Introduction: Fellowship (koinonia)
When the Holy Spirit came upon the believers in the early church, they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. "Continued steadfastly" is the Greek word proskartereo which means to be constantly devoted to it.
They were devoted to teaching and fellowship, breaking of bread and in prayer. They were united by the life of Christ in them and the Holy Spirit upon them.
Breaking of bread was not a religious ceremony — Christ was their life and remembering the death and resurrection of Christ was part of their daily life. It was breaking bread together as one body in Christ.
The Importance of Unity
When the Early Church had a problem with distribution (Acts 6:1), it was a major problem because if unity, love, and humility were lost then the power of the Holy Spirit would also be lost.
The Apostles told them to choose seven men full of the Holy Ghost to take care of it (Acts 6:3). They chose great men like Philip and Stephen (Acts 6:5).
Herrnhut — The Moravian Revival of 1727
Count Zinzendorf had previously left the Herrnhutters alone, but on 12 May 1727 he made a covenant that all at Herrnhut had to adhere to:
- To emphasize points of agreement
- Dedicate themselves to service of the Lord
Timeline of Prayer:
- 16 July 1727 — Zinzendorf led mighty prayer with tears; community began to pray with power
- 22 July 1727 — Covenanted to meet often for prayer and worship
- 13 August 1727 — Moravian Pentecost. Many were baptised with the Holy Spirit at Herrnhut
Over the next 25 years, 100 Moravians were sent out from Herrnhut as missionaries.
The Power of Fellowship
The Holy Spirit fell at Herrnhut when the people were united in fellowship.
- Fellowship is essential for the power of the Holy Spirit to be present
- When fellowship is broken, the power of the Holy Spirit will be lost
- Fellowship means being united in sharing
Fellowship is caring, sharing and loving. It is the life of Christ expressed through His body.
Fellowship is contrasted by a selfish spirit that seeks only to satisfy itself. A church that has envy and a competitive spirit may become successful if meetings are exciting, but it will never see the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways
- 1. True fellowship (koinonia) is constant devotion to the apostles' teaching, breaking bread, and prayer
- 2. Unity must be protected — when it's lost, the power of the Holy Spirit is lost
- 3. The Holy Spirit falls when God's people are united in genuine fellowship