The word “fellowship” means friendly association with those of a similar interest. What is the similar interest in the church? Our similar interest is God, our Father. We all have the same Father and therefore, we are family. Family matters.
We were all created for relationship. This is seen in the fellowship of the Trinity (Genesis 1:26). Relationships matter to God. There are foundational principles of relationships. These include respect, trust, communication, conflict resolution and collaboration.
Relationship are the basis of our existence. We need relationships with each other. There are times when we want to be alone and in our own space. However, there still needs to be relationships and not isolation. It is impossible to be in the earth without people.
It is through relationships that we grow and develop into all that God wants us to be. This includes relationships with God and family. As a result, whatever relationship we had with our parents determines what type of individual we become. Relationships should be founded upon love. Without love, the relationship cannot flourish.
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27 (NKJV)
Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 (NKJV)
Fellowship is oneness with each other. Commitment to fellowship is a commitment to unity. We are called to be a people of one spirit and one mind. Within the church, there needs to be unity and love. In the place of one accord, the Holy Spirit manifests Himself. Where there is unity, there is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-3). There should be oneness with God in our lives. This leads to oneness in our families, communities, workplaces and by extension, the world. Where there is oneness, we show the love of God to others. After this oneness has been established, we must then commit ourselves to keeping it.
41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. 46 So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. Acts 2:41-46 (NKJV)
Oneness includes sharing with each other and praying for their needs. Within the church, there should be a desire within us to help each other. This includes spiritual, financial or emotional help. When we live like a community, we would not have lack.
Can our family members see the experience we had with God in our daily lives? Do our lives reflect the characteristics of God? God is looking for real people who would live a life of holiness and righteousness (Proverbs 6:16-19). It is important that we do not take people for granted. We should show appreciation and love to each other in our homes and communities. It is the simple things like saying “thank you” and “good morning” that makes the difference.
There are a number of pillars that New Dimensions Ministries was built upon. These pillars include prayer, worship, word and fellowship. It is important to review and look back on the vision and access our present. Let us erect the pillar of fellowship again in our midst.
