To be pleasing to God one must bear fruit in His name. “Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away” (John 15:2). In order to bear fruit, we must abide in Jesus who identifies Himself as “the true vine” (v. 1). “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch …
Continue reading Fellowship 7 – False Teachers and Honesty
The topic of fellowship is included in our joy as Christians – having fellowship with God now, and having that fellowship consummated in eternity. For this reason, all that surrounds the topic, both the positive and the negative, is vital. Consideration of our fellowship with God, and fellowship with those of “like precious faith” (2 …
Continue reading Fellowship 6 – Church DisciplineThe choices of king Saul in 1 Samuel 15 to spare king Agag of Amalek, as well as the response of the Lord through Samuel is discussed. Applications are then made, stressing the importance of obedience in all things, and over all. Ppt: To Obey Is Better Outline: To Obey Is Better Download: mp3
Continue reading Sermon: To Obey Is Better
Receiving one whom God has received aligns us with God Himself – “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). It is the mark of true discipleship, and is manifest evidence of a fuller understanding of Christ’s redemptive work (cf. 1 John 3:16-17). For …
Continue reading Fellowship 5 – Do Not Receive Him
The scriptural principles regarding fellowship are as clear as any other subject. However, clarity of scripture does not change the fact of hardened hearts. Some receive others into fellowship when they have no authority to do so, and some refuse to receive others into fellowship when they have the obligation to do so. Both actions …
Continue reading Fellowship 4 – Receive Him
As was noted previously, fellowship with God and man is contingent upon one thing. It is that which inheres in the term “fellowship.” “God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth” …
Continue reading Fellowship 3 – Fellowship Between MenThe Bible gives guidelines for our speech and actions. They must both be governed by Christ’s authority (cf. Colossians 3:17). As Christians, we must ensure that our saying is consistent with our doing. They must both be in the name of the Lord, and they must not contradict each other. Ppt: Saying and Doing Outline: …
Continue reading Sermon: Saying and Doing
As was noted in the first installment of this series on fellowship, fellowship considers commonality. Those who have something in common with each other have fellowship. Those who participate in a common practice with each other are having fellowship with each other. John’s first epistle shows two relationships when considering the topic of fellowship – …
Continue reading Fellowship 2 – Fellowship with GodThis sermon concisely considers the issues surrounding Homer Hailey’s error on marriage, divorce, and remarriage. Ed Harrell wrote an article in Christianity Magazine defending Hailey, and subsequently published 16 articles on “The Bounds of Christian Unity.” The error taught on the subject of fellowship to justify continued fellowship with a false teacher, specifically the misuse …
Continue reading Sermon: Romans 14 and Fellowship
The topic of “fellowship” is prominent in scripture. It is a simple concept, though it has been the seat of much controversy. Solomon said, “there is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9), and the same rings true with the problems surrounding fellowship. Even the first century church experienced trouble with the different applications of …
Continue reading Fellowship 1 – Terminology