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paralleling ASFG 1 lesson on “FELLOWSHIP”
ASFG LESSON: Fellowship: "Fellowship with God, the Need of the World" "Duty of Those who have Fellowship with the Father" "Fellowship brings Peace that Passes Understanding"
(pages 57 and 58)
1. The World’s Deepest Need: Fellowship with God
Cayce begins by saying the greatest need in the world is closer fellowship with God. Across nations and peoples, everyone senses a kind of destiny — that their condition in life is divinely ordered. Yet, the problem arises when people rely on their own interpretation of what that means, rather than seeking God’s direction first.
This mirrors Proverbs 3:5–6:
“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.”
Cayce’s warning is that when “fellowship” becomes a way to glorify ourselves instead of God, we distort its purpose. Jesus gave the opposite example—He never sought to please worldly opinions but only to fulfill the Father’s will (John 8:29).
So, true fellowship with God leads to loving others as Jesus did—freely, selflessly, without seeking recognition.
2. The Fruit of True Fellowship: Love Without Fear
Cayce echoes John 14:27 and 1 John 4:18 when he says that those who truly fellowship with God will not be afraid or troubled, for perfect love drives out fear.
When we love God first, our prayers naturally shift from “Lord, help me” to “Lord, bless them.” Love for humanity flows without effort because it’s an overflow of divine communion.
This reflects the ASFG passage:
“When we have true fellowship with God, we MUST manifest it in our daily dealings—it is impossible to contain it, it must overflow to others.”
3. Love’s Divine Order: God First, Neighbor Second
Cayce refers to Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:37–39—that the first commandment is to love God with all the heart, soul, and mind, then to love our neighbor as ourselves.
He explains that without the first, the second is incomplete. If we love God imperfectly, our love for others will also be imperfect—selfish, conditional, or self-serving.
1 John 4:20 reminds us:
“He that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
Thus, real love for others is not human affection alone—it’s the outworking of divine fellowship within us.
4. Fellowship Must Be Applied, Not Just Believed
Cayce stresses that knowing spiritual truth is not enough—we must apply it.
This reflects James 1:22:
“Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”
He says people throughout history have known what is right but failed to live it. Jesus didn’t just teach truth—He lived it. His miracles were not for show but to reveal the Father’s will through everyday means (“He fed the five thousand with what they had at hand”).
In other words, spiritual power must always serve love and balance, not pride or indulgence.
5. Jesus as the Eternal Example and Balance
Cayce emphasizes that Christ was “from the beginning” (see John 1:1–3). Even before Jesus’ incarnation, wise men of all nations found fellowship with God through prayer and meditation.
But when humanity grew too far from God, the Christ Spirit had to manifest physically to restore balance.
This connects with John 3:16–17—that God sent Jesus to save, not condemn, the world. Cayce says that, just as Jesus restored divine balance then, our duty now is to “counterbalance evil with good”—not by passivity, but by active love.
As Romans 12:21 declares:
“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
6. Fellowship as Resurrection Within Us
Cayce uses the resurrection symbolically: just as Christ rose from the dead, we too must continually raise ourselves from spiritual deadness—fear, anger, doubt, selfishness.
In daily life, we experience “phases” of the cross and resurrection as we choose light over darkness. This echoes Ephesians 5:14:
“Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”
True fellowship with God makes us channels of strength for others, “lending strength to the weak, bringing about a balance,” as the ASFG lesson puts it.
7. Love Proven Through Action
Cayce ends with Jesus’ dialogue with Peter (John 21:15–17). Jesus asks three times, “Do you love me?”—representing love expressed through body, mind, and soul.
Peter’s love only became real when he fed the sheep—when he acted on it.
Likewise, prayer and meditation are the first steps toward communion, but service is the proof. Fellowship with God demands that we live out His love daily—in patience, forgiveness, compassion, and truth.
8. The Fellowship of Science and Spirit
Finally, Cayce notes that even scientists who deeply study nature are close to God, for creation reveals His laws (Romans 1:20).
However, unless they personally recognize the divine Source behind their discoveries, they miss the spiritual blessing. All truth—scientific or spiritual—flows from the same Creator.
In Summary
Cayce’s Lesson (Biblical Parallels)—Key Truth
Fellowship with God is the world’s greatest need (John 17:21)—Unity with God brings unity with others
Love God first, then others (Matt. 22:37–39)—Divine love flows outward
True fellowship drives out fear (John 14:27; 1 John 4:18)—Perfect love brings peace
Knowledge must be applied (James 1:22)—Faith without works is dead
Jesus restores balance (John 3:16–17; Rom. 12:21)—Overcome evil with good
Fellowship = continual resurrection (Eph. 5:14)—Rise daily into new life
Love is proven through service (John 21:15–17)—Feed His sheep - act on love
Conclusion:
Edgar Cayce’s message harmonizes with Scripture and the ASFG lesson—true fellowship with God transforms us from within and radiates outward in love, service, and peace. The Christ Spirit is not confined to history but lives in us now, calling us to apply what we know by loving God first, and then loving others as ourselves.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” – John 13:35
Fellowship with God: A Discussion Guide
Theme Verse
“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
1. The World’s Greatest Need
“Truly, the need of the world today IS closer fellowship with God.”
Cayce reminds us that every nation and person feels destined for something higher, but true progress only comes when we put God first — not our own interpretations or ambitions. Jesus is our model of obedience to divine will rather than human approval.
Bible Connections
Proverbs 3:5–6 — “Lean not unto thine own understanding.”
John 8:29 — “I do always those things that please Him.”
Discussion Prompts
What does “fellowship with God” mean to you personally?
How can self-interpretation (ego) get in the way of divine guidance?
In what ways do we see this issue in our society or institutions today?
2. Fellowship Replaces Fear with Peace
“If we have fellowship with God, our hearts will not be troubled, neither will we be afraid.”
When we love God and trust His promises, fear and self-centeredness dissolve. Our prayers shift from “Help me” to “Bless them.” Fellowship naturally overflows in service.
Bible Connections
John 14:27 — “Peace I leave with you.”
1 John 4:18 — “Perfect love casteth out (removes) fear.”
Philippians 4:7 — “The peace of God... shall keep your hearts and minds.”
Discussion Prompts
What situations test your ability to “not be troubled”?
How can love replace fear in everyday relationships?
Share an experience where prayer for others brought peace to you.
3. The Divine Order of Love
“Love God with all your heart… THEN your neighbor as yourself.”
We can’t love others rightly until we first love God. Without that foundation, our love remains selfish or limited. Loving God purifies our understanding of love itself.
Bible Connections
Matthew 22:37–39 — The Great Commandments
1 John 4:20–21 — Love of God proven in love for others
Discussion Prompts
Why is loving God first necessary before loving others?
What’s the difference between human affection and spiritual love?
How can we practice this order of love in daily life?
4. Fellowship in Action
“Just to have communion with God is not enough… We must DO something about it.”
Knowledge or belief without application is lifeless. Fellowship with God must manifest as action — service, kindness, forgiveness. This aligns with James’ teaching that faith without works is dead.
Bible Connections
James 1:22 — “Be doers of the word.”
Matthew 5:16 — “Let your light so shine before men.”
Discussion Prompts
What are some ways we can apply spiritual truth in practical ways?
How does service deepen your own connection with God?
Discuss a time when acting in love changed a situation more than words could.
5. Jesus: The Eternal Example and Balance
“If Jesus had not come when He did, the world could not have existed any longer.”
Jesus restored spiritual balance to humanity. We too are called to restore balance — not by fighting evil, but by overcoming evil with good. True fellowship means being a channel for divine harmony.
Bible Connections
Romans 12:21 — “Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”
John 3:16–17 — God sent Christ to save the world, not condemn it.
Discussion Prompts
What does “overcoming evil with good” look like in your daily life?
How do we balance non-resistance with positive action?
Where do you see opportunities to bring balance or healing?
6. Resurrection as Daily Renewal
“We, through His example, are supposed to raise ourselves constantly from the dead.”
Cayce interprets resurrection as a daily spiritual awakening — rising above fear, bitterness, or apathy into divine life. True fellowship continually renews us.
Bible Connections
Ephesians 5:14 — “Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead.”
Colossians 3:1–2 — “If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above.”
Discussion Prompts
What does “raising yourself from the dead” mean to you personally?
How can we practice spiritual renewal throughout a busy day?
Share a moment when you felt revived or reborn through prayer.
7. Love Proven Through Service
“Jesus asked Peter, ‘Do you love me?’… and said, ‘Feed my sheep.’”
Love must be demonstrated, not declared. True fellowship bears fruit in serving others — physically, mentally, spiritually.
Bible Connections
John 21:15–17 — Peter’s commission to feed the sheep.
Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruits of the Spirit.
Discussion Prompts
How can we “feed His sheep” in practical, everyday ways?
Which fruit of the Spirit is most alive in you right now — and which needs nurturing?
What does service look like when it’s motivated by divine love?
8. Fellowship in All Fields — Even Science
“All scientists and wise men who study nature come very close to God… but unless they recognize the Source, the spiritual blessing does not come.”
God’s truth is present in all knowledge and discovery. Whether through science, art, or service, recognizing the divine source completes the circle of fellowship.
Bible Connections
Romans 1:20 — “The invisible things of Him… are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made.”
Psalm 19:1 — “The heavens declare the glory of God.”
Discussion Prompts
How does studying creation bring us closer to the Creator?
What does it mean to give glory to God in our work or talents?
How can we cultivate reverence in both the spiritual and material parts of life?
9. Meditation and Closing Reflection
“How excellent is Thy name in all the earth, O Lord! Would I have fellowship with Thee, I must show brotherly love to my fellow man.”
Meditation Thought
Spend a few moments in silence reflecting on this:
“Father, help me to love Thee more deeply, that I may love others more purely.”
Suggested Closing Hymn or Reading
Hymn: “Blest Be the Tie That Binds” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ0Epw1rwbc
Reading: 1 John 4:7–12
Takeaway
Fellowship with God is both communion (inward prayer and meditation) and expression (outward service and love).
The two are inseparable. One fuels the other, and together they reveal Christ in us — the hope of glory.
Affirmation: “Oneness in Fellowship”
“I am one with God, and through that oneness, I love, forgive, and serve all others.
God’s peace flows through me, and His love expresses itself in all that I do.”
Scriptural focus:
“Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.” — John 15:4–5
Repeat this affirmation silently or aloud several times, breathing slowly.
Let it shift your awareness from doing for God to being with God.
Prayer: Fellowship That Overflows
Heavenly Father, Source of Light and Love,
Draw me close in fellowship with Thee.
May I see Thee in every soul and circumstance.
Let Thy peace rule my heart that I may not fear,
but trust Thy wisdom in all things.
Teach me to love as Jesus loved —
without judgment, without pride, without condition.
May I be a channel of Thy goodness,
blessing friend and stranger alike.
Forgive me when I rely on my own understanding,
and guide me back to the stillness where Thou dwellest within.
Through Thy Spirit may my thoughts be pure,
my words gentle, and my actions healing.
For Thine is the life within me,
the light that illumines my way,
and the love that makes all things new.
In Christ’s name, Amen.
Scriptural resonance:
Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust in the Lord, not your own understanding.
John 13:35 — “By this shall all men know… if ye have love one to another.”
Philippians 4:7 — “The peace of God… shall keep your hearts and minds.”
Meditation: The Quiet of Fellowship
Preparation: Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Breathe deeply and evenly.
With each breath, let your body grow still and your mind quiet.
Step 1: Center in Oneness
Silently say:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10
Feel your awareness sink beneath surface thoughts — like a calm ocean beneath gentle waves.
You are not apart from God. You are within His life, and He within you.
Step 2: Feel the Flow of Love
Visualize a radiant light above your head — warm, soft, alive.
It flows down through your crown, into your heart.
This light is Christ within you, the Spirit of divine fellowship.
With each breath, it expands, filling your body, mind, and soul.
Now let that light overflow — first to someone you love, then to someone in need,
then outward to the whole world, blessing all souls in God’s peace.
“My peace I give unto you.” — John 14:27
Step 3: Listen in the Silence
Rest in quiet awareness.
No words, no effort — only the still knowing of His presence.
If thoughts arise, gently bring them back to:
“Thy will be done, Father.”
Stay in that awareness for a few minutes.
When ready, slowly open your eyes, carrying that peace into your daily actions.
Closing Thought
“Fellowship with God is not an escape from life — it is life itself made sacred.”
— Inspired by Edgar Cayce Reading 262-21
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