Koinonea
The last couple of weeks I have talked about the aspects and attitude of a Christ driven church.
Sharing Joy Giving Hope
All of this comes together in a simple Greek word: koinonea
The Word means fellowship or gathering for a purpose.
And you see that purpose in the early church. From Acts 2 starting at verse 42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.
They devoted themselves to teaching and fellowship
Fellowship involves Sharing
Fellowship involves Joy
Fellowship involves Giving
Fellowship is founded upon Hope.
What Hope? In Hebrews 10:23 we find these words:
Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
What was promised? That is amongst our fellowship
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
– Matthew 18:20
Now that last verse is a fascinating use of the tem. Because it comes at the end of a chapter dedicated to church discipline. God is present in the discipline; he is present in the worship. The good and the bad of life together.
God is found in koinonea
God’s plan is koinonea
So this Sunday, when you worship don’t fall into the trap that our society has set. Everything is not done as an individual. When you are in the church you are a part of something bigger.
God’s worship
God’s fellowship
Amen,
-Pastor Dan