   - Jesus is the way – the mockers did not want His way
 
What will you do with Jesus?
What is the world offering you so that you will betray him?
Can they get you to a place where you will be willing to crucify Him as religion did?
There are multitudes in the valley of decision.  We are challenged like never before.
 
The world is challenging the truth of God’s word.  Understanding and willingness to submit to authority of God’s word is challenged
 
What is the world offering you?  Be fully persuaded!
2 Examples of denial  (Peter andJudas)
Peter denied Jesus- he made a bold announcement of his faithfulness– “though others may leave you, I will never deny you.” 
 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.” (Luke 22:31-32).
Peter was sincere and emotional
Convenience or Commitment from your heart  I have decided to follow Jesus, no turning back
Matthew 26:34 34Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, That this night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.
Jesus knew Peter’s heart
Thank God for His mercy
 
There is a spirit of apostacy to seduce and entice the saints of god
Many are departing from the faith
Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils
Astrology, Hinduism Buddhism…
Value of you as a person
you are special to Jesus but you must be willing to lay down your self image
doctrines of devils are on the increase in this last day!
 
2) Judas betrayed Him
Mark 15:28  numbered with the transgressors, charged as a common thief, criminal. 
God said it, we believe it
Wait on the Lord…see manifestation of the things he has promised
Be not weary
I would have fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.
Find
There will be a performance of those things that were promised…
The mockers at the cross taunted Jesus.  “come off the cross that we may see and believe”
The ninth hour
My God, my God why has thou forsaken me?
He was sold by Judas for 30 pieces of silver as was Joseph
Believers today have their own agenda – “what are you going to do for me?”
Paul’s unselfish way
I am crucified with Christ, yet not I…
He is the potter his plans are much greater
Jer 29:11  He has thoughts concerning you, plans for a future, a purpose.
God has a plan and reason you were created in the first place.
Be born again to walk in the purpose God created you for!
Sell out!  Don’t let the devil draw you away from God’s purpose
Man is attempting to please God by His own efforts
Not a religion, a relationship
Compared to all other religions
Born of the spirit
We have a relationship with the living God.
 
Titus 3:6  not by works of righteousness, but according to his mercy.
Ephes 2:8  by grace are ye saved and not of works…His workmanship created unto good works…
Find this recorded
7 days leading to the cross
Be born again.
How are you representing him in your words and in your  actions?
The love of God shows through His death, burial and resurrection
Be encouraged, share the good word!  God Is not angry with you but angry with sin


[i]
​

​Friendship with Jesus   3/14/21
We know the season of his return.  He is coming soon.
When we see signs happening we look up, His glory shall be seen upon us.  wars and rumors of wars, etc.
Were glad to be in the kingdom for such a time as this.  We thank God for his provision and his purposes fulfilled in our lives.
 
 John 15 
We have talked about true fellowship,
There are 3 levels of relationship:
Casual acquaintance, partnership and covenant
 
 
True Fellowship: what is required?    R,
I John 1 – walk In the light as he is in the light” we have true fellowship with one another.
Honest communication. Godly character
Fellowship with one another
We must have no hidden agendas
Caring, character and communication
3 John prosper and be in health , walk in truth, honest communication
Verse 29 be kind, let all bitterness and wrath be put away.
 
Friendship is the next level of relationship
Covenant Friendship – Married couples should be best friends
Higher and deeper than partnership
Proverbs 17  - A friend loveth at all times.  A brother is made for adversity.
John 15  count on to encourage, warn, rebuke, never turn or forsake,  a true friend tells the truth
Not just agreement in word but an agreement with souls.
 
Power of agreement. partnership, unity of the believer,
Matt 18:18-20 
We have discussed how we can have agreement without covenant,  but we need covenant friendship.
John was called the disciple that Jesus loved.
He had the revelation of who Jesus really is.  What that intimate relationship should really look like.
God is love.
John 15
 ‘these things I command that you love one another… that your joy maybe filled.
You are not of the world.  If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you.
Scripture:  because they know not him that sent me…  He warned them of what was to come
You will be hated of all men for my name’s sake. Falsely accused
Hatred of the name of Jesus.  The name above all names!
There is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.
There is one mediator between God and Man.
 
We will be accused of being “intolerant” and that God is not really loving.
God is a loving God – He is the only way
That your joy may be full  (verse 11)
All things that I have heard of my father I have made known not you.
John 17 a friend loveth at all times
As a friend, He laid down his life for us.  He is not ashamed to call us brother, He wants us to be involved in what He is doing to advance the kingdom of God.
We are his children, co-laborers, hosen, appointed, redeemed, called and anointed.  Most intimate of all I Father, then Friend.  What a friend we have in Jesus..(song)
He Is God, our Father, Friend
We can go to God in the name of Jesus
 
 Jesus  no longer calls us servants but friends.  (John 15:15-17) 15 Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. 16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
Be aware of what He is doing and know how to be involved
Like the sons of Issachar who had an understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do.
There is much uncertainty, fear and hopelessness in the world.
We can find ourselves in a spirit of despondency or apathy if we don’t keep our focus on the Lord.
Jesus gave us a commandment to rejoice!  Rejoice in the lord always,  his praise shall continually be in my mouth.  No weapon that is formed against you can prosper.
Rejoice evermore!  Don’t lose your joy!
Submit to God, rejoiced and the enemy will scatter.
So many decisions to be made.  Hear what the spirit has to say.  Don’t get in doubt or fear about what’ s going on around us.  Dwell in the secret place of the most high. He is a brother that sticketh closer than a brother.
He is my refuge in him I put my trust. 
We have the privilege of winning souls
Obedience flows out of a love relationship!
We don’t want to hurt God’s heart.
Pray, read the word, share the gospel
All we do must be motivated by the love of God in us and love for people
Know Him intimately and be involved in what He is doing.
Lazarus and Jesus         (Luke 10:38)
Jesus called Lazarus his friend,  Lazarus: supported His ministry, sowed into it.
Jesus is healer
Friends drop everything to help one another
He is God of resurrection and power
Jesus and Mary      “if you had been here  my brother would not have died”
Jesus’ response to Martha complaining about Mary.  Luke 10:42 42”But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her”
Worship  is more important than work.  Jesus revealed this to Martha.
 
Intimacy and Worship
 
Worship comes before work!
Serving can be a distraction from our relationship.
We can assume work to be sufficient.
 
Motivation comes as a result of intimacy and worship.
 
The father seeks such to worship him.
They that will worship him in spirit and in truth.
 
He said he would do nothing unless he reveals it to His servants the prophets. (Amos 3:7)
 
We should take advantage of this time to develop intimacy with God
Intimacy removes worry.  We are not in fear about tomorrow
Your life is hid with Christ in God.
In him you live and move and have your being
Be strengthened with might in the inner man.
Take time to pray in the Holy Spirit and know that all things work together for your good.
Perfect love casts out fear.
 
Focus on the process. Don’t focus on the problem more than the provider.
God is making you a greater resource for Him.    He is pruning, testing, preparing you to be involved.
There is work to be done in your life before his return.
David and Jonathan: Soul of Jonathan was knit to his own soul.  Friendship is commitment to do what will be beneficial to the other . To prosper and bless someone else,  love as his own soul. Jonathan’s soul knit with the soul of David.  Made a covenant because he loved him as his own soul.
Goliath had brothers, but David had a friend.
No matter what giants, groups, demonic forces we have a friend and all angelic hosts.
Jesus is our friend.  Our healer, He sent his word and healed them.
He is our strong tower, the Lord of Hosts, Lord of armies,
Keep looking up, don’t find yourself downcast.
(Psalm 24:7) Be ye lifted up ye everlasting doors and the king of glory shall come in
He calls us friends, not servants, wants us to be involved in what he is doing.
Ways to maintain involvement: 
Love one another, bring forth fruit, etc.
He gives rewards and benefits for obedience
Love one another and your joy shall be full.
God has thoughts concerning you.
What God has for you is for you.
Be faithful to do what you know to do that is right in the sight of the Lord!
 

Important to understand the hour we are living in.  Tribe of Issachar.
There are signs of the end times.  Perilous times.
We will discuss the importance of maintaining godly fellowship with God and others in the Body of Christ.  True covenant relationship we have with Christ Jesus.  We have a challenge to maintain true relationships, to endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)  importance of our encouragement of one another.
(Matthew 24:1-3, 10 - 12) 1And Jesus went out and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. 2And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. 3And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
In his answer to this question, Jesus began to prophecy the signs of the end.
 
He mentioned  3 things
Many:
Verses 10, Many shall be offended and betray one another and shall hate one another
Verse  11 many false prophets shall arise shall be deceive many   
 Verse 12   The love of many shall wax cold
 
Wars and rumors of wars, pestilence, economic downfall, social unrest (nation against nation), catastrophic weather patterns
When you see these things begin to happen,  Look up, your redemption draweth nigh.  These are happening in our world now.. 
 
In Luke, Jesus warns, “offenses will come”. Opportunity for disagreement when more than one person dealing with anything.   (Luke 17:1) 1Then said he unto the disciples, It is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!
 
There is a special challenge to the people of God in this last day to maintain fellowship through  truthful, honest communication.
 
HOW TO COMMUNICATE – (Honest communication)
 
Healthy relationships grow through constant, truthful communication.
Build godly character to maintain true covenant relationships.
Offenses come when someone mistreats, disrespects/misjudges, misrepresents another.
The closer the relationship, the deeper the wound
Deceptions come when people believe they are right even when wrong.
We sometimes judge by appearance and speak without knowing the behind-the- scenes issues. 
Hearsay, appears, assumptions
We should be quick to hear - hear by the spirit,, slow to speak, slow to judge and slow to wrath
There is a greater challenge to maintain unity these days. Godly relationhships
Let brotherly love continue
Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. (Hebrews 13: 1-3)
People will believe a lie and not the truth of God’s word.
Because the enemy brings confusion, division and separation, the love of many will wax cold.
 
There is a common identity through faith in Christ Jesus
Focus on the people of God.
They shall know us by our love for one another. 
Show forth the truth. The church is the ground and pillar of the truth.  Set an example for the world to see.
Maintain our love and true relationship with God.
We are one. 
We have a common identity, a common enemy/adversary. Children of God all on r in Christ Jesus.   The devil tries to keep you away from the future God has for them who trust in Him..
In this world but not of this world
Great commandment to love god and to love our neighbor as ourselves
Identify in the spirit.  The enemy comes to kill, steal and destroy.  (John 10:10)
We have a common destination:
 
THE LOVE OF GOD
Jesus’ sacrifice brought a covenant with God, a binding contract – a Godly contract that goes beyond that of a document on paper.  Heart to heart.
 
You can have an agreement without covenant.  You can believe in the same principles, etc.  Doing things together without being in friendship.
You can walk together without a covenant   (Amos 3:3) “how can 2 walk together except they be agreed”
 
A covenant is a commitment to do what is best for the other.
You can be in fellowship and not really be in friendship.
We look at agreement in relationships today.
Fellowship in the spirit by the word of God.
Purpose in a relationship is to accomplish a vision, ie: business, goals, focus
Standard Operational Procedures, vision for an enterprise, mission God inspired,   pledges, business goals
Agreement for working together as partners, members, fellowship to accomplish a goal.
POWER IN AGREEMENT:  one can chase a thousand… if any two on earth agree…
Associate to walk alongside
 
RESULTS ARE EXPONENTIALLY MULTIPLIED WHEN THERE IS AGREEMENT  (Matt. 18:19, Eccl 4:9)
 
Genesis 11 the importance of right communication is vital to success in any kind of fellowship or agreement and have the accomplishment of a goal.  Communication Vital in any fellowship or agreement.
We are the body of Christ, one body, many parts
Maintain true godly relationships, knowing that many members but one body
1Cor.12:    12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
The hand cannot say I have no need of the foot…
 
We are in this together and we need one another.
Honor the graces we each bring to the table.
Gifts and giftings, abilities, talents, gifts of God
Each brings a different aspect or function to the workings of the body
 
Agreement:  We have a common purpose, a common goal, we must be of the same mind
Gen. 11 the land of Shinar
Let Us: (Gen 11:4 )  And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. 
(11:6)“And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.
They were all with one goal and one purpose.
Notice the wording: We,Us and Our  They were brethren together in unity.  A mistaken human endeavor, but they were committed together.
He destroyed the Lines of communication and understanding of one another’s speech
They were with one goal and one purpose.  Unity mindset
Special grace and anointing
God reigns down on those who are in agreement
The principle of agreement is powerful, but God said Let Us go down and confound them.
(11:7)   Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. 8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence
They were not trying to accomplish God’s will but their own.
 
Communication, character and caring are key
First thing Paul said when encountering Him was “who are you, then what will you have me to do?
RELATIONSHIP, CHARACTER… CARING
No deception, speaking the truth in love.   open rebuke is better than secret love
When you see a brother in a fault, go in the spirit of meekness to restore him
“This is my brother”  I am going to pray for my brother and Gid dwill show me what words a=to say, how I can reach him.
He who winneth souls is wise (Prov. 11:30)
Paul refused to be recognized as important.  I count all this]gs as dung
How can I honor you? How can I be a blessing?
SPEAK THE TRUTH IN LOVE, confess your faults one to another that you might be healed.
 
3 John 1:1-2 1The elder unto the well beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth
 
When the trust factor is gone the relationship is on the way out. Must be honest.
3John 1   Gaius was a friend trusting that they were prospering because of testimony of them walking in truth.  Others were testifying of their walk.
My greatest joy is to know that my children walk in truth.
“You shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”
Confess and forsake your sin.
Learn to forgive. Love your enemies,
 
Ephesians  “Put away lying lips.”
 
SPEAK THE TRUTH, DO THE TRUTH
John 3:16,17,18,19  light is come into the world and the world loves darkness because their deeds are evil
Honest, truthful, even when it hurts
Even when wrong confess and forsake, know how to forgive and heal
 
Healing in relationships
Do good, love, forgive
You must forgive in order to be healed
 
Verse 19
He that doeth truth cometh to the light that his deeds might be manifest
 
A man of integrity knoweth how to communicate truth in the right way.
If not careful we can begin to respond to problems in the wrong way
 
Responses to pressure: streamers, screamers and schemers
streamers - cry, shed tears
Steamers: don’t say anything, hold it in until the pressure is too great  (like the tea kettle) 
Screamers: fight and argue, scream:  whoever is the loudest is right.
Schemers: thinking of how to get revenge, retaliate
Owe no man anything but to love him.
This is the message that in God there is no darkness at all
In the beginning God created…l
Every good gift
The same yesterday, today and forever, he cannot lie, He is the faithful god who keeps covenant
John all about love:  this is the message that God is light and in him is no darkness at all
Every good gift and every perfect gift Is from God
In Him is no darkness at all
 
(IJohn 1:6)  If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8If we say that we have no sin, we lie
Verse 6   if we walk in he light as he is in the light we have fellowship one with another…and the blood of Jesus cleanses us
If you are offended, go to your brother and communicate,
Clear the slate.  Heal, forgive
Know how to honor and appreciate the gift of God in each other
We need each other
Can’t do it on your own
We need the encouragement and strength we gain from one another when we fellowship in the spirit.
 
Lord give us the grace to be doers of your word and not hearers only.
We are our brother’s keeper.
Be glorified in us.
 

(Matt 22:37-40) 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
 
The power of agreement, the need for one another.  
Accountability, especially in this hour and especially to those of   the household of faith
Support of one another is necessary in this time of uncertainty and inability to gather.
We have an important challenge to put forth a greater effort to fellowship, communicate and support one another. The Spirit of agreement and True fellowship, walking in the love of God and one another is important.​ 
There are greater threats to unity now but greater grace is extended.
Where sin abounds, grace does much more abound. (Romans 5:20)
His grace is sufficient.  We have the ability to do whatever needs to be done. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

It is important to maintain unity of the Spirit.
(Psalm 133)  Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard: that went down to the skirts of his garments;
(Heb 13:1)  Let brotherly love continue.
The Lord commands blessings where there is unity.
 
The enemy’s goal is to divide and conquer
 It takes effort on our part to overcome this.
We must be willing to walk together as God says
The enemy tries to bring discord, deception to God ordained relationships.
Endeavor to keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.  (Ephes. 4:3)
Satan’s desire is to kill, steal and destroy.
We must continue to communicate and walk in the love of God.
Amos 3:3  how can two walk together except they be agreed?
 
Mathew 24 tells us the works of darkness will increase.  Many will be offended.
 
Isaiah 60 foretold of these days.  60 Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. 2 For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. King James Version
This darkness can effect believers’ relationships. Strive to maintain life in the spirit by the Word of God in the kingdom of God.  If not careful, we will be seduced and enticed into the same mindset of the world.
Love God and your neighbor. 
Matt 24 in the last days many will be offended and betray one another,  The love of many will grow cold.  The works of darkness are increasing all around us.  These are the signs of the times.  We must be on guard and not allow our love to wax cold.
Acts 2  The day of Pentecost  2 And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them.  
They were able to hear from heaven.  There was the sound and evidence of His presence. God only comes in the midst of peace.
The enemy desires to stop God from displaying his power, to deny us the ability to hear his  voice and see the demonstration of His power.
 
Power in Prayer - the blessing and benefit of unity to the people of
God.
(Joshua 23:10) “One can chase a thousand and two can put ten thousand to flight.”
Two have ten times the spiritual power of one.  We need one another. 
Comfort one another.  He is the God of all comfort.
2 Cor 1   Comfort with the same comfort we receive from God.    Comfort with the same comfort we have received from God in our time of trial.  How God has delivered there is strength in our testimony.
Strengthen one another. He is our strength
The joy of the Lord is your strength.
There is no temptation not common to man. Trials and tribulation come to all, saved or not saved.  God gives us power to bear it.  There is always a victory in the midst.
We can count it all joy, know this that the trying of our faith works patience.  It brings a testimony and strength.  God proves in us that He is faithful.   
The strong bear the infirmities of the weak.
When we see others fall in a fault, those who are spiritual are to go to them in a spirit of meekness to correct and encourage and restore.  
Be accountable.  You will need encouragement one day.
Pray for one another
If one is sick he is to call for the elders to anoint him with oil and pray
It is important to maintain unity, fellowship and communication with one another.

It is the great commandment that we love God and one another.
He created man in His image. He desired to have a relationship with us.  He gave Adam dominion over all creation.  He most of all wants us to have communion with Him.  He had great intimacy and communion with Adam and Eve in the garden. Walked with God.
The devil tempted Adam and Eve and they failed. God came looking for them.  Adam wasn’t where he was supposed to be.   Adam wasn’t at the meeting place where they usually met. 
 
The first question God asks in the Bible:
Where Are You?  Who told you that you were naked?
Take inventory.  Where am I in my relationship with God in this hour?  How strong am I now?  Is my love and commitment strong? Is my hunger and love for God strong.  Examine yourself to see if you are still in the faith.
 
2nd question in the Bible was to Cain.   
Where is Your brother?
Cain’s reply “Am I my brother’s keeper?”
Peter had a bold confession, not understanding the real cost,  “ I will never leave you.”  You must count the cost.  Cant hold on to  all things important to you.  Can’t be so concerned about your value in this world.
Cannot lose our confidence in God’s faithfulness or count on our own strength.  Manipulation, finances, connections,  etc..
Jesus said before the rooster crows twice you will deny me three times.
 In Luke 9:23, Jesus says “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.”
.
You are not your own.  You are bought at a price.  Glorify God in your spirit. You trust in Him.  He provides all things that pertain to life and godliness.   Acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.
 
(1Cor. 6:19)  What? know ye not that your body is the temple
of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefor glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
 
Seek Him first and all these things will be added to you.
We cannot be concerned about image or self esteem.
Cannot become weary in well doing.  Can’t lose our confidence in God’s way. Cant manipulate, can’t figure it out on your own…
You cannot do It in your own strength.  Glorify God in your spirit. Let Him lead you.
 
Even as Jesus said to Peter, “The devil desires to have you, to sift you as wheat…”
He says “I have prayed for you…that your faith fail not.”  when you are converted, strengthen your brethren.
We must help our brothers and sisters.
 
God is faithful to forgive us if we repent. If we continue to deny him He will deny us before our father.
 
Numbers 32  The people responded to the 10 spies who gave the evil report.
God gave them another chance to possess the inheritance.
 
They needed encouragement to see victory in the lives of their brethren.
Remember Reuben and Gad, (Numbers 32:1,2,5-13). 32 The Reubenites and Gadites, who had very large herds and flocks, saw that the lands of Jazer and Gilead were suitable for livestock. 2 So they came to Moses and Eleazar the priest and to the leaders of the community, and said,… 5If we have found favor in your eyes," they said, "let this land be given to your servants as our possession. Do not make us cross the Jordan." 6Moses said to the Gadites and Reubenites, "Should your fellow Israelites go to war while you sit here? 7Why do you discourage the Israelites from crossing over into the land the LORD has given them?
 
Verse 6 you will discourage your brethren if you are not willing to fight
Verse 16 we will go until you have brought them victory.
Vs 18  we will not return until every man has his inheritance
 
This side of the Jordan eastward: comfortable for Gad and Reuben.

The Gaderenes started as sheepherders and turned to raising swine.
God had wanted them on the other side.  They wound up in greater despair and separation from the blessings of the lord.

We have a responsibility to pray and encourage one another.  The world loves its own.
We are to love people, too do good to all men, especially of the household of faith.

Strengthen your brother.