Dean Simonson | 2025 LLC Phoenix Winter Services - Congregation Evening – March 14 --
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7 KJV)
This verse from 1 John speaks to us about the fellowship that we have among believers in God's Kingdom. First, it addresses the need to have one's sins forgiven so that one has the name of a child of God. (“If we walk in the light, as he is in the light”) We are unable to “walk in the light” on our own. We can only do so through the merits of our Lord Jesus. Having the name of a child of God, through believing our sins forgiven, we then enjoy the benefit of having “fellowship one with another.” This special fellowship that exists in God's kingdom is not found anywhere else in this world. We are continually renewed in faith through the power of the gospel. Traveling as a child of God in His kingdom, we enjoy the blessing of fellowship with our mutual travelers in faith to the end of our lives.
In God's kingdom, we often use the word fellowship in connection with the gatherings of God's children. In this presentation I will look at how fellowship is a gift from God, and therefore special to us, what fellowship means to a child of God, and how we want to keep this fellowship within God's kingdom and not join in fellowship with the world.
Defining fellowship
In the beginning I felt it would be good to define the word “fellowship.” Fellowship can be characterized in several ways that relate to interaction between believers:
− companionship
− a friendly relationship
− an association of similar interests
− communion, as between members of the same church
I think that all these definitions in some way illustrate the interactions we have as God's children in His congregation.
The gift of faith
Most communities and groups of people are brought together through human efforts and needs – such things as common goals, interests, etc. God's congregation is a unique collection of people. We are ordinary people who have no outwardly special traits that set us apart from the people of our communities. What is different and unique is how we are united together. We are joined together through the Holy Spirit, which comes as a gift of faith. God has called us to be partakers of this gift. In his Large Catechism, Luther describes the congregation and the unity of spirit that exists there in this manner: “I believe that there is on earth a little flock or community of pure saints under one head, Christ. It is called together by the Holy Spirit in one faith, mind, and understanding. It possesses a variety of gifts, yet it is united in love without sect or schism. Of this community I also am a part and member, a participant and co-partner in all the blessings it possesses. I was brought to it by the Holy Spirit and incorporated into it through the fact that I have heard and still hear God's Word.” We consider our membership in God's Kingdom in the same way that Luther did. We are not just joined together by common ancestry, culture, race or other outward markers that would indicate a natural bond. Above all, it is the love of God that has called us to be members of this kingdom. It is God who has awakened the conscience to sin and leads one to the fountains of grace where sins can be washed away in Jesus name and blood. Through the power of the Holy Spirit we are then able to understand that we can only be together with God if we have our sins forgiven. Joined together through the power of the gospel, we can enjoy fellowship through the Holy Spirit.
Fellowship in the Lord Jesus
In his first letter to the Corinthians, apostle Paul wrote in this way: “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Cor. 1:9 KJV) This fellowship that he writes of here is where one is joined together with our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a fellowship of communion with our Lord together with our brothers and sisters in faith. It is a common pathway leading to heaven where the traveler experiences many trials of faith. These trials which may cause doubt and can lead to sin, are shared with fellow travelers experiencing the same trials. In a presentation to the youth at Summer Services several years ago, our departed brother Dave Anderson stated it this way: “God's Kingdom is made up of pardoned sinners. We share those things that are most important in life. We are united in that goal to reach Heaven's home. We care for one another as we travel this narrow road of life.”
Our entire journey of faith is built around fellowship in our Lord Jesus. We gather together around God's word which teaches and reminds us of His sacrificial work on the cross. There is the blessing message of the gospel which washes away all the filth of the journey in Jesus name and blood. Even in our daily life we know and feel the presence of our Lord.
The central activity in our faith life is gathering around the spoken word of God, most often at services, but also at smaller gatherings such as weddings, baptisms, graduations, milestone celebrations and so on. It is here that we look for the serving minister to preach about God's love for us, how He sent His Son to die for our sins. The Word warms our hearts and also reminds us that we need to care for sin. Many times we find that the word speaks directly to us of our own personal journey to Heaven. One does not find themselves alone before the condemning message of the Word because we feel ourselves to be in the presence of other sinners who feel likewise. We have felt the presence of our Lord Jesus. God's grace belongs to me! Each one of us feels the need to hear the words of the gospel - “Believe your sins forgiven in Jesus name and blood!”
There are times when we are able to feel especially close to our Lord Jesus, such as during the sacrament of Holy Communion. During this service the whole congregation joins together in remembering how Jesus died for our sins. When we eat the bread and drink the wine, we are reminded that this is the body and blood of our Lord and Savior. It has been given to us for the strengthening our faith. During this time, we can, and do, turn to our brother or sister in faith and ask for the gospel. This is a special time of fellowship, when the congregation is in unity under the pastoral care of our Lord Jesus.
The children of God experience fellowship with our Lord Jesus in our daily life as well. His presence can be felt when we are feeling low, when we feel alone, or when we are confronted with situations that are uncomfortable to us in our faith life. Together with these difficult times, there are also times when we experience joy and feelings of contentment. It is especially so, when we are able to accept that God is with us and blessing our life here on earth.
Fellowship in the Holy Spirit
Being members in God's congregation is not meant to be a passive association with other believers. In an editorial in the 2020 Voice of Zion, fellowship is written of in this way: “Fellowship is not just belonging to a church as a member and participating in group activities. Rather, it is unity with God and His congregation. In other words, we don't want to only show up at Sunday services. The congregation is a living and active group of people. There are many activities that take place outside of our Sunday services: bible class and song services, weddings, and baptisms to name a few. I personally have been able to feel a special closeness with other believers when I have been asked to conduct weddings and baptisms, or when I have been asked to speak at a special event such as a graduation or a milestone birthday or anniversary. The congregation members joyfully gather to celebrate the occasion and share in the joy that other members are feeling.
In the same 2020 editorial it says: “The Holy Spirit does not direct us to isolate ourselves from church fellowship or to avoid children of God.” In the letter to the Hebrews, the writer warns in this way: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25 KJV) Our faith-life is strengthened by frequently gathering with God's children. We need this fellowship with our brothers and sisters in faith.
We can also enjoy fellowship through serving. As it has been said, we are called to serve. In his letter to the Galatians, Paul writes: “...serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Gal. 5:13,14 NIV) I am sure that we have all experienced the joy of serving. There are many ways that we can do so. We may have duties in the congregation, we can serve at camps, we can help and visit those in need, etc. It is so often said by those who have served, that they feel they have been served much more and have received much more than they felt they contributed. Through serving we also enjoy fellowship with our brothers and sisters in faith.
This fellowship is also present and important when there is sadness and sorrow in the congregation. We reach out to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, to those dealing with sickness and health issues, or to those who are struggling with the departure of a dear friend or family member into the darkness of unbelief. The loving care of the family of God reaches out to comfort and console those who are feeling sadness or grief. As the apostle writes in the letter to the Galatians, “Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6:2 KJV)
Fellowship is something that we wish to seek. God's children find many blessings in gathering together. Unfortunately, for some, this fellowship is not such an easy thing to take part in. There are some who, because of physical limitations or mental illness, or even the frailty of old age, are unable to gather together with God's children. It is well that we could remember those who are isolated in this way. Perhaps we can take time to go for a visit, or even a phone call. It can also happen, that because of life's circumstances, a person is prevented from being together with the children of God. I recall the example of an elderly woman whose husband was not a believer. He was not supportive of her going to church or gathering with believers in any way. She patiently lived in this isolation, but whenever she happened to meet believers, she would still confess her faith and ask for the gospel. When her husband passed away, she started coming to church and enjoying the fellowship with God's children. God protects people who travel in difficult situations.
The importance of fellowship
Fellowship in God's kingdom has always played a critical role in the life of God's children. In the beginning of the Bible, God recognized man's need for companionship and He gave Adam a helpmate. Eve was not only meant to be the wife of Adam and a companion in his daily journey through life, but she was also his companion in faith. Their relationship allowed for them to share the journey of faith together, and to support each other in both times of joy and times of sadness.
The scriptures relate of former believers who were able to experience Christian fellowship and how they rejoiced of this. Prior to becoming king of Israel, David had a strong friendship with Jonathan that was enriched by their bond of faith. Jonathan helped to protect David from the anger of his father, King Saul. He also provided critical support to David in this dark hour: “And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.” (1 Sam. 23:16 NIV) After the death of Jonathan David wrote: “I grieve for you, Jonathan my brother; you were very dear to me. Your love for me was wonderful, more wonderful than that of women.” (2 Sam. 1:26 NIV) Here we see an example of a relationship that was bound by the love that our Lord Jesus taught: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34 KJV) We can only imagine the faith discussions that these two brothers must have had with each other!
The apostle Paul had a close relationship with the congregation in Philippi. He wrote to them from Rome where he was in prison. “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now” (Phil. 1:3-5 KJV) He speaks here of that fellowship that he had experienced when he was with them - “fellowship in the gospel.” Not only were they able to share about the work of spreading the gospel, but also the joy that came with this and rejoice in that they shared the common desire to reach Heaven.
In his letter to the Romans, the apostle reveals how he longed for the precious fellowship with that congregation as well. In the first chapter of Romans he writes: “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established; That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.” (Rom. 1:11-12 KJV)
In our respective lives of faith we also know the same type of fellowship experienced by David and Jonathan and the apostle Paul with the congregations that he visited. We too have felt how we have been supported through visits with our brothers and sisters in faith. We have been strengthened in our faith. We need this closeness and fellowship. This can become especially clear when we have been separated from our family of God for extended periods of time. I recall a time in my life when I had attended a week-long course that related to my life work as a farmer. During this time I was away from my family and only had contact with other farmers. It was an enjoyable time for me to connect with others who were like-minded and doing similar work. After the course was finished, and before I drove home, I met up with a couple of believing men in that same city to visit over a cup of coffee. I remember vividly the joy that I felt when I met these brothers and greeted them with “God's Peace!” It was brought home to me how we cannot function alone in faith, but that we need the fellowship that we have in God's kingdom.
A sorrowful consequence of those who have drifted away from God's kingdom is how they no longer desire to join in the fellowship of God's children. This is often one of the first signs that we see when one no longer feels close to the believers. It has been something that I have noticed, especially with close ones who have left God's kingdom. The first troubling signs that I noticed were that they seemed to have other commitments or chose to be elsewhere when God's children were gathered at services or other events. We cannot remain on the way to Heaven if we only rely on our own strength and understanding. The writer to the Hebrews warns of the need to gather together and how important it is for our journey of faith: “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb. 10:25 KJV)
The sacrament of fellowship
Sometimes Christian fellowship has been referred to as the “sacrament of fellowship.” In an introduction to a congregation discussion titled “Soul Care and Confession”, Keijo Nissila wrote of it in this way: “In the hearing of God’s Word, each time we receive in some hidden way care for our soul. This happens when we pray and thank God, when we sing and when we hear God’s Word and meet other believers and exchange tidings on the way and journey. Services offer good opportunities for visiting, when hearts have warmed and opened in the hearing of God’s Word. Visiting has sometimes been called the sacrament of fellowship.” This does not place fellowship on the same level as the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion. These sacraments have been ordained by God to be good and necessary for believers to participate in for the strengthening of faith. It does, however, emphasize how important fellowship is to a believer in their journey of faith toward Heaven. Comparing fellowship to a sacrament shows that it has an important place in our lives. It would be good that we do not ignore fellowship with God's children.
Fellowship with the world
As I am writing this presentation, I pause to take a phone call from a dear brother in faith. He asks me what I am up to and I reply that I am working on a presentation about fellowship. We visit for a while and our conversation turns to a time when he traveled in unbelief. He tells me that he has no desire to go back to the life of an unbeliever. He says how he is thankful that he no longer wishes to take part in those activities that at one time were so important to him. He has told me several times in previous visits how it feels good to be sitting in the church with the believers. We discuss how we have our friends and neighbors who we interact with on a day-to-day basis. They are decent people, and they hold a place of value in our lives. I bring up this verse from the 2nd letter to the Corinthians: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” We both agree that there is a good reminder in these words - for us, and for all God's children.
The world that we live in is a very tempting place for a child of God. There is much about it that draws our interest towards it. It is a familiar battle where we are challenged daily by the three-fold enemy: our flesh, the devil and the sinful world. It is very easy to get drawn into the misplaced happiness that exists where God's Word is not obeyed, and where there is no concern over sin. In the quote which we read from Corinthians the question is asked, “what communion hath light with darkness?” God's word teaches that it is dangerous to our faith if we have too close relations and interactions with unbelievers, especially if it keeps us away from those relations with other believers.
For one who may be faltering in their faith-life and attracted to the temptations of this life, it can become easy to make excuses for traveling in close association with those traveling in darkness. The lonely single person may seek companionship. Struggling and tired parents may consider birth control. A young person may be tempted to pursue higher achievements in sports. Work friends may seem to live more exciting lives in their leisure pursuits. No matter what sort of temptation is close to our flesh, if we allow the enemy of souls to convince us that it is a small matter, we can then easily be drawn away from God's Kingdom by it.
In my work life I sometimes encounter people who I find it easy to be with and visit with. We do not have the connection of faith, but we have common interests, especially through work. Often we will have similar philosophies about life. It is easy for me to want to keep this person in my circle of close friends. I find myself having these kinds of thoughts, that it would sure be wonderful if this person could share in this gift of faith. I have to remind myself that I can pray for this. God will lead a seeking one to His kingdom. Also, I have to remember that I have believing friends and family who share the same interests and philosophies of life as I have. I don't need to actively seek this interaction outside of God's kingdom.
It is good to be moderate in our relationships with people outside of God's kingdom. We need to keep a safe distance between us. We can have good and wholesome relations with them, but they are relations that are only beneficial for the matters of this life. If we seek out fellowship with our brothers and sisters in faith, we find support for the most important matter in our lives – our life of faith.
Fellowship in God's Kingdom is unique
In my duties as a servant of God's word, I have had the opportunity to travel several times to serve in Ecuador. I have found that the small group of believers in that country experience faith in the same way as I do. They have their joys and their sorrows. Sometimes it's easy to travel on the way to heaven, other times the way is more difficult. I have had several discussions with believers in Ecuador about the way and the journey. We have needed to encourage each other and we have shared the gospel. I have enjoyed many visits with precious fellowship.
There is one instance that I recall from the first trip I made there. The brother that I was traveling with was eager to help the Ecuadorian believers find material that they could read and use in Bible class and Sunday school lessons. In one city, as we were doing some sight seeing, we came across a Lutheran church. We stopped to visit with the pastor of that church with the hope that perhaps they would have what we were looking for. Visiting with the pastor through our interpreter, we found out that this church held services in 3 different languages, one of them being English. As it was, the English-speaking pastor was away, but we were told that he would be preaching at the Sunday service the next day. We decided to go there for that service, as it was before our service and it would give us a chance to visit with this English-speaking pastor. After the service the next day we visited with the pastor but found that they didn't have any materials such as we were seeking. What got left in my memory was a very vivid impression of fellowship among believers. As I sat in the bench listening to the sermon of that Lutheran pastor, I felt very much out of place among the congregants. I was surrounded by English-speaking people, many who were from my own country and similar culture, but they did not believe the same as I did. After that service, we traveled to our own service site, held in the home of an Ecuadorian believer, and we had services there. Here I found myself in the midst of people who were of a different nationality and culture, people who I had only recently met, but I felt at home. I was in the midst of believers. It didn't matter if we were of a different nationality and spoke a different language.
This experience taught me that in God's Kingdom there are no barriers. I realized that the fellowship which we enjoy is uniquely tied to being a believer in God's Kingdom. This fellowship cannot be found outside of God's Kingdom.
Do we have time for fellowship?
When I think of friendships that are written of in the Bible, I think of the relationship that Jesus had with his good friends, Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The Bible relates of a time when Jesus stopped at their house to visit with them. No doubt they were pleased to have Him stay with them and to serve Him. We are told how Mary sat at the feet of Jesus and visited with him. Martha, on the other hand, was more focused on serving – perhaps preparing a meal and making sure that everything was in order. Martha was feeling burdened by this and came to Jesus with her complaint: “Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” Jesus reply to her was: “Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:40-42 KJV)
To me, this narrative makes several important points. Two matters that I wish to focus on are: the friendship that they had and they fellowship they shared. There was a deep friendship between Jesus, these women and their brother Lazarus. In another place in the Bible it tells us that “Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.” Jesus felt comfortable visiting in their home and they were likewise comfortable with him. They were happy to have him in their home, to serve him and to sit down and visit with him. Martha was even free enough to speak of the matter she was struggling with – her annoyance at her sister Mary. This friendship was made possible because both Mary and Martha believed that Jesus was their Lord and Savior.
An important part of their friendship was the fellowship that they also enjoyed. Because Jesus was their Lord, they could easily visit about matters of faith. I have often wondered what Jesus and Mary visited about while Martha was busy serving. I imagine that it would have been a visit, that for Mary would have been uplifting for her faith. The text implies that Mary would not have spoken so much as she was listening to Jesus: “... [she] sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.” She was enjoying the most perfect fellowship one could experience.
When Jesus gently admonished Martha about her focus on her temporal duties, he also reminded her what was most important. He pointed out to her how Mary had chosen “that good part”, or in another translation it says that she had “chosen what is better.” Mary had taken time to sit at the feet of Jesus and visit about faith.
A good question to ask ourselves is this: “Do we take time to sit at the feet of Jesus, like Mary did?” First, we could ask, what does it mean to sit at the feet of Jesus? It is simply this: that whenever we gather to hear God's Word, or when we visit about the way and the journey, we are, like Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus. Do we take time for this important fellowship? Is it important to attend Sunday services? Do we make a point of attending Bible class, or showing up for congregation meetings and discussions? Do we try to visit friends and other congregation members in their homes, or is seeing them at church “good enough?”
Fellowship is certainly something that “just happens” when we are an active congregation member, but it also requires effort on our part to make something more of it, to enrich it. I can recall many pleasant visits that I have had over the years, with elders when I was young, with young people now that I am an older member of our congregation, and visits with my peers throughout my life. I can also, with regret, recall times when I neglected opportunities to be with other believers or was too lazy to try arrange a visit with family or friends.
This story of Mary and Martha so clearly shows how we can become lost in our own personal pursuits in life. It also leaves us with precious instructions from our Lord Jesus as to where our primary focus in life should be.
Fellowship and technology
It is good to pause and consider how the technology that is available and in use today affects God's children. God has blessed this world with advanced technology in so many ways that make our life simpler, ease physical burdens and that make our world a smaller place. We have seen how technology has allowed for the work of the gospel to spread to many places on the globe. People in far away lands are logging into the internet and discovering that there is a place where peace can be found for a troubled conscience. The Kingdom of Peace website has had a staggering number of visits to the various articles and videos that have been posted there.
In the North American Zion we have seen how God has used technology to bless us with more options for listening to His word and more convenience to do so. During the Covid lock downs we had online service events. It was during this time that the online evening devotions were started. Our new Hearken app gives us access to sermons, evening devotions and music albums. When we are away from our home congregations we can log in and listen to Sunday sermons and many other events that are regularly broadcast online. Families have realized great blessings when they are able to have face to face interactions over the internet with loved ones who live far away.
In many ways this technology has opened up new and convenient avenues for more interactions between God's children. Quick and simple messages can be shared through various apps. Chat groups can be arranged for more widespread communication among larger groups of people. It is very easy to take a few seconds and send someone a quick message – “How are you?” or “I am remembering you.”
The challenge that comes with technology is that it can take a hold in our life and push aside other priorities and values. I think that the ease of accessing services online can also be a danger in a person's life, that they would forsake the in-person gathering of God's children at services in favor of staying at home and listening. We need to be aware that the tendency of our flesh is to sin. It is easy to become complacent about the need to be watchful. We remember how Jesus warned: “And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:37 KJV)
The blessing of fellowship
In the Bible it is stated how the greatest gift is love. “And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity. (1Cor. 13:13 KJV) This charity, or love, is a blessing from God. Through faith we are able to understand that we receive many blessings from God. All the needs of this life have been provided. We have our families and our friends. We are members in the congregation of God's children. With this membership comes the fellowship that we share in God's congregation. When we think of fellowship in connection with God's love, we have to admit that it also is a great blessing.
It is good to pause and consider if we appreciate this matter. Ask yourself, “Has fellowship with God's congregation been a benefit in my life? Do I understand and appreciate how this fellowship has helped me in my faith life?” Like so much of our life of faith, we need to be conscious of what God gives to us and make an effort to appreciate it and allow it benefit in our lives. It can be easy to have that kind of an approach to life that we don't put much effort into getting out for church functions or visiting. We can make the excuse that it is easier to stay home and listen to services online rather than traveling to church for services. It's easy to make excuses that we are encroaching into other people's lives if we try to arrange a visit in their home. As with all good things that benefit us in our life of faith, the enemy of souls wants to take these precious interactions away from us. Even in these matters of attending services and visiting, we need to battle against our lazy and reluctant flesh as well as push away Satan with his lies.
As I come to the conclusion of this presentation, I am reminded of the words that the apostle Paul ended his second letter to the Corinthians with: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” (2 Cor. 13:14 NIV) Paul had written this letter to a congregation that was dear to him. He had visited with them several times and shared of the way and the journey. Not only had they shared in the pleasant visits about faith but there were difficult conversations about the struggles in the congregation. Ultimately the gospel had been shared and sins washed away in the blood of Christ. Paul leaves them with his hopeful prayer that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ would be among them, that God's love could be shed upon them and shared among them, and that they would be able to partake of, and be uplifted through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. It was his desire that they would not drift apart, but that they could remain united through God's gift of fellowship.
We also have this same hope and prayer for each other in our day. When we leave from services and greet with “God's Peace!”, the often unsaid, but underlying message is that God would allow that we could be together again sometime in the future and share in the gift of fellowship with each other. When we realize how precious this matter is to us, we desire to be together with our brothers and sisters in faith. It is fitting that we end with the words of the apostle: “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”
Thoughts for discussion:
What does Christian fellowship mean to you?
How have you benefited from Christian fellowship?
Do you take time to “sit at the feet of Jesus?
Do you feel a strong pull from the world?
Have you had times in your life when you yearned for the fellowship of God's congregation?
Do you feel that visiting and fellowship are suffering because of technology?