“And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
(Acts 2:42 ESV)
1. “THE APOSTLES’ TEACHING” – The Word of God
It is particularly important in a church that people take a personal responsibility to each other in group Bible study. Such personal responsibility to one another is impossible to be achieved in a worship service. The dynamics of studying God’s Word together and fellowshipping together are important for the continued involvement of every Christian. God works in and through your fellow believers to benefit the Bible students in their participation.
The example of the Church in Berea “For they received the Word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” (Acts 17:11)
Jesus confronts and challenges the Jews and all men, even people of today: “He who is of God hears the words of God; the reasons you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (St. John 8: 6,47)
Jesus said: “If you continue in my Word, then you are truly my disciples.” (St. John 8.31)
I encourage every member (and leaders are expected to set examples) to be faithful in group study of God’s Word. In this way the Body of Christ can mature and grow.
2. “THE FELLOWSHIP – Service in the Communion (community)
of Saints
Every member needs to be involved in at least one activity within the Body of Christ. There is opportunity to serve in so many ways that most people’s talents and gifts can be used. It is also expected that each member financially support the ministry which is being performed by all the members of the Church. This means an annual “Faith Promise” (a commitment, or pledge) of financial resources that God provides to you so that you can prove the earnestness of your love (2 Corinthians 8 & 9). Offerings and gifts to the Lord ate not optional but are expected of every Christian as the Scriptures clearly indicate. There are examples in Scripture as well as direct demands to be generous and supportive of the Lord’s work. Such offerings are to be sacrificial gifts and provide a means of praising Him for His generous sustenance.
Being in fellowship also demands integrity in inter-personal relationships. This means that we reject gossip and slander in our midst.
"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another." (Ephesians 4:25 ESV)
Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor 13:7 ESV)
Do not slander one another. (James 4:11 NIV)
We also hold each other to our Lord’s directives in dealing with any confrontation, differences, or need for discipline that may arise in our spiritual community.
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave
your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to