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What does your relationship with God mean to you

What does your relationship with God mean to you?. Matthew 10:37-39 (NKJV) - He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39He who finds

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What does your relationship with God mean to you

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    1. What does your relationship with God mean to you? If someone wants to be right with God he must put Him first. (Matt 10:37-39)

    2. What does your relationship with God mean to you? Matthew 10:37-39 (NKJV) - He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.

    3. What does your relationship with God mean to you? When compromise is made in your loyalty to God, He calls it adultery.

    4. What does your relationship with God mean to you? How would you like to “share” your mate with another?

    5. What does your relationship with God mean to you? How would you like to “share” your mate with another? This is how God views our loyalty to Him. (2 Cor 11:2-4)

    6. What does your relationship with God mean to you? 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 - For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.

    7. What does your relationship with God mean to you? 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

    8. What does your relationship with God mean to you? The nation of Israel heard their adultery described. (Jer 3:6-10)

    9. What does your relationship with God mean to you? Jeremiah 3:6-10 (NKJV) - The Lord said also to me in the days of Josiah the king: “Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there played the harlot. 7And I said, after she had done all these things, ‘Return to Me.’ But she did not return. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it.

    10. What does your relationship with God mean to you? 8 Then I saw that for all the causes for which backsliding Israel had committed adultery, I had put her away and given her a certificate of divorce; yet her treacherous sister Judah did not fear, but went and played the harlot also. 9 So it came to pass, through her casual harlotry, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and trees.

    11. What does your relationship with God mean to you? 10 And yet for all this her treacherous sister Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but in pretense,” says the Lord.

    12. What does your relationship with God mean to you? Judah in Josiah’s day was doing many good things outwardly. Why?

    13. What does your relationship with God mean to you? Judah in Josiah’s day was doing many good things outwardly. Why? Because they followed a good king, Josiah.

    14. What does your relationship with God mean to you? Judah in Josiah’s day was doing many good things outwardly. Why? Because they followed a good king, Josiah. God said they were not true in their hearts. This is what God sees.

    15. Two Kinds of Fellowship There is fellowship with God. (1 John 1:1-3)

    16. Two Kinds of Fellowship 1 John 1:1-3 - That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life—2the life was manifested, and we have seen, and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us

    17. Two Kinds of Fellowship 3 that which we have seen and heard we declare to you, that you also may have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

    18. Two Kinds of Fellowship What is fellowship? Koinonia - Communion, fellowship, sharing in common...

    19. Two Kinds of Fellowship What is fellowship? Koinonia - Communion, fellowship, sharing in common... Fellowship always has an object! In this case it is fellowship with God!

    20. Two Kinds of Fellowship God dwells in us as Christians. We share in eternal life which is from God. (Acts 2:38; 1 Cor 6:19-20)

    21. Two Kinds of Fellowship Acts 2:38 (NKJV) - Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

    22. Two Kinds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (NKJV) - Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.

    23. Two Kinds of Fellowship There is our fellowship with other Christians. (2 Cor 6:14; Gal 2:9; 1 Cor 12:23-27)

    24. Two Kinds of Fellowship 2 Corinthians 6:14 (NKJV) - Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness?

    25. Two Kinds of Fellowship Galatians 2:9 (NKJV) - and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

    26. Two Kinds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 12:23-27 (NKJV) - And those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable parts have greater modesty, 24 but our presentable parts have no need. But God composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it,

    27. Two Kinds of Fellowship 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. 26 And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.

    28. Two Kinds of Fellowship This relationship has its foundation in an underlying fellowship with God.

    29. Two Kinds of Fellowship Here we share with one another spiritual encouragement, we recognize one another as Christians, and we share together in things Christians are to do together.

    30. Two Kinds of Fellowship Here we share with one another spiritual encouragement, we recognize one another as Christians, and we share together in things Christians are to do together. Consider the spiritual “fellowship” we have as Christians. (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor 10:16-17, 21-22)

    31. Two Kinds of Fellowship Acts 2:42 (NKJV) - And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.

    32. Two Kinds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (NKJV) - The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17For we, though many, are one bread and one body; for we all partake of that one bread.

    33. Two Kinds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 10:21-22 (NKJV) - You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. 22Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

    34. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Before we extend fellowship to others as Christians, we must make a judgment as to whether they are faithful to God. (1 John 1:5-7)

    35. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 John 1:5-7 (NKJV) - This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.

    36. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We need to ask: “Is this one a Christian?” (Acts 9:26)

    37. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Acts 9:26 (NKJV) - And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.

    38. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We also need to ask: “Is this one a faithful Christian?” (1 John 3:4-10; Eph 5:11)

    39. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 John 3:4-10 (NKJV) - Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness. 5And you know that He was manifested to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin. 6Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has neither seen Him nor known Him.

    40. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 7 Little children, let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous. 8 He who sins is of the devil, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.

    41. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 9 Whoever has been born of God does not sin, for His seed remains in him; and he cannot sin, because he has been born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother.

    42. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Ephesians 5:11 (NKJV) - And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.

    43. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship There are limits to this kind of judgment. We are no trying to take God’s place! (1 Cor 4:2-4)

    44. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 4:2-4 (NKJV) - Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by a human court. In fact, I do not even judge myself. 4 For I know of nothing against myself, yet I am not justified by this; but He who judges me is the Lord.

    45. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Why does this church exist? What is the primary reason for our relationship with one another? It is not the “restoration heritage” but the cross of Christ! (Gal 6:14)

    46. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Galatians 6:14 (NKJV) - But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

    47. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship What is our attitude toward other brothers and sisters in Christ? Do we view them as “one for whom Christ died?” (Rom 14:15, 20)

    48. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Romans 14:15 (NKJV) - Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died.

    49. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Romans 14:20 (NKJV) - Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for the man who eats with offense.

    50. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We can be wrong in our judgment.

    51. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We can be wrong in our judgment. The Christians at Jerusalem were wrong at first about Paul. (Acts 9:26)

    52. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Acts 9:26 (NKJV) - And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.

    53. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship They did discover their error and correct it! (Acts 9:27-28)

    54. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Acts 9:27-28 (NKJV) - But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

    55. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We must never let the fear of: “We could be wrong”, keep us from doing what the Lord demands!

    56. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We must never let the fear of: “We could be wrong”, keep us from doing what the Lord demands! The church at Corinth refused, at first, to withdraw from one practicing sin. (1 Cor 5:1-3)

    57. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 5:1-3 (NKJV) - It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.

    58. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 3For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.

    59. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship There is a standard upon which fellowship is based.

    60. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship There is a standard upon which fellowship is based. The New Testament is our standard. (2 Thess 3:6, 14; Rom 16:17; 1 Jn 4:6)

    61. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NKJV) - But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

    62. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 Thessalonians 3:14 (NKJV) - And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

    63. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Romans 16:17 (NKJV) - Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

    64. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 John 4:6 (NKJV) - We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

    65. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Some have asked: “What is the doctrine of Christ?” (2 John 9)

    66. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 John 1:9 (NKJV) - 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.

    67. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship The doctrine of Christ is what Christ taught. (John 12:48; Rev 2:14)

    68. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship John 12:48 (NKJV) - 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.

    69. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Revelation 2:14 (NKJV) - But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

    70. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship How do we extend fellowship?

    71. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship How do we extend fellowship? By recognizing and greeting one as a faithful brother. (2 John 9-11)

    72. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 John 9-11 (NKJV) - 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. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

    73. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship By supporting one in their teaching. (3 John 5-8)

    74. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 3 John 1:5-8 (NKJV) - Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

    75. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

    76. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship By associating with one because they are right with God. (1 Cor 5:9-11; 2 Thess 3:14-15)

    77. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NKJV) - I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

    78. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.

    79. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NKJV) - And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

    80. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We can be wrong in our judgment.

    81. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We can be wrong in our judgment. The Christians at Jerusalem were wrong at first about Paul. (Acts 9:26)

    82. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Acts 9:26 (NKJV) - And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples; but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple.

    83. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship They did discover their error and correct it! (Acts 9:27-28)

    84. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Acts 9:27-28 (NKJV) - But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. And he declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. 28 So he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in and going out.

    85. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We must never let the fear of: “We could be wrong”, keep us from doing what the Lord demands!

    86. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship We must never let the fear of: “We could be wrong”, keep us from doing what the Lord demands! The church at Corinth refused, at first, to withdraw from one practicing sin. (1 Cor 5:1-3)

    87. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 5:1-3 (NKJV) - It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father’s wife! 2 And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you.

    88. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 3 For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.

    89. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship There is a standard upon which fellowship is based.

    90. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship There is a standard upon which fellowship is based. The New Testament is our standard. (2 Thess 3:6, 14; Rom 16:17; 1 Jn 4:6)

    91. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 Thessalonians 3:6 (NKJV) - But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.

    92. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 Thessalonians 3:14 (NKJV) - And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed.

    93. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Romans 16:17 (NKJV)- Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

    94. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 John 4:6 (NKJV) - We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

    95. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Some have asked: “What is the doctrine of Christ?” (2 John 9)

    96. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 John 9 (NKJV) - 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.

    97. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship The doctrine of Christ is what Christ taught. (John 12:48; Rev 2:14)

    98. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship John 12:48 (NKJV) - 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.

    99. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Revelation 2:14 (NKJV) - But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

    100. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship Revelation 2:14 (NKJV) - But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to put a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit sexual immorality.

    101. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship How do we extend fellowship?

    102. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship How do we extend fellowship? By recognizing and greeting one as a faithful brother. (2 John 9-11)

    103. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 John 9-11 (NKJV) - 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. 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

    104. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship By supporting one in their teaching. (3 John 5-8)

    105. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 3 John 1:5-8 (NKJV) - Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, 7 because they went forth for His name’s sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles.

    106. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth.

    107. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship By associating with one because they are right with God. (1 Cor 5:9-11; 2 Thess 3:14-15)

    108. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 (NKJV) - I wrote to you in my epistle not to keep company with sexually immoral people. 10 Yet I certainly did not mean with the sexually immoral people of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or idolaters, since then you would need to go out of the world.

    109. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 11 But now I have written to you not to keep company with anyone named a brother, who is sexually immoral, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner—not even to eat with such a person.

    110. The Biblical Bounds of Fellowship 2 Thessalonians 3:14-15 (NKJV) - And if anyone does not obey our word in this epistle, note that person and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.

    111. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now In the 50’s and 60’s there was gradual acceptance of allowing men to come for meetings who had departed from basic Bible teachings.

    112. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now In the 50’s and 60’s there was gradual acceptance of allowing men to come for meetings who had departed from basic Bible teachings. Often these men were attached to large sponsoring churches or “church colleges”. To many his gave them instant credibility.

    113. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now In the place these men worked they did not teach the things they believed publicly, but often spread these things in private. (Jude 3-4)

    114. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Jude 1:3-4 (NKJV) - Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

    115. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

    116. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now In time these institutions were allowing these men to go unchecked.

    117. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now In time these institutions were allowing these men to go unchecked. Today the Institutional churches have come to reap a harvest.

    118. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Most of the large institutions have now completely fallen under the control of the “change agents.”

    119. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Most of the large institutions have now completely fallen under the control of the “change agents.” Where the influence of these institutions was welded in the 50’s and 60’s to protect their support from church treasuries, this same power is being used today to push out “the Patternist.”

    120. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Here are the current views of fellowship.

    121. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now We can fellowship churches that use instruments of music.

    122. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now “When I asked Buddy how he viewed the Christian Church, he floored me by boldly saying that he was in "FULL FELLOWSHIP WITH THEM." Since I couldn't believe what I had just heard, I asked him the second time, "You are in full fellowship with them?" Buddy said, "I feel that way.“ Buddy Bell Returns To Montgomery, Alabama! - Ray Dutton, Seek the Old Paths

    123. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now We can fellowship all believers in Christ, which includes the “mainline” denominations.”

    124. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now We can fellowship all believers in Christ, which includes the “mainline” denominations.” Sometimes there is “open fellowship” in the exchanging of pulpits. (Ex. Max Lucado at a Baptist church: “When I see a believer, I see a brother.”)

    125. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now We can fellowship all believers in Christ, which includes the “mainline” denominations.” Sometimes there is “open fellowship” in the exchanging of pulpits. (Ex. Max Lucado at a Baptist church: “When I see a believer, I see a brother.”) Sometimes this “open fellowship” in done in “special meetings”.

    126. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now “We express concern for our sister congregation, the Covington Road church in Natchez, in their recent decision to be involved with a Baptist denominational group known as "World Changers." Denominations are man-made institutions with earthly headquarters, manuals, organizations, plans of salvation, worships and works.

    127. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now They are not the church of the New Testament, as is evident from the Scriptures, and work contrary to the Truth of God....”

    128. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now “...In receiving the Covington Road News bulletins and being informed of the coming of the "World Changers" to Natchez, one would consider them to be our Christian youth from churches across the country. They were not! They were Southern Baptist youth. The bulletins were deceptive in that this was never mentioned. It was through the local newspaper that we learned that the youth were Southern Baptists.

    129. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now The June issue of the bulletin says, "Let us plan, pray and work for this good effort...." (We acknowledge the work to be good work but the fellowship is unscriptural and sinful. We are to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reprove them" (Eph. 5:11).

    130. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now The following July bulletins state: "We encourage any -- especially our youth -- to be involved in this manual labor on behalf of others and to God's glory." "We look forward to this opportunity to serve the needs of others in our community: may God bless our efforts..." - Covington Road Church Further Fractures Fellowship, Joe W. Nichols

    131. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now The “Promise Keepers” group is the current tool used by many to encourage “open fellowship.”

    132. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now “...on having fellowship with denominational churches. I have already pointed out that he claims to be in "full fellowship" with the Christian Church. When I questioned him about fellowshipping the Baptists and Methodists, he looked at me and said, "I'm going to fellowship them where I can fellowship them." To prove his point he brought up "Promise Keepers."

    133. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now To my surprise he openly stated that he was going to be, in his words, "real comfortable rejoicing with those people about Jesus on what He's done."....

    134. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now “Buddy thinks we should "rejoice" with these purveyors of error, but again Paul warned Titus that "there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake" (Titus 1:10-11).

    135. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now How can we support and encourage these false teachers at "Promise Keepers" or any other denominational endeavor when Paul says that their "mouths must be stopped?“ Buddy Bell Returns To Montgomery, Alabama! - Ray Dutton

    136. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now The only thing essential to salvation is the plan of salvation.

    137. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now My first question for Buddy was "Who are the saved?" Buddy said that he felt that if he and I were teaching a non-Christian that our answers would be the same. He then stated to me that he believed that baptism was essential. I, then, asked him if a person could believe what the Baptists and Methodists teach about salvation and be saved. He did not answer YES or NO.

    138. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now He hedged by saying that he wasn't sure whether a person had to understand that baptism was for the remission of sins.

    139. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Since his answer troubled me, I asked him if he believed Baptists are SAVED. Again, he responded that he had a hard time answering that, and that he had some real mixed emotions about that. So I asked him if he considered them brothers and sisters in the Lord's fellowship. His answer: "Probably some I would.“ Buddy Bell Returns To Montgomery, Alabama! - Ray Dutton, Seek the Old Paths

    140. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Many are swapping pulpits with denominations and giving up baptism as essential for salvation!

    141. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Max Lucado - Radio Station KJAK, Lubbock, Texas - December 1996: Just turn your heart to him even right now as I am speaking. Call him your Father. And your Father will respond. Why don't you do that?

    142. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now [Instrumental music playing in background] "Father, I give my heart to you. I give you my sins, I give you my tears, I give you my fears, I give you my whole life. I accept the gift of your Son on the cross for my sins. And I ask you, Father, to receive me as your child. Through Jesus I pray. Amen.”

    143. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now ANNOUNCER: And friend, if you prayed along with Max Lucado just now, here on UPWARDS, we want to welcome you into the family of God. We hope you will contact us and share your personal testimony. If you are already a believer, we thank you for praying for these new brothers and sisters in Christ…..

    144. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Now Max Lucado returns with a special word for those who received the gift of salvation just moments ago in prayer. MAX LUCADO [instrumental music playing in the background]:

    145. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now Today is the first day you've ever prayed a prayer like that. Could you do me a favor? Could you write me a letter? I don't have anything I am going to ask from you. I do have a letter I would like to send to you, I'd like to give you a word about the next step or two.

    146. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now I want to encourage you to find a church, I want to encourage you to be baptized, I want to encourage you to read your Bible. But I don't want you to do any of that so that you will be saved. I want you to do all of that because you are saved. You see, your Father has a great life planned for you, and I want to tell you about it. Give us a call, and drop me a note.

    147. Views of Fellowship --- Then and Now And, thanks my friend, for making the greatest decision of your life. I'll be back on Monday. I hope you will be too. [Transcribed from the tape].

    148. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. We cannot know if one is right or wrong on....

    149. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. We cannot know if one is right or wrong on.... Some have asked me this: “Do you have all knowledge?” If I say No, then they follow: “How then can you be sure you are right about this?” My answer is: “I may not know ALL THINGS, but I do know SOME THINGS!”

    150. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Why do some people “not know?” (Luke 10:29; Jn 3:19-21)

    151. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Luke 10:29 (NKJV) - But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

    152. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. John 3:19-21 (NKJV) - And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.”

    153. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Churches are stagnating, we will become extinct!

    154. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Churches are stagnating, we will become extinct! If this is so, let us then seek God’s solutions.

    155. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Churches are stagnating, we will become extinct! If this is so, let us then seek God’s solutions. Why do we exist? (Gal 2:20)

    156. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) - I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

    157. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Because of bad personal experiences.

    158. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Because of bad personal experiences. The most common cause of these departures is what I call “Reactionary Apostasy.”

    159. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. What is wrong with this thinking? (Rom 3:4)

    160. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Romans 3:4 (NKJV) - Certainly not! Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written: “That You may be justified in Your words, And may overcome when You are judged.”

    161. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Is it right to “get mad at the dog, and kick the cat?”

    162. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Because of a subjective view of how to know God’s will.

    163. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Because of a subjective view of how to know God’s will. Some have viewed themselves so close to God as to be above being challenged. These feel that they just know what God wants without looking at the scriptures.

    164. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Because of a subjective view of how to know God’s will. Some have viewed themselves so close to God as to be above being challenged. These feel that they just know what God wants without looking at the scriptures. This is pride! (1 Cor 8:1-2)

    165. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. 1 Corinthians 8:1-2 (NKJV) - Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.

    166. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Others have let their desire to be with others cause them to “re-think fellowship.”

    167. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Others have let their desire to be with others cause them to “re-think fellowship.” Because we should be “tolerant!”

    168. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. Who defines “tolerant”, God or the current culture?

    169. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. “But here it's important to remember what is meant by Tolerance" in a relativist society. It doesn't mean what used to mean: permitting each person the right to believe (or disbelieve) according to his own conscience. That would be a respect for religious freedom far too noble for a secular society bent on the eradication of religious faith.

    170. Arguments for a Broader Fellowship. In sharp contrast, today's "tolerance" means having to accept all values, truths, and beliefs (no matter how morally bankrupt) as equally valid.” - The Cultural Church, p. 78-79

    171. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Fellowship in time will determine practice. (1 Cor 5:5-6)

    172. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship 1 Corinthians 5:5-6 (NKJV) - deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump?

    173. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship This is not a new path! Consider again the experience of the “Disciples of Christ Denomination.”

    174. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship This is not a new path! Consider again the experience of the “Disciples of Christ Denomination.” Even if you “hold steadfast your views” what will become of your children?

    175. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Even now many country churches that have not had the slightest idea about what was occurring are now being influences by the children and newcomers who attended the “Christian colleges” and large city churches. Many have found themselves in a minority on a very fast train.

    176. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Even now many country churches that have not had the slightest idea about what was occurring are now being influences by the children and newcomers who attended the “Christian colleges” and large city churches. Many have found themselves in a minority on a very fast train. The “openness” of today will become withdrawn in the future.

    177. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship J. W. McGarvey learned a lesson the hard way in his “middle of the road” position on fellowship.

    178. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship If you want to influence someone with God’s wisdom, take a stand! (2 Cor 6:14-17)

    179. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship 2 Corinthians 6:14-17 (NKJV) - Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?

    180. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship 16And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore “Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”

    181. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship God will view me as practicing the things that I encourage others in.

    182. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship God will view me as practicing the things that I encourage others in. I will be held accountable! (1 Tim 5:22; 2 John 9-11)

    183. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship 1 Timothy 5:22 (NKJV) - Do not lay hands on anyone hastily, nor share in other people’s sins; keep yourself pure.

    184. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship 2 John 1:9-11 (NKJV) - 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. 10If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.

    185. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship What is my goal? Do I want others to change.

    186. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship What is my goal? Do I want others to change. Who do I really want to have fellowship with?

    187. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship What is my goal? Do I want others to change. Who do I really want to have fellowship with? While some say they want to be right with God, they in fact want to please men. (Gal 1:10)

    188. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Galatians 1:10 (NKJV) - For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.

    189. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship While we may fool men, God knows our heart!

    190. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship While we may fool men, God knows our heart! I have talked with men about what was right and what they needed to do.

    191. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Even though they have agreed with me, I have often heard the refusal to stand rationalized like this: “It is hard to do what is right!”

    192. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Even though they have agreed with me, I have often heard the refusal to stand rationalized like this: “It is hard to do what is right!” What will heaven be like?

    193. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Even though they have agreed with me, I have often heard the refusal to stand rationalized like this: “It is hard to do what is right!” What will heaven be like? It will be filled with men of faith who at times had to stand alone. (Heb 11:32-38)

    194. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Hebrews 11:32-38 (NKJV) - And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon and Barak and Samson and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,

    195. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, became valiant in battle, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection.

    196. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship 36 Still others had trial of mockings and scourgings, yes, and of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawn in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented—38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

    197. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Have you heard of these men?

    198. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi?

    199. Consequences of a Broader Fellowship Have you heard of these men? Sethur? Gaddiel? Palti? Shaphat? Nahbi? How about these men? Caleb? Joshua?

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