Focus on Fellowship

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.