Day Thirty-One: The Right Hand of Fellowship



So Happy You're Here


     "What is the right hand of fellowship?" More Christian lingo, I thought. Wikipedia defines the Right Hand of Fellowship as an act of acceptance by the church to those deemed worthy. However, when those esteemed as pillars of the new testament church gave the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas it was because they recognized the grace given to them not because they thought they were worthy of it. I can only imagine that even though the church knew of their past sins they were confident they had accepted Christ as their saviour from those sins. "We know who you were, we know the grace you were given, and we are excited to see what God is going to do with you now."
     "James, Cephas[a] and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me." Galatians 2:8-10
     When I became a member of my new church, I had come from several churches that didn't have formal membership. I stood before the church and the pastor announced my decision to become a member. The pastor asked the congregation to, "Come and extend the right hand of fellowship to our new members." I just thought it was a greeting, a welcome, or a way to just meet the new people. Slowly as I grow in membership to the church I realize it is more than a welcome. How exciting! "Not a mere welcome to the church but rather 'Welcome to your new life in Christ!'"
    People love to belong. The need to feel part of something is why there are so many ways to identify yourself with a group. It is wonderful to belong to the Kingdom of Christ and when churches come together to celebrate that it is a very moving thing. If you've ever attended a Women of Faith conference or a Promise Keepers meeting you know how powerful that can feel. However, belonging to a small, local fellowship is a huge part of that Kingdom life. "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 10:24-26
     That fellowship begins by the recognition that others give you as a believer. Not only are you accepted for who you are but you are accepted for the grace that you have been given. It's more than unconditional love; it is being accepted as an imperfect human being perfected by Christ. The Right Hand of Fellowship is given as a formal acknowledgement of the grace we share between us."
STUDY GUIDE
Follow along in JOHN: 90 Days with the Beloved Disciple by Beth Moore pages 147-152
 Read Galatians 2:1-10
 Answer the questions in your study guide.
 Share a brief highlight or two from your thoughts and answers in a comment posted to the group. (Read guidelines and cautions posted August 1, 2010 before you post).
 Read the comments of others and share your thoughts and encouragement with them by replying to their comments. Identify which post you are responding to by addressing them and their subject or pasting a brief portion of their reply at the start of your post.
PRAY WITH ME:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the amazing grace of our Lord Jesus Christ who covers all of our sins by his precious blood. Thank you for the fellowship of believers who are living in His grace and growing In Christ along side of us. Teach us to reach out with the Right Hand of Fellowship and recognize the grace given to our fellow believers. In Jesus name, Amen.