Koinonia and Christian Ministries
440 East 36^th Street - Paterson, NJ 07504
973-977-0433 (ofc.) / 973-977-8001 (fax)
koinonia_cm@verizon.net

Welcome to Koinonia

Sunday Mornings - 8:00 a.m.
Prayer Meeting - Thursdays - 6:30 p.m.
Bible Study - Thursdays - 7:30 p.m.

KOIN-O-NIA = Authentic Fellowship

I. The First-Century Saints. As we flip through the pages of the New Testament, we witness the birth and hear the first cries of the infant church delivered by God. The Christian Church came into existence a few years prior to 40 A.D. It began when the Holy Spirit descended with power on the apostles who were gathered together on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4). The multitudes who saw this event heard the apostle Peter explain what had happened. He declared to them that what they had witnessed was a sign of a brand new work begun by God among both Jews and Gentiles (vv. 14-36). Peter went on to tell them how they could be forgiven of their sins - a proclamation that led to about three thousand of them accepting Jesus Christ and being baptized in His name (vv. 37-41). What these new believers initiated immediately after their conversion displays their deep commitment to, and fellowship with, one another. The text gives us the four main ingredients of the communion they enjoyed: "And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" (v. 42). Let's briefly examine each of these practices in the order that they are explained in the biblical record. A. Teaching.The Instruction these baby Christians were given came from the apostles, who in turn received their information from the Lord Himself. The apostles' teaching was authenticated by miracles that God performed through them (v. 43b). As a result of all of this, "everyone kept feeling a sense of awe" (v. 43a). B. Fellowship.The kind of communion the new believers enjoyed was that of mutual sharing, The Book of Acts recounts what they did: "And all those who had believed were together, and had all things in common; and they began selling their property and possessions, and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need" (vv. 44-45). These activities were not communistic or socialistic, they were engaged in voluntarily, and the goods shared were not distributed evenly but given to meet needs as they arose (cf. Acts 4:32, 34-35; Philem. 14; 1 Pet. 5:2). C. Eating. We read that "day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart" (Acts 2:46). These young Christians ate together frequently, and when they did, they expressed joy and showed authenticity toward one another. D. Prayer. Their gatherings were marked by prayers of praise (v. 47a). They knew not only that the Lord had saved them but that He would also sustain and encourage their growth. Therefore, they raised their voices toward heaven and gave Him the thanks and honor that was due Him. II. The Twentieth-Century Saints Passing through time from the first century into the twentieth, we come to the contemporary scene of the local church. As we scan the landscape and peer into the doors of theologically conservative churches, we find solid teaching, frequent eating, and habitual prayer times. But one key ingredient is conspicuous by its absence - koinönía, authentic Christian fellowship. We're not referring to social events intended simply for our entertainment. Rather, we are speaking about the saints' sacrificial giving to one another. In order to understand this more clearly, let's probe further into the meaning of biblical fellowship and then take a look at some of its most basic constituents. A. The Meaning of Koinönía.We can draw three truths about koinönía from Acts 2 that will help us accurately define it. First, Christian fellowship included all believers (v.44). No distinctions or discriminations were to be made (cf. Gal. 3:28). Of course, no one was forced to gather with other Christians, but the opportunities were available for those who wanted to participate. Second, Christian fellowship held believers together (Acts 2:44). It promoted unity in the midst of diversity (cf. 4:32a). And third, Christian fellowship met the needs of believers (2:45). It was not designed to be just another gathering, but its purpose was to provide help for those Christians who needed it. In a word, New testament koinönía was sharing. Given these facts, Christian koinönía may be defined as "expressions of genuine Christianity freely shared among the members of God's family." This idea of sharing has at least two aspects. We can share something with someone - such as money, words of encouragement, confessions of failure, or statements of need. And we can share in something with someone - such as a sorrow, a joy, or an area of mutual concern. B.Some Constituents of Koinönía. Now that we have an idea about what is meant by Christian fellowship, let's investigate some of its most essential elements. 1. Love and Acceptance. In the strictest biblical sense, àgápe love involves seeking the greatest good of the other person. At times, this may include giving reproof, encouragement, instruction, or even an embrace. But whatever the means of expression, the attitude conveyed is one of value and respect for the other individual. This requires tolerance and understanding, not prejudice and disinterest. 2. Honesty and Humility. Of course, love and acceptance cannot flower without genuine expressions of honesty and humility. Truthful vulnerability and a servant's heart are crucial factors of authentic koinönía. 3. Concerns and Restoration. The apostle Paul's words on this are quite clear: "Brethren, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:1-2). When other Christians struggle over, wander away from, or simply fail to keep God's directives, our primary goal should be to lovingly help steer them back on course. Obviously, we can't do this for each other if we are silent about our needs and deaf to the cries of those around us. 4. Confession and Forgiveness. In an atmosphere of love, acceptance, honesty, humility, and concern, wrongs can be freely confessed and graciously forgiven. And although sharing about sins committed can seem threatening, failure to confess them can delay sought-after healing (James 5:16). 5. Encouragement and Availability. Some local assemblies have become known as places where human spirits are criticized and demoralized. However, the biblical exhortation is that churches be composed of believers who "stimulate one another to love and good deeds" by "encouraging one another" toward this goal (Heb. 10:24-25). 6. Informality and Flexibility. The rut of the routine and the highly structured can be fatal to koinönía. There is nothing wrong with procedures and programs as long as they facilitate rather than hinder the spiritual development of God's people

ROUTE 4

· Take the NJ 4 WEST ramp towards PATERSON.
· Turn RIGHT onto NJ-4 W.
· It will become BROADWAY in Fairlawn
· And continue through Elmwood Park.
· Turn left at the traffic light [EAST 33^rd STREET].
· Continue on EAST 33^rd STREET [as you pass PNC Bank you'll be on Vreeland Ave.] to 19^th AVE.
· Bear right onto EAST 36^th STREET. Koinonia is on your right.

I-80

· Take the I-80 W ramp.
· Merge onto I-80 W.
· Take the MARKET ST. exit- exit number 59- towards PATERSON
· As you come off the ramp immediately turn right on EAST 38th STREET.
· Proceed 1 block to 21st AVE turn RIGHT.
·Turn left onto VREELAND AVE.
· At 19th AVE make a sharp left onto EAST 36th STREET
· Koinonia is on your right.

GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE

· Merge onto UPPER LEVEL GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE
· UPPER LEVEL GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE becomes I-95 S.
· Take the I-80 LOCAL W exit, exit 69, towards GARDEN STATE PARKWAY / RT-17 / PATERSON
· Continue to EXIT 59 (Market Street)
· As you come off the ramp immediately turn right on EAST 38th STREET.
· Proceed 1 block to 21st AVE turn RIGHT.
·Turn left onto VREELAND AVE.
· At 19th AVE make a sharp left onto EAST 36th STREET
· Koinonia is on your right.

LINCOLN TUNNEL/NEW JERSEY

· Merge onto LINCOLN TUNNEL EXWY
· LINCOLN TUNNEL EXWY becomes LINCOLN TUNNEL.
· LINCOLN TUNNEL becomes I-495 W.
· Take the I-95/N.J. TURNPIKE NORTH exit towards US-46.
· Merge onto NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N
· Take the exit
· Merge onto I-80 W.
· Take the MARKET ST. exit- exit number 59- towards PATERSON.
· Stay straight to go onto E 38TH ST.
· Turn RIGHT onto 21ST AVE.
· Turn LEFT onto VREELAND AVE.
· Turn SHARP LEFT onto E 36TH ST.

GARDEN STATE PKWY (S)

· Take the GARDEN STATE PARKWAY SOUTH ramp.
· Merge onto GARDEN STATE PKWY S
· Take the I-80 exit- exit number 159- towards SADDLE BROOK/PATERSON.
· Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp [0.11 miles]
· Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp [0.27 miles]
· Merge onto I-80 W.
· Take the MARKET ST. exit- exit number 59- towards PATERSON.
· Turn right onto E 38TH St
· Turn RIGHT onto 21ST AVE.
· Turn LEFT onto VREELAND AVE.
· Turn SHARP LEFT onto E 36TH ST.

GARDEN STATE PKWY (N)

· Merge onto GARDEN STATE PKWY N
· Take the US-46 exit- exit number 156- towards RT-20/RIVER DRIVE
· Merge onto US-46 E.
· Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto NJ-20 N.
· Take the I-80 ramp towards ELMWOOD PK./PATERSON
· Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp
· Merge onto MARKET ST.
· Turn RIGHT onto VREELAND AVE.
· Turn SHARP LEFT onto E 36TH ST.

PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE (E)

· PENNSYLVANIA TURNPIKE E becomes NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE
· Take the NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE NORTH
· Take the GARDEN STATE PARKWAY exit, exit number 11, towards WOODBRIDGE
· Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp
· Merge onto GARDEN STATE PKWY N
· Take the US-46 exit- exit number 156- towards RT-20/RIVER DRIVE
· Merge onto US-46 E.
· Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto NJ-20 N.
· Take the I-80 ramp towards ELMWOOD PK./PATERSON
· Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp
· Merge onto MARKET ST.
· Turn RIGHT onto VREELAND AVE.
· Turn SHARP LEFT onto E 36TH ST.

NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE (N)

· NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE N becomes NEW JERSEY TPKE CARS ONLY LN N
· Take the GARDEN STATE PARKWAY exit- exit number 11- towards WOODBRIDGE.
· Keep RIGHT at the fork in the ramp
· Merge onto GARDEN STATE PKWY N
· Take the US-46 exit- exit number 156- towards RT-20/RIVER DRIVE.
· Merge onto US-46 E
· Turn SLIGHT LEFT onto NJ-20 N.
· Take the I-80 ramp towards ELMWOOD PK./PATERSON
· Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp.
· Merge onto MARKET ST.
· Turn RIGHT onto VREELAND AVE.
· Turn SHARP LEFT onto E 36TH ST.