Fellowship is a word that is sweet to the ears of most everyone, especially
believers. They have a basis for it that spans this present life and the
one that is coming. For the sake of review, what is this basis? We will entitle
this:
1. The Premises of Fellowship:
It must be built upon the good foundation of the following: (a) the Bible
is the written Word of God, His revelation to us; (b) the Lord Jesus Christ
is the Living Word of God, Deity. Faith in these essentials will provide
a certain measure of fellowship for all believers regardless of their denominational
differences.
Anyone who denies the unique Person and work of the Son of God is a deceiver
and an antichrist, (2 John 7). We
are to avoid all spiritual fellowship with
the unfruitful works of darkness (
Eph 5:11; 2 Cor 6:14).
2. The Problems or Conditions of Fellowship:
The lines of communication must be kept open for unbroken fellowship. God's
Word is the hub of the wheel of fellowship with the almighty. Too often neglect,
indifference, or wilful sin enters into the lives of believers and fellowship
is impaired or broken. A saying goes like this: God's Word will keep you
from sin, or sin will keep you from God's Word. On the subject
of fellowship we are told this in 1 John 1:7,
But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one
with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all
sin.
But what does a believer do for fellowship when separated or isolated from
others of like-mind? This is a common problem for those who practice right
division. We believe the Lord has more than sufficient grace available for
those who are willing to stand alone in a case like this. Someone once said
there is plenty of elbow-room the closer we get to the Lord. If we learn
this secret, there is a fellowship the vast majority of Christians know nothing
of. Too much that is called Christian fellowship is really visiting and talking
in church. Talking about our wonderful Lord and His Word is greatly neglected
today.
True fellowship contributes to spiritual growth and the knowledge of God
as Christians share experiences in the right division of His Word. They are
also encouraged and inspired to live better and more fruitful lives for His
glory. So fellowship in, around, and through His Word.
