The life of the believer is lived out in two ways. First, the personal fellowship and ministry to God, and secondly, the corporate fellowship and ministry to God with the Body of Christ, the Local Church. This community of believers is known as members of the Body1 with our Lord Jesus Christ as the HEAD of the Body.2
Christians meet to have a special kind of fellowship, with all activity being centered on the Presence, Power, and Love of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Worship, joy, and praise are marks of this fellowship.
The close union of believers is determined by the common desire to worship. From the early church in the book of Acts until now, we see Christians praying, hearing the apostle's teaching, singing songs, and having fellowship with one another.3 They also were seen having the Lord's Supper, having baptisms, and giving gifts and money.4 All these practices are in fellowship with the Body.
There is also the great fellowship with the Father. Because of the new Christian Life, Scripture tells us, "What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also that you also may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son, Jesus Christ".5 Scripture also states, "If we say we have fellowship with Him, and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 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".6
Both the personal and corporate fellowship concepts are based on the heart's desire to be with Christ, and be like Him. The fellowship of the Spirit is always preceded by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of the Father.7
The disciple is seeding in the Kingdom in fellowship. He is using his gifts as they are complimented by the gifts of other members of the Body.
Additional Scripture References:
1 John 1
1 Corinthians 12
Romans 12
Acts 2:22-47
Ephesians 5:30
1. Romans 6:13, Romans 12:4, 1 Corinthians 6:15, Ephesians 5:30
2. Colossians 1:18, Ephesians 1:22, 1 Corinthians 11:3
3. Acts 2:42, Colossians 3:16
4. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Acts 2:37-41, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2
5. 1 John 1:3
6. 1 John 1:6-7
7. 2 Corinthians 13:14
