Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions at church? Like you’re part of a crowd, but not really connected? If so, you’re not alone. Many of us struggle to understand what true Christian fellowship looks like. Today, let’s dive into what the Bible says about this crucial aspect of our faith and how it can transform our lives.
The Supernatural Reality of Our Heavenly Citizenship
As believers, we’re part of something far greater than we often realize. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 1:9, “God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” This isn’t just some club membership – it’s a supernatural reality that changes everything about who we are and how we live.
In Hebrews 10:19-21, we’re told that we “have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh.” Think about that for a moment. We have direct access to the presence of God himself! As C.S. Lewis pointed out, we’re part of the most important “inner circle” in the universe.
But here’s the challenge: we often value lesser citizenships more than our heavenly one. We need to confess and ponder the earthly allegiances that sometimes take priority over our relationship with Christ. Jesus himself said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Of course, He’s not calling us to literally hate our families, but to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else.
The Ongoing Delight in Jesus: Drawing Near and Holding Fast
Our fellowship with Christ isn’t a one-time event – it’s an ongoing relationship that requires active participation. Hebrews 10:22-23 urges us to “draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith” and to “hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering.”
This ongoing delight in Jesus is what enables us to persevere through life’s challenges. As we’re about to study in 1 Peter, “the only way for us to endure suffering in a difficult world is the love of Jesus. That’s the only way we’re going to make it. That’s the only way we’re going to survive.”
But how do we practically maintain this delight? Through what theologians have called the “means of grace” – worship, communion, prayer, and studying God’s Word. These aren’t just religious rituals, but ways we can genuinely connect with Jesus, like “having coffee with Jesus” as we take communion or worship.
The Relational Initiative with Disciples: Stirring One Another Up
Finally, Christ-centered fellowship involves taking relational initiative with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 challenges us to “consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.”
This isn’t just the job of pastors or church leaders – it’s the responsibility of every believer. “If you believe in Jesus, you are now deputized,” as I said in the sermon. “You are responsible for making disciples. This is your job, not mine.”
What does this look like practically? It can be as simple as following these five steps in a small group:
- Share your high point of the week
- Share your low point
- Read some Bible together
- Share how you’re learning to obey that Bible verse
- Pray for each other
Putting It Into Practice
So, how can we live out this Christ-centered fellowship in our daily lives? Here are some practical steps:
- Prioritize your heavenly citizenship: Start each day by reminding yourself of your true identity in Christ.
- Cultivate ongoing delight in Jesus: Set aside regular time for prayer, worship, and Bible study. Treat these as opportunities to connect with Jesus, not just religious duties.
- Take relational initiative: Reach out to a fellow believer this week. Ask how you can pray for them, or invite them to study Scripture together.
- Join a small group: If you’re not already part of one, consider joining or starting a small group where you can practice these principles of fellowship.
- Look for opportunities to “stir up” others: Encourage and challenge your fellow believers to grow in their faith and good works.
Remember, our church – and indeed, the entire body of Christ – thrives when each of us takes our role in fellowship seriously. As the apostle Paul said, we can thank God for each other “because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now” (Philippians 1:5).
Let’s commit to experiencing and expressing the full power of Christ-centered fellowship in our lives and our church community.
Follow Jesus With Us: We’re a Christian Church Near You!
Grace Bible Church, a vibrant non-denominational church and Bible church, is located in the heart of Killeen, TX, making it a perfect option for those in Central Texas. At our Grace Bible Church in Killeen, we emphasize Biblical teaching paired with open, honest conversations. If you’re looking for a church in Killeen or a church near Fort Cavazos, you’ll discover a community dedicated to understanding Scripture deeply and applying it meaningfully to everyday life.
When you visit Grace Bible Church in Killeen, you’ll experience clear, practical Biblical teaching that tackles real-life challenges and questions. As a welcoming non-denominational church, we unite military families, students, and long-time residents in worship, learning, and service. Whether you’re new to faith or seeking to grow deeper, Grace Bible Church community invites you to join us this Sunday at one of our Sunday morning services!
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