What does it mean to fellowship with others? That is an important question among Kingdom citizens, whether they are aware of it or not. Let me be perfectly clear, back in the early church, when the Holy Spirit came to dwell in the believers on the day of Pentecost, they all had the same mindset. On the day of Pentecost all the believers were meeting together in one place. Suddenly, there was a sound from heaven like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then, what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability...Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!”
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Note that is stated "they continued in the apostles' teaching". Also note verse 44: And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
They had all things in common. That is a key component to true fellowship. Our enemy, Satan, has sought to separate the Lord's people through greed and power. He hates our fellowship and unity.
True fellowship in the Kingdom of God has no division among the citizens of the Kingdom. When we embrace that one mindset, we will experience the Kingdom operating in the midst of us. Right now there are too many distractions among both leaders and the people for anything to take place among the King's people.
True fellowship entails a company of individuals with the same mindset. In Acts, even when it came to giving, they were of one mindset. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. NKJV Fellowship is about getting to know one another. It is about enjoying one another's company. Those people that you fellowship with should have many things in common; especially those who have Kingdom principles and standards. We have much common ground. We should be very careful with whom we interact on a daily basis. What I am saying is that we have to interact with unbelievers every day, but we don't have to fellowship with them in our free time. In relationships, we have different levels of intimacy and they should be at the level of casual acquaintance, not in your inner circle of close friends. By the way, associating yourself with those who claim to be followers of the King but live a sinful life have to be put on notice. They also should be no more than a casual acquaintance. We should be very careful of our associations with others. Ministering to someone is one thing, but it is not fellowshipping. Read what ambassador Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers: Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Keep in mind the word fellowship. It falls in line with the word companionship or company. That is why it is important who a woman picks for a husband and who a man chooses for a wife, especially those of a Kingdom mindset. It is not enough to attend the same church or religious organization or even believe in God. Ambassador James wrote: But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! NKJV In essence, those whom you truly fellowship with should have a Kingdom mindset to be "like-minded". For example, rappers hang out with those in the music industry who like their kind of music. Those in the basketball industry associate themselves with those who have played basketball on that level. They are comfortable fellowshipping with them, long after they have retired from the sport. They have the same mindset and understanding.
When you and your family attend your church, did you get to meet someone new and have a chance to introduce yourself to them? Did they have the same thoughts about the Kingdom of God as you? The Lord Jesus never designed the church as we know it to be a place of entertainment, whether religious or secular music. He also didn't design it to be a money-making industry. It was meant to encourage each other in this world, as well as strengthen one another in His Word so we can live a victorious life in the Kingdom. Remember, when you have the Governor (Holy Spirit), living in you and guiding you, you are a Kingdom citizen.
Once again, remember your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom!
Acts 2:1-4, 40-47 Acts 4:32 2 Corinthians 6:11-18 James 2:18-19
All NLT, except where noted.
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all. All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.
A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity—all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved. Note that is stated "they continued in the apostles' teaching". Also note verse 44: And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had.
They had all things in common. That is a key component to true fellowship. Our enemy, Satan, has sought to separate the Lord's people through greed and power. He hates our fellowship and unity.
True fellowship in the Kingdom of God has no division among the citizens of the Kingdom. When we embrace that one mindset, we will experience the Kingdom operating in the midst of us. Right now there are too many distractions among both leaders and the people for anything to take place among the King's people.
True fellowship entails a company of individuals with the same mindset. In Acts, even when it came to giving, they were of one mindset. Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. NKJV Fellowship is about getting to know one another. It is about enjoying one another's company. Those people that you fellowship with should have many things in common; especially those who have Kingdom principles and standards. We have much common ground. We should be very careful with whom we interact on a daily basis. What I am saying is that we have to interact with unbelievers every day, but we don't have to fellowship with them in our free time. In relationships, we have different levels of intimacy and they should be at the level of casual acquaintance, not in your inner circle of close friends. By the way, associating yourself with those who claim to be followers of the King but live a sinful life have to be put on notice. They also should be no more than a casual acquaintance. We should be very careful of our associations with others. Ministering to someone is one thing, but it is not fellowshipping. Read what ambassador Paul wrote to the Corinthian believers: Oh, dear Corinthian friends! We have spoken honestly with you, and our hearts are open to you. There is no lack of love on our part, but you have withheld your love from us. I am asking you to respond as if you were my own children. Open your hearts to us! Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said:
“I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” Keep in mind the word fellowship. It falls in line with the word companionship or company. That is why it is important who a woman picks for a husband and who a man chooses for a wife, especially those of a Kingdom mindset. It is not enough to attend the same church or religious organization or even believe in God. Ambassador James wrote: But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! NKJV In essence, those whom you truly fellowship with should have a Kingdom mindset to be "like-minded". For example, rappers hang out with those in the music industry who like their kind of music. Those in the basketball industry associate themselves with those who have played basketball on that level. They are comfortable fellowshipping with them, long after they have retired from the sport. They have the same mindset and understanding.
When you and your family attend your church, did you get to meet someone new and have a chance to introduce yourself to them? Did they have the same thoughts about the Kingdom of God as you? The Lord Jesus never designed the church as we know it to be a place of entertainment, whether religious or secular music. He also didn't design it to be a money-making industry. It was meant to encourage each other in this world, as well as strengthen one another in His Word so we can live a victorious life in the Kingdom. Remember, when you have the Governor (Holy Spirit), living in you and guiding you, you are a Kingdom citizen.
Once again, remember your faith in His Word is your greatest asset in the Kingdom!
Acts 2:1-4, 40-47 Acts 4:32 2 Corinthians 6:11-18 James 2:18-19
All NLT, except where noted.
W.R. Luchie
www.kingdomcitizens.org
This article may only be reproduced, in print or on the internet, if the author's name and website address are included at the end of the article as originally placed. Thank you
