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Just as coals burn hotter when piled together, so Christians who join together in fellowship can stoke one another's Faith and inflame each others love for God. Because "bad company corrupts good character", it is imperative for Christians to search out other Christians who will encourage and motivate them to grow in their new life in Christ. Below are three principles to follow as we fellowship with others.
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Fellowship is God's Will for Us
God's Word clearly teaches we are to be actively involved in Christian Fellowship. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts as to continue in fellowship with one another ... even encouraging each other not to give up meeting together, especially as we see the Day of Christ's return approaching. In light of fulfilled prophecies in our day, we do well to heed God's Word lest we fall away and be drawn back to the dark!
But which fellowship should we attend, and why are there so many denominations? In the New Testament, we find Christians from Jerusalem to Rome meeting together in groups located in each town or city. Many of the Epistles, or letters, in the New Testament were written to these groups of Christians, or local churches, in response to specific problems they were encountering.
In Paul's days, there was probably one church in each town, evidenced by his addressing each letter to the "saints" in that particular town. Today, there are various churches belonging to different denominations, making choosing a church to attend more difficult. So how do you decide which local fellowship to attend and become involved in? Consider the following principles in making your decision:
1. Attend a church that has a correct view of God's Word, accepts its doctrines fully and teaches them authoritatively.
2. Attend a fellowship that walks by the Spirit of God and where individuals are growing in their relationship with Christ.
3. Attend a local church that genuinely seeks to obey Christ, to love one another as Christ loves them, and to make disciples of all nations.
Commit yourself to attend faithfully and actively!
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Fellowship is God's Way for Others to Encourage Us
In the beginning, when God created Man, He declared, "It is not good for man to be alone." With that, He created Eve for the lone Adam, to be his supporter and helper. Though some would not admit it, we all appreciate having others support and help us, especially when we're discouraged and down. God created us with that innate need.
And for the Christian, God has ordained the fellowship of Believers to be his support team and a very present help in times of trouble. Blessed is the Christian who has found a supportive group of Christians, for when the time of trial comes, he will not fall. Surround yourself with such a group and you will experience the encouragement of God to strengthen your spiritual walk with Him!
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Fellowship is God's Way for Us to Encourage Others
We are not to only be encouraged by other Christians, but we are to be an encouragement to them as well! Like a running stream, the encouragement that flows to, and through, us keeps our spiritual lives fresh and growing. Closed lives eventually stagnate and become stifled. But how do we encourage others? Consider the following ways:
1. Be Supportive ~ the word "encourage" in Hebrews 10:25 means to "call alongside". It paints the picture of two people walking side by side together. Too often, people in a church become critical, judgemental and condemning. The phrase, "Christians are the only ones who shoot their wounded" becomes too real. Instead, we ought to encourage and support one another! We already have one who accuses us ... and he doesn't need our help!
2. Be Inspiring ~ 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns us not to be "misled" because we become like the company we keep, whether good or bad! We can encourage others by living a life that inspires them to love God!
3. Be Restoring ~ As Christians, we must always seek to restore our fellow Believers who are "caught in sin". When Cain was asked by God where his brother Abel was, Cain replied, "Am I my brother's keeper?" That question should never be raised in Christ's Church! The Christian looks out for others, and does not hesitate to jump in to rescue a fellow Christian caught in Satan's jaws.
4. Be Involved ~ The Bible teaches that we have all been given a unique spiritual gift, or ability, chosen by God for the benefit of the entire body of Christ. Withholding your unique contribution not only weakens the entire body, but our lives as well. Therefore, it is important that we discover and develop our unique spiritual gift(s) and utilize them for the good of the body and the glory of God!