Authentic Fellowship

The Nature of Fellowship

Founded on One Gospel

God did not create separate requirements for each person to come to Him.

There is one way to peace, and that is through the power of the Cross

All people, everywhere, may be saved by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ upon the cross

Regardless of what you have done, Christ has made the way of salvation

United to One Lord

One of the most amazing things about Jesus is that He is unchanging and unchanged.

The Church as the Family of God on Earth ()

He says in that he does not ever change

The idea of “personal Jesus’” that make up rules for people one at a time is heresy and ultimately idolatry

Hebrews 13:8 NASB95

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Everyone falls under the Lordship of the same Jesus, whether you, by faith, receive him or not

Indwelled by One Spirit

We have been given a great gift as believers. There is only ONE Holy Spirit and He indwells all who have been transformed by Jesus

Because of that the Spirit within us will always be consistent with Himself.

He will not and can not contradict Himself as He leads each of us

He will not and can not contradict the Word of God

The Danger to Fellowship

God is the Father and believers are his faithful sons and daughters.

Inherent Selfishness

Tendency toward Division

2 Timothy 3:1–5 NASB95

But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

2 Timothy 3:1

The Task of Fellowship

Continually Maintained

James 1:19 NASB95

This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

2 Timothy 3:14–17 NASB95

You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Actively Expressed

John 13:34–35 NASB95

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

The Life of God’s family is Governed by Love ().

The Church as One Body ()