Question:
How does
the Bible define fellowship?
Why should
we have Christian fellowship?
Answer:
-The basic
definition of Christian fellowship is the act of meeting with those
who are converted and who possess the same general beliefs.
-It is the
sharing of knowledge and the trials and triumphs of life among those
who are called and chosen of God.
-Such
regular fellowship meetings are an essential element in a believer's
spiritual growth and development.
The
Fellowship of the Believers: They devoted themselves to the
apostles’ teaching
and to fellowship, to
the breaking of bread
and to prayer.
Several
basic elements to fellowship for it to be successful:
Those
who meet together:
1.
Should have things in common like:
Beliefs
Love God.
Love your neighbor as yourself. Forgive others who have wronged you.
Love your enemies. Ask God for forgiveness of your sins. Jesus is the
Messiah and was given the authority to forgive others. Repentance of
sins is essential.
John 3:16
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that
whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Ephesians
2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not
your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that
no one may boast.
Work
Producing
spiritual fruit, which is good work, is evidence of your faith in
Christ Jesus.
To obey,
to be ready for every good work. Titus 3:1.
But be
doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. James
1:22.
Needs
Though
they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have
mixed their wonderful joy with their deep poverty, and the result has
been an overflow of giving to others. 2 Corinthians 8:1 - 15.
Struggles
Blessed is
the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the
test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to
those who love him. James 1:12.
For we do
not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present
darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly
places. Ephesians 6:12.
Common
purpose
How
wonderful it is, how pleasant, when brothers (and sisters) live in
harmony! Psalms 133:1.
Iron
sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.
Proverbs 27:17.
The Need
for a Common Vision. 1 Corinthians 1:10–17.
A team has
checks and balances, one person watches the other one’s back.
They help
them if they falter or lose sight of the goal, just like in
friendship.
A good
friend isn’t someone who always agrees with you, what you do, or
what you say.
A real
friend is someone that is willing to challenge you, to be better as a
person.
A team
player encourages his fellow team mates to be better players.
Teamwork
and friendship both work in very similar ways.
Conviction
You should
be like one big happy family, full of sympathy toward each other,
loving one another with tender hearts and humble minds. 1 Peter 3:8.
Hope
We are all
parts of one body, we have the same Spirit, and we have all been
called to the same glorious future. Ephesians 4:4.
2.
Should share in the responsibility of helping others in the faith who
may lack the essentials of life:
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints (2 Corinthians 8:3 – 4).
3. Should petition humbly with thanksgiving to God (Supplicate) for those in our fellowship:
I (the Apostle Paul) thank my God on every remembrance of you, Always making supplication with joy in my every prayer for you all, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now (Philippians 1:3 - 5, see also Galatians 2:9).
4. Should desire to walk in the light of God's word:
All
believers should share in what is called the gospel mystery, "And
that I might enlighten all as to what is the fellowship of the
mystery that has been hidden from the ages in God . . ."
(Ephesians 3:9).
Koinonia:
Greek word which refers to communion or fellowship, joint
participation, the share which one has in anything, a gift jointly
contributed, a collection, a contribution, etc.
Non-Exhaustive
Highlights of Robinson (Armstrong) LG for last 12 months:
-Recent
Loss within our LG immediate families:
-Tommy
Armstrong, our LG Teacher / Leader, Husband of Mary Armstrong,
-David
Gillette, Husband of Bobbie Gillette,
-Ted
Whaley, Husband of Katherine Whaley,
-Noah Rodriguez, Grandson of Angie Rios,
-Brother
of Don McCrea,
-Wayne,
Brother of Teresa Scheumann.
-Mission
Project for our LG: Ghana Water Wells: over $14,000.
-Adoption
for Christmas: The Blackwell Family, special offering.
-Genesis
Ministry: special offerings.
-LP Food
Bank: ministry offerings.
-Commissioned
Paul and Jan Kordik to Lake Haveasu, AZ.
-Continued
focus on small “friendship” groups.
-Care
ministry: hospital,home, and food delivery visits,
-Food
ministry: meals, prayer and transport of supplies,
-Event
ministry: planning, organizing, managing LG events,
-Greeters
and Coordinators,
-Website
management,
-Prayer
list management,
-Special
guests: Genesis testimonies, Guest teachers, Ghana well updates,
- Events:
Men's
prayer breakfast,
Ladies
prayer brunch,
Ladies
game day,
LG socials.
