When I view the structure and the dynamics modeling today's churches I often wonder is this model representing GOD's design?
Generally speaking here is how a service transpires. We have praise and worship, then offerings , then a selection from the Choir, perhaps weekly announcements and then the sermon.
After the sermon is completed we have an altar call for salvation, joining the church and to be filled with the Holy Spirit. But essentially after the altar call everyone goes home until next Sunday when the process is repeated.
We call going to church being in fellowship and missing church being out of fellowship.
I would like to present what the Bible calls fellowship. What GOD says about how we interact as the family of GOD supersedes any traditions or customs that are essentially man made.
The word for fellowship in the Holy Bible is the Greek word Koinonia.
Here is the definition provided by Wikipedia;
The essential meaning of the koinonia embraces concepts conveyed in the English terms community, communion, joint participation, sharing and intimacy. Koinonia can therefore refer in some contexts to a jointly contributed gift.[ This union is also experienced in practical daily life. The same bonds that link the individual to Jesus also link him or her with other faithful
Note the Biblical example of koinonia:
Acts 4:32
Now the company of believers was of one heart and soul, and not one of them claimed that anything which he possessed was [exclusively] his own, but everything they had was in common and for the use of all.
Acts 4:34
Nor was there a destitute or needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses proceeded to sell them, and one by one they brought (gave back) the amount received from the sales
Acts 4:35
And laid it at the feet of the apostles (special messengers). Then distribution was made according as anyone had need.
After reading this text we should be able to clearly see how far we have fallen away from true fellowship from true koinonia.
Can you imagine a church were everyone gave so liberally and laid the money in the hands of Christian leadership. And the distribution of the funds went to the needs of the people!!!!!!
Sounds like an abstract concept this thing called koinonia.
True fellowship does not end on Sunday no more than a marriage is recognized only when deemed convenient.
Another Biblical reference for koinonia;
Acts 2:46
Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,
Most of us have rarely seen the inside of a fellow church member's house.
We are far far away from true Christian fellowship. Yes we are, no doubt about it.
Because I am connected to Christ and you are also connected to Christ our interpersonal interaction will therefore create koinonia. However there are some prerequisites that need to be fulfilled.
Harmony is a main ingredient of koinonia. Harmony is a by product of agreement, when there is agreement for the most part we have harmony. We must be of one heart and one mind. There is no disagreement within the GODHEAD, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is what the scripture means when it says the LORD our GOD is One.
Mark 12:29
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD
Many religions have taken that verse to mean that there is no trinty , they are in error.
Here are the attributes of Jesus prior to coming here to die for us;
Phil 2:6
Who, although being essentially one with God and in the form of God [possessing the fullness of the attributes which make God God], did not think this equality with God was a thing to be eagerly grasped or retained,
Phil 2:7
But stripped Himself [of all privileges and rightful dignity], so as to assume the guise of a servant (slave), in that He became like men and was born a human being.
Phil 2:8
And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself [still further] and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!
Do you see this???? GOD gave up everything that made HIM GOD to come here and help us..., so Who was left in Control????? God the Father, that's who...
And when the work of the cross was completed and Jesus when back home He sent GOD again in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Well, if we do the math that's three, FATHER,SON AND HOLY SPIRIT.
John 15:26
But when the Comforter (Counselor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby) comes, Whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of Truth Who comes (proceeds) from the Father, He [Himself] will testify regarding Me.
When we are in agreement we are at best fulfilling who we are in CHRIST. This is Koinonia Saints.
Let's look at what happens when we come together in harmony because we agree.
Matt 18:19
Again I tell you, if two of you on earth agree (harmonize together, make a symphony together) about whatever [anything and everything] they may ask, it will come to pass and be done for them by My Father in heaven.
Matt 18:20
For wherever two or three are gathered (drawn together as My followers) in (into) My name, there I AM in the midst of them
Do you want GOD to hang out in your church and enjoy the richness of HIS grace the environment for true koinonia...., well the above scriptures provides the recipe. And what shall we agree about... the full adherence to the Holy Word of GOD.... It does not start and end on Sunday people.
In conclusion of the lesson, the message is simple the goal is clearly defined and the objective is not beyond our reach:
Eph 4:3
Be eager and strive earnestly to guard and keep the harmony and oneness of [and produced by] the Spirit in the binding power of peace.
Eph 4:4
[There is] one body and one Spirit--just as there is also one hope [that belongs] to the calling you received--
Eph 4:5
[There is] one Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Eph 4:6
One God and Father of [us] all, Who is above all [Sovereign over all], pervading all and [living] in [us] all.
