Bootstrap
Eileen Beckett

Koinonia, a reflection!

Eileen Beckett 2 min read
#The Church #Worship #The Five Solas
205 Articles
0 Comments
Eileen Beckett
Eileen Beckett 2 min read
205 articles
What does the Bible say about fellowship?

The Bible emphasizes the importance of fellowship, urging believers to come together in love and service to one another.

Fellowship, or koinonia, is a vital aspect of the Christian life, as articulated in Scripture. Believers are called to love one another, which requires physical assembly for mutual encouragement and support. Jesus himself modeled this in John 13, where He washed the disciples' feet, demonstrating humility and love as foundational elements of fellowship. The act of coming together is not only an expression of love but also a command from Christ to strengthen the body of believers in their faith journey.

John 13

How do we know community in Christ is important?

Community in Christ is essential because it fosters love, support, and accountability among believers.

The significance of community in Christ cannot be overstated, as it aligns with God's design for His people. Believers are not meant to live in isolation; rather, they are called to gather in community, reflecting the unity of the body of Christ. In coming together, Christians embody the love, acceptance, and encouragement that Jesus modeled. This communal aspect reinforces individual faith, nurtures spiritual growth, and provides a platform for practicing forgiveness and restoration among members of the body.

John 13

Why is assembling together important for Christians?

Assembling together is crucial for Christians as it facilitates true fellowship and obeys Christ's command to love one another.

The act of assembling together is not merely a tradition but a command rooted in the New Testament. In John 13, Jesus instructs His disciples to love one another, a directive that gains expression through physical presence and fellowship. While some may focus on the flaws within church institutions, it is essential to recognize that true koinonia breeds humility, confession, encouragement, and a space for restoration. Gathering provides the opportunity to serve one another and to grow in Christlikeness, making it essential for a vibrant Christian life.

John 13

     I’m an idealist to be sure, but I do so desire and pray that the love we are called to have for one another, ‘the body’ could be balanced with the call to assemble together physically. Call this coming together what you will, nevertheless we are called!

     I am acquainted with those on both ends of the spectrum…..ones who exalt the visible assembly far and above where it was ever intended to be, forgetting, it seems, that Jesus Christ shed His own blood for flesh and blood, not for the institution. And then there is the other end of the spectrum, those who see only the problems within the institution forgetting that there are those of ‘the body’, the flesh and blood assembled there.

     We are called to have true fellowship with one another, true “koinoinia” and I believe that to do that in all its fullness, we must come together. What is it but love, acceptance, honesty, humility, concerns, restoration, confession, forgiveness, encouragement and availability!!!

     We are called to be servants of Christ and servants to one another. Read again in wonder and awe John 13 and read of Christ, who knowing that His hour had come, would in all humility and love wash the feet of His disciples and give them a new command, to love one another as he loved them. How can we do this if we do not assemble together?

     For me, I will continue to assemble even in the midst of the problems, and trust that the Lord will make straight what He alone thinks is crooked. May the Lord bless each of you on your path, guide and direct you for His glory alone!

Comments

0 / 2000 characters
Comments are moderated before appearing.

Be the first to comment!

Joshua

Joshua

Shall we play a game? Ask me about articles, sermons, or theology from our library. I can also help you navigate the site.