A simple question
I have a very simple question. I was going to post something long and involved about it tonight but on searching my blog I realized I've already written about it directly at least twice (here and here) and brushed up against it many more times and I still don't have a good answer. And it's hanging me up, big time. It is probably the biggest reason I am unhappy in church right now (didn't go this past Sunday - this was part of the reason why). The question is this:
"What is fellowship?"
I have decided I honestly don't know. It is one of those Christian "code words" that makes no sense. It can't be really being myself around others - I can see that. It can't be being friends - I can see that, too. Is it all really just "Pot luck dinners and voters meetings? Charity drives and once-a-week gatherings?"
So...what is it? 'cause I am failing at it, and I want to figure it out.
[If you're going to write an answer of more than 25 words (CH, Chris), feel free to blog about it and link to it in the comments here. That way, you'll have something to blog about! :o) ]
12 comments:
I get it - you're trying to get us to join that Blog365 thing-a-ma-jig... aren't you? Oh wait. I'm technically on that too ;)
But I just posted something! Actually after writing a few paragraphs, I decided I better just use a post :) And I want to put in some pictures as well.... and those are on the home PC. Expect a post tomorrow...
Chris,
Consider it a "gentle nudge" to post more. :-)
I look forward to your post.
Nudge received! Even if it wasn't intended for me. :D All the opinionated blather you could ever hope for, here:
my blog
Hi Jim, stumbled across your blog and read this post!
I think 'fellowship' is acting in spiritual community loving each other. It's loving people so much that you're willing to obey what scripture says about being in church-community (Heb 10v24-5, Col 3v12-16). Loving, exhoritng, teaching, correcting, instructing all of those kind of things-I suppose it's acting towards the church as Christ acts to us and enjoying being part of that!
Here's a sermon I listened to by Tim Keller on fellowship: http://download.redeemer.com/rpcsermons/storesamplesermons/Spiritual_Friendship.mp3
God bless brother!
Tina,
Thanks! You wrote a great post, as always, and have given me a lot to think (and hope!) about.
Simon,
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I will check out the sermon.
Jim,
I have started to blog again as of today, but that was before this post. Can I exceed the 25-word limit?
Anyway, good question. To be followed by "Why pot-lucks?" That may be my next blog and I'll link back here after my review of... oh sorry, wrote too much.
-Sam
Sam,
Already read your post today - hope your daughter feels better, and yes, enjoy this time with her.
I look forward to your blog post on this subject.
my post...
Hi Jim,
I came across your blog through a link, thanks for sharing, thinking out LOUD what Father is stirring deep within you.
I wrote something on my blog this morning dealing with the fellowship subject. 'Fellowship on the magic bus'!
http://andthenlifehappened.blogspot.com/
Peace
Chris,
Thanks. Good post, I'll comment more there.
Rich,
Ditto.
Sorry, Jim. I've got nothing on this one. I'm pretty much in the asking, thinking, seeking, and researching stage these days with this general subject matter (ecclesiology).
I like both Tina's and Chris's thoughts on this one. Our small group is where we "do church" these days, and that's been where our "fellowship" has been strongest, for several years now. We've become much more involved with the other group members than just one or two days a week -- we're pretty involved in one another's lives full time, to serve and help one another out.
CH,
I keep feeling drawn to small group worship. I just don't know where (and with whom) to start such a thing.
Post a Comment