Act 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common.

The first century church grew because the Christians were together. It’s what fellowship is about – TOGETHER. You can’t have fellowship with your brethren until you are together with them. The Greek word for fellowship is “koinōnia” and it means “community, joint participation.” Fellowship is coming together and be part of the community. There are benefits in togetherness. Here are some: 1. TOGETHERNESS ENSURES SUCCESS. “Joint-participation” implies working together. There is an old African proverb which says: “If You Want To Go Fast, Go Alone. But If You Want To Go Far, Go Together.” We see the first century churches grew and were strong because they were working together. Together we can accomplish more things than if we do it alone. Henry Ford said: "Coming Together Is A Beginning; Keeping Together Is Progress; Working Together Is Success." Paul wrote: “For we are labourers together with God” (1 Corinthians 3:9). You+Me+God=Success. 2. TOGETHERNESS IS STRENGTH. Togetherness will make us stronger: “Two are better than one…. And if a man prevail against him that is alone, two shall withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 12, ASV). Failures result when togetherness is missing: “And if a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). 3. TOGETHERNESS PROVIDES COMPANIONSHIP. It is well said that no man is an island. We need one another (Genesis 2:18). When Christ sent out the twelve and the seventy on a mission, He sent them out two by two (Mark 6:7; Luke 10:1). Two can provide mutual support and encouragement. Solomon wrote: “Two are better than one….For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10). 4. TOGETHERNESS HELPS US GET AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVE INFLUENCE OF THE WORLD. Paul warns: “Evil companionships corrupt good morals” (1 Corinthians 15:33). But, when we are with good Christian company, they help keep us from evil influence and help us exercise Christian love and virtues: “Praising God, and having favour with all the people” (v.47a). And, good things happen when saints are together: “The Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved” (v.47b). 5. TOGETHERNESS LEADS TO GROWTH. When you sum those things all up, togetherness leads to growth. We see that the Lord added DAILY those that were saved into the church. The first century church grew as a result of working together and staying together to provide the companionship, encouragement, and sowing the good influence. In this they achieved a common love: “And all that believed were together, and had all things common” (Acts 2:44). Togetherness is a hugely important aspect of life. It unites us, gives us security, gives us much-needed support and a sense of belonging, and encourages us to love one another. Only in togetherness, we can achieve a common love and growth. The family that eats and plays together stays together. The first century Christians ate and had fellowship with one another; they were together. They grew together. If you want to grow spiritually, you need to be together with the saints: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). Are you dwelling together with the saints?