The Importance of FELLOWSHIP

Can you imagine for a moment if people from the same fellowship would gather in someone’s house every evening, with their families, to dine together, and then fellowship, share testimonies of what the Lord did that day, and then prayer, communion and worship? WOW… how cool would that be?

The Book of Acts is in many respects is the blueprint for our Christian lives!  We are supposed to be living out the chapter 29 of the book of Acts. There is so much in Acts to pattern our lives after.–And fellowship is one area that they were very strong in. If you think about it, we’re the original “support group”. We stand by one another, we support one another, and we lift up one another. That’s what Christians do.

They united together for their strength, and for the purpose of sharing the Word of God, and to encourage each other with testimonies. “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” (Acts 2:46). And “They continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and breaking of bread, and in prayers” (Acts 2:42).

Persecution was a reality and uniting together gave them even greater strength as they supported one another in the faith! “He came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying” (Acts 12:12). Fellowship was important in order to build each other up, and be one family of believers standing together. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as you see the day approaching” (Heb 10:25).

Just imagine if people of the same church would gather in someone’s house, and take turns every evening, to unite as one body, lifting each other up. “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another” (Ro 12:5). 

We are all aware that there are many doctrines within the body of the church.  However, if we were following the simplicity of the Word, there should be no schisms in the body of Christ. Paul knew that many doctrines separated the body of Christ and he warned them, saying, “Why are you saying ‘I am of Paul, or I am of Apollos” (1Cor 3:4). He warned and counselled the Christians in Corinth about it.“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1Cor 1:19).

Paul made it clear that new churches being formed should stick with the doctrine that was taught by Jesus, which was recorded by the Apostles and the disciples. “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.  For if he that comes preaches another Jesus..” (2Cor 11:3). He is letting them know that they should stick with the simple truths of Jesus! 

There are many divisions in doctrine to the point that we, as the body of Christ, are weak overall! People in the world are so turned off by those divisions. But on the other hand, they are drawn to the unity and love of Christians who are giving the Word and the love of God. “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another” (Jn 13:35).

The main times that Christians unite is during persecution…why?  Because when it comes right down to it, we all must cling to the love and mercy of God during those times.  The essence of Jesus’ teachings come to light when there is so much darkness.  We are strengthened by giving love, comfort and safety; giving of ourselves in real love for others. Those are scriptural truths that never change, when darkness is trying to overcome the light!

So, let’s focus on finding ways to unite together as Christians, in love, in order to really win those around us to Jesus.