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"In view of your participation in the gospel from the first day until now" (Phil. 1:5). You share in a sacred partnership with Christ and your fellow-Christians for the advancement of the gospel. In recent years the Greek word koinōnia has become familiar to many Christians as the New Testament word for fellowship. However, it is also translated "partnership" and "participation." In Philippians 1:5, Paul uses it to emphasize the participation of the Philippians in common ministry goals. Romans 12:13 gives one aspect of that partnership and participation: monetary contributions. That's one aspect of fellowship that the Philippian church eagerly...

“Koinonia: The Church’s Life Together” (Acts 2:42-47)During this Easter season, we’re tracking the readings from the Book of Acts, under the theme, “Witness, Mercy, Life Together.” Witness: The church bearing verbal witness to Christ the Savior. Mercy: The church showing the compassion of Christ in serving people in need. Life Together: The church being the fellowship, the family, that Christ has formed for himself. We see each of these aspects of the church’s life well on display here in the Book of Acts. The last couple of weeks, the readings have focused on “Witness,” the church boldly proclaiming the word...