Fellowship and Evangelism
‘Sound the ram’s horn at the New Moon,
and when the moon is full on the day of our feast;
this is a decree for Israel,
an ordinance of the God of Jacob.
He established it as a statute for Joseph
When he went out against Egypt’
Psalm 81:3-5
Many of the psalms contain a pattern of priorities for believers. The feast of the ‘New Moon’ would bring to mind God’s worship to the average Israeli. The psalmist then mentions ‘Israel,’ the people who would celebrate the feast. And finally he refers to the feast as a testimony to unbelievers – in this case the Egyptians who witnessed God’s deliverance of Israel.
This three-fold order is essential for the effective work and witness of the Church worldwide. True worship must come first. True worship creates truly enriching fellowship and truly effective evangelism.
Note that ministry to the Body of Christ (fellowship) and ministry to the world (evangelism) are both rooted in worship. In true worship we come in submission to God’s throne and welcome His Kingdom grace and power into our lives. Without these, ministry becomes shallow and powerless. Fellowship not centred in Christ becomes overly inward and selfish. Evangelism not centred in Christ creates independence and frustration.
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