Embracing the Power of Cherished Fellowship

Cherish this fellowship. This is the call to action as we embark on a series exploring the lifeblood of the church. Fellowship is not just a gathering; it is the essence of our spiritual community, a vital component that binds us together in Christ. As we delve into this series, we will explore eight crucial elements that sustain our church: cherishing fellowship, exalting Christ, constantly returning to the Word, prioritizing prayer meetings, ministering to each other, giving like Jesus, stressing the new birth, and pulling souls out of hell. Today, we focus on the first: cherishing fellowship.

Fellowship is a community built on the fact that Christ has come. It is spiritual, intimate, and deliberate. It is not a social club or a performance; it is a spiritual connection with the Father and the Son. Fellowship is about bringing God into our interactions, making our gatherings distinctly Christian and centered around the love of God. It is about meeting face to face, sharing our lives, and breaking down barriers that divide us. It is about knowing each other by name, understanding each other's burdens, and working together for the Kingdom.

In this crucial hour, as the world rages outside, we are called to band together, to love one another, and to shock the world with the love we have. Fellowship is not just about being together; it is about being deliberate in our interactions, working at it, and cherishing it. It is about showing up, sticking around, learning each other's names, contributing to groups, going outside our comfort zones, and praying together. It is about getting together, working together, and weeping together.

As we move forward, let us cherish this fellowship. Let us make it spiritual, intimate, and deliberate. Let us combat the forces of this world with a sweet, loving, and beautiful fellowship among us. Let us lift each other up, support one another, and grow together in Christ.

Key Takeaways

• 1. Fellowship as Spiritual Connection: Fellowship is not merely a social gathering; it is a spiritual connection with the Father and the Son. It is about bringing God into our interactions, making our gatherings distinctly Christian and centered around the love of God. This spiritual aspect transforms our fellowship into a powerful force against the enemy. [12:49]
• 2. Intimacy in Fellowship: True fellowship requires intimacy, meeting face to face, and sharing our lives with one another. It is about breaking down barriers, getting to know each other deeply, and building relationships that reflect the love of Christ. This intimacy is what makes our joy full and our community strong. [21:06]
• 3. Deliberate Fellowship: Fellowship is deliberate; it requires effort and intentionality. We must work at it, put in the effort to know each other by name, and engage in meaningful interactions. This deliberate approach to fellowship strengthens our community and helps us grow together in Christ. [24:26]
• 4. Breaking Down Barriers: Fellowship challenges us to break down barriers and reach out to those we might not naturally connect with. It is about loving those who are different from us and building relationships that reflect the diversity and unity of the body of Christ. This is where true love and fellowship are built. [23:37]
• 5. Cherishing Fellowship: To cherish fellowship, we must show up, stick around, learn each other's names, contribute to groups, and pray together. It is about getting together, working together, and weeping together. This commitment to fellowship is what sustains our community and helps us grow in Christ. [27:36]
  ** [27:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:20] - Reading from 1 John
• [01:42] - Introduction to the Sermon Series
• [02:32] - Eight Essential Elements of Church Life
• [04:09] - Exhortation to Cherish Fellowship
• [05:24] - The Importance of Fellowship
• [07:05] - Defining Fellowship
• [09:22] - Fellowship is Spiritual
• [14:19] - Making Fellowship Spiritual
• [17:42] - Fellowship is Intimate
• [21:06] - The Joy of Face-to-Face Fellowship
• [24:26] - Fellowship is Deliberate
• [27:36] - Seven Ways to Cherish Fellowship
• [33:33] - Closing Prayer

1. 1 John 1:1-3
2. 2 John 1:12
3. 3 John 1:13-14

1. According to 1 John 1:3, what is the purpose of declaring what has been seen and heard? How does this relate to the concept of fellowship? [05:39]
2. In 2 John 1:12, why does John express a desire to speak face to face rather than writing with paper and ink? What does this suggest about the nature of fellowship? [18:36]
3. How does 3 John 1:13-14 emphasize the importance of personal interaction in fellowship? What does John mean by greeting friends by name? [25:17]
4. What are the three ways the sermon defines fellowship, and how do these definitions align with the passages from 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John? [09:22]

1. How does the spiritual aspect of fellowship, as described in 1 John 1:3, transform our gatherings into a powerful force against the enemy? [12:49]
2. What does the desire for face-to-face interaction in 2 John 1:12 reveal about the importance of intimacy in fellowship? How does this intimacy contribute to the fullness of joy? [21:06]
3. In what ways does the deliberate nature of fellowship, as seen in 3 John 1:13-14, require effort and intentionality? How can this deliberate approach strengthen a church community? [24:26]
4. How does breaking down barriers and reaching out to those we might not naturally connect with reflect the diversity and unity of the body of Christ? [23:37]

1. Reflect on your current participation in fellowship. Are there specific ways you can be more deliberate in your interactions with others in your church community? [24:26]
2. Consider a time when you felt a spiritual connection during a gathering. How can you intentionally bring God into your interactions to make your fellowship more spiritual? [14:19]
3. Think of someone in your church you don't naturally connect with. What steps can you take to break down barriers and build a relationship with them? [23:37]
4. How can you make an effort to learn the names of people in your church community? What practical steps can you take to remember and use their names in future interactions? [25:50]
5. Reflect on the idea of face-to-face fellowship. How can you prioritize meeting with others in person to deepen your relationships and experience the fullness of joy? [21:06]
6. Identify one way you can contribute to a small group or church activity. How can this involvement help you cherish and strengthen your fellowship with others? [27:36]
7. Consider the role of prayer in your fellowship. How can praying together with others enhance your spiritual connection and support within the community? [32:42]