Spiritual Health Checks

(Christian Fellowship Part 1)

  There are four signs that show that the child of God is a healthy Christian.  One is a heart hungry for God’s Word and a second is his desire to be involved in Christian fellowship.  When the Holy Spirit was poured into the spiritual hearts of believers in the early church, “They devoted themselves to… fellowship…” (Acts 2:42)   “Fellowship” (koingnial) means to share in something which involves participation.  Mel Lawrenz gives this definition, “It has various translations such as “fellowship,” “participation,” “sharing,” “partnership,” and “communion.”  The practical application is sharing material goods, sharing ministry, and being partners in the gospel. All these are rooted in the spiritual reality of a connection between believers that is based on their connection to Christ.   This fellowship is literally brought forth by the Holy Spirit of God.

  Christians not only devoted themselves to the apostle’s teachings, but united in the work of spreading the gospel. Christians in true service are united in feelings, interest, in dangers, in conflicts, in opinions and in the hopes of blessedness that comes in serving Jesus Christ.  They have a joined life in sharing blessings and gifts, bearing each others burdens, sharing in the conflicts that come and the victories that are won in fulfilling the Great Commission.

  A healthy Christian has true fellowship because he shares Spiritual experiences with other soldiers of Christ.  This builds faith and trust.  Through their Christian service they have shared material possessions together. (Acts 2:45) They worship together. (Act 2:46-47) The church is not to become a social club where people are just nice to one another.  The fact is, going to church does not make you a Christian, and you can be Christian and not attend a church.  However, it is impossible for you to grow mature in the faith without Christian fellowship in which all the gifts of the Holy Spirit are being exercised through sacrificial love. (1 Corinthians 12-14)

   Do you have true Christian fellowship? Are you involved with a church Body that expresses true Biblical Christian fellowship?