There are apparently four factors around which much of Christianity seems to evolve. Some refer to these as the four “F”s, and to some degree they represent much of the life of Christian believers.
Faith, the first “F”, is of course, the basis of it all. The Bible says clearly that “…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him”(Hebrews 11:6). No-one can definitively prove God’s existence, any more than one can definitively disprove the existence of a divine being, but in the end it comes down to a matter of faith. Either you believe in the existence of God or you believe everything began with some kind of rock or singularity. It ends up being a matter of faith and which you think is the most likely to be the beginning of it all. But without faith, nothing happens.
Fellowship, the second F, is really just people of like faith wanting to get together and enjoy each other’s company. We are told in Hebrews 10:25 to “not [forsake] 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.” One of the most difficult things about the present situation is the impossibility of proper fellowship, and the ease of gathering together as people have been accustomed to do. But we are told to “…be subject to the governing authorities. For….the authorities that exist are appointed by God…” (Romans 13:1). Even so, when possible, getting together with people of like faith is extremely important, when it can be safely done.
The third F stands for food, which has always been associated with fellowship. The last time Christ met with His followers was over the comfort of a meal - the Last Supper. Jesus called Himself “…the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst…” (John 6:35). Additionally, he has been referred to as “…a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb…” (Revelation 22:1). The commemoration of Christ’s death itself involves food in the bread and wine. As well, most early church functions were centred around a meal; even today many people head to a restaurant for a meal or coffee after a church gathering.
The final F is fun. Fun should also be part of a Christian gathering, after all, the Bible states, in John 15:11, that Jesus said: “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” Psalms also tells us in seven places to joyfully shout or make a joyful noise unto God (66:1, 81:1, 95:1,95:2, 98:4, 98:6,100:1). Church gatherings were never meant to be dreary, wearisome affairs but to be enjoyable and fulfilling events, even as they are serious and solemn in their own way. A person should always come away from such more uplifted than downtrodden, more joyful than tearful, and more enlightened than confused.
These are four of the aspects of Christian living and association. Now, the Bible states that God’s people (the church) in the New Jerusalem will be the bride of Christ. “…‘Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.’ And he carried me away…and he showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God…” (Revelation 21:9-10). Genesis 2:24 also refers to a type of marriage with Christ: “…they shall become one flesh.” If we are to be in this relationship with Christ, we must have faith in Him, want to be where He is as much as possible, break bread with Him, and have joy in His presence. If that’s not what the case seems to be, then it may be a long eternity. Just something to think about.
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