ntchurch - What Limits Fellowship?

WHAT LIMITS FELLOWSHIP? For many centuries different groups have claimed to be serving the same God, yet have held a widely diverse system of beliefs and practices. Their very nature has solidified the identification by which they have become known, denominations. The denominational religions distinguish themselves by their beliefs and sometimes their relationships to governing bodies. Even though there is a great divergence in their beliefs, they proclaim similar messages about Fellowship among religious groups. They, although different in beliefs, proclaim that everyone should have fellowship with each other. The Lord's church simply relies on the Word of God for its beliefs and practices. It should make us pause to consider God's view of these differences in teachings, beliefs, or practices.

The scriptures define fellowship as a type of union between God, His Son, and us -- 1 John 1:6-7. The "fellowship" practices of religious groups is as varied as the number of groups. Scriptural fellowship is not related to food, games, or parties. Philippians 2:1-2 indicates that fellowship has more to do with proper lifestyle and remaining true to God's Word. That has always been God's desire -- to have us in fellowship with Him. The words in that reference are simple; "fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." Yet when religious differences exist, one must ask whether that follows the sentiment of the passage and God's desire.

The Apostles and the Lord's church always stood in opposition to division. Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:10, indicated that they were to "speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." It thoen seems reasonable that those desiring to serve and please God would continue to take the same stand. Open fellowship provides for acceptance without regard to differences. Yet the scriptures clearly call for us to speak the same things.

The warning is even stronger in 2 John 9-11. "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds."

Thus we have the basis for why the Church of Christ does not fellowship other religious groups. They do not agree on what the scriptures teach and in accordance with Paul's instruction: "they are to be avoided" (Romans 16:17).

God took the time to inspire His Word, the Holy Spirit served as Guide, and Christ and the Apostles gave their lives for It. Because it is God's Will, it should be obeyed above and over anything else. Timothy was instructed to preach it and retain it. Jesus stated this position best, "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him; the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day." His reasoning was, "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." (John 12:48-49). We should practice the same.