Sharing and communicating of spiritual and material gifts: The sincerity and strength of the fellowship in the early church were demonstrated by the sacrificial giving to the needy among them. “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need” (Acts 2:44-45; cf. Acts 4:34-37). The early church in Jerusalem, which was a paragon of Christian fellowship, was driven by mutual love, care and self-abasement.
Likewise, the church in Philippi manifested their bond of fellowship through their gifts for Paul. “Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only” (Philippians 4:15). The word “communicated” here is translated from the same Greek word for “fellowship”. This verse outlines the giving and receiving of support between the apostle Paul and the Philippian brethren. They had been mutual in supplying one another’s needs. Believers need to share their resources for the promotion of the Gospel work, as well as to help needy brethren. The writer of Hebrews issues the same exhortation while pointing out its proper motivation: “But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16).
Paul likewise exhorted the Galatian brethren to practise such generosity, especially to those that minister the Word. “Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things” (Galatians 6:6). When men, who are endued with the gift of teaching, bless us with spiritual wisdom and guidance, we must provide for them with the material blessings which God has bestowed upon us.
These are wonderful and important expressions of Christian fellowship that the church should manifest for the glory of God. As can be seen, Christian fellowship is more than just an expression of companionship. It fosters the idea of one’s partnership in the work of the Gospel and the practice of responsible stewardship in advancing it.
23–27 June 2014 @ The Chevrons, Singapore
Dear brethren of GBPC,
Our family would like to take this opportunity to thank the Lord for this wonderful channel of blessings made available to us via this Missionary Conference, as well as through the Web Radio. Thank God for the live broadcast which enabled us to hear the sermons when we could not be there physically.
May God continue to use GBPC in various ways to spur all unto faith and good works in the Lord, in order to shine in this dark world. May God continue to unite your church and prosper your ministries, for His glory.
In His love,
Wan Family
The Lord has done great things for us. This is specially for Gethsemane BPC as Pastor Koshy looks for a place for the ministry at Gethsemane BPC. May the Lord use this $2,000 for His glory.
Truth B-P Church