Circle of Fellowship
“That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:3). There is a circle of fellowship into which all believers are brought through faith in Jesus Christ. No one is excluded. When we believe the Scriptures’ testimony about the person and work of Jesus, we enter fellowship with the triune God. Knowing we can have this relationship with Father, Son and Holy Spirit is a precious and transformative truth that should bring immeasurable joy to our hearts.
1 John 1:3 says this fellowship is multiplied when we realize it is not just with God, but extends to all believers. It is a spiritual bond transcending time, culture, and distance, uniting us as one body in Him and with everyone who has ever put their trust in Christ as Lord and Savior. We are not only saved by His grace, but united with all who walk by faith – that's everyone past, present and future. The fellowship of Christ with believers is rooted in the unity of the Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we are united to Christ and to one another, forming a spiritual family bound by a common love and purpose.
As the apostle Paul wrote, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13). This unity goes beyond our differences and enables us to experience the richness of the diverse gifts and talents within the body of Christ. We are called to celebrate and appreciate the uniqueness of each believer, recognizing that we are all essential parts of the whole. This means as believers, the body of Christ should be characterized by mutual support and encouragement.
In times of joy, we rejoice together, sharing in the triumphs and blessings of our fellow believers. And in times of sorrow, we mourn together, extending comfort and compassion to those who are hurting. We are called to bear one another's burdens, walking alongside each other in both the good and challenging seasons of life (Galatians 6:2). Another blessing of this fellowship is that we find a safe haven where we can be vulnerable, sharing our struggles in the presence of compassionate hearts.
We do not have to face life's trials alone, for we have a family who will uplift us in prayer, speak words of wisdom, and offer a helping hand. Through this mutual support, we are strengthened, renewed, and equipped to continue pressing on in faith. Fellowship with Christ and one another also provides spiritual nourishment that feeds and sustains our souls. As we gather in worship, times of prayer, and study of God's Word, we are fed with the truth that leads us closer to Christ.
Here we find accountability, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and growth flourishes as we challenge and encourage one another to walk in righteousness. Finally, Jesus commissioned us to go into the world to make disciples (Matt 28:19-20). Our fellowship provides fertile ground for utilizing the spiritual gifts He’s bestowed upon us, enabling us to impact the world for Christ as each member, working together, uses their God-given gifts to advance His Kingdom in this world.I can’t help but conclude that fellowship with Christ and each other is a treasure that deepens our understanding of just how much God loves us, preparing us for being His ambassadors here on earth.
Lord, I pray that all of us would cherish fellowship with You and each other, recognizing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. My prayer is that we will strive to live in unity, supporting one another in pursuit of spiritual growth to be better equipped for Your purposes. Make us a shining light, revealing the love and power of our Savior to a world in need. Amen.
Credit: Ron Kelley
1 John 1:3 says this fellowship is multiplied when we realize it is not just with God, but extends to all believers. It is a spiritual bond transcending time, culture, and distance, uniting us as one body in Him and with everyone who has ever put their trust in Christ as Lord and Savior. We are not only saved by His grace, but united with all who walk by faith – that's everyone past, present and future. The fellowship of Christ with believers is rooted in the unity of the Spirit. Through the Holy Spirit, we are united to Christ and to one another, forming a spiritual family bound by a common love and purpose.
As the apostle Paul wrote, "For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:13). This unity goes beyond our differences and enables us to experience the richness of the diverse gifts and talents within the body of Christ. We are called to celebrate and appreciate the uniqueness of each believer, recognizing that we are all essential parts of the whole. This means as believers, the body of Christ should be characterized by mutual support and encouragement.
In times of joy, we rejoice together, sharing in the triumphs and blessings of our fellow believers. And in times of sorrow, we mourn together, extending comfort and compassion to those who are hurting. We are called to bear one another's burdens, walking alongside each other in both the good and challenging seasons of life (Galatians 6:2). Another blessing of this fellowship is that we find a safe haven where we can be vulnerable, sharing our struggles in the presence of compassionate hearts.
We do not have to face life's trials alone, for we have a family who will uplift us in prayer, speak words of wisdom, and offer a helping hand. Through this mutual support, we are strengthened, renewed, and equipped to continue pressing on in faith. Fellowship with Christ and one another also provides spiritual nourishment that feeds and sustains our souls. As we gather in worship, times of prayer, and study of God's Word, we are fed with the truth that leads us closer to Christ.
Here we find accountability, as iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17), and growth flourishes as we challenge and encourage one another to walk in righteousness. Finally, Jesus commissioned us to go into the world to make disciples (Matt 28:19-20). Our fellowship provides fertile ground for utilizing the spiritual gifts He’s bestowed upon us, enabling us to impact the world for Christ as each member, working together, uses their God-given gifts to advance His Kingdom in this world.I can’t help but conclude that fellowship with Christ and each other is a treasure that deepens our understanding of just how much God loves us, preparing us for being His ambassadors here on earth.
Lord, I pray that all of us would cherish fellowship with You and each other, recognizing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. My prayer is that we will strive to live in unity, supporting one another in pursuit of spiritual growth to be better equipped for Your purposes. Make us a shining light, revealing the love and power of our Savior to a world in need. Amen.
Credit: Ron Kelley
Recent
Archive
2024
February
2023
March
April
May
August
No Comments