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True Fellowship
By
Christy Stenger
July 24, 2006
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and
in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42).
The word “fellowship” means friendly relationship or companionship, community of
interest, or an association of persons having similar interests.
My husband is in the Air Force and we have moved many times. We are thankful
for all the many great preachers and ministries we have sat under. We are also
thankful for the many friends that we have made over the years, but we do see a
big change that needs to take place in the church.
Looking at the meaning of the word “fellowship” and what God’s Word says about
it teaches us many things. It shows us how we are to treat each other, since we
are one body. We are also to spend time with each other more--not just at
church services (see Acts 2:42-47). They did more than just show up at a
building together to have church. The Apostles were in each others’ homes
eating together and spending time getting to know each other. We, as a whole,
do not do as they did. Our lives are too busy. As you know, these are the end
times, and the Lord will soon be here again to take us home to our reward. This
is the time that we desperately need fellowship, friendship, and time with each
other.
I usually dread moving because I will leave someone that I have gotten to know.
I also know the cycle for us will start again—1. We move and find a church that
the Lord wants us to attend. 2. We receive a friendly greeting by most in the
church. 3. We are then left feeling lonely and longing for friendship.
Fellowship for military members is not lacking in overseas locations; it is here
in the U.S. churches. Overseas, we rely on each other more. We are truly
family, spending time with each other often as the Apostles did. If we didn't,
we wouldn't survive. There’s sometimes a language barrier that makes being
overseas all the harder, but fellowship is the key to success.
We have seen people avoid getting too close to us. It’s not because they are
not Christians and don't treat us well. It’s because, if they get close to us,
they will be sad when we move. They will lose a close friend and someone they
love deeply. This does not just happen to military members. It is happening to
new converts and even people who have been in a church for years.
When we see people—especially new converts—lonely and having no friends, why
don't we invite them over to dinner or game night? Invite them over to watch a
preaching video or to share Thanksgiving dinner with your family.
Just maybe the reason so many leave the church has nothing to do with the world,
our standards, or the preaching. It could be there’s little concern for others.
It could be someone is so lonely and dying inside for friendship that they go
to a different church—that may not teach truth—to fill their need for
fellowship.
We need to think of others more and be sensitive to what is going on around us.
Is not the church’s purpose to reach out to others? We so need each other.
Invest yourself in someone, and you will not be let down. God will mightily
bless you for caring about someone and forgetting about yourself. You will also
find a friend that will last a lifetime, even if they move away.
ninetyandnine.com
© 2006,
Christy Stenger
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Christy Stenger
is the mother of three children and wife of an officer in the US Air Force
working on his Ph.D. They attend The Pentecostal Church in Hollister, CA,
pastored by Nathan Hurst. She is a native Texan who’ll be moving to Nebraska
next year.
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