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. (Acts 2:42)
The term “fellowship” in Acts 2 is a much broader term than our English word…
The writer Luke is speaking of something like a "partnership" in the Holy Spirit.
We see this years later in the apostle Paul’s writing...
Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. (Philippians 2:1-4)
The Bible clearly calls for believers to actively partner with other believers.
We have "fellowship" when we care for each other and practically meet others’ needs….
All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. (Acts 2:44-45)
Real community exists when the welfare of all is the concern of all…
Real community exists when everyone gives everything they can to help each other.
This kind of community will not “just happen”…
It requires intentionality, effort, prioritizing and choices...
It will include changing our schedules to make time to be together…
We will have to dig deeper in our finances and share our resources.
The apostle Paul writes about this kind of community…
The way God designed our bodies is a model for understanding our lives together as a church: every part dependent on every other part…If one part hurts, every other part is involved in the hurt, and in the healing. If one part flourishes, every other part enters into the exuberance. (1 Corinthians 12:25-26 )
How can we possibly know each other’s needs from a distance?
How can I possibly know your needs if we’re not relating up close and personal?
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excerpt from "Church:the big idea"--part 09 free download at pathwayonline.org
