The Promise in 1 John 1:9

     I've heard it said that a tiny piece of insulation can block the flow of electricity. It amazes me that something so seemingly small could block something so powerful.  I thought about that when I was reading chapter 6 of the Life-Study of 1 John because Witness Lee mentions that our sin can frustrate the flow of this divine fellowship within us.  But it doesn't have to block it forever because of this verse in 1 John:

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9

   
      All of this made me think about a conversation we had  a month ago with a college student who told my husband and I that he was troubled because he wondered how often God would forgive him. So we opened up 1 John 1:9 and read it with him. My husband told him this was a promise. Together we read it phrase by phrase and even made it our prayer.  

  
      We could also tell that Satan was dumping accusation on him, so we turned to Revelation 12:10b-11 which is another favorite of ours and read:  "…for the accuser of our brothers has been cast down, who accuses them before our God day and night, And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they loved not their soul-life even unto death."  It would almost seem we don't stand a chance against Satan's 24/7 accusation, but this verse shows us that the blood of Jesus is powerful enough to shut his mouth!

   Witness Lee’s fellowship on the blood of Christ and confession has been a great help to my Christian life.  It’s important to know the truth that the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all the sins we commit  even after we’re saved. On page 107 in chapter 12 of the Life-Study of 1 John, he shares how God's faithfulness and righteousness secure our forgiveness:  

The promise in 1:9 should never be misused as an encouragement to sin. This means that we should not think that we may continue to commit sin and then confess and receive the Lord's cleansing….Because we still have sin in our nature, it is always possible for us to sin. If you sin, you need to confess your sin to God. He has promised in His gospel to forgive us, and He will be faithful to His word. Furthermore, in redemption, God judged Christ on our behalf. This means that He will not judge us for our sins if we confess them through the redemption of Christ.  As the righteous God, He will surely cleanse us from our unrighteousness. In this way we may preserve our fellowship with Him and enjoy Him day by day (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of 1 John.  Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry. Print, 1983).  

      At the end of our conversation with this student, we flipped back to Matthew 4:4 to point out that if Satan still accuses us after we confess our sins, we need to do what the Lord did. When the Lord was being tempted by the devil in the wilderness, He  proclaimed, “It is written man shall not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.  We shared with him when Satan accuses you for what you’ve already confessed, you just need to speak back 1 John 1:9! 

I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the  Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I'm cooking, cleaning, and typing.   

Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:

What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?
What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?
The Promise in 1 John 1:9
What is the Anointing in 1 John 2:27?
Taking a Closer Look at Abiding in 1 John 2:26
God's Love in 1 John 4 Seen in the Life of John Newton
What is the Key to Overcoming in 1 John 5:4?
Touching Account From Church History on the Apostle John

Decadent & Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake

  German chocolate cake is my father's favorite.  My favorite part was always the coconut frosting and filling. With two of my daughters coming to dinner tonight I decided to try to make this amazing cake from my Come & Dine Cookbook gluten free.  

  I've never made a three-layer cake before, and I was a bit nervous converting such a complex cake.  I read and reread each section while my husband assisted.  While the cake was baking, I took a look at the frosting.  I was like wow this is about as rich as the cake! So I went online to see if I could find something with less fat. I checked out a few but went with the one below.  In case you want to see the filling and frosting recipes that came with this cake, I've put them down, too.  

   Okay, I held my breath when everyone took their first bites.  There were ten of us at the table, and nobody could tell that I had switched out the frosting--probably because the cake itself is that good!  My four-year-old grandson was the first one to give me the thumbs up on it.  This cake is fantastic!!

Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake

1.  Melt baking chocolate - In a small saucepan put:
(1)  4 oz of sweet baking chocolate and 1/2 cup of water
(2)  Stir chocolate mixture until it's completely melted.

2.  Prepare dry ingredients - In a medium sized mixing bowl put:  
2 cups of gluten free flour:  I used 2/3 cup of sorghum flour, 2/3 cup of white rice flour, and 2/3 cup of tapioca flour, 1 t baking soda, and 1/2 t of salt.  Stir to combine.

3.  Cream butter & sugar - In a large mixing bowl put:  

(1)  1 cup of softened butter and slowly add 2 cups of white sugar (I used 1 1/2 cups without any problem) and beat on medium speed until light and fluffy (usually 4-5 minutes). 
(2)  Add 4 egg yolks ONE at a time beating well after each addition. (Put the whites in a small bowl.)
(3)  Stir in the cooled chocolate mixture and 1 t of vanilla.
(4)  Add flour mixture alternately with 1 cup of buttermilk, beating after each addition until the batter is smooth. I used about 1/2 cup of flour and 1/4 cup of buttermilk each time. 

4.  Beat the egg whites  - In a small mixing bowl:  Beat egg whites on high until stiff peaks form. 

5.  Fold the egg whites into the cake batter:  Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. 

6.  Prepare pans for baking:   
(1) Butter and flour 3 9" round cake pans.
(2)  Measure out batter by 1/2 cups until the batter is gone.
(3)  Bake at 350 for 25-30 minutes.  Check with a toothpick. 
(4)  Put on wire rack to cool for 15 minutes.
(5)  Turn out onto wire racks to cool completely.

Coconut & Pecan Filling & Topping

In a medium sized saucepan put:  
(1)  Stir 1 can of evaporated milk, 4 egg  yolks slightly beaten, 1 cup of sugar, 1 t of vanilla.  
(2)  Stir constantly on medium high heat until thickened and golden brown. 
(3)  Remove from heat and stir in 2 1/2 cups of coconut and 1 cup of chopped pecans.

Chocolate Frosting for the Sides

In a medium sized bowl put:

(1)  1 box powdered sugar and 1/2 cup of cocoa

(2)  Add 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1 t vanilla and mix

(3)  Add enough buttermilk so that it's the right consistency for frosting the sides.

Low Fat Coconut & Pecan Filling & frosting

I wanted to get a recipe with less fat and sugar and found this amazing one on Fat Free Vegan's website. Because I made a three-layer cake and wanted to just have one filling and frosting, I doubled her recipe.  Instead of using soy milk, I used my So Delicious coconut milk that I use for my cereal.  What I liked about this was there was enough for the filling, top, and sides!!  And nobody could tell it wasn't frosting made with butter!!

1.  Into a saucepan on medium heat put:
(1)  2 cups of So Delicious Coconut milk, 2/3 cup of Chaokoh regular coconut milk, 2 1/2 cups of sugar (I put in just 2) and 2 t vanilla extract.
(2)  Mix together 2/3 cups of tapioca starch with 1/2 cup of water and stir into the milk mixture and bring to a boil.
(3)  Boil just 1 minute and remove from heat and let cool.
(4)  When almost cool, add 2 1/2 cups of shredded coconut and 2 cups of chopped nuts.  It was a bit thick so I had to add more of the Chaokoah coconut milk to make it just the right consistency for spreading.  But I actually think this additional coconut milk added to the flavor of this frosting!
(5)  Spread some on the layers and use the rest for the sides and the top.  I Pressed additional coconut on the sides and top.  

Other Gluten Free Baking & Desserts on This Blog:

Breads & Coffee Cakes: 
Gluten free & Low-fat Banana Bread    (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Celebrate Fall With Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread  (A friend's recipe)
Delicious Gluten Free Zucchini Bread (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Favorite Gluten Free Cranberry Nut Bread  (From my daughter-in-law's family cookbook)
Claudia's Blueberry Coffee Cake (Made Gluten Free!)   (From a former neighbor)
Here's a Zucchini Bread with a Hawaiian Twist! Gluten Free Pineapple Zucchini Bread (From my Syre School Cookbook)

Cakes:
Gluten Free German Apple Cake   (From my grandmother)
You Won't Believe It's Gluten Free Carrot Cake (From my daughter's husband's grandma--whew)
Judi's Super Moist Gluten Free Chocolate Cake    (From a church friend)
Judi's Gluten Free Orange Chiffon Cake    (From a church friend)
Marilyn's Spectacular Gluten Free Oatmeal Cake   (My mother-in-law's--she's a great cook!)
The Best Gluten Free Black Bottom Cupcakes   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Delicious Gluten Free Rhubarb Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Grandma's Gluten Free Applesauce Cake   (From an Internet search--tastes like my grandma's!)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Banana Cake   (From my grandma)
Rosie's Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Overwhelmed By Your Bumper Crop of Zucchini? Try Claudia's Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake!   (From my former neighbor Claudia of 12 years)

Cookies:
The Ultimate Gluten Free Cowboy Oatmeal Cookies   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Mom's Go To For Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
The Best Gluten Free Recipe for Snickerdoodles    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Rocky Road Brownies    (From a church friend)
Mark's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made Gluten Free!   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Judi's Gluten Free Oatmeal Craisin & Coconut Cookies (From a church friend)
Marie's Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies (Also Great Gluten Free!)   (My friend Marie's recipe) 
Cornbread & Rolls:
Beth's Amazing Gluten Free Cornbread   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Judi's Favorite Gluten Free Buttermilk Biscuits   (Judi's sister's recipe)

Crisps & Pies:
Lena's Rhubarb Crunch (A crisp with a gluten free top and bottom crust!) (My daughter-in-law's mother. She's an amazing cook, which I think most of us moms become after a few years!)
Delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Ginger's Outrageous Apple Pie    (From a church friend)
The BEST Lemon Meringue Pie with Mrs. Lauralicious Gluten Free Pie Crust  (Internet)

Desserts with Fruit:
Sensational Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake   (From the back of Costco's organic sugar)

Terrific Gluten Free Strawberry & Peach Trifle  (Modified from an Internet search)
My Favorite Gluten Free Strawberry Cheesecake (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Just Like Grandma's (But Only Gluten Free) Blueberry Cobbler (My husband's grandma)
Gluten Free Lemony Rhubarb Bars (From my Syre School Cookbook)

Holiday Cookies & Baking:

Old Fashioned Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies  (Modified from back of the Libby's pumpkin can)
My Family's Favorite Gingerbread Cookies (Now Made Gluten Free!)  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Grandkids Favorite Gluten Free Peppermint Sugar Cookies  (From Syre School Cookbook)
Our Favorite Pumpkin Pie   (Modified from back of Libby's pumpkin can)
Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake   (From back of cream cheese box)
Gluten Free Polish Fruitcake  ( Modified from Internet search)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Nordy Bars  ( From my Syre School Cookbook)
Grandma Pitcher's Old Fashioned Sandies (Made Gluten Free)  (My husband's grandma)
Make a Family Tradition & Make Your Own Fruitcake    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Muffins:

My Favorite Banana Nut Muffins   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Gluten Free Tremendous Pumpkin Muffins   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Bursting with Blueberries Gluten Free Muffins   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Toni's Outrageous Gluten Free Corn Muffins    (From back of a Bob's Red Mill package)
Sassy Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Muffins  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Puddings & Ice Cream: 

Dairy Free Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream (And other ice cream favorites!) (From searches)

Baked Coconut Pudding   (Something I worked out from my Aunt Sue's rice pudding recipe)

Tangy Lemon Pudding   (From Internet search)

What Does 1 John 1:8 Show Us About Sin?

     What was the early church like by  A.D. 90?  From John’s writings we see that several heresies had crept in.  In the first chapter, John points out one of them:

If we say that we do not have sin, we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us.  If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us. 1 John 1:8, 10

     In many of the opening chapters of the Life-Study of 1 John, Witness Lee explains the historical background of John’s writings. What a window this was to help me see clearly why John focused on certain aspects of the truth.  

One thing you’ll notice in John’s writings is he's polemical--he refutes these erroneous teachings with strong arguments based on the truth in God’s word. 

    For instance, John emphasizes in this first chapter the importance of confessing our sins.  Not only is this to help us maintain our fellowship with God, but it also exposes the heretical teachings of the Antinomians who taught that a believer could sin and still have fellowship with God.  What were they thinking?!  As far-fetched as that may seem, believers got deceived by it.

     I liked these excerpts in chapters 8 and 12 of the Life-Study of 1 John because brother Lee clearly points out on page 72, 99, 101, and 102 some of the prevailing heretical teachings at that time and presents what the word of God shows us:

The Antinomians claim that we can still have fellowship with God even if we live in sin. John wrote 1:6 to refute this false teaching….To say that we do not have sin is to say that we do not have sin (Rom. 7:17) within our nature.  This is what Gnostic heresy teaches. The apostle is inoculating the believers against this false teaching….Even though they sin only occasionally, not habitually, their sinning is an adequate proof that they still have sin working within them….In this word God exposes our true sinful condition both before and after regeneration….Indwelling sin is the sin we inherited through our natural birth. This sin came into mankind through Adam, and now it dwells in our nature. Even after we have been saved and regenerated, sin remains in our fallen flesh….We should never believe that this nature has been eradicated. The sinful nature will remain in our flesh until the Lord Jesus comes back and by His divine power transfigures our fallen body (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of 1 John. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry, 1983, Print).

   Years ago I met a believer who believed that after her salvation she no longer had a sinful nature. A few of us got together with her to check this out in the Word.  She shared all the verses that supported her view, and me and the others were flipping through our Bibles trying to find the verses that showed otherwise. I was about 28 years old, and that experience showed me and some others how short we were in being able to clarify a point of truth. I realized then it's not enough just to say things, you have to learn how to back up what you say with God's Word.  And I'm still learning.

I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the  Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I"m cooking, cleaning, and typing.   

Other Posts on 1, 2, 3 John and Jude:

What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?

Marie's Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies (Also Great Gluten Free!)

Old Fashioned doesn't always mean outdated. At my dear friend Marie's memorial, they made available a flyer that contained five of her beloved recipes.  

Marie came into  my life when I was a young mother, and she mothered me until her death at 92. She taught me many things like how to can fruits, and she shared  with me over the years some of her recipes.  

These cookies are perfect for serving with a dish of ice cream.

Marie's Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies

1.  Mix butter, sugar, molasses & egg- In a large bowl put:  
(1)  1 cube of butter and 1/4 cup of applesauce (or you can just  use 3/4 cup of butter)
(2)  1 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of black strap molasses
(3)  1 egg

2.  Prepare dry ingredients:
(1)  2 1/4 cups of gluten free flour:  Here's what I used--1 cup of white rice flour, 1/2 cup of sorghum flour, and 1/2 cup of tapioca flour, and 1/4 cup of brown rice flour.
(2)  Stir in 2 tsp. baking soda,   1 tsp. cinnamon, 1 tsp. ginger, 1/2 tsp. cloves, and 1/4 tsp. salt.

3.  Combine dry ingredients slowly with the butter mixture.   Chill for 30 minutes. 

4.  Prepare cookies:
(1)  First check to see if the cookies will roll into balls. If not, add 1/4 cup of flour and try It again until they are just right.
(2)  Pinch off pieces the size of marbles, roll in the palm of you hand.
(3)   Then dip the top in sugar.
(4)  Place on ungreased cookie sheet; press down top with fingers to flatten slightly. 

5.  Bake at 350 for 6-8 minutes.   Makes 3 dozen.

Other Gluten Free Baking & Desserts on This Blog:

Breads & Coffee Cakes: 
Gluten free & Low-fat Banana Bread    (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Celebrate Fall With Gluten Free Pumpkin Bread  (A friend's recipe)
Delicious Gluten Free Zucchini Bread (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Favorite Gluten Free Cranberry Nut Bread  (From my daughter-in-law's family cookbook)
Claudia's Blueberry Coffee Cake (Made Gluten Free!)   (From a former neighbor)
Here's a Zucchini Bread with a Hawaiian Twist! Gluten Free Pineapple Zucchini Bread (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Dot's Old Fashioned Pumpkin Bread   (From my father's friend)



Cakes:
Gluten Free Apple Cake   (From my grandmother)
You Won't Believe It's Gluten Free Carrot Cake (From my daughter's husband's grandma--whew)
Judi's Super Moist Gluten Free Chocolate Cake    (From a church friend)
Judi's Gluten Free Orange Chiffon Cake    (From a church friend)
Marilyn's Spectacular Gluten Free Oatmeal Cake   (My mother-in-law's specialty!)
The Best Gluten Free Black Bottom Cupcakes   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Delicious Gluten Free Rhubarb Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Grandma's Gluten Free Applesauce Cake   (Modified from an Internet search--tastes like my grandma's!)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Banana Cake   (From my grandmother)
Rosie's Gluten Free Pineapple Upside Down Cake   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Overwhelmed By Your Bumper Crop of Zucchini? Try Claudia's Gluten Free Chocolate Zucchini Cake!   (From my former neighbor Claudia of 12 years)
Scrumptious Gluten Free Blackberry Cake   
Decadent & Gluten Free German Chocolate Cake  (From my Come & Dine church cookbook)
Debbie's Delicious Hot Water GF Chocolate Cake   (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Debbie's Less Oil Carrot Cake (Made Gluten Free!)   (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Jud's Crazy Cake (You Can Easily Make It Gluten Free!)  (From a church friend)

Cookies:
The Ultimate Gluten Free Cowboy Oatmeal Cookies   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Mom's Go To For Gluten Free Peanut Butter Cookies (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
The Best Gluten Free Recipe for Snickerdoodles    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Rocky Road Brownies    (From a church friend)
Mark's Famous Chocolate Chip Cookies - Made Gluten Free!   (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Judi's Gluten Free Oatmeal Craisin & Coconut Cookies (From a church friend)
Marie's Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies (Also Great Gluten Free!)   (My friend Marie's recipe)
Bebe's Gluten Free Whoopie Pies  (From my friend Debbie)
Gluten Free Coconut Chocolate Chip Macaroons  - (Recipe on Baker's bag of coconut)
Dale's Gingersnaps Made Gluten Free  (From my Come & Dine cookbook)
Chewy Gluten Free Molasses Cookies (From my daughter-in-law's Family Reunion Cookbook)
Those Famous Neiman Marcus Cookies Made Gluten Free   (From my daughter-in-law)
Janah's Oatmeal Cookies with a GF Spin  (My daughter's recipe)
Homemade Gluten Free Butter Cookies   (From My Heritage School Cookbook)
An Old Fashioned Favorite Made GF - Hermit Cookies- Hermit Cookies  (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
A New Twist on Holiday Peppermint Cookies (You can make them Gluten Free) - (From my daughter-in-law's family reunion cookbook)
Who Wouldn't Love a Cookie that Tastes Like a Brownie? GF Cocoa White Chocolate Chip Cookies - (From my daughter-in-laws family reunion cookbook)

Cornbread & Rolls:
Beth's Amazing Gluten Free Cornbread   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Judi's Favorite Gluten Free Buttermilk Biscuits   (My friend Judi's sister's recipe)

Crisps & Pies:
Lena's Rhubarb Crunch (A crisp with a gluten free top and bottom crust!) (My daughter-in-law's mother. She's an amazing cook, which I think most of us moms become after a few years!)
Delicious Gluten Free Apple Crisp    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Ginger's Outrageous Apple Pie    (From a church friend)
The BEST Lemon Meringue Pie with Mrs. Lauralicious Gluten Free Pie Crust  (Internet)
My Grandmother's Favorite Banana Cream Pie  (A recipe from my grandmother)
Granny's Lemon Cheesecake Squares   (From my friend Judi's granny)
Simple & Gluten Free Chocolate Cream Pie   (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Judi's No Fail Gluten Free Pie Crust    (From my friend Judi)

Desserts with Fruit:
Sensational Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake   (From the back of Costco's organic sugar)

Terrific Gluten Free Strawberry & Peach Trifle  (Modified from an Internet search)
My Favorite Gluten Free Strawberry Cheesecake (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Just Like Grandma's (But Only Gluten Free) Berry Cobbler (My husband's grandma's recipe)
Gluten Free Lemony Rhubarb Bars (From my Syre School Cookbook)
Old Fashioned Strawberry Buckle (Made Gluten Free)   (A recipe I picked up from a berry farm)
From New Zealand - Triple Berry Pavlova  (A friend's recipe - Heritage School Cookbook)

Holiday Cookies & Baking:

Old Fashioned Gluten Free Pumpkin Cookies  (Modified from back of the Libby's pumpkin can)
My Family's Favorite Gingerbread Cookies (Now Made Gluten Free!)  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
My Grandkids Favorite Gluten Free Peppermint Sugar Cookies  (From Syre School Cookbook)
Our Favorite Pumpkin Pie   (With extra spice-- from back of Libby's pumpkin can)
Perfect Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake   (From back of cream cheese box)
Gluten Free Polish Fruitcake  ( Modified from Internet search)
Old Fashioned Gluten Free Gingerbread Cake   (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Gluten Free Nordy Bars  ( From my Syre School Cookbook)
Grandma Pitcher's Old Fashioned Sandies (Made Gluten Free)  (My husband's grandma)
Make a Family Tradition & Make Your Own Fruitcake    (From my Heritage School Cookbook)
Homemade Gluten Free Butter Cookies  (From my Heritage School Cookbook)

Puddings & Ice Cream: 

Dairy Free Strawberry Coconut Ice Cream (And other ice cream favorites!) (From searches)

Baked Coconut Pudding   (Something I worked out from my Aunt Sue's rice pudding recipe)

Tangy Lemon Pudding   (From my daughter-in-laws family reunion cookbook)

What Does the Greek Word for Fellowship Mean in 1 John 1:3?

   I got reminded this week about not only what fellowship is but what it’s for.  This week I started reading the Life-Study of 1 John, and in the opening verses of this Epistle, John reminds the believers that they’ve been brought into a wonderful fellowship:

I took this on Friday when I was at a park with
my grandkids.

That which we have seen and heard we report to you, that you also may have fellowship with us, and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son… 1 John 1:3

   Witness Lee mentions in chapter 5 of the Life-Study of 1 John that the Greek word for fellowship  koinonia  means common participation or a joint partnership in the divine life.  He brings out that this implies a putting aside of your own interests and purpose.  This part on pages 49-50 really made me go wow inside because it explains that there's a purpose for this fellowship:

If we see what fellowship really is we shall realize that fellowship is a great matter.  However, for years, we have understood fellowship to be merely a kind of enjoyment in the divine life. We have not seen that fellowship also involves a common interest. God does not supply enjoyment without a purpose. God is purposeful, and He has a purpose in giving us the enjoyment in the fellowship of His life. God’s purpose is to feed us so that we may grow in the divine life and that with the divine birth as the basis, we may live a life of the divine righteousness and divine love to overcome the evil one, the world, sin, and all idols. It is also God’s purpose that the local churches may be built up as the testimony of Jesus [See Revelation 1-3].  Eventually, this testimony will consummate in the New Jerusalem as the complete and eternal expression of the Triune God [See Revelation 21]. This is the purpose of the fellowship of the divine life (Lee, Witness. Life-Study of 1 John. Anaheim: Living Stream Ministry,  1983).

I could see from reading this that my fellowship with God and other believers matters.  Through our fellowship God's interest becomes our interest, and we join with him to give Him a way to accomplish His purpose.  I saw a bit more that the fulfillment of God's purpose hinges on this fellowship--wow! 

I enjoy listening to live excerpts and the commentary on these Life-Studies on the  Life Study of the Bible with Witness Lee while I"m cooking, cleaning, and typing.