Practical Ecclesiology (5)

Objective of The Church: Fellowship

Acts 2:42 “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

Doctrine is mentioned first. I believe doctrine was first because doctrine is the basis of our fellowship.

Romans 1:11-12 “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established—that is, that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.”

What spiritual gift could Paul impart? Only doctrine.

Mutual faith is referring to doctrinal report. This is the basis of all fellowship.

Paul wasn’t fellowshipping around careers, around clothes shoes.

It was doctrine. It wasn’t around culture or political policies it was doctrine.

Fellowship is the essence of the Christian life.

The fellowship is what unites and holds the believers together .

The fellowship makes the word tangible.

In church planting you want to create an environment that promotes fellowship.

Sometimes what I would do is ask questions in the audience to get the church to engage.

Or after an intro I would tell them to talk to your neighbor and repeat back what was just said.

Also we will look for reasons to fellowship.

Fellowship wasnt limited to Sunday service but an essential part of there Daily lives.

15 percent is preaching the other 85 percent is the fellowship with have amongst each other.

Fellowship in the orignal language has nothing to do with food or fun.

Secular Definition of Fellowship

Fellowship is the condition of sharing similar interests, ideals, or experiences, as by reason of profession, religion or nationality; the companionship of individuals in a congenial atmosphere and on equal terms.

Greek word for fellowship

Koinonia- The act of sharing in the activities or privileges of an intimate association or group; especially used of marriage and churches.

Koinos In Secular Greek

This word means “common” in the sense of common ownership, property, ideas, etc., b. in the sense of what concerns all, e.g., societies, monies, resolves, and c. in the sense of what is of little value.

The OT use of the word common of fellowship

Proverbs 1:14 “Cast in your lot among us, Let us all have one purse”

This is referring to a robbery, and the unity and solidarity of a gang . They would share one purse this is there commonality.

Proverbs 21:9 “Better to dwell in a corner of a housetop, Than in a house shared with a contentious woman.”

Better to live in cramped corners on a roof. then to be in a house a argumentative wife. A wife that causes strife makes a home unpleasant and undesirable.

The had the house in common.

You’re sharing something very intimate to you. The most intimate thing you have in this life is your walk with God.

Acts 2:44 “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,”

All things in common meaning.

They share all there resources with one another according to the need. So they sold property, goods, and possessions . Acts 2:45 “and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.”

Was this like socialism or Communism? No

Because it was voluntary to give up you goods and possessions. They could decide not to participate in giving. Acts 5:4 “While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”” Communism isn’t

It wasnt even distributed but were given to meet needs as they arose. Acts 4:34-35 “Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”

Why did the church have al things in common?

Church history suggest Many times Christians where ostracized and disinherited from there family.

- They where isolated and rejected from family ties.

- That includes resources and relationships.

2. Because of great persecution. Christians were forced to leave home out of fear of imprisonment or martyrdom.

So in order to provide security and a economic base they had to do things things.

Do you believe Christians could have this kind of unity today if persecution where to happen?

Yes we can

1 John 1:3-4 “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.”

1 John 1:6 “If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth.”

Our relationship with God is a direct reflection of our relationship with our selves and our relationship with others.

1 John 1:7 “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.”

Quote

The “church gathered” must realize that it can become a haven for lonely and frustrated people. Through providing a place that is a dynamic and loving community, it can counteract the plastic environment in which people live.

This fake and phonie environment.

the world claims diversity but it likes unity.

Pastor Schaller said just because there diversity that doesn’t mean theres unity.

Different movements are pushing

The word is why I came to GGWO. The fellowship is why I stayed in GGWO.

Matt 18:20 “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.””

The Bible Knowledge Commentary 18:15–20

Whenever they came together in the name of the Lord, He would be with them. And if two or three would agree together about anything it would be done for them by the Father in heaven.