Fellowship of Believers
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV
These verses explain what is fellowship in the Spirit. The qualities of fellowship are love, like-mindedness, mercy and caring for each other. Like- mindedness does not mean agreeing with one another in all matters, but having the readiness to accept or allow differences with tolerance. These are essential qualities and people are to be guided by the Holy Spirit for enjoying fellowship with one another in the Christian community.
We find that those who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Master assembled in houses or other public places to worship God and share the Word of God and their testimonies. They looked forward to the occasion of fellowship.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:42 NKJV
The Christian believers’ fellowship was to encourage each other and to remind themselves of the doctrines. There were no books written about the teachings and so it was essential for them to be reminded of the teachings of the Lord. Later in the first century the Gospels and epistles were written. But these manuscripts and copies of these were not available to all. As time passed, many wrong teachings, interpretations and ordinances corrupted the church. Still there were fellowships which nourished and promulgated the doctrines established by the New Testament books. The author of the book of Hebrews reminds about assembling of Christians.
And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 NKJV
This fellowship of disciples later came to be called Christians in Antioch during Apostle Paul’s time.
But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
I John 1:7 NKJV
Our fellowship is in Christ and His blood has redeemed us. Psalm 133 says:
Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalms 133:1 NKJV
Church is the Body of which Christ is the head. The oil of anointing flows from the head of our High Priest, Christ Jesus. This anointing falls on to the body and we all get blessed. When we are United in one Spirit and guided by the Spirit there is abundance of joy. That’s the benefit and beauty of Christian fellowship.
Testimony
Troop church was a good fellowship we enjoyed before the corona set in. We looked forward to meeting each other in different houses, and enjoyed taking part in our assignments of worshipping, sharing the Word, testimony and intercessory prayers.
Prayer
Our loving heavenly Father, grant us the joy of fellowship with one another, that we love each other, encourage and strengthen one another in your precious love and protection. In Jesus’ mighty name we pray,
Amen.
Sol.Salomi Kurian