The Church is not only the called out—but also, called together- ”And they were continually devoting themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer”. (Acts 2:42). That means Christians must experience the blessing of fellowship. Paul writes that we were  “called  into fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). “Fellowship” implies that Christians experience a commonality—a common Lord to obey, a common life to live, and a common mission to serve.

While fellowship primarily depends upon the Lord for its development and power,  it is perpetuated as Christians establish a relationship with other Christians. It follows that Christians can experience the fellowship that the Lord enjoins only as we are willing to experience the challenge of being in the company of other Christians—including those who differ with us.

The Lord’s Church therefore, is not strengthened by “free lance christians”, hermit styled christians”, or “picking and choosing, taking and leaving christians.” Such “christians” fail to enjoy the blessing of fellowship.

If coming together is a beginning and working together is progress, keeping together is an expression of faithfulness. The Church is strengthened by the fellowship of its members.

May God help us to experience the blessing of fellowship.