We use the term "fellowship" commonly in the church. The familiar meaning seems to convey the friendship and warm feelings we share when we are with Christian friends. Sometimes we use it as a verb as in: "I'm looking forward to fellowshipping with some good friends". Certainly good times with good friends are always welcome but I would challenge us to look freshly at the word. I believe that the deeper, richer meaning of the word has to do with experiencing the nearness of our Lord in our experience. There is a characteristic of our Lord that He is touched when even a few of us gather with thoughts, hearts and activity squarely centered on Him.
Matthew 18:20 "For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”
There is a real possibility of experiencing the brush of heaven, the touch of the Lord, and a joyful peace directly from the heart of God when He is at the center of our interaction and the central purpose of our meeting. Here are some other verses:
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Ephesians 3:8-9 To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery
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.
Fellowship is more than proximity. It has to do with presence, and the best fellowship is being in the presence of our Lord!
blessings!
Rob Smith
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