FELLOWSHIP

As Christian (new, growing or mature), it is essential you find a local church, where you can worship with others in the body of Christ. This helps you to grow spiritually and have a better understanding of the bible, ultimately helping your Christian growth and journey.

Acts 2:42 – "and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers"

Vs 44 "and all that believed were together, and had all things in common". ,

Fellowship is not membership; not your name being on the church roll, attendance or giving. I know many are comfortable with a spiritual life that involves doing just the above and nothing else, but all that makes you is an envelope, a tithe number, a tick on some attendance software somewhere. Fellowship is the same word in Greek as communion or partnership.



Fellowship is a commitment to the strength and vitality of the body of Christ, not just by attending (doctrine), but by supporting fellow believers (fellowship). It's about material and spiritual support (breaking of bread, prayers and having all things in common), about love, sharing, and being there for each other. The bible makes clear the efficacy of a partnership in Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10; Two are better than one... for if they fall, one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.

1 John 1:3 also makes clear what the basis of our fellowship is; God and His son Jesus Christ. It is this relationship that then gives meaning to our fellowship as members of our local bodies and the universal church. Our fellowship is with the father; and with His son Jesus Christ. If we then walk in the light as God is in the light, then (only then do) we have fellowship with one another and the blood of Jesus cleanses us from all sin 1 John 1:7 pp

The church in our day ought to "have all things in common"; race, colour, denomination, doctrine and even worship styles shouldn't be formidable enough to break the church of Christ, if indeed our fellowship is first with the father and with His son Jesus Christ. If we have indeed fellowshipped with Him or if He has "lifted us up" as in Ecclesiastes 4:10 then we will have no problem lifting one another.

My prayer is that as you and I contribute our best to the establishment of God's will on the earth, we all receive His strength to continue steadfastly in fellowship, and have all things in common.

By: Tunde Usidame

"Fellowship" Commissioner