WHY FELLOWSHIP
People in the world know how to get together—for golfing, touring, clubbing, parties, mahjong, and more—for their personal happiness, social pleasure, or business networking.
But what about us as Christians? Why is it that some believers do not desire to gather as often? Why do some feel that attending church on Sunday is sufficient? Despite the many fellowship groups and meetings available, why do some do all they can to avoid them?
It is important to understand that the Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation. Christianity is not a “lone ranger” religion but a “one another” faith. As Christians, we belong to the body of Christ with many members, and we are called to have fellowship with one another in the faith. Christian fellowship is not merely a social activity or an optional gathering for believers. It is commanded by the Lord and essential to the proper functioning of the Church.
The Word of God emphasises the importance of fellowship for
spiritual growth, encouragement, accountability, and unity in the body of Christ. Let us consider from the Scriptures the reasons why fellowship is important for us as believers.
God’s Design for His People
From the beginning, God designed mankind for relationship—not only with Himself, but also with one another (cf. Gen 2:18).
When the Church was founded in the New Testament, alongside Bible study, Holy Communion, and prayer, the believers made fellowship an integral part of their Christian life: “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” (Acts 2:42)
Fellowship was not just a side activity; it was one of the four main pillars of the early Church. To neglect fellowship is to miss out on a vital part of the Christian walk.
Edification of Believers
Life in a fallen world brings trials, temptations, and burdens. God provides strength through His Spirit and His Word, but He also uses fellow believers to encourage and uphold one another: “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb 10:24–25)
The command to assemble is not only about corporate worship, but also about mutual encouragement and accountability in our daily walk with Christ.
Unity of the Church
Every believer is a member of the body of Christ. This spiritual truth finds expression in the visible gathering and cooperation of Christians: “For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” (Rom 12:4–5)
Just as a watch has many parts that must be assembled correctly to function properly, so the Church needs every member to come together and actively participate in fellowship. If the parts are scattered and not joined together, they are useless. Likewise, isolation leads to spiritual weakness, but unity strengthens the whole.
Accountability and Protection
Sin thrives in secrecy, but dies when brought into the light of Christian fellowship. Fellowship helps protect believers from falling away by providing godly counsel, correction, and support.
When believers meet regularly, they are more likely to remain vigilant against sin and grow in personal holiness. They hold one another accountable in love—one of God’s means of grace for sanctification: “Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.” (Prov 27:17)
Expression of Love and Obedience
True fellowship stems from love—first for God, then for the brethren. Christian love is not mere sentiment, but practical, sacrificial care for one another: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” (John 13:35)
Fellowship is one of the ways we demonstrate Christlike love. It is also a mark of obedience, for loving our brethren is not optional—it is commanded.
Testimony to the World
The world watches the unity and love among believers. When Christians gather, serve, and care for one another, they bear witness to the truth and power of the gospel: “That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17:21)
Our fellowship testifies to the reality of Christ. A divided or isolated church sends a confusing message, but a united, loving community glorifies God.
Conclusion
Fellowship is far more than attending a church service or chatting after worship. It certainly includes that, but it is much more. It is a spiritual bond that we must all share and express in the unity of Christ. In fact, fellowship is the lifeblood of the Christian community—ordained by God for our growth, protection, and witness.
In a world that increasingly promotes isolation and individualism, believers must return to the biblical pattern of intentional, loving, Christ-centred fellowship.
Do join one of the many fellowship groups we have in church—for both the young and the not-so-young—such as the Adults’ Fellowship, Chinese Fellowship, Family Bible Fellowship, Ladies’ Fellowship, Lively Children, Men’s Fellowship, Mums of True Life, Myanmar Christian Fellowship, Young Adults Fellowship, and Young People’s Fellowship.
Let us therefore cherish the fellowship of the saints—not as a duty to check off, but as a gift from God, a foretaste of the eternal communion we will one day enjoy in glory: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Ps 133:1). JK
PIETY BRINGS PROSPERITY
After I graduated from Bible college in 1989, the Lord opened the way for me to further my theological studies in the United States. Upon completing my studies, I wanted to buy a souvenir before returning home. I felt the best choice would be a Made-in-the-USA Buck knife, which, as a former Boy Scout, I knew to be of excellent quality. It would not only be a keepsake but also a useful and lasting tool. I appreciated Buck’s honest policy: Buy a Buck, and you’d never need another. They weren’t out to make a quick buck!
When I went to the store to buy one, I was glad to find it quite affordable. Even for a poor student like me, it was within reach. I chose one of the lower-range, handy pocketknives. (I still have it, and after more than 30 years, it does not have one bit of rust on it.)
When I took it home and opened the box, I was greeted with a pleasant surprise. Usually, you would expect to find only a user’s manual, but in addition to that, I found a sincere Christian message from Al Buck, the CEO of the company:
“If you are a new Buck knife owner, “welcome aboard.” You are now part of a very large family. Although we’re talking about a few million people, we still like to think of each one of our users as a member of the Buck Knives Family and take a personal interest in the product that was bought. With normal use, you should never have to buy another.
“Now that you are family, you might like to know a little more about our organization. The fantastic growth of Buck Knives was no accident. From the beginning, management determined to make God the Senior Partner. In a crisis, the problem was turned over to Him, and He hasn’t failed to help us with the answer. Each product must reflect the integrity of management, including our Senior Partner. If sometimes we fail on our end, because we are human, we find it imperative to do our utmost to make it right. Of course, to us, besides being Senior Partner, He is our Heavenly Father also; and it’s a great blessing to us to have this security in these troubled times. If any of you are troubled or perplexed and looking for answers, may we invite you to look to Him, for God loves you.
“I know that I still hold a special place in my heart for my mother and father, with an extra spot for what my father taught me, about life and about making a good knife. My hope is that I’ve done a good job in passing those same beliefs on to the next generations.
“‘For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son; that whoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ John 3:16”
That was very encouraging. Praise God for Christians who wear their testimony on their sleeves and place God at the centre of their lives and businesses. “Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” (1 Sam 2:30). Honour the Lord and He will honour you!
“Piety brings prosperity” is a Puritan work ethic. As Rev Timothy Tow once put it, “Self-help with God’s help is the best help.” Godliness + Contentment = Great Gain (1 Tim 6:6). JK
