They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles. And all the believers were together and had all things in common; and they would sell their property and possessions and share them with all, to the extent that anyone had need. Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved. – Acts 2:42-47 (NASB)
And let’s consider how to encourage one another in love and good deeds, not abandoning our own meeting together, as is the habit of some people, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near. – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NASB)
This week’s reflections will be focused on fellowship. The believers in Acts devoted themselves to fellowship. Getting together was not an occasional activity but a way of life. They shared meals, prayed together, met each other’s needs, and worshipped together. Their connection was grounded in their common faith in Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. As a result, they experienced joy, generosity, and the favor of those around them. Their spiritual unity bore tangible fruit.
Similarly, the text from Hebrews highlights the intentional nature of fellowship. As believers we’re called to consider how to encourage one another in love and faithfulness. Meeting together is not optional or incidental. Time together is a vital part of sustaining a vibrant spiritual life. In community, we find strength to persevere, receive correction and encouragement, and grow in grace.
When we look at these passages together, we can see that biblical fellowship is more than attending the same church service. It is a sacred covenantal relationship among people who share in the life of Christ. It’s the part of our unity in the Spirit that is seen in hospitality, prayer, encouragement, accountability, and love.
In today’s world, Christian fellowship is a profound witness. Through Christ, strangers become family and individual lives are woven into a tapestry of grace. To neglect this gift is to weaken the body; to embrace it is to reflect the very heart of God. We know that God calls us not just to Himself but to one another.
As I reflect on these Scriptures, I can’t help but be thankful for how God is growing this same kind of fellowship at New Hope. It shows up in so many meaningful ways – through our Men’s and Women’s Ministries where we open up, share our lives, and seek the Lord together. It’s going to be there in our new Family Ministry, too, as we come alongside each other to help build strong Christ-centered homes.
I see it in the simple powerful moments – all those meetings and gatherings held nearly each weekday in our church, as well as in those conversations before and after worship, where we catch up, pray together, and encourage one another. These aren’t just casual greetings; they’re glimpses of the love and unity Christ has formed among us. I see this fellowship in the way our Called to Care Team serves with compassion: bringing meals, offering support, and showing God’s love to those who are going through difficult times. All these ways we connect remind us that church is not just a place we go – it’s a people we belong to.
God is weaving something beautiful at New Hope Fellowship and every shared meal, every prayer, every ministry effort is part of that tapestry. May we continue to pursue this kind of fellowship – not out of obligation – but out of a shared love for Jesus and one another.