C.S. Lewis once said, “If we are all going to be destroyed by an atomic bomb, let that bomb when it comes find us doing sensible and human things—praying, working, teaching, reading, listening to music, bathing the children, playing tennis, chatting to our friends over a pint and a game of darts—not huddled together like frightened sheep and thinking about bombs. They may break our bodies (a microbe can do that) but they need not dominate our minds.” These words brought me comfort, reminding me that as Christians, we are in this world but not of it. Our hope lies in community and fellowship, reflecting the eternal promise of heaven. If the world is getting heavy and you’re struggling to find light, read on as we discuss finding hope in community and fellowship.
Finding Peace Amid Global Fears
Headlines about conflicts, like those between Iran and Israel, can stir fears of a bleak future, with some even whispering about World War III. It’s easy to feel hopeless. But as Christians, our identity offers a different perspective. Matthew 6:34 reminds us, “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” This command not to worry is rooted in Jesus’ promise of eternal life—a hope that anchors us through uncertainty.
As a young Christian, I struggled with the concept of heaven. At a college youth group, a pastor described heaven as an eternity of standing and singing praises to God. While I love worship music—some of my closest moments with God have been during praise services—the idea of only singing forever left me uneasy. It dimmed my excitement for eternity and even made me fear death a little. But over time, I realized heaven is far richer, and we catch glimpses of it in our acts of community and fellowship here on earth.
Glimpses of Heaven in Community
C.S. Lewis’ words resonate because they point to “sensible and human things” as acts of worship that mirror eternity. Prayer is a conversation with God or a petition for those we love—that’s worship. Working or teaching, whether in mundane tasks or careers that use God-given talents, is praise through action. Parents bathing and caring for their children engage in holy acts, raising the next generation of disciples. These moments reflect the eternal community we’re destined for.
Fellowship, especially, feels like God’s favorite form of worship. God Himself exists in community—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—and we’re designed to follow suit. In fellowship, we extend our hands and hearts to others, creating space for God’s miracles. Jesus’ first miracle at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11) happened during a moment of joyful fellowship, turning water into wine to sustain the celebration. Similarly, in Acts 2:42-47, the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles as they shared a meal in fellowship during Pentecost. These moments show that community and fellowship are sacred, offering glimpses of heaven’s joy.
The Joy of Fellowship in a Dark World
Community brings heaven to earth. The laughter of a friend sharing a funny story, the grace of supporting someone through trials, or celebrating a marriage—these acts of fellowship reflect eternity. Suffering is temporary, but sharing burdens in community reveals the hope of heaven’s promise. As Christians, our ability to fellowship in dark times makes us a beacon of light. The Gospel shines brightest when lived out in community, drawing others to its sweetness.
Living as Light Through Fellowship
In a world that feels scary, our call is to live in community and fellowship, carrying the joy of our eternal hope. These acts of connection—praying together, working side by side, or sharing a meal—are expressions of praise that declare this world is not our home. We’re just passing through, headed toward the ultimate celebration in heaven. So let’s press on, building community, fostering fellowship, and shining as the light of Christ in a dark world.
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