On the Feasibility of Fostering Fellowship
December 14, 2008
The Holidays are a time of connection, but we Christians are called to be “connected” throughout the year. As such, West Broad members must feel a sense of solidarity, connection, and affinity toward each other (1 Jn. 4:7; Jn. 13:34-35; Acts 2:42-47). But we must first feel a sense of solidarity, connection, and affinity with God. Moreover, this sense must be according to his standards, not ours. God makes it clear that he must be first in our lives (Matt. 6:33; 22:37). Paul even mentions a “divine emphasis” Christians are called to observe (Col. 3:1-2). When the people of God have a clear understanding of the divine mandate, accompanied by compliant and obedient hearts, they will develop an immovable, unequivocating posture in reference to work and involvement in the church. In other words, in the normal “day to day” of our lives, opportunities for worship, instruction, fellowship, and service will always supersede other demands for our attention and time. As Jesus himself remarked, once his people are connected to him, they will naturally be connected to one another (Jn. 17:20-23). In our church, we promote warmth, belonging, and fun fellowship; we will continue to do so. However, these emphases must be combined with our firm loyalty to Christ and his word before genuine conversion can be experienced (Rom. 1:16). In the absence of that loyalty, there will be plenty of “fun,” but not too much “faith.” Let’s work tirelessly to have both here at West Broad! Think about it! –JLNJR
