Planting Hope, Always
Fellowship:
We Fellowship to Nurture Our Hope
Speaker: Rev. Sophia Wong
Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Hebrews 10:24-25, Acts 2:42–47
We worship to express our hope
We fellowship to nurture our hope
We grow in discipleship to deepen our hope
We minister to embody our hope
We evangelize to share our hope
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1. God in Our Fellowship
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
—1 Thessalonians 5:11
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.
—Hebrews 10:24-25
Koinonia:
The Greek word Koinonia, translated as fellowship, refers to being as committed to each other as we are to Jesus Christ.
God in Community:
Human need for connection: We are made in His image, we were never meant to walk alone. Genesis 2:18, “It is not good for man to be alone.”
Jesus’ Ministry:
A Laboratory of Love:
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2. Hope in Our Fellowship
L.I.F.E.: Acts 2:42–47
1. L: Life together (Acts 2:42): Spiritually
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
2. I: Invest Generosity (Acts 2:44–45): Materially
“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.”
3. F: Foster joy (Acts 2:46–47a): Emotionally
“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”
4. E: Extend invitation (Acts 2:47b): Socially
“And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
Fellowship should be Christ-centered, not clique-centered.
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3. God’s Story
A Wake-Up Call in Kenya
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4. Call to Action: We Fellowship to Nurture Hope!
• Shoe Drive: We aim to collect 25,000 pairs of gently used shoes. Each pair, costing $3 to ship, can save a life. The container will be converted into a school in Kenya.
• Blood Drive: One in seven hospital patients needs blood. Post-pandemic, many await surgeries.
• Basket of Blessings: While we receive many gifts at Thanksgiving/ Christmas, it’s time to give back. By faith, we’ll prepare 400 baskets for newcomers—Syrians, Afghans, Ukrainians, LMJ, Adam House, and needed families in RH.
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Conclusion: Commit to Fellowship, Commit to Hope
