The Fellowship of the Saints

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

— Acts 2:42

“It is not good that man should be alone.” God knows this; He said it. God also knows that few things surpass being in a group of people with whom one really belongs. He knows we need that kind of relationship, and so He created it. On Pentecost Sunday two thousand years ago, He created a new kind of fellowship that had never existed in the world before. Scripture calls it “Koinonia,” the “family of God” or the “forever family.” The family of God includes all those who have invited Christ to make them new creatures and have experienced the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit. Everyone in the family bears the same name, Christian, and has the same Father in Heaven. This makes us all brothers and sisters in Christ. What a comforting reality to belong to such a group.

As members of God’s family, the Holy Spirit has bonded us together in many ways. Let’s think of some. We are equal heirs, and our inheritance is infinite and inexhaustible. We are believers; our hearts and minds share the same spiritual perception of the world. We are disciples; we all sit at the feet of one Master and learn our worldview from Him. We are witnesses; we share the special joy of leading people to Christ. We are soldiers; we share trials and triumphs and strengthen each other in faith. We are also a fellowship of slaves. Have you ever thought of that? During Roman times, a bond slave’s life and death were in his or her master’s hands. Paul delighted to call himself a bond slave of Christ, and we should view ourselves in the same light.

Do you realize how blessed you are to belong to such a wonderful family? Do you want God’s family to grow closer, stronger, and more loving? Today ask God to show you how to play your part in the family.

“Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love.
The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.”
John Fawcett