NOV 18

Acts 2:41-47
Memorise Acts 2:42
“…all that believed were together, and had all things common”

The New Testament church grew in number and fervency after Pentecost. They practically lived together as a church, continuing “stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They listened to God’s Word together from the apostles. They broke bread, meaning they partook of Holy Communion, together. They prayed together. They were very close, spending their waking hours growing together in the Lord.

They were like a big family, coming together with the common purpose of living out their Christian faith. That is how we should view our fellow believers. Christ taught how those who believed in Him were part of His family. In Matthew 12:50, Christ said, “For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.” Hebrews 2:11 also affirms this, “For both He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren”.

Christian fellowship should be close, like that of a family as we are all bought by the same blood of Christ. Once we accept Christ, we are no longer part of the world but are now called “children of light” (John 12:36). We will never find true fellowship with those who are still in darkness. They will not understand our beliefs and goals. Although we still befriend them and evangelise to them, the depth of friendship will never be as deep as that between two fellow believers. Therefore, seek Christian fellowship. It is more profitable to pursue friendships with fellow believers than with others who are still outside God’s kingdom. Of course, we still need to evangelise to our non-believing friends but it is definitely more enriching to spend time with our Christian brothers and sisters than to engage in worldly activities with our non-Christian friends. In fact, your best friends should be your fellow believers. Are they?

Thought: How can we be good brothers and sisters in Christ to our fellow believers?
Prayer: Lord, help me to desire good Christian fellowship and grant me discernment in choosing who I spend time with.