Fellowship
A crucial step after becoming a believer is to find a local church or assembly where you can worship God and fellowship with other Christians. God designed The Church to function as a body, with Jesus Christ as the Head. Every Christian is expected to identify his/her place in this body of Christ and function in it.
There is absolutely no place in Christianity for lone rangers. In this sense, a Christian that does not fellowship regularly with other believers is, strictly speaking, not a Christian because he/she is not part of The Body of Christ.
It is within the church that our spiritual gifts are identified and utilised for the benefit of mankind and the development of God’s kingdom on earth. These will form the basis for our reward in heaven.
Another key benefit of joining a church is that it opens an avenue to meet Christian friends that can answer your questions and support you as you grow in the faith.
One important ordinance the church will arrange after conversion is water baptism. Jesus Christ commanded water baptism as an integral part of our outward profession of faith. “He that believes and is baptised shall be saved….” (Mark 16:16).
IMPORTANT FACT
In choosing a denomination/church/fellowship to attend, it is important to choose one that preaches and practises God’s word as it is written in the Bible. The sad reality is that some churches do not do this. This is not a surprise; Jesus already made it clear that not all that call Him ‘Lord’ will enter the kingdom of God. (Matthew 7:21)
Bible Passages
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Acts 2:42
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
Galatians 6:10
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Matthew 7:21
Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.
John 17:23
I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.
1 John 1:3
That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.
