What if the fellowship we’re experiencing in our community groups and church gatherings is built on the wrong foundation? This message challenges us to examine whether we’ve constructed our community on shared interests and convenient connections (like strangers bonding at a football game) or on the eternal, transforming work of Christ. Drawing from 1 John 1:1-7, we’re reminded that true biblical fellowship isn’t something we create through common hobbies or similar life stages. Instead, it flows from a deep, eternal bond created by Christ’s work in us and sustained by our shared relationship with God.

The early church in Acts 2 demonstrates this powerfully: 3,000 diverse people from 15 different nations, speaking different languages, with different cultures and backgrounds, were suddenly united not by what made them similar, but by the Spirit of God dwelling in them. They devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer, and the result was awe-inspiring generosity, joy, and a magnetic community that drew others to Christ. The convicting question we must ask ourselves is this: Are we rebuilding the very barriers that Jesus died to tear down? When we say community is hard because we live in different neighborhoods, our kids go to different schools, or our personalities don’t click, are we allowing preferences and convenience to override the unity Christ purchased for us? Walking in the light means walking with the Spirit, bearing with one another in love, and making faithful deposits in our relationships. This is the fellowship God designed for us, and it’s worth fighting for.

Main Points:

- The source of all fellowship is God Himself – Father, Son, and Spirit in eternal unity

- Fellowship flows from transformation – Our unity is based on Christ’s work in us, not common interests

- The Spirit enables us to walk in the light – We cannot foster true fellowship in our own strength

- Unity requires intentionality – We must actively work to preserve the unity Christ purchased for us

- Love is the mark of true fellowship – Biblical love bears all things, is patient, gentle, and doesn’t insist on its own way

Scripture Referenced:

1 John 1:1-7 – Main passage; 1 John 1:8; 1 John 1:9; 1 John 5:11-12; John 1:1; John 16; John 17; Psalm 139; Acts 1:8; Acts 2:9; Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 4:1-3

Community Group Guide:

Begin with Prayer

Begin by asking God to open hearts and minds to His Word and to help your group grow in authenticity and dependence on Him through this time together.

Scripture Reading

Have someone read 1 John 1:1-7 aloud. Then read it again from a different translation if possible.

Observation Questions:

1) What words or phrases stand out to you?

2) What does this passage tell us about the foundation of Christian fellowship?

Sermon Discussion Questions

1) How does the truth that God has existed in perfect fellowship as Father, Son, and Spirit for all eternity shape your understanding of what fellowship should look like among believers?

2) How would you describe the difference between “stadium fellowship” (common interests) and biblical fellowship? Can you think of examples from your own life?

3) Graham emphasized that our fellowship with one another flows out of our fellowship with God. How might neglecting your relationship with God be impacting your ability to experience deep community with others?

4) The early church in Acts 2 was incredibly diverse, spanning three continents, fifteen nations, and multiple languages, yet they were united in Christ. What specific barriers in your own life might be preventing you from experiencing this kind of unity?

5) Graham shared his story of transformation through Newley’s witness. How has someone else’s transformed life impacted your own faith? Or, if you’re comfortable, share your own transformation story.

Practical Application

1) Choose one or more of the following ideas to incorporate in your community group or with fellow believers if you are currently not in a community group:

DAILY – When someone comes to mind, pray for them and send a quick text letting them know.

WEEKLY – Look for additional ways to gather beyond your regular meeting. Be creative and flexible.

MONTHLY – Plan a meal together as a group. Slow down, prepare food together, and have gospel conversations.

YEARLY – Schedule a retreat for 2026 (24 hours together = four months of community group time!). Share meals, rest, enjoy uninterrupted time for fellowship, and open God’s Word together.

Personal Reflection

1) How has my life been transformed by Jesus, and who in my life needs to hear my testimony so they too may have fellowship with me and with God? (Spend some time thanking God for His transforming work in your life and ask the Spirit to give you an opportunity to share your story with anyone who may have come to mind).

2) In what ways might I be rebuilding barriers to biblical fellowship that Jesus died to tear down, whether through preferences about personality types, neighborhood location, parenting styles, common interests, or spiritual pace? What barriers am I placing between myself and deeper fellowship with my community group?

3) Which “faithful deposit” commitment will I make this week?

Worship Setlist:

Jesus, Firm Foundation; Holy Holy Holy (Jesus Reigns); The Lord Our God; How Great is Our God; All Sufficient Merit