A Vision of Unity and Obedience

On Sunday, 14th of July, 2024, we at Karuna Sadan, along with all our branch churches, celebrated ‘Fellowship Sunday.’ It was a day marked by unity, worship, and the strengthening of our community bonds. Many of you joined in this vision, participating wholeheartedly in obedience to the word of God, and for that, I am immensely grateful, and the Lord shall surely honour you for this.

A Vision Realized Through Obedience

Your participation reflected a commitment to the vision God has laid before us. Ephesians 4:16 tells us, "From Him, the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work." This verse beautifully encapsulates what we witnessed yesterday. Each of you played a vital role in making the vision a success, contributing to the growth and strengthening of our spiritual family.

In Hebrews 10:24-25, we are exhorted, "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Your dedication to gathering together, encouraging one another, and spurring each other on toward love and good deeds is a testament to your faithfulness.

Understanding Genuine Reasons

I fully understand that some of you could not join for genuine reasons, and I fully support you. Life can present challenges and obligations that make it difficult to participate in every event. We are a family that supports one another, and I respect and acknowledge these situations. Your heart's desire to be part of the fellowship, even if not physically present, is recognised and valued.

The Call to Commitment

However, I must address those who conveniently skipped the vision. This is a matter of great concern, not just as a pastor but as a fellow believer deeply invested in our collective spiritual growth. Skipping out on such important gatherings without valid reasons undermines the unity and purpose of the church.

Lord Jesus himself emphasised the importance of gathering together. In Matthew 18:20, He says, "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." When we choose to neglect these gatherings, we miss out on the unique presence and blessing of Christ among us.

Scriptural Dangers of Neglect

The Bible warns us of the dangers of neglecting fellowship. Proverbs 18:1 states, "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment." Isolation can lead to self-centeredness and a departure from godly wisdom. The enemy (the devil) often targets isolated believers, making them more susceptible to spiritual attacks. This is one of the reasons why some dont receive complete deliverance. 

In Hebrews 3:13, we are reminded to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness." Regular fellowship acts as a safeguard against the deceitfulness of sin. By isolating ourselves, we risk our hearts becoming hardened and distant from God’s truth.

Encouragement to Recommit

To those who skipped out, I encourage you to reconsider your priorities. God calls us to be part of a community, to support and uplift one another. Recommit to being actively involved in the fellowship. Your presence is not only a blessing to others but also crucial for your own spiritual growth.

Remember the words of 1 Corinthians 12:12-14: "Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. For we were all baptised by one Spirit so as to form one body... Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many." Each of us is a part of the body of Christ, and when one part is missing, the whole body suffers.

Let us not be like those in James 1:22 who hear the word but do not act on it, thus deceiving themselves. Instead, let us be doers of the word, actively participating in the vision laid before us. In Acts 2:42, the early Christians “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” This devotion brought about great spiritual revival and growth, and we are called to the same devotion.