What does it mean to be a fellowship of believers? Some people would say that it just means to be a member of a church. Is that all there is to be a fellowship of believers or is there more to it than that?
There are many people that just get focused on one small thing and overlook the big picture and what is really important. That is seen in the story of two men that lived in a senior adult living community. One summer two men that lived there were sitting at the community pool and spotted an attractive lady they had not seen before. Tom challenged George to go over and find out if she was married or not, to which he took the challenge.
George found out the lady’s name was Sophia. When he inquired if she was new to the community, he found out that she had just got out of prison for stabbing her ex-husband. George then went over to Tom and said, come on over Tom, she’s single.
I guess you can tell that George had such a focus on the small things that he overlooked the more important things. We sometimes do that as a fellowship of believers as well.
What really makes a great fellowship of believers?
- Believers are devoted to living out the word of God. (V.42-43.)
Believers don’t just learn the word of God, but they live it out in their daily lives. James 1 tells us we are to be not just hearers, but doers of the word of God. - Believers are devoted to loving each other sincerely. (V.44-45.)
Believers don’t just like hanging out with each other, they are willing to sacrifice to help the needs of others. The early Christians even sold possessions to help their brothers and sisters in Christ. They were there for each other. Believers should have such a fellowship with each other that they have fellow believers that they can call at 2 am in a time of need—someone who will come pray with you and do whatever is needed. - Believers are devoted to a lifestyle that is a powerful witness. (V.46-47.)
Believers live a lifestyle that is such a witness to others that it wins their favor and God’s. The lifestyle they lived resulted in others coming to Christ on a daily basis.
This is what the early believers were like and this is what we should be today.
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