WHAT THE BELIEVERS HAVE IN COMMON - PART 3

WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2022

There is something in the context of today's article which is known as fellowship, and its suggestive of friendly association, especially with people who share one's interests. This fellowship denotes companionship, sociability, comradeship, amity, close familiarity and intimacy. The Christian fellowship is designed to enforce the camaraderie of the Christian gathering and ignite a team spirit in the midst of God's people. It signifies a mutual loyalty shared by the members of the body of Christ. Therefore pay attention because very large and expansive thoughts follow the wordings of my exposition.

Reference: Acts 2:42 New Living Translation (NLT) "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord's Supper), and to prayer."

Before we think of fellowship, what bring us together in the first place? Here's the answer: Salvation unites us in Christ, and we have received it as a result of the blood that was shed on the cross. Therefore, fellowshipping with the saints is extremely needful because it brings about closeness, mutual trust and friendship among us as we spend a lot of time together in God's presence. It strengthens the sense of togetherness among those who belong to the family of God. The word is fashioned from the Greek Grammar, "Koinonia" which implies fraternity. Through constant fellowship with the saints, we develop a holy and hearty concord with Divinity and with fellow saints. Therefore we should endeavour to embrace the insight.

In Matthew 18:19-20 (NLT), Jesus said, "I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them." Where two or three are gathered in His name, God is there. Remember that the Lord is the Spirit, according to 2 Corinthians 3:17. The translation (ESV) reads, "Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty." Liberty here equally suggests the expression of deep-seated mental rest, with an aura of good-humoured affability. In fellowship meetings, we are continually trained with the Word which in turn, governs our godly interactions according to shared beliefs, values and convictions rooted in the glorious gospel.

Also there is a Scripture that says, "And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near" (Hebrews 10:25 NLT). Some people avoid fellowship because they don't value the impact. What is the main impact? "Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious foil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore" (Psalm 133:1-3 ESV). In other words, he is showing us the wisdom behind meetings and gatherings hosted by the saints. While some Christians actually get it, some don't get it at all, and for this reason, they are really missing out.

Beloved, our blessing and exaltation are inaugurated and initiated as a command in the presence of God. And this very verse by King David, is sufficient to convince us that our blessing is always in the mind of God. That's His thought for us whenever we gather together. And this fellowship must continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son, that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ.

God wants to see His own image fully formed in us, and its nothing less than us, being well-pleasing in His sight and fulfilling His will for our lives. Also note that its not our own dream to become so, but rather its God's perfect will. Sometimes it may seem challenging, but when we align with the mystery of fellowship, God begins to shape us in that direction until Christ's character and image speak volume in our own lives.

In conclusion, a great fellowship or godly association needs a deep foundation, just like a skyscraper, because the fountain of blessing that comes from it, is a great feast of flourishing. This fountain flows as we rest in the Word (green pastures), the abundant source from which we soar heavenward. More so, the aim of Christian fellowship is to establish in everyone of us, nothing less than a complete, all-round, and thorough-going conformity to the will of God; and that should be our deepest desire and conscious aim, as we gather together, and in doing so, Christ is continually formed in us. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - 1 Corinthians 1:9; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 2:9; 1 John 1:7.

Guided Prayer: Heavenly Father, it is great to know the importance and impact of having fellowship with the saints in Christ. Our fellowship is with you and Jesus Christ and it promotes peace and concord among your chosen ones. Thank you Lord for your interest in the peace, prosperity and well-being of your people, in Jesus' Name, Amen!