As Christians, we have become brothers and sisters in the family of God through the blood of Christ. The Bible gives these relationships a special distinction beyond mere friendship. Christian relationships enjoy biblical Christian fellowship.
The word fellowship is derived from the Greek word koinonia. When those shared values are in place, genuine koinonia biblical fellowship occurs. Because of the importance of Christian fellowship, it is essential to distinguish biblical guidelines to govern our interactions with other professing believers. This is especially true in a world such as ours, where there exists tremendous diversity in the beliefs and behaviors among those who call themselves Christians.
One of the most helpful understandings of biblical fellowship came from a close associate of Martin Luther, the man whose convictions led to the Reformation of the Christian church in the s.
Though many Christians seem uncomfortable with insisting that believers maintain unity over our various doctrinal distinctives, this is a necessary part of what it means to be Christian. The Bible outlines several essential theological convictions that are non-negotiable in legitimately calling oneself a Christian and for fellowshipping as believers. Some theological essentials on which all biblical Christian fellowship is based and on which we must insist from fellow professing believers are: 1.
The inspiration of Scripture 2 Tim. The virginal conception virgin birth of Jesus Isa. The literal, physical resurrection of Christ 1 Cor. Salvation by grace through faith alone Eph. In other words, the purpose of the church is to hold God up to the world and display every aspect of His glorious being for all the world to see.
We are individual members. It takes a unified orchestra to play the symphony. When we co-operate together to play the symphony, that is called fellowship. There is an internal unity around who we are—members together of the orchestra, the church. We have a sense of camaraderie with other believers. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Share Flipboard Email. Kelli Mahoney. Christianity Expert.
Kelli Mahoney is a Christian youth worker and writer. She previously worked as an administrator for NXT, a high school Christian youth group.
Updated March 01, Cite this Article Format. Mahoney, Kelli. Why Is Christian Fellowship so Important? Bible Verses About Cultural Diversity. Steps to Overcome Temptation for Christian Teens. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for LearnReligions.
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Coming together with other believers in worship and conversation helps to remind us that we are not alone in this world. There are believers everywhere. Coming together is a great way for each of us to grow in our faith.
Reading our Bibles and praying are great ways to get closer to God, but each of us has important lessons to impart to one another. When we come together in fellowship, we teach each other things. God gives us a gift of learning and growing when we come together in fellowship and we show each other how to live as God wants us to live, and how to walk in His footsteps. When you meet together, one will sing, another will teach, another will tell some special revelation God has given, one will speak in tongues, and another will interpret what is said.
But everything that is done must strengthen all of you. Let us resist the temptation to remain separated. Let us come back together and encourage one another.
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