The Living Church- Chapter Five
The Living Church – Chapter 5
In the next few weeks I’ll be posting on John Stott’s excellent new book: The Living Church. Stott is a writer, pastor, and teacher who is well worth reading.
Fellowship is a term that is overused, yet misunderstood. Taking fellowship as much more than a pleasant tea-time together, a re-definition is appearing today. Stott underlines that there are biblical (people are not to be alone), historical, (small groups can have an impact), and pastoral (all Christians are to be involved in caring for others) reasons for this development.
Koinonia – fellowship is something shared in common. There are three things that are shared.
First, koinonia is not a feeling of togetherness. Stott says it is an ‘objective fact expressing what we share together.’ We have received grace from the same God, Lord, and the same Spirit. We participate in community with God and have a ‘common inheritance.’
Second, koinonia is not only receiving, but giving. Grace is to be passed on to others.
Third, koinonia is a ‘partnership’ of giving and receiving love. Questions: Do we really love one another and does it show? Have you been loved by the church and seen the impact and expression of koinonia?
Dr. Gregory J. Laughery