Embracing True Fellowship: Overcoming Obstacles to Connect with God and Others
Have you ever felt disconnected from your church community, even when surrounded by fellow believers? Or perhaps you’ve wondered if true, meaningful fellowship is possible in the face of life’s challenges? As we explore the concept of fellowship today, we’ll discover how the early church managed to cultivate deep connections despite significant obstacles – and how we can do the same.
What is True Fellowship?
Before we dive into the challenges, let’s define what we mean by fellowship. As I studied this topic, I came up with this definition:
“Fellowship is enjoying all that God is and is doing with others.”
It’s not just about socializing or having coffee after church. True fellowship involves sharing what God is revealing about Himself to you and participating in what He’s doing in your life and the lives of others. It’s a dynamic, two-way street of spiritual connection.
Now, let’s look at how the early church managed to maintain fellowship despite various challenges, and what we can learn from their example.
1. Fellowship in Spite of Great Loss and Confusion
Imagine the emotional turmoil the early disciples experienced. Within just 60 days, they had witnessed Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension. They were grappling with confusion and unanswered questions. Yet, Acts 2:42 tells us:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
Despite their recent loss and lingering confusion, they committed themselves to fellowship. This teaches us that we don’t need to have everything figured out to connect with God and others. Even in times of grief or uncertainty, fellowship is not only possible but essential.
2. Fellowship in Spite of Potentially Difficult Decisions
The early church faced a significant decision in choosing a replacement for Judas (Acts 1:23-26). This could have been a divisive moment, yet they sought God’s guidance together and accepted the outcome. Their example reminds us not to let difficult decisions or disagreements disrupt our fellowship.
3. Fellowship in Spite of Unfavorable Circumstances
The early believers faced misunderstanding, mockery, and less-than-ideal meeting conditions. Acts 2:13 even shows some people accusing them of being drunk! Yet, they persevered in fellowship. This challenges us to maintain our commitment to fellowship even when external circumstances are challenging or when others misunderstand us.
4. Fellowship in Spite of Past Personal Failures
Consider Peter, who had denied Jesus just weeks earlier, now standing up to preach on Pentecost (Acts 2:14). His past failure didn’t disqualify him from fellowship or service. This powerful example reminds us not to let past mistakes hinder our engagement in fellowship today.
5. Fellowship in Spite of Additional Responsibilities
Acts 2:42-47 shows the early church juggling multiple priorities – teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, prayer, and evangelism. They didn’t use busyness as an excuse to neglect fellowship. Instead, they remained “devoted” to these essential practices.
Putting It Into Practice: Cultivating True Fellowship
So, how can we apply these lessons to our lives today? Here are some practical steps:
- Prioritize Fellowship: Make a conscious effort to engage in true fellowship regularly, even when life gets busy.
- Be Transparent: Share honestly about your struggles and what God is teaching you. As J.I. Packer warns, avoid the trap of “formality” where everyone pretends to be fine.
- Embrace Diversity: Don’t limit your fellowship to those you perceive as spiritually mature. God often speaks through unexpected sources.
- Persevere Through Challenges: When circumstances are difficult or relationships are strained, remember the early church’s example of maintaining fellowship despite obstacles.
- Focus on Christ: Center your fellowship on what God is doing, not just on social connections or shared interests.
Remember, true fellowship is powered by the Holy Spirit and grounded in God’s Word. As we commit to authentic fellowship, we’ll experience the awe, unity, and growth that Marked the early church. Let’s not allow any obstacle – internal or external – to keep us from enjoying all that God is and is doing with others.
We hope you enjoyed the sermon and would love to see you in person. Plan your visit to Community Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Tennessee today!