Christian Fellowship by Eric Gondwe
There are basically two kinds of fellowship for the Christians: a) Spiritual fellowship and b) natural fellowship
A. SPIRITUAL FELLOWSHIP Spiritual fellowship is being in company with fellow believers. Fellow believers constitute spiritual family members since we’re all considered children of the same spiritual Father. The purpose of spiritual fellowship: going to a spiritual home to fellowship with the Father in the company of spiritual family members, contributing to the growth of the inner circle family, being spiritually equipped and receiving guidance in fulfilling all assignments. “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another,” HEB 10:25
Fruits of Being in Spiritual Fellowship: i) Being inside the body of Christ “Where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them,” Matthew 18:19-20
ii) Being fruitful Christians “Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved,” Acts 2:46-47
iii) Applying our gifts in the body of Christ thus fulfilling our assigned roles “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully,” Ro 12:5-8
iv) Walking in the power of agreement “I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them,” Matthew 18:19-20
v) Contributing to the growth of the body of Christ Through the input of your time, gifts, money and resources
vi) Being spiritually equipped through the receiving of guidance in fulfilling God’s agenda “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds,” HEB 10:24
Losses From Lack of Fellowship: i) Being outside the body of Christ ii) Being unfruitful Christians iii) Depriving our gifts in the body of Christ thus not fulfilling our assigned roles iv) Lacking the power of agreement v) Depriving the body of Christ in it’s growth
Fellowship is thus important as often as enabled. At least once a week if possible.
B. NATURAL FELLOWSHIP Natural fellowship is being in company or being in touch with family members, relatives and friends. The importance of this is seen in the way we are naturally preoccupied with those we love. Even the worst of sinners have some feelings for at least one or more people close to their hearts. |