15.Give me greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. 16. After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.
My Aunt and Uncle traveled a great deal and visited churches all over this country and the world from various denominations. Their observations were interesting. It seemed to them churches that refused to associate with any fellowship or conference had a very prideful, separatist attitude that often bordered on conflict. Many churches chose to be independent without any denominational or fellowship associations.
Most individual members of a congregation really don’t know much or care much about the larger fellowship to which their church belongs unless the pastor or leaders keep talking about it.. Like any organization we can agree and disagree about lots of details, but what unites us with other churches is similar doctrine or mission.
Being part of an association of likeminded churches means we can work together to do things that churches could not do as a single congregation. Doing it together means we have a wider, more stable base of support - financially, spiritually and emotionally.
I am concerned about Christian individuals who becomes so narrow minded in his or her beliefs they do not participate in any local church. It is not true to Biblical teaching or practice. Not many Christians grow in their faith without fellowship. I feel that a church, or person, that refuses to recognize the larger body of Christ not only misses out on some of God's blessings but is in fact hindering the larger work of Christ and misses influence in the world around them.
I have enjoyed learning from this little book of Colossians which we've been studying for a number of weeks. We are now at the conclusion of Paul's letter to this church. Paul wanted them to make Christ central in all things and to remain faithful to the revealed Word of God. He wanted their witness to show at home, at work, and in the world. We see this witness of love is also to be in cooperation with other believers.
Paul had his support team. He surrounded himself with other congregations and other fellow workers. He was dependent not only on God for his support, but the people of God. For you see God is not just interested in our own welfare and ministry but designed the church in such a way as to plan His outreach in cooperative design.
I would like to suggest some ways in which Christian fellowship is so important as we study these concluding verses this week. It reveals the example of fellowship.
Application: Commit to being a part of a body of believers.
Lord, I thank You for the creation of the “church” here on earth. Show me what role you wish me to play in our local church body.
