5 Links in the Chain of Fellowship

1.    Today we will have a meal together after this worship service.

2.    Often the word “fellowship” has come to mean eat, have a meal.

3.    “When I hear fellowship, I can smell the coffee.”

4.    Fellowship in the NT – 17 times

a.    Greek word – koinania

b.    Means – association, community, joint participation

 Here are 5 weekly fellowships.

1.    Fellowship of Fraternity

a.    Galatians 2:9 right hand of fellowship

b.    Faithful members 1 Corinthians 3:9

c.    Early church

                                          i.    Acts 4:32

                                        ii.    Acts 2:44-45

                                       iii.    Acts 4:34-35

                                       iv.    2 Corinthians 8:5

                                        v.    Philippians 8:5

2.    Fellowship of Worship

a.    Lord’s Supper

b.    1 Corinthians 1:9; 10:16; John 4:23-24

c.    Giving

d.    Singing – Ephesians 5:19

e.    Study – Acts 2:42-47

f.     Difference in audience and congregation

g.    Ball game, movie theater = audience

                                          i.    Audience = gathering, collection of people

                                        ii.    Congregation = brotherhood, family

                                       iii.    Audience is apile of leaves soon to be scattered, but a congregation, though scattered, will soon form again.

3.    Fellowship of Support

a.    Romans 15:26

b.    2 Corinthians 8:4

c.    Philippians 4:18

4.    Fellowship of Work

a.    2 Thessalonians 2:12

b.    Fellowship = time, energy, resources

c.    Joint participation in spiritual activity

5.    Fellowship of Friendship

a.    Enjoy each other – just being together

b.    When each can feel his brother’s sigh
And with him bear a part!
When sorrow flows from eye to eye,
And joy from heart to heart.

c.    The church is a place of lasting friendships