This kind of "companionship" appears be the kind of association that the early believers practiced (Acts 2:42). Their koinonia association (ONE accord) released the dunamis power of the Lord.

As Christians, we need to discover this same kind of "koinonia" (with close communication, joint sharing and contact). Paul described it as "one flesh" unity with one other and with the Lord (1 Cor. 1:9).

Koinonia involves united partnering upon essential standards, ethics, or ideals. Paul told his readers in Eph. 5: 11 what to avoid, "And have no fellowship (koinonia) with the unfruitful works of darkness."

In another Scripture, Paul said, "Don't become partners (koinonia) with those who reject God. How can you make a partnership (koinonia) out of right and wrong? Is light best friends with dark?" (2 Cor. 6:14).

Paul prayed that we find koinonia, "I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine %u2026for your fellowship (koinonia) in the gospel from the first day until now" (Phil. 1:3-4). Koinonia was of great importance to Paul.

True "fellowship" is a LOT more than being casual acquaintances - or merely enjoying someone's companionship. Koinonia can't be superficial or just participating in another program, club, or activity.

Koinonia is an indispensable and automatic result of "holding people, valued ideals, and concepts in common." Harmony and commonality operate like a magnet that pulls together those of collective understanding - this also results in mutual participation and activation in understanding the Lord (1 Cor 1:9).

Sharing (koinonia) with others of like faith allows us to develop a much deeper and more meaningful individual relationship with the God (Phil. 3:19).

COMMUNICATION:

Galatians 6:4 translates koinonia (koininea, koinonea) as "communicate." Communication means to commune. Another meaning of koinonia is to be a "partaker," "You (pl) are "partakers" of Christ's sufferings(Phil. 2:1, 1 Pet. 4:13, see also Rom. 15:27, and Heb. 2:14).

The unfathomable Godhead exists in treasured "koinonia" which is fellowship, companionship, and mutual partnership together (Jn. 1:3).

As the church moves into koinonia, we share together in the resurrection LIFE of Christ.

Imagine! We actually can begin to experience the same sort of relationships with one other as the Father has with His Son (Phil. 3:19).

GENEROUS GIVING:
Romans 12:13 tells us "Distributing to the necessity of saints." This word distributing is the same word family of koinonea. Fellowship means to become a partaker, a sharer, a partner, and to join ourselves in association. Distribution is not just sharing material or monetary things, but it also means sharing our spiritual understandings as well.

Entering into koinonia represents the Lord by giving distribution, contribution, and ministry to those in need (Rm. 15:26, 2 Cor. 8:4, and 9:13).

Koinonia fellowship happens when we meet other people's needs.

Dr. Kluane Spake is a present truth apostolic ministry with a mandate to bring restructuring and reformation concepts to the church - and to proclaim the fullness of redemption to the nations.

If you are interested in learning more about koinonea and being a Christian, there are lots of books, eBooks, and free articles on www.kluane.org -- for other articles, just click on the RSS feed!

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