Introduction

Welcome back church! Today we’re continuing our 4-week series, Devoted with a look at one of the most important aspects of our faith, fellowship. Which, if you’re here today or watching online, you’re already participating in this ancient practice of gathering together as believers.

Pastor and author Dietrich Boenhoffer said, “The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.” Charles Spurgeon said, “Satan always hates Christian fellowship; it is his policy to keep Christians apart. Anything which can divide saints from one another he delights in. He attaches far more importance to godly intercourse than we do. Since union is strength, he does his best to promote separation.” And Psalm 133:1-2 says, “How good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity. It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, down upon the collar of his robes.”

These are just a few examples of how valuable we know fellowship to be in our lives. There is great power in gathering together in worship, prayer, and communion. The earliest church communities were absolutely devoted to being together. Whether it was homes, synagogues, or marketplaces it would seem that nothing would stop them from being together and there is so much we can learn from their example in this area.

The physical presence of other Christians is a source of incomparable joy and strength to the believer.

Main Teaching

As we get started today, I want to revisit our main text for this series, Acts 2:42, and read it again together. You’ll notice that fellowship is the second of four practices the early church was devoted to. Last week we covered teaching, and in upcoming weeks we’ll take a deeper dive into prayer and communion. The interesting thing about fellowship is that it’s the practice where the other practices happen. When we gather together we teach/learn, we pray, and we take communion together. Upon further reflection you’ll notice that you can do everything on your own, except fellowship. By nature, you cannot gather with others, if you’re by yourself.

Fellowship is a communal exercise with a common focus. Let me say this again, Fellowship is a communal exercise with a common focus…

“The word fellowship is derived from the Greek word koinonia ... View this full sermon with PRO Premium