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.

http://www.Godmissionpossible.com



Fellowship - One Word Blog Tour