They discuss the books 'Destroyer of the Gods' and 'Why on Earth Did Anyone Become a Christian in the first three centuries?'. They explore the attraction of early Christianity and the importance of fellowship. They delve into loneliness and isolation in the city and building fellowship within the church. They highlight the significance of unity and holiness and building strong fellowship through commitment, proximity, and intimacy. Finally, they stress the importance of vulnerability in fellowship.
Commit to a specific place and pace of life within the community for a strong fellowship.
Understand and embrace the concept of Proxemics to create and maintain varying degrees of fellowship.
Build fellowship through vulnerability, genuine sharing, and a commitment to forgiveness.
Deep dives
Commitment to Place and Pace
To build a strong fellowship, it is important to commit to a specific place and pace of life within the community. This means being present in the community for as long as possible and making intentional decisions about relocation. Additionally, it involves committing to a particular pace of life that allows for meaningful connections to be formed and nurtured.
Proxemics and Varying Degrees of Fellowship
Creating and maintaining varying degrees of fellowship within the community is crucial. This means understanding and embracing the concept of Proxemics, which looks at how relationships work based on depth and knowing. It involves recognizing that not all relationships can be intimate, but developing deep connections within smaller circles, while still valuing and engaging with the larger community.
Commitment to Vulnerability
Building fellowship requires a commitment to vulnerability and genuine sharing. It is about having the courage to show up and be seen, even when there is no guarantee of the outcome. In this context, vulnerability means inviting others into our lives and allowing them to see our imperfections, failures, and struggles while offering the same acceptance to others.
The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is at the heart of building a strong fellowship. It means recognizing that we are all imperfect and will make mistakes. It involves being committed to forgiving one another, letting go of expectations, and embracing the truth that we are all loved and accepted by God. Forgiveness is what holds the community together, allowing for growth and transformation.
The equation for fellowship is a combination of commitment, vulnerability, and forgiveness. Without all three elements, true fellowship cannot be achieved. It requires individuals who are committed to the community, willing to be vulnerable, and ready to offer and receive forgiveness. When these elements come together, a strong and nurturing fellowship is formed.
In our series "Devoted: The Posture and Practices of Spirit-Filled People," Pastor Ryan Smith looks at the tension between Western individualism and the practice of "fellowship." As we commit to a communal life over isolation, we not only counter the loneliness of our age, but we foster the sort of community which stewards an ongoing work of God's Spirit in one another and to one another.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode