The word in our verse today which is translated into English as "fellowship" comes from the Greek word "koinonia" which means, "fellowship, association, community, communion, joint participation or intercourse." Christians are united in "koinonia" or "Christian fellowship." Our individual faith in Christ has made us part of a great communion of believers, connecting us to the Body of Christ eternal. We are not alone!
The church is a fellowship of far greater significance than a mere civic organization or non-profit charity. We have the Holy Spirit, salvation, God's Word and the message of hope for the whole world! Unfortunately Christians often forget or overlook the One who unites us to our fellow believers, Jesus Christ! We are not united on the basis of mutual likes or dislikes. We are not united on the basis of personalities or preferences. Each of us have placed faith in Christ for salvation and in so doing have become part of the family of God, the great "koinonia." Christians are related to one another more intimately than any familial relationship they could ever enjoy here on earth. The Holy spirit is much thicker than blood! We are united in Christ!
Our personal fellowship with Christ is an amazing blessing for which we can never give enough thanks to God. Our corporate fellowship with other believers in Christ is a great blessing for which we should be thankful as well. Many people miss the blessing of Christian fellowship because of quarrels or conflict they have experienced with other believers inside the church. Much of the time these quarrels are over the silliest of things! I once heard of a church whose fellowship split over the question of whether or not Adam and Eve had a belly button! Don't allow Satan to drive a wedge between you and those for whom Christ died! Don't miss out on the "koinonia" God intends for you! We cannot be the person God intends for us to be apart from the Christian fellowship Christ died to create!
"Beloved, let us love one another,"
James
No comments:
Post a Comment