What is the Meaning of Fellowship?

Roy E. Cogdill
www.cvillechurch.com

Since so much is being said and written on the subject of "fellowship," it seems good to examine the use of this word in the scriptures so we may see what its true significance is and what scriptural fellowship embraces, as well as how it is manifested.

"Koinon" in the New Testament can properly be defined as "sharing something with someone." It denotes a partnership in work or legally, such as Peter shared with James and John in the fishing business (Luke 5:10).

It is used to express a common relationship or nature. Jesus, in order to destroy the power of Satan over mankind, shared with man "flesh and blood" that He might deliver man through His death and destroy the power of Satan over him (Heb. 2:14).

We become partakers" (sharers) of the divine nature through the precious promises of God and the provisions of His grace (2 Peter 1:4)

The Gentiles became "partakers" of the "root and fatness" (the full nature) of the olive tree when they were "grafted" in as branches and shared such fullness with the Jews (Rom. 11:17).

We are enabled to enjoy "fellowship" with the Apostles and with God and Christ through the Gospel revealed (1 John 1:3).

Through this Gospel we have been called by God into the fellowship of His Son (I Cor. 1:9). This participation with Christ is as a member of His body, which is the church, into which we are baptized under the direction of the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 12:13). As members of His body we participate with Him and the benefits of His blood, subject to His authority and in the doing of His will (I Cor. 12:11-14). He is the head of that body, over all things to it, and gives to its member’s life and strength (Eph. 4:15-16). In that relationship Christians enjoy the bounty of His grace (Eph. 1:23).

This participation in Christ and fellowship with Him is made a reality when through faith our lives are identified with His and we become fellow-laborers with Him. Personal participation with Christ is made possible in Christian worship at the Lord's Table in His Kingdom in the observance of the Lord's Supper. Paul makes a very explicit and impressive argument on this in the tenth chapter of First Corinthians.

The argument runs like this: (1) In Jewish worship the altar where God's name was recorded represented and meant the presence of God to the Jews. Those who ate of the Jewish sacrifices became "partakers" of the altar, which meant to them "participation with God" because the altar was His, His name was recorded upon it, and it represented His presence (I Cor. 10:18).

(2) Paul points out that in like manner in the assembly of the saints, even two or three in His name (Matt. 18:20), when the bread and wine are taken in commemoration of His death there is "communion" (fellowship) with the Christ, with His body and His blood, and therefore participation or sharing with Christ, personally (I Cor. 10:16).

(3) In such observance of the Lord's Supper there is common union with Christ upon the part of Christians and therefore (fellowship) common union upon the part of Christians with each other in this worship. Partaking of the one loaf, in commemoration of the one body Christ gave as a sacrifice, affords and expresses union and fellowship with Christ and unites those who thus participate with Christ in fellowship one with another in the body of Christ (I Cor. 10:17).

(4) He follows with the conclusion that since this is true (union with Christ and with one another in the Lord's Supper) so also participation in false worship unauthorized by Christ, but in harmony with the will of the Devil, meant union with Satan and those who serve him (I Cor. 10:20)

(5) The argument concludes with the fact that those who participate in this false worship serve Satan rather than God and as a result cannot be identified with or participate with Christ (I Cor. 10:21).

This very plain teaching unmistakably condemns those who think they can fellowship religious error, participate in it and encourage it, or bid God's speed to those who take part in it's practice and promotion and yet have "fellowship'' with Christ.

Dial-A-Bible-Study(Recorded Messages)

(434) 975-7373

Free Bible Study Materials

Call Anytime!

www.cvillechurch.com

E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

Make All Things According to the Pattern

by Warren Berkley
www.cvillechurch.com

Many features of the Old Testament system (Law of Moses) were put in place by God, to picture what would eventually become reality through the work of Jesus Christ, our great High Priest. For instance, various details in the Jewish tabernacle served to foreshadow the good things God would eventually confer upon believers. The good things to come were pictured by various elements of the Mosaic system. The law, therefore was a shadow of the good things to come, (see Heb. 9:11 & 10:1).

This is one reason why, when Moses supervised the building of that tabernacle, it was crucial for him to make all things according to the pattern which came from the perfect mind of God. Even the detailed furnishings had to be made exactly like the pattern the Lord had shown Moses, (Num. 8:4). Various features of the old Jewish system were designed by God to foreshadow gospel blessings; these institutions served as the copies or shadows of the heavenly things, so Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. God said to him: see that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain. (Heb. 8:5; Acts 7:44; Ex. 25:9,40; 26:30; Num. 8:4.)

We have not been instructed to build, or rebuild that Mosaic tabernacle, but when we study these things we must carefully explore for any underlying principles that pertain to us. Just as God expressed His mind to Moses and gave instructions to Him, He has expressed His mind to us, and given us instructions to follow (Heb. 1:1, 2). We're to "hold fast to the pattern of sound words" (2 Timothy 1:13).

I am convinced there is such a principle, and I can best express it this way: God's purpose is carried out when His pattern is followed! The tabernacle is an excellent example. In having the Jews build that tabernacle, we know that God had a purpose in mind. He didn't do this accidentally, nor was this an exercise to keep the Jewish laborers and artisans busy. God had a purpose in mind, when He had the people build the tabernacle; an immediate purpose [Jewish worship], and an ultimate purpose [symbolic of the New Covenant blessings, see Heb. 9:9]. The pattern, or blueprint God gave to Moses was designed to implement God's purposes, both immediate and ultimate.

The principle is: God, in His perfect mind, forms a purpose; then He reveals His pattern, with admonitions to follow His instructions. Only when men follow God's pattern, is God's purpose carried out. Stated negatively, if I don't follow God's pattern, I fail to carry out His purpose!
In the case of the tabernacle, if Moses had ignored God's pattern and followed a human plan -- the tabernacle would not have fulfilled God's purpose; it would not have effectively functioned in foreshadowing the new covenant and the high-priestly ministry of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary (of which the earthly was only a replica)! Only as we follow God's pattern, can it be said that we have performed His purpose. We need to acknowledge how purpose and pattern go together. Behind every pattern revealed by God, there are divine purposes, which are fulfilled when we follow His pattern.

Marriage

God had certain purposes in mind by instituting the marriage relationship: (a) companionship, (b) reproduction, (c) the nurturing of children, and (d) the foundation of the social order. God had these good purposes in mind. To accomplish these purposes, God revealed a pattern (instructions, law). If we ignore God's pattern for husband and wife, God's purposes are not carried out.

The Lord's Supper

All anyone knows about the Lord's Supper is from the Bible. What about the elements we use ... the significance we attach to this feast ... the regularity with which we partake ... Where did we come up with all this?

The Bible

When I take everything the New Testament says about the Lord's Supper, and use that as my pattern, is there anything wrong with that? Does that make me a radical, a Pharisee, or a conservative or anti? I think it makes me a Christian. This is what being a Christian is all about: letting Christ be the head of the church, and following the instructions given by Christ through His apostles ... making all things according to the pattern, in order for the purposes of God to be fulfilled.

The Local Church

God, in His wisdom, set up the local church. That's why, when you read the New Testament, you read about local churches (Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Corinth, etc.). Christians got together. They formed themselves into local groups, to worship together, to edify one another, and to join together for the preaching of the gospel.

Now, when God set up the local church, through the preaching of the apostles, let there be no doubt, God had certain purposes in mind! I submit, if we want a local church to fulfill the purposes intended by God, we need to follow the pattern given by God. Is that difficult or complicated? Is that an expression of human tradition? NO, it is entirely reasonable, and in keeping with everything the Scriptures teach.

So, when it comes to things like ELDERS AND DEACONS; the preaching and teaching we do; the way we use our resources; the worship we provide for; the support of gospel preachers; the assistance given to needy saints, and all other matters that have to do with the local church, we should follow the pattern given by God!

This is not a matter of being conservative, it is a matter of being right. This isn't just about continuing to do what those men believed in, who started a local church in a community, it is about continuing steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine (Acts 2:42). When we follow God's pattern, because we love God, want to honor Christ and carry out divine purposes -- this is not the mentality of a Pharisee, this is the mentality of a servant who wants to obey the Lord.

Hebrews 8:5 may not call upon us to build a tabernacle, yet the underlying principle is trans-dispensational. It has always been necessary to follow any pattern given by God. This is the only way we can carry out His purposes.

Dial-A-Bible-Study(Recorded Messages)
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!
www.cvillechurch.com
E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

Four Flaws in the Four Spiritual Laws

by Mark Roberts
www.cvillechurch.com

Have you read the tract "The Four Spiritual Laws"? It was written by Dr. Bill Bright, the president of Campus Crusade for Christ. Approximately 1.5 billion copies of this tract have been printed and distributed all over the world. It was written to quickly and efficiently teach people how to be saved.

Unfortunately, "The Four Spiritual Laws" tract is badly flawed. A simple comparison between its teaching and the teaching of scripture reveals that "The Four Spiritual Laws" simply does not teach God's plan of salvation.

Here are the Four Spiritual Laws:
1. Law 1: God loves you and offers a wonderful Plan for your life.
2. Law 2: Man is sinful and separated from God. Therefore, he cannot know and experience God's love and plan for his life.
3. Law 3: Jesus Christ is God's only provision for man's sin. Through Him you can know and experience God's love and plan for your life.
4. Law 4: We must individually receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord; then we can know and experience God's love and plan for our lives.

What exactly does the tract mean "receive Jesus Christ?" How do you do that? We are not left to wonder:
1. We Must Receive Christ - Jn 1:12
2. We Receive Christ Through Faith - Eph. 2:8-9
3. When We Receive Christ, We Experience a New Birth - Jn 3:1-8
4. We Receive Christ by Personal Invitation - Rev. 3:20

The tract goes on to say "You Can Receive Christ Right Now By Faith Through Prayer" and even includes a suggested prayer to ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life and receive Him by faith alone.

What could be wrong with this? A study of the Bible shows these laws are terribly flawed.

Flaw 1: "The Four Laws" forgets that faith works.

Read Genesis 6:13-14. Did Noah have faith? Yes! But did his faith alone save him? Could he have been saved by merely believing God without building the ark? Of course not. Noah's faith led him to obey God ( Gen. 6:22; 7:5, 16).

Romans 1:5 speaks of our "obedience to the faith." Obedience and true faith in God always go together. You can't have one without the other (read James 2:14-26).

Where is this concept in the "Four Laws" pamphlet? The "Four Laws" says nothing about obedience, only faith!

Flaw 2: The pamphlet forgets baptism.

The New Testament teaches that water baptism is very important. It...
1. Puts you into Jesus Christ - Gal. 3:27
2. Saves you - 1 Peter 3:21
3. Forgives your sins - Acts 22:16; 2:38

Baptism is so crucial because it is linked to Jesus' death, burial and resurrection (see Romans 6:3-6).

The "Four Laws" teaches you can be saved without baptism, advocating a prayer and faith alone approach. This simply is not the teaching of the scriptures.

No passage of scripture promises the non-Christian that he can pray and receive forgiveness of sin. No passage of scripture says that you can pray "into Jesus Christ." No passage says prayer can save you. All of these vital functions are ascribed to baptism, not prayer!

Flaw 3: The tract forgets that the N.T. specifically teaches that faith alone cannot save.

The "Four Laws" says that to be saved you need only believe in Jesus Christ. What does the Bible say?

"You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" James 2:24

Once again we see how scripture puts faith and obedience together, while "The Four Laws" artificially and arbitrarily divorces them.

Who should we believe -- a booklet written by a mere man, or the inspired word of God?

Flaw 4: The tract forgets that God's grace doesn't exclude man's obedience.

Many seem to think that there are only two choices: be saved by your actions and doing, or be saved completely by God's grace.

This is why so many oppose baptism. They believe that baptism is an attempt to earn or merit salvation. This is false. The Bible never sees obedience and grace opposing each other.

Read Hebrews 11 and notice how these men and women of faith responded to God's grace by obeying the Lord. Their obedience didn't earn salvation but was absolutely necessary to being saved.

Likewise, you cannot earn salvation today by doing good works. But you must do what God has said if you want to be saved. These works of obedience demonstrate our faith and love for God.

Won't you do what God says so you can be saved today?

What must I do to be saved?
· Believe in Jesus Christ - John 3:16
· Repent of past sins - Luke 13:3
· Confess Jesus as the Son of God - Acts 8:37; Rom. 10:10
· Be baptized in water for the forgiveness of your sins - Acts 2:38; 22:16; Mark 16:16

Don't be fooled by the ideas of men. Read your Bible. Study these things carefully. Then obey God's simple plan for salvation today and become a New Testament Christian!

Dial-A-Bible-Study(Recorded Messages)

(434) 975-7373

Free Bible Study Materials

Call Anytime!

www.cvillechurch.com

E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

Persistence

by Steven Harper
www.cvillechurch.com

Onetime Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said, "Persistence is the hard work you do after you're tired of all the hard work you've already done." Well said. Persistence means, simply, refusing to give up - but especially when faced with difficulty or opposition. Persistence, for the Christian, is what determines faithfulness before God.
With that in mind, we need to consider the great need for persistence in the life of a child of God, and the consequences of our failure to persist. It is worthy of our consideration, for many do not comprehend the great need for persistence, and many more have not been properly taught how to persist in the times when it is needed most. In the plainest terms possible, when persistence is lacking, failure is the result. Surely that is not what we desire! But how do we succeed? How can the child of God stand fast in the faith and refuse to give up when faced with difficulty or opposition? And, further, when are those times when we most need persistence?

Let's begin by considering some times when the child of God needs persistence.

In Temptations. When an individual turns away from the world of sin and ungodliness and commits his life to serving the Lord, he or she should not think that it is all a life of ease afterwards. Sad to say, many religious leaders teach that it doesn't matter what one may do after becoming a child of God because it will not affect his or her soul in the least. Others falsely teach that a child of God cannot sin at all! Both are not only wrong, but the consequences of their doctrines deceive many into thinking that they do not have to be concerned with temptations. Friends, when people teach this and when people believe this, the devil has already won the battle for your soul!

The apostle Peter did not think it unimportant to be concerned with temptations, for he wrote to the Christians in the first century and said, "Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation." (1 Pet. 2:11, 12) Peter, an apostle and inspired writer of the word of God, commanded Christians (not unbelievers) to abstain from fleshly lusts. Why? They were commanded to abstain so others would glorify God for their behavior, and because if they did not, it could cost them their souls!

Peter would later write a warning to those same Christians (and to us), "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour." (1 Pet. 5:8) Remember, this was written to those who were already children of God! If anything, this is when Christians must persevere. Do not deceive yourselves and think "just once" will not hurt. One sin separated man from God (Gen. 3). Add to this Paul's reminder to the Corinthian brethren that for every temptation there was a way of escape provided for us by God Himself (1 Cor. 10:13). We must not give in to those temptations, but persevere and answer every temptation in the same way our Lord did: with the Scriptures. When we fail to answer the temptation, sin is conceived and eventually brings forth death (Jas. 1:14, 15).

In Trials. People most often give up when times are difficult. Ask anyone who has trained for some athletic event and they will tell you that they were most tempted to give up when the training seemed impossible to accomplish. A runner who trains for a marathon does not give up in the first 100 yards, but the thought keeps creeping into his mind about every mile or so after the first 10 miles. But the successful runner erases those thoughts when he forgets about the distance yet to be traveled and focuses on the finish line instead. Only when he sees the end of the efforts will he be mentally able to endure - persevere - until the end. And when he has the mental ability conquered, it is quite amazing what the body will allow him to do!

The apostle Paul, of all men, is an example of how the mind can rule over the body. Here was a man who endured many hardships for the sake of Christ, naming whippings, beatings, stonings, shipwreck, perilous journeys taking him through dangerous rivers, facing robbers, and having to suffer perils from his own Jewish brethren, Gentiles, and false teachers. He lost much sleep, suffered hunger and thirst, and even exposure - all for the sake of Christ (2 Cor. 11:23-28). And why? Well, hear what he said: "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake" (2 Cor. 12:10). For Christ's sake he did this. For Christ's sake he persevered!

When False Teachers Gain Acceptance. I should say right alongside this is the decline of acceptance of the truth, for the two almost always go hand-in-hand. It is in these times, when more and more brethren seem to want to heap up for themselves teachers who will scratch their "itching ears" and who turn away from speaking the truth, that those who love the truth must endure - they must persevere. Instead of giving in and surrendering to the enemy, it is then that we must stand firm in the faith, having put on the whole armor of God (Eph. 6:11). It does not matter that we will be outnumbered, for we must remember that when God is on our side (and we are on the side of God), no man will win (Rom. 8:31).

Considering the situation among those brethren who surrendered years ago and where they are now, it is easy to see that giving up just one step at a time will not save you any more than just throwing in the towel and just declaring you have changed loyalties. It may have taken a little longer, but those brethren who surrendered the truth for the lie are now walking arm-in-arm with those whom they opposed just a generation ago. Those who once proclaimed their loyalties were with the Lord are now actually defending the doctrines of men and pleading for "tolerance" and denouncing any who would dare demand authority for everything that is taught and practiced within the church.

I listened to a man just about a month ago who preaches in the institutional "church of Christ" as he answered someone's question about the situation of the churches within the cities and larger metropolitan areas. His opinion was that those churches are "lost." [His exact word.] LOST! Someone who has abandoned the pattern has now stated clearly what many men told him and others years ago would happen if they took one small step away from the Scriptures! No, of course they didn't believe it would ever happen way back then, but it did happen. And now these same brethren are lamenting the state of the church today because some have "gone too far."

This happened when a few dishonest men forced their false doctrines upon others and too many people were afraid to take a stand against it lest they appear "too narrow-minded." Instead of persevering, they gave up and gave in. And now they are wondering what went wrong.
If I may quote Winston Churchill: "Never, never, never quit."

Dial-A-Bible-Study(Recorded Messages)
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!
www.cvillechurch.com
E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com