DOCTRINE OF FELLOWSHIP John 17 14 -23 1

DOCTRINE OF FELLOWSHIP John 17: 14 -23 1

WHY IS THE SUBJECT IMPORTANT? n n n If accepted by God, through His Son, such fellowship and acceptance provides us with the hope of salvation. Provides a community to bear witness to the Truth and to glorify Yahweh’s Name – a vital aspect of GOD MANIFESTATION Fellowship with others of “like precious faith” helps to instruct, encourage and strengthen us all in our efforts to please our heavenly Father. Provides a defensive means to “keep the way” Specific scriptural commands in regard to its purity and preservation. 2

DOCTRINE OF FELLOWSHIP “The gospel believed and obeyed restores the mind to a oneness with God, and by the act of baptism we are inducted into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, a complete oneness in the whole family in heaven and in earth. Here is a “family circle”. A circle is drawn by the truth, inside of which there is fellowship; but no fellowship with any or anything outside. The church [ecclesia] is thus the pillar and ground of the Truth and refuses to support, allow room for or to compromise with the unfruitful works of darkness in the outer world. ” “We are no longer isolated individuals, who have simply our individual self to consider…” Thomas Williams, Life and Works, p. 74 3

“Fellowship” Defined n n n From the Greek, koinonia Strong’s Concordance “partnership” Indicates a sharing in common and by implication “oneness of mind”. Derived from koinonos, which means a “sharer or associate”. Translated as “partner(s)”, “companions”, “partakers”. DOES NOT merely indicate social or personal interaction. 4

Positive applications of the principal of fellowship. n n n “fellowship in the gospel” – Philippians 1: 3 -5 “the fellowship of (Jesus’) sufferings” – 3: 10 “fellowship of the ministering to the saints” – 2 nd Cor. 8: 4 “the right hand of fellowship” – Galatians 2: 9 fellowship in charitable effort (“contribution” = koinonia) Rom. 15: 26, 27 5

Negative applications of the principal of fellowship. n n n Fellowship with the world – 2 nd Corinthians 6: 14 Fellowship with “the works of darkness” – Eph. 5: 11 “Fellowship with devils” – 1 st Corinthians 10: 20 6

Fellowship and Unity n n n Romans 15: 6 – “with one mind and one mouth” 1 st Corinthians 1: 10 – “same mind and judgment” Ephesians 4: 3 – “keep the unity of the Spirit” Philippians 1: 27 – “striving together” … “for the gospel” Philippians 2: 2 – “of one accord, of one mind. ” 1 st Peter 3: 8 – “be ye all of one mind. ”. ” 7

Summary to this point n n n n In order for there to be “fellowship”, there must be commonality, shared beliefs and goals. Calling, belief, and baptism bring men into fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. That fellowship begins with the Father and the Son. Those that have been “called out” make up an assembly or Ecclesia. That “fellowship one with another” depends on #2 That God is light, and that fellowship with Him cannot exist without a continued walking in “the light”. Fellowship within the Ecclesia requires that we hold in common the doctrines and the practices of the Apostles – “the apostles doctrine” – i. e. “The things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ. ” 8

Lesson 1 - Fellowship Defined “Ecclesial Notes” – The Christadelphian, July, 1887, pp. 328, 329 Some inaccurate ideas appear to be entertained by some on the subject of fellowship. They think they are not in fellowship with a meeting or ecclesia if they do not pay or receive a visit from it, and that they are only in fellowship with those actually in their midst. If this were correct, there would be no “fellowship one with another” in personal absence, whereas John declares this to have been the case with those from whom he was personally absent. (1 st John 1: 7) Fellowship is that recognized mutual relation of harmony that only waits the opportunity of personal intercourse for its fullest enjoyment. This harmony exists, or does not exist, quite irrespective of the opportunity of its practical illustration. Suppose, when an ecclesia is asked, “Are you in fellowship with the Mormons? ” it should answer that they cannot settle the question as to the Mormons as a body, but must wait for individual Mormons to apply for each individual case to be decided on its own merits. SUCH AN ANSWER IS AN EVASION OF THE QUESTION. 9

Lesson 1 - Fellowship Defined Ecclesial Notes continued An ecclesia that is not able to say whether they are in fellowship with such, but must wait for individual applications, is evidently in such a doubtful relation to the question as to prevent confidence on the part of men of straight purpose. Men do not require to come within so many yards of each other to know whether they are friends. Friendship of this circumscribed order would be a relapse into barbarism. And so a body of men professing to receive the Truth in its uncompromised fullness and integrity do not require to pay or receive visits from another body or members of it (who are in a doubtful attitude), to say whether they are or are not in fellowship. A little reflection on this ought to clear honest men of all difficulty in defining their position – a process which had become necessary before the apostle John had closed his eyes. Roberts 10

FELLOWSHIP & THE BREAKING OF BREAD What purpose does the Breaking of Bread serve? n Is the act just something between God and ourselves, or does it include something more? n Is the Memorial table open to anyone who wishes to partake, or are there restrictions on access to it? n 11

Not the only demonstration of fellowship but… n Bro. Roberts – “highest act of fellowship possible” The Christadelphian, Feb/March 1892 n Bro. Williams – “For the act of partaking of the memorials is a powerful and solemn way of giving expression to true fellowship with those with whom we partake. If it is not this it is meaningless. ” Life and Works, p. 75 n Nov. , 1957 Advocate, Special Edition – “We have said that the breaking of bread was not identical with fellowship. It was, however, the crowning act of fellowship. In fact, breaking of bread might be said to be related to fellowship in much the same way that baptism is related to belief of the gospel; namely, it is the public evidence of an inner conviction. ” CONTRAST THIS POSITION WITH THE CLAIM…. . 12

“The act of fellowship, specifically the breaking of bread, is an act only between ourselves and God. ” WHAT IS THE MOTIVATION BEHIND THIS KIND OF APPROACH TO THE MEMORIAL SERVICE? IS IT A REASONABLE CONCLUSION? 13

Why do we break bread? It is a command – “This do” n It is a MEMORIAL or “remembrance” n To proclaim the Lord’s death “till He come” n A symbol of fellowship with Christ and those of shared position and conviction. n 14

Expanded quote from bro. Williams – Life and Works, p. 75 “We have heard it claimed that one can partake of the memorials in an ecclesia and yet not fellowship one or more present from whom he differs on some vital doctrine or against whom he may hold a charge of wrong-doing. This can only be where the complaint has been made known and scripturally acted upon, and after that the person charged intrudes and defiantly partakes. But to break bread and drink the wine with a mental reservation that some present are unsound in doctrine or immoral practice is to act the part of a hypocrite. For the act of partaking of the memorials is a powerful and solemn way of giving expression to true fellowship with those with whom we partake. If it is not this it is meaningless…To outwardly receive one in fellowship whom we believe to be unworthy is to partake of his supposed or real evil deeds; for by the act of partaking we virtually say, ‘I partake with you. ’” 15

1957 Advocate Expanded quote “And as baptism is fruitless unless it is preceded by belief of the Apostles’ doctrine, so breaking of bread is not pleasing to God unless it is accompanied by fellowship, which means the holding in common of these same Apostles’ doctrines and practices. This is clearly taught by Paul in 1 st Corinthians 10: 16 -21. ” (bold added) 16

Bro. Williams goes even further… “Others again we have heard say that the table is the Lord’s, not ours, and therefore we have not right to dictate who shall partake. It is true it is the Lord’s table, but it is so by reason of the fact that it is spread by His command in accordance with His laws – the laws of his household. Now the question is, Can we claim the right to spread the table of the Lord and yet after it is spread allow it to be polluted? Is it that we are to eat and drink with the drunken at the Lord’s table and plead the excuse that it is His, nor ours? What folly some men can be guilty of! Whose are we if we have been bought with the precious blood of Christ? Are we not the Lord’s? That being the case, is not the table the family table? What respectable family would think of allowing its house to become a den of thieves? In the world and in the church men are very particular to guard the sanctity of their homes and household, but it seems that some lose that concern when the household of God is in question. There seems to be an idea that much care must be exercised in protecting our own temporal things, while things of God may be treated differently or indifferently as whims may decide. Let us never forget that the body – the ecclesia – is “the temple of God”; and “if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy. ” 17

“Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit” - What creates a threat to such “unity” and therefore “fellowship”? What is our responsibility in dealing with error? What are the consequences (if any) for not dealing with error? Once interfered with, how can fellowship (commonality) be restored? 18

Eph. 4: 3 -6 “Endeavouring”, Strongs “to make effort, be prompt or earnest”… “diligence” 19

What threatens Scriptural Fellowship? 1. 2. 3. Sins of morality/action Sins of Doctrinal Error - Heresy Tolerance/protection/endorsement of the above (a sin in-and-of itself) 20

The responsibility to deal with error… not ignore it. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Deut. 13 – How to handle false prophets. INDIVIDUALS/FAMILY MEMBERS/CITIES Psalm 82: 2 – Speaking of the earthly Elohim (“gods”) or judges of Israel. Proverbs 28: 4 Ezekiel 33: 8, 9 1 st Timothy 5: 20 – WHY? 21

Instructions in relation to fellowship n n n n n Matthew 18: 17 – “let him be as an heathen man and a publican” if no change of course is accomplished. Romans 16: 17, 18 – “mark” and “avoid” 1 st Corinthians 5: 11 -13 – “not to keep company”, “put away” Galatians 5: 9, 12 – to “cut off” Ephesians 5: 11 – “have no fellowship with”, “reprove them” 2 nd Thess. 3: 6, 14, 15 – “withdraw”, “have no company with”, “but not as an enemy” WHY? “THAT HE MAY BE ASHAMED” 1 st Timothy 1: 19, 20 – “I have delivered unto the adversary” WHY? “THAT THEY MAY LEARN” 1 st Timothy 6: 3 -5 – “from such withdraw thyself” Titus 1: 13; 2: 15; 3: 10 – “rebuke”, “reject” 2 nd John, 9 -11 – “receive him not unto your house”, “neither bid him God speed” 22

Bidding “God speed” From: “The Doctrine of Fellowship – A defense of the historic Christadelphian position” Bro. Roberts, The Christadelphian, February-March, 1892 “Now, what is meant by “God speed”? The original word occurs 74 times. It is only rendered “God speed” twice. The rest of the time it is rendered “hail, rejoice, greeting, joy, glad, and farewell. ” So the primary meaning is evidently “welcome. ” We are not to welcome a holder of false doctrine. Not to welcome where? At our homes, or at the Table? Why, at the Table of the Lord – for surely you cannot contend that we ought to welcome a person there when we cannot welcome him at our home. ” 23

Why are such actions required? “Would a faithful shepherd allow wolves to enter the fold unopposed, or having entered, would he allow them to remain and prey on the flock unmolested? No faithful shepherd will do so, but will be on the alert for every indication of danger, from whatever quarter it may approach. The conditions of salvation have not altered. It is just as necessary to believe the truth to be saved as it ever was. There are just as many, both as to number and variety, who oppose the truth as there ever was – vastly more as to number. The same measures are necessary to be taken to preserve and defend the truth as were necessary in the times of the Apostles. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. ” Bro. Berton Little, “Fellowship in the Breaking of Bread”, Christadelphian Advocate, January, 1917. 24

Why are such actions required? 1. 2. 3. 4. The need for unity of mind and purpose within the Ecclesia. (Romans 15: 6, James 3: 17) So that the error does not influence others (1 st Corinthians 15: 33; Hebrews 12: 15; 1 st Corinthians 5: 1 -8) Helping those in error see the fallacy of their course (1 st Timothy 1: 20) As not to be counted as a “partaker of the evil deeds” (2 nd John 10, 11) 25

“Peace & Unity” “Men talk of peace and unity. There can be no peace where there is no essential unity. Where there is unity there will be peace. To bring about unity is therefore to bring about peace. The peace of an Ecclesia is promoted by the excision of those disturbers who introduce false teaching. This is one purpose served by their expulsion…If we cannot have a large number in unity and peace, we may at least have peace among those, the few, who are in unity, by a separation from those with whom they are not in unity and with whom they are not at peace. ” Berton Little, 1917 26

Why are such actions required? 1. 2. 3. 4. The need for unity of mind and purpose within the Ecclesia. (Romans 15: 6, James 3: 17) So that the error does not influence others (1 st Corinthians 15: 33; Hebrews 12: 15; 1 st Corinthians 5: 1 -8) Helping those in error see the fallacy of their course (1 st Timothy 1: 20) As not to be counted as a “partaker of the evil deeds” (2 nd John 10, 11) 27

False: We cannot “fellowship” false doctrine without being in agreement with it, and therefore believing it. Answer: That is NOT true. The scriptures declare we can fellowship without believing it. One illustration will suffice. In the chapter referred to (1 Cor. 10: 18) we have seen that Paul tells his brethren that those who eat of the sacrifices offered to idols are “partakers” (original: fellowshippers) of the alter, and therefore fellowship ALL represented thereby – which in this case were “demons” or idols…The Corinthian believers knew with Paul that an “idol is nothing in the world”. Therefore it is clear from Paul’s counsel to them that they could “fellowship” false doctrine without believing in it themselves. Continued on next slide 28

False: We cannot fellowship the evil deeds of another without being in agreement with them and doing the same things. Answer: We have just shown we can. But further: John in his second epistle calls false teaching concerning Christ an “evil deed. ” And he says if we bid the man with this false doctrine God speed, “we become partakers (original: fellowshippers) of his evil deeds. It is clear he is not referring to show who believed or were doing the same things, for he says it is the bidding him God speed that creates the participation. Bro. Roberts, The Christadelphian, February-March, 1892 29

n "Is a brother walking disorderly in associating in fellowship with Methodists? We would say 'yes. ' Upon the very same principle we say that a brother is walking disorderly who fellowships those who deny the scriptural doctrine of resurrection, and teach and believe another; and who, deny THE judgment; and either teach another or no judgment at all. The one who fellowships such, fellowships with heretics, thereby walks disorderly, and becomes unfit for fellowship with those who desire to hold the truth in its purity. " Bro. Thomas Williams, The Advocate Vol. 2, 1886, Pg. 64 n "'He that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. ' This applies to all without distinction, and erects a barrier to fellowship with even some who hold the truth; for though they may hold the doctrine of Christ themselves, yet, if they keep up a 'God-speed' connection with those who do not, by John's rule they make themselves partakers with them, and, therefore, cut themselves off from those who stand for the doctrine of Christ. " Bro. Roberts, Seasons of Comfort Vol. 1, Pg. 127, 'Love and Doctrine' 30

Questions and Objections Answered Why do we need a Statement of Faith as a basis of fellowship? Isn’t the Bible enough? n The “Spirit of Diotrophes” n 1 st Cor. 11: 28 – “damnation” upon ourselves n “Ecclesial Autonomy” n Those with “undefiled” garments n Parable of the Wheat & Tares – Matt. 13 n Matthew 18: 15 -17 n Fellowship at Inter-ecclesial functions n 31

“Unless there is a Statement of Faith, what basis has an ecclesia to work upon? The mere statement that the Bible is our basis will not do, for all denominations claim that and Christadelphians have laid special emphasis upon the fact that it is “to the Law and the Testimony. ” January, 1931 Christadelphian Advocate “There is one thing, however, of which a formal Statement may be, and is, the basis, it registers a united declaration, and it is a basis of cooperation and of collective work in advocacy of the truth. The prevalence of false interpretations of Scripture has rendered it desirable that groups of intelligent believers in the Gospel that saves should set forth the main points of doctrine that they agree to uphold. ” December, 1930 Christadelphian Advocate 32

“Statements and Creeds” “If a man’s faith is worth having, it is worth publishing in a well-defined form; so that others may examine it, accept it or reject it; fellowship it or repudiate it…How absurd it would sound to hear a person say, “I have no creed, ” which really means that he has no faith, nor hope – no well-defined understanding and belief of the plan of salvation. Such a person is not even a negation; he is a mere neutrality- as near nothing as he can well be. ” continued 33

“Statements and Creeds” “Every faithful soldier of the truth will be willing to state his faith in unambiguous terms, and will have the courage to say, ‘That is what I sincerely believe to be the truth, and that is the basis upon which I can conscientiously fellowship others; and for me to pretend to fellowship where there is not a hearty belief in the truth thus defined, would be hypocrisy. ’ This is certainly what the teachings of the New Testament demand, in its many imperative warnings to have no fellowship with ‘the unfruitful works of darkness. ” continued 34

“Statements and Creeds” “… we were rebuked by a brother for coinciding with those who maintain ‘a doctrine of separatism’. What is the truth, but a system of ‘separatism? ’ Its first and last work is to separate. It begins by separating the ‘good and honest hearts’ from a wicked and adulterous generation. It ends by separating the just from the unjust at the judgment seat of Christ. Men bent upon maintaining the purity of the truth will not be frightened nor taunted off from their foundation by ever so much babble about ‘casting out’ and ‘separatism. ’ They will keep their faces Zion-ward; press on in the strait and narrow way, let the enemies of the truth spit, jeer and throw stones as they may. ” The Christadelphian Advocate, October, 1891 35

Why a Statement of Faith? n n Recognition that Bible Truth did not match the beliefs of mainstream Christianity, whether it be Catholicism or Protestant (other “Bible Based” religions). A Statement developed to summarize our beliefs in contrast to other religious beliefs that exist. A guide for the maintaining of sound scriptural teaching under the “Christadelphian” name. Used to make sure that there is a clear basis of agreement or commonality – fellowship. A summarized form of that which is believed, that which is to be rejected (positive/negative) and the shared understanding of conduct under the Commandments of Christ. 36

Ecclesial Autonomy “The fact that the body is held responsible for the inconsistencies of its members illustrate a principle that runs through the entire scriptures, exhibited more particularly in the history of Israel. The lesson for us to learn from this is that we cannot be individually independent; we have obligations to each other that we must not ignore. In ecclesial matters and in all matters affecting the welfare of the Truth my business is yours and yours is mine. We are brought together in mutual compact under the same name – a name whose honor and reputation are made dependant on conduct. Here, brethren, we must fact the fact that great responsibilities devolve upon us, commensurate with the great privileges and high honor to which the Truth has brought us into relation. ” The Christadelphian Advocate, March, 1886 37

Ecclesial Autonomy First references the destruction of a city (Duet. 13), if after diligent enquiry it was found that such a city was serving false gods (apostasy)…. “When, therefore, it is reported that any brother or ecclesia is following false doctrine, it is not only permitted, but it is obligatory on other brethren and ecclesias to “enquire and make search, and ask diligently” to see whether it be true and the thing certain. If it is, the responsibility of their position leaves no option but that of repudiating complicity with the evil. ” J. J. Andrew, The Christadelphian, July 1886 38

DOCTRINE OF FELLOWSHIP “The gospel believed and obeyed restores the mind to a oneness with God, and by the act of baptism we are inducted into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, a complete oneness in the whole family in heaven and in earth. Here is a “family circle”. A circle is drawn by the truth, inside of which there is fellowship; but no fellowship with any or anything outside. The church [ecclesia] is thus the pillar and ground of the Truth and refuses to support, allow room for or to compromise with the unfruitful works of darkness in the outer world. ” “We are no longer isolated individuals, who have simply our individual self to consider…” Thomas Williams, Life and Works, p. 74 39