“...that all may be one”

John 17:21

The fellowship of God as Father, Son, and Spirit has been opened to us by the gift of Jesus at Calvary.  But we cannot truly experience their fellowship in isolation from all others who have been called into it.  If we are going to preserve the “unity of the Spirit,” we must possess the necessary Christian graces.

What are the Elements of a Strong Church Fellowship?

I. It is a Fellowship of Grace - Ephesians 4:1–3 (Review)

Seven Christian Graces of Fellowship

·      Humility – Lowliness - Romans 12:3

·      Gentleness – Meekness - Matthew 11:28-30

·      Tolerance - Longsuffering - Romans 15:1

·      Forbearance – Acceptance - Romans 15:7

·      Love - 1 Corinthians 13:4

·      Endeavor – Diligently keeping - 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3

·      Peace - Colossians 3:15

II. It Has a Foundation of Like Convictions - Ephesians 4:4–6

·      One Body - 1 Corinthians 12:27; 1 Corinthians 12:12-14

 

·      One Spirit - Ephesians 1:13-14

The Spirit of KOINONIA

Koinonia implies the spirit of generous sharing or the act of giving as contrasted with selfish getting.

The early Christian community saw koinonia as a relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Fellowship is never passive in the meaning of koinonia, it is always linked to action, not just being together, but also doing together.

·      One Hope of your calling - Hebrews 6:19-20; 1 Peter 1:3-5

 

·      One Lord - 1 Corinthians 8:6b

 

·      One Faith - 1 Corinthians 8:6c

 

·      One Baptism - 1 Corinthians 12:13

 

·      One God and Father - 1 Corinthians 8:6a

III. It is Dependent on Each Member - Ephesians 4:7;11-12