LeonLovett
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Posts: 2
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Christian Fellowship
Posted on: 11/07/2006 10:20 AM
I recently was reading a book that caused me to rethink my idea about Fellowship. So often we
hear people talk of the joy of Christian fellowship or koinonia but do we really know the
difference between Christian Fellowship and just simple human fellowship? Shouldn’t there be a
difference between the two? It would seem that Christian fellowship should have more to offer.
Too often what passes for Christian fellowship differs only from the world in that beer is not
served. Christian fellowship should be marvelously therapeutic and sweet. I know I need some
help to make better use of the time with Christian brothers and sisters so that we all grow in
grace.
Briefly I’d like to suggest some hindrances and some aids to true Christian fellowship.
Hindrances:
1. Fellowship is hindered when you never attempt to talk about the truths of your faith. Too
often Christians gather together for fellowship and all that is discussed are things such as sports, politics, family, or some popular topic. These are good things but what do they add to our
spiritual growth?
2. Fellowship is hindered when believers only talk about their one pet theme. We must avoid small mindedness. We should seek to do reading in different spiritual areas to help edify.
3. Fellowship is hindered when one brother dominates the conversation to the extent that no one else can change the subject. True fellowship involves giving and taking.
4. Fellowship is hindered when we relax so much that our tongue says too much. We have all had those times when we left a meeting and wished we had not said something. We need to ask God to help guard our tongue.
5. Fellowship is hindered when we carry a negative attitude around with us. No one enjoys a conversation with a negative person. The Christian has no reason to be negative. We have
grace extended to us and we have the opportunity to tell others about that grace. What could be
more positive?
Aids to Fellowship:
1. When we are going to fellowship with Christians, we all ought to come with something to
share concerning what God has been teaching us. Talk about the sermons or a book you are
reading or share something from your time with God.
2. Fellowship is aided when we gather together to pray. When I say this I don’t mean prayer that centers on simply illness. Illness is important and we should pray for this, but this is not the
prayer that leads to true fellowship. True fellowship is experienced when God’s people gather to
pray and that prayer concerns prayer for the lost, for marriages, for struggles with sin, etc. Here an expression of the heart of God is experienced. Find some brothers or sisters in Christ with
whom you can share sensitive prayer requests. Being involved in a small group Bible Study is a good way to do this.
3. Fellowship is aided when we look for Christ to be present as we meet with others. My thinking here incorporates the idea of Matthew 18:20. We need to recognize that when we gather
with other Christians, Christ is there and this will help us in the use of the time.
Now I don’t want to imply that Christians can’t get together for things like playing games or meals or going to events. I simply want you to realize that if that is all we do with Christians we
are missing out on true Biblical fellowship. True Biblical fellowship refreshes and encourages growth in grace. We must seek to do this to encourage ourselves and others in the process of
sanctification.
WHAT A JOY TO PARTAKE OF REAL CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP!
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