WELCOME
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. (Acts 2:42-47)
The people referred to in the above passage had just heard the gospel preached for the first time. What an exciting time in history! For the 3,000 plus people who would believe and obey, this was their day for salvation. Their "like precious faith" created a common bond, and they began to share time together. Many others would follow desiring the fellowship that these Christians now shared with one another.
What is fellowship? The Greek word for fellowship means to share with someone in something; participation (especially with a close bond), communion. We often think of fellowship in the sense of eating together, but it is much more than that. Christian fellowship is also more than just a mere friendship with another person. It is a bond of unity in love. As Christians, our hearts are knitted together in love (Col. 2:2). Fellowship is a bond of unity in purpose (1 Cor. 1-10). Fellowship is also a bond of unity in our hope of eternal life (Titus 1:2). Fellowship is the building of each other in faith (Jude 20; Phil. 2:4; Heb. 10:24; 1 Thess. 5:11). In order to have meaningful fellowship with other Christians, we must have a meaningful relationship with our God (1 John 1:3-7).
Although fellowship consists of more than eating together, it is a good place to start. The early Christians provided a good example for us as they continued daily "from house to house". They ate their meals with "gladness and singleness of heart". It is hard to experience singleness of heart with a member that you have never spent time with. There is no better place to get to really know someone than to share a meal with them in your home. I would like to challenge all of us to open our homes and our hearts. Start small but just do it. Your home does not have to be perfect, you do not have to be a chef and your food does not have to be gourmet. Just be you and share what God has given you.
Fellowship is one life touching another in a way that makes a difference in both lives. Fellowship is the result of a Christian's total service for Christ. It is the result of eating together but also from teaching together and praying together, etc. Everything that one does in service for Christ which brings his life in contact with another Christian results in fellowship. We too can experience the precious fellowship that the early Christians did. The choice is ours.
Striving together, working together, praying together for the growth of the church, for the growth of each individual member of the church--this is precious fellowship.
All Scripture is taken from the NKJ Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson,Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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