‘The Gospel has never changed.’
– Billy Graham
Fellowship
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:42-47
Fellowship amongst believers and brothers and sisters in Christ is vital in discipleship. The fellowship that we are used to in our churches may be a meal together, a sports day or an organised a fun day, but the scripture talks about a different kind of fellowship.
The Word says that they met daily in the temple, and those who believed were together. They were truly brothers and sisters in the Lord. When the Lord looks at us from above, we are all His children, made in His image.
Referring to the early Christians, the Word also says, ‘they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine’. They were keen to learn from the Word and also had fellowship by breaking bread together. This brought great unity within the church as each time they broke the bread they remembered the body of Jesus that was broken for them and His blood that cleanses from all sins.
When the followers of Jesus were able to love God and people; the Lord added more saved people to the church daily.
In the time of the disciples they did not meet once a week, but daily. Is it a challenge for us to meet in His temple once a week? Let us understand the value of fellowship as the early church did with motives of what we can give to others and increase in love and good deeds rather than what we can get.‘Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another.’ Hebrews 10 : 24 – 25
Dear Lord,
I thank You for this day and seek You for Your strength to love the brethren and fellowship with them; to encourage and to grow in You on a regular basis. Amen.
God bless you,
Theo & Manju