From Ephesians: The Apostolic Word and the Fellowship of God's Household
Orientation
Many assume fellowship is defined by geography, social ties, or human methods, leading to diluted spiritual life and confusion.
- Fellowship is not a social club or a product of human organization.
- Without a vision of God's ultimate purpose, ministry becomes aimless and can produce disorder.
- Christ is actively building His Church, a work that is often hidden but real and unstoppable.
And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
— Matthew 16:18
Clarification
Genuine fellowship is not inherited, earned, or based on fleshly factors, but is entered by believing the apostolic testimony of Christ.
- Fellowship is the enlargement of the fellowship of the Father and the Son to include believers by faith (1 John 1:3).
- It is maintained solely through the apostolic Word, the New Testament ministry, which reveals Christ.
- Physical isolation does not sever this fellowship, as it is produced and maintained by Christ's own work in us.
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
— 1 John 1:3
Structure
God's economy is the administration by which He dispenses Christ to build His family toward the ultimate goal of the New Jerusalem.
- All biblical history moves toward the New Jerusalem, the consummation of God's work: Christ in His Church.
- God gives fivefold ministry gifts to equip saints for the building up of the Body of Christ (Eph 4:11-12).
- The local expression of this building is the lampstand testimony, defined and protected by apostolic teaching.
And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
— Ephesians 4:11-12
Weight-Bearing Prose
The apostolic teaching—the New Testament ministry—produces the fellowship. This is not a human invention but the result of God giving gifts to open His Word. The seeker-sensitive movement, which makes the church palatable through human methods, exemplifies ministry unregulated by God’s vision. It produces a mixed multitude, diluting fellowship and quenching the Spirit. In contrast, fellowship grounded in mutual enjoyment of Christ through the apostolic Word produces the lampstand testimony, the genuine local church expression. This fellowship transcends physical separation because it is Christ building His Church, a hidden work in believers’ hearts by the Spirit. The wall of separation and the door of entry are defined by the apostolic testimony of Christ. Fellowship based on fleshly factors (geography, social ties) leads to cliques and bondage. The continual rediscovery of the apostolic Word in each generation is how fellowship and revival are personally appropriated and sustained, not inherited.
Integration
This vision of God’s building is not a burdensome work list but an invitation to enjoy the fellowship of the Father and the Son. Your place in this is secured by Christ’s work, not your effort. Christ is building His Church. The fellowship is produced by His Word. Your assurance rests in Him, the Door, and in the apostolic testimony you have believed. There is no pressure to advance or build correctly on your own. God raises up gifts to open the apostolic teaching, maintaining the normal Christian life of fellowship. You are already in the building project by faith. Meditate on this not as a duty, but as the reality of your position in Christ, your portion, and your shared inheritance.