Monday, November 29, 2010

Fellowship - One Word Blog Tour

Fellowship conjures up visions of a latte at the corner Starbucks, or perhaps a potluck dinner at church.

The Greek word koinonia means “that which is in common.”

Fellowship often denotes membership in a local Christian church or in the Church [Body of Christ]. Acts 2:42 tells us that believers who were present at the Pentecost “continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Fellowship also refers to a deep, abiding friendship between believers. God’s Word uses the term “agape” in the description of a love and fellowship which is deeper and more satisfying than any human relationship including social, parental, conjugal or any other form. This is ideally portrayed in the unique God-ordained friendship between David and Jonathan in I Samuel.

In his thank-you note to the Philippians, Paul exhorts them to have their confidence in Christ. Chapter 3, verse 10 says, “…that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.” He knew that identification with Christ was the key to pressing “toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” In this instance, Paul wanted to share the commonality with His Savior, in the sufferings that would produce righteousness in him. The fellowship he spoke of was an intimacy he longed for, that the church might also embrace.

John also spoke of fellowship in his epistle, which was most likely written to the Asian churches. In I John 1:3-4, John writes, “…that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ. And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.” John had personally seen Jesus converse with His Father, and heard the heartfelt prayers He uttered on behalf of His disciples and all believers. His desire was for the church to have that same intimate relationship with the Savior, and enjoy the full benefits of true sonship.

This hymn was written by a young man named John Fawcett, who was converted at age sixteen under the preaching of George Whitefield, and was ordained a minister at the age of twenty-five. He wrote this hymn for the small church he pastored in northern England.  It portrays a beautiful picture of the true heart of fellowship:

Blest Be the Tie That Binds
Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love:
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above

Before our Father’s throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,
Our comforts and our cares.

We share each others woes,
Our mutual burdens bear,
And often for each other flows
The sympathizing tear.

When we asunder part,
It gives us inward pain;
But we shall still be joined in heart,
And hope to meet again.

John Fawcett (1740-1817)


* This post is part of the One Word Blog Carnival at BridgetChumbley.com . Please visit her site to read the other blog posts on Fellowship *




Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion. It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.












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7 comments:

  1. I like how you tie that hymn to the meaning of fellowship. It is a binding, a "spiritual embrace" of fellow believers sharing in common something deeply held. Good post.

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  2. Thanks Glen - I attended a large church locally that sung that song as their "theme" song every Wednesday night! Be blessed...

    Deborah

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  3. Great post, Deborah! We both basically had the same thoughts. Two great minds! :D

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  4. I like your choices of scripture and the Hymn ties it all in. Sharing and Listening brings great fellowship between believers. Often we partake of their sufferings as we pray, give help and offer them our friendship. Fellowship is deeper than most of us view on the surface.

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  5. Very good. And very accurate. Our culture is so often "casual" and "tolerant" but not sold out to each other. And I always enjoy that hymn.

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  6. I love this and that you took the time to really pull apart fellowship and look at it Biblically. I used the same hymn with a twist in "Blessed Be the Feet That are Tied"...I'd be curious of your thoughts since you referenced it too...

    Thank you again for giving of yourself and sharing such truth:)

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  7. Thank you for your sharing: A Joyful Noise, CaryJo, and Mama Abby... I appreciate your visiting my blog during the One Word Tour! Isn't it great to see how so many bloggers can come up with similar, yet very different word studies pertaining to "fellowship". Loved all I've read so far! Be blessed...

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