Acts 2:44-46 And all the believers met together constantly and shared everything with each other, selling their possessions and dividing with those in need. They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising GOD.
[Living Bible translation]
Definition: "Koinonia" is a New Testament Greek word that means "commune by intimate participation." The word is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the relationship within the early Christian church as well as the act of "breaking bread" that Christ prescribed during the Passover meal. It identifies the state of fellowship and community that should exist among Christians. See, www.wikipedia.com. Koinonia embraces concepts like "sharing," "joint participation," "contribution," "teamwork" and "fellowship with each other and with GOD"
DISCUSSION
Acts 2:44-46 is often cited as a prime example of 'Koinonia' among members of the early Christian church. The idea of meeting together, sharing their resources, worshipping together, praying together, meeting in small groups for fellowship and the act of participation in communion is expressed in Acts 2:44-46 and elsewhere in the gatherings of the early church. The word "Koinonos" means a companion, a partner or a joint owner. See, www.wikipedia.com. Koinonia can also refer to a spiritual relationship, as when something is held or shared jointly for GOD. The HOLY SPIRIT acting within us and through us for the mission of helping the poor or to achieve a higher purpose thereby glorifying GOD is also expressed in the concept of 'Koinonia.' Koinonia also refers to a bond between comrades, as when friends share their joys and pain, when one prays for another, or when people are united because of their common interests and goals. It is the "doing together." It is a blessed, interdependent friendship and fellowship among believers and with GOD.
2015 KOINONIA GOALS
We have been blessed to share a "Wednesday Koinonia." We read and meditate on scripture on Wednesday. We pray for each other on Wednesday. We share the joy, pain and angst of trying to achieve greater physical fitness through raw food education and awareness and discipline. We also share the journey and fellowship of trying to achieve greater spiritual health in order to grow closer to GOD.
Although it may be traditional for people to enter their own, separate and private "mental closets" and make their own individual lists of their new year's resolutions or goals, once again, I would like to suggest that we, in the spirit of Koinonia, set a few 2015 goals together.
The suggested guidelines for this KOINONIA GOALS exercise are as follows:
- The goals will only be for the month of January, 2015 (i.e. short period of time);
- You should spend Wednesday, December 31, 2014, praying about which goals you should select;
- Pick no more than three goals for the entire month;
- Make sure that you picked at least one physical goal and at least one spiritual goal;
a. You are encouraged to pair up with others regarding your goals, particularly the exercise
goals;
b. The person(s) you partner with need not be a part of this "Eat Raw" fellowship;
2015 JANUARY KOINONIA SUGGESTED GOALS
A. FOOD/DRINK GOALS
1. I will eat raw at least 2 days per week;
2. I will forgo using salt (i.e. shaking salt on food);
3. I will forgo using processed white sugar on my food or in my drinks (or give up "junk-
food" purchases) 5-6 days per week;
4. I will eat a vegetarian meal 5-6 days a week or I will give up 2 types of meat (e.g.
pork, beef, chicken) 5-6 days per week.
5. I will forgo drinking alcohol and soft drinks beverages.
6. I will not eat any canned foods, frozen food or any foods with preservatives (i.e.,
chemicals) in it.
7. I will not eat any fast food or frequent outside desert places (e.g. yogurt stores,
cookie stores, ice cream places, donut places, cupcake stores).
B. PHYSICAL FITNESS GOALS*
1. I will walk, jog or run around my block or around some designated area (e.g. school
track, trail, take the stairs in lieu of the elevator, etc.) 4-5 days a week;
2. I will perform at least 3-5 chair exercise** 4-5 days a week;
3. I will perform at least 4-5 stretching exercises/yoga exercises *** at least 4-5 days a
week;
4. I will gradually increase my cardio tolerance by exercising (e.g. bike riding, stair
master, walking up stairs, walking, treadmill, exercise classes, jumping rope,
jumping jacks, etc.) least 3-5 days a week so that each week is better than the week
before. [This will require some record keeping or working with a friend.]
5. I will join a gym, attend exercise classes or schedule 2-4 sessions a week with a
certified personal trainer. [A few gyms offer "specials" during the month of January
or allow single visits for a fee.]
6. I will not watch TV (other than the news) or waste time sitting around the house for
more than 2-3 hours, 4-5 days per week. I will turn off the TV, read a book, or do
something that expands my mind.
C. SPIRITUAL FITNESS GOALS
1. I will read at least one book of the Bible (e.g. 1 Samuel, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John,
Acts, Romans, etc.) during the month of January. I will divide up the chapters in the
book that I select so that I read something from the Bible at least 4-5 days a week.]
2. I will go through my possessions (clothes, books, electronics, and other "stuff") and
make at least 1 donation per week to my church, Goodwill, Salvation Army, shelter
or some other organization that needs it. Each week's donation should contain at
least 5-10 items.
3. I will tithe during the month of January; or make a donation of at least 10% of my
income to an organization (e.g. church, library, shelter, Doctors Without Borders,
AIDS foundation, HABITAT, scholarship fund, etc.)
4. I will pray at least 3 times a day for 4-5 days a week. In preparation for this activity, I
will read scripture from Jeremiah, Psalms, Matthew, etc.
5. I will attend church and donate at least ½ -1 hour of my time per week to, for
example, volunteer at a local library, visit a sick relative; do grocery shopping for
someone in need; tutor, mentor or encourage a teen; visit someone at a hospital or
nursing facility; volunteer at some organization; volunteer at your church; sweep and
pick up trash for a neighbor (be sure to use safe gloves); help a neighbor, etc.
6. I will attend a Bible study and/or a Sunday School class at least 3 times during the
month of January.
*If you have a physical illness, a medical disability or you do not exercise, please consult your doctor before beginning an exercise program
** Chair exercise program can be found at, www.ehow.com/how_2175872_do-seniors-chair-exercises.html; http://www.livestrong.com/article/94533-chair-exercises-elderly-people . You should consult for own physician for a chair exercise program that fits you, if you have medical problems or injuries.
***There are a number of books and internet sites on stretching. Again, you should consult for own physician for a stretching exercise program that fits you, if you have medical problems or injuries
THANK YOU
Thank you so very much for being a part of this Wednesday Koinonia! It is hard to believe that the Wednesday group has been active for over 5 years! I am so grateful for everyone who was there in the beginning and grateful for everyone who has joined along the way. I am truly grateful for your support and your prayers for me and for one another. What a blessing everyone has been!
I am excited about 2015! I hope you are too. I look forward to everyone working on and accomplishing their "January 2015 Kononia Goals." I know that each one of us will grow physically and spiritually stronger as a result the commitment we make. I pray that you "see" the HOLY SPIRIT of Koinonia in all of your January activities! As it was in the case of the early Christian church, I look forward with much anticipation to "great joy, thankfulness and praising GOD."
Have a prayerful end of the year Wednesday and a safe KOINONIA NEW YEAR!
And, BE BLESSED!
