I became a Christian about six years ago and would like to share with you what I have found in that time in regards to fellowship.
When I became a Christian and gave my heart to the Lord, I came out of a lifestyle where I had never known God and so lived as I pleased. I had moved around a bit, living in different cities, travelling overseas, shifting jobs and at the time of my salvation, was actively seeking a career as a musician as the lead guitarist in a pub rock band. As you could imagine, my lifestyle was pretty wild, but started to feel very empty too. Becoming a Christian really changed something in me and a lot of the anger and emotions that I felt had lifted and I loved being a part of the Church. However, when difficult times in my early journey washed over me, I would often turn to what I knew out of frustration; comfort in alcohol and other longings of my past life. I found that on my own I wasn’t strong enough to fight these things and often would stumble in familiar ways. But, as I sought out some of my friends in the Church, I found I wasn’t condemned or made to feel ashamed, but that by fellowship, and honestly facing these things and seeking God’s help with the help of my brothers (as I like to refer to them), I was able to put off these things and grow and move forward in Christ. I was able to find a place where I could meet as an equal and find direction from the ones that cared and loved me. I often still thank God for the ones He has placed me with as I continue to walk out this journey of faith.
Justin Parnall
