The Fellowship of the Church: Community | Ekklesia

Imagine a campfire late at night, its flames flickering and logs stacked tightly together, radiating warmth and light. Now, picture pulling one log away from the fire. It doesn't go out immediately, but over time, it cools, loses its glow, and eventually turns to ash. This image serves as a powerful metaphor for the Christian life. Alone, our spiritual fervor can dwindle, but together, we thrive.

In today's world, many Christians find themselves feeling isolated, not because they've rejected Christ, but because they've become disconnected from His body—the church. We were created and saved to live in community, not as solo believers, but as a spirit-filled, Christ-centered, disciple-making community.

Rediscovering God's Design for the Church

The church is not merely a building or an event; it is a redeemed people called out by grace and gathered for a purpose. Over the past weeks, we've explored God's design for His church, formed by the gospel, led by elders, served by deacons, anchored in the sacraments, and sent on mission. Now, we shift our focus to the relationships that sustain it.

The Heartbeat of the Church: Biblical Community

Acts 2:42-47 provides a compelling vision of what community in the early church looked like. It shows us that community is formed by devotion to Jesus and one another, expressed through shared life and mutual care, and ultimately becomes a witness to the world.

Devotion: The Foundation of Community

The early church was marked by relentless devotion—not just to God, but to one another. They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This devotion wasn't a casual interest but a daily, intentional commitment. It was both vertical and horizontal, deeply rooted in the gospel.

Sharing and Caring: The Outworking of Devotion

Their devotion overflowed into radical generosity and sacrificial care. They held their possessions loosely, prioritizing the needs of their brothers and sisters. This wasn't communism or forced redistribution, but voluntary, spirit-led generosity. They lived as a family, where no one went hungry, and burdens were shared.

A Witness to the World

When a community lives this way, it becomes a powerful witness. The early church's life together was so compelling that it became evangelistic. They weren't just preaching the gospel; they were embodying it. Their love for one another was their evangelism, and the Lord added to their number daily.

Stepping into Community at Bethel

At Bethel, we desire to be a community where people aren't just welcomed but wanted. A place where no one walks alone, and the beauty of Christ is seen not only from the pulpit but around the table. This fall, we're launching community groups to foster this kind of biblical community.

Join us on Sunday nights in September for "The Table," a launch pad for community groups. It's an opportunity to step into real fellowship, to be known and needed, and to live out the mission of loving God, loving people, and making disciples of Jesus Christ.

In a world that values independence, the gospel calls us to interdependence. We are meant to follow Jesus together, rekindling the fire of faith in community. As we devote ourselves to one another, share life, and witness to the world, we become the aroma of Christ, drawing others to the good news of the gospel. Let's embrace this vision of biblical community and step into the fullness of life together.