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What defines fellowship?

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jcright

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Hi everyone,

This is inspired from another thread where I posted this question (which was a couple of weeks ago or so). I thought it would be interesting to discuss the meaning of "fellowship". As I stated before, I had always thought that fellowship is when we get together for the main purpose of discussing the bible and our Lord. Depending on where I go, this tends to be the definition. Some of the other places I've been to have broadened the definition to say that anytime Christians come together, then they are fellowshipping...doesn't matter if our Lord is mentioned or not. So, I'm interested to know what you view as fellowship time.

I haven't done any research on this (shame on me) so I can't supply any verses to back up my thoughts which is one of the reasons I'm starting this thread...so I'd appreciate if you could back up your words with scripture.

Thanks!

John
 

ZiSunka

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Main Entry: 1fel·low·ship
Pronunciation: 'fe-l&-"ship, -lO-
Function: noun
1 : COMPANIONSHIP, COMPANY
2 a : community of interest, activity, feeling, or experience b : the state of being a fellow or associate
3 : a company of equals or friends : ASSOCIATION
4 : the quality or state of being comradely
 
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NicodemusPrime

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I would say that it is anythime christians come together not just to worship but also to support each other, share experiences and opinions (debating included). To me it is any interaction between Christians which supports or strengths our faith.
 
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Gold Dragon

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I would agree more with the broader definition of fellowship where discussion about God and the Bible are common but not required. However, I wouldn't say that every instance where Christians get together is considered fellowshipping. Two Christians throwing punches at each other are obviously not fellowshipping.

In my mind fellowshipping involves an active building up of a community where there is a sense of belonging. Often that involves talking about God and the Bible but not always.
 
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2Timothy2

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I suppose this is an 'Official' definition. Makes sense, I suppose. I think we can have fellowship without having a Bible study or sermon. It involves, in some way, the building up of each other, the giving of oneself to others. Thus, arguement and strife have no place in true fellowship. Then again, I'm still trying to figure out the definition myself.


 
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