I approach this subject with fear and trembling! Still, I believe the things written here need consideration by us all. I have found that the subject of fellowship usually takes care of itself. If we "speak as the oracles of God" and demand a "thus saith the Lord", those who are not of this persuasion will exclude us from their fellowship. Conversely, if we "speak as the oracles of God" and demand a "thus saith the Lord," all who are of this disposition of heart find themselves in fellowship with God and therefore with one another (1 John 1:1-10).

 The Bible Doctrine Of Fellowship

 "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: For what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God: As God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; And I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; And I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). See also (Ephesians 5:11; 2 John 9-11; Romans 16:16-18).

 Notice the words "fellowship," "communion," "concord,"  "agreement," etc. The Greek scholar Thayer, defines fellowship as follows: "To come into communion or fellowship, to become a sharer, be made a partner; participation, intercourse, collection, contribution" (p. 351 ff). If one is in fellowship with deity, such an one is in fellowship with everyone else who is in fellowship with deity. To be in fellowship with God the Father, Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit, one must be "walking in the light as He is in the light" (1 John 1:1-7; 2 Corinthians 13:14). We do not even have to be on the same continent. This relationship is known as the church or the kingdom of Christ. It is shared equally by all who have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus; Even heavenly beings. "The whole family of God in heaven and in earth" (Ephesians 3:15). The Hebrew writer states it thus:

 "But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, (ones) which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant,...Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire" (Hebrews 12:22-29).

In writing about this relationship of which we are privileged to be a part,  the Apostle Paul said "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, (that is we Gentiles) but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation (teachings ket) of the Apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit" (Ephesians 2:19-22). Earlier in this chapter he had spoken about how the Jew and Gentile are each "reconciled unto God in one body by the cross" and that the hatred between Jew and Gentile is abolished in this relationship as well as having peace with God (Ephesians 2:11-17). People who denigrate the church of our Lord are so bereft of understanding! What a wonderful blessing it is to be numbered among the saved in this holy temple, this household, this family, this kingdom of our blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! We have been "delivered out of the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of His dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins" (Colossians 1:13-14). The same blood that bought Christ's church is associated with the kingdom. The kingdom and the church are terms used interchangeably (Matthew 16:18-19).

  As Amos said long ago, "Can two walk together, except they be agreed" (Amos 3:3)? To do so may accomplish union, but it does not accomplish unity, or Biblical fellowship, for they do not share common beliefs nor goals.

 In their decision to share (have fellowship) with other brethren and with the Apostle Paul in a matter, Paul wrote, "praying us with much entreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of ministering to the saints" (2 Corinthians 8:4). This indicates a working relationship which was entered into between Christians who, at the time,  were separated by several miles. They agreed to work with others to a common goal of relieving the brethren in other areas. You will note that no "sponsoring eldership" or "human institution" is in evidence. Only local congregations of Christians working concurrently and cooperating together (having fellowship) to see to the needy among them. The only organization known to the New Testament for collective functioning or "church work" is the local congregation under the oversight of her elders being assisted by the deacons and other members. Each is an autonomous (self governing) body (Acts 14:23; Philippians 1:1-2; 1 Peter 1:1-5; Acts 20:28; Hebrews 13:7, 17; 1 Thessalonians 5:11-17). Their benevolent work was carried out with nothing but local churches of Christ. They cooperated when necessary to reach a common goal, but no organizations ever stood between the churches and the work they were authorized or commanded to accomplish. None should exist today. The faithful followers of Christ may not have fellowship with those who corrupt this New Testament pattern (2 John 9-11; Philippians 4:9; Colossians 3:17; Revelation 22:18-19).

   This, the fundamental and basic function of the Lord's people, the church, (1 Timothy 3:15), was also carried out in cooperative ways. Paul took wages from several congregations to work in an area preaching Christ (2 Corinthians 11:8). At other times, only one church or local congregation of Christians had fellowship (communicated KJV) with Paul as he preached to the brethren at Philippi, as recorded in (Philippians 4:10-19). As was true in benevolence, it was also true in evangelism. They cooperated when necessary, but no organization was set up nor any sponsoring elderships were in evidence. This is God's pattern which must be respected today. The faithful cannot fellowship those who disregard this arrangement. To do so would be to "bid Godspeed" or to "share," have "fellowship" in said error. It would be "joint participation." This we are forbidden to do if we would please Christ (2 Corinthians 6:14; 2 John 11; Ephesians 5:11).

 Those who advocate a broader fellowship than the Biblical standard are now saying that we simply cannot know truth in all areas sufficiently to know who to and not to fellowship. This is a totally false premise of course. If they are correct, we would not know whom to attempt to convert to Christ. We could not know who is or who isn't a false teacher of whom we are told by Christ as well as His Apostles, to "beware" (Matthew 7:15; Romans 16:17-18; 2 John 10; 1 John 4:1). Elders in local churches would not be able to recognize the "wolves who would not spare the flock" (Acts 20:29). Elders would not be able to "..exhort and to convince the gainsayers" nor whose "..mouths to stop.." Nor could they know how to "..rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.." Nor recognize the "doctrines and commandments of men, that turn from the truth," all of which they are commanded to handle (Titus 1:9-14).

 The church at Corinth had become broad minded to the point that they were condoning a known fornicator among the membership. They were told to handle this, congregationally for the sake of the salvation of the souls involved. Paul wrote them about this problem and gave the following commandments as an Apostle of Christ.

 "It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. And ye are puffed up, and have not mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you....In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together,...deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump...Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person" (1 Corinthians 5:1-13).

     To fellowship error harms the one fellowshipped. They will never know of what they need to repent perhaps, unless the church stands up for the Biblical standard of morality. Those who fellowship couples who are "living in adultery" (Colossians 3:7; Matthew 5:32; 19:1-5) do great spiritual harm to those so involved. To extend fellowship when God doesn't, does folks no good. He will say to them at the judgement, "I know you not" (Matthew 25:12). To rescind fellowship from those whom God accepts does them no permanent damage for He will say to such "come, ye blessed of My Father,.."(Matthew 25:41). If we err about such matters, would it not be better to err on the side of trying our best to uphold the moral and doctrinal standard of the Lord Jesus Christ than to show a lack of respect for His teaching?

 Jesus Takes Note Of What His People Are Doing

     As John wrote what the angel of Christ told him to write to the seven local congregations of Christ in Asia Minor (Revelation 1:1-2), He took note of what they were as well as were not dealing with as they should. To the church at Pergamos, He said, "But I have a few things against you, because you have there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against you with the sword of My mouth" (Revelation 2:14-16). Unless these brethren repented and corrected this matter of broadmindedness, in the fellowshipping of moral and doctrinal error, Jesus would no longer be an ally, rather an adversary.

 Using A False Teacher

 We are told nowadays CONCERNING A GREAT PREACHER AMONG US ,that even though a man is teaching error in moral matters having to do with the issue of Marriage, divorce, and remarriage, and that if you believe what he teaches on this subject you will go to hell, because of the great good he has done in the kingdom in the past, we should continue to use him in gospel meetings etc. Mind you, he hasn't retracted the teaching nor the book which puts his ungodly doctrine in permanent form. The man and the book teaches that the marriages (regardless of how many ket) entered into before one "puts himself under the New Covenant of Christ," have no bearing on his marital status.  We are told we should baptize him for the remission of sins and fellowship him. In other words, his baptism "washes away wives" of the past. He denies this consequence to his doctrine but it logically follows. Likewise he would be hard pressed to demand that the man with multiple wives leave all but one when converted to Christ. No, he could keep them all. If it works in one case why will it not work in others? In my estimation, those who are teaching this doctrine fail to take into account what genuine repentance demands. I am not required to find a case where someone was told to "break up their marriage" before they were baptized into Christ to prove my position. All I am required to do is teach what repentance demands. May a thief keep his ill gotten gain when converted? May a liar keep on lying? May a drunk keep on drinking? I know that Herod was "married to his brother Philip's wife" and it was "not lawful" for him to have her (Matthew 14:1-4). Jesus taught that it may become necessary to live a celibate lifestyle to be right with the Lord (Matthew 19:10-12).

 After commending the church at Thyatira for some good things they were doing, Jesus says, "Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because you allow that woman Jezebel which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. I gave her space to repent of her fornication; and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and them that commit adultery with her into great tribulation, except they repent of their deeds. And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am He which searcheth the reins and hearts and I will give unto every one of you according to your works."

 "A Little Leaven Leaveneth The Whole Lump"

 It was true at Corinth, it was also true at Thyatira, and it will hold true today in any local church of Christ. These brethren were harboring and failing the discipline this unrepentant sinner. She like those of our day, spread her sin to others; and, so by the neglect of discipline, the church allowed the sin to infect others who should have been protected by the proper practice of biblical discipline. The elders should have handled this matter quickly and decisively. Many today will have to answer for this same offense. We have congregations in our state which were founded due to their desire to fellowship folks who teach and or practice the sin  mentioned in Pergamos and Thyatira as well as other sins. They may grow in numbers and appear to really be "setting the woods on fire" in the areas where they exist. Their number may swell, but the Lord knows their works, and they shall not escape the vengeance of God (Revelation 20:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10-11; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Romans 2:6-11; 14:12; John 12:48).

  Simply stated, "all who are in fellowship with God." Sometimes we are accused of being "narrow minded" by our religious neighbors. Sometimes they are heard to say, "why, you folks draw a circle and exclude everyone not in your circle," Etc., Etc., Etc. My friend, we are no more narrow minded than is the Lord Himself. However, we dare not be broader minded than He. We accept into fellowship everyone on the face of the earth who are in fellowship with God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit as already stated in this study. The "one body" of Christ is broad enough to house everyone who respects the will of Christ and walks therein. No denomination claims to house all the saved. Christ's blood purchased church does (Acts 2:41,47; Ephesians 2:13-17; 1 Corinthians 12:13, 20; Ephesians 4:1-6).

 Those who have heard and believed the gospel (Hebrews 11:6; Romans 1:16-17), repented of sin and error (Luke 13:3; 2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30), confessed Jesus as Lord before men (Acts 8:37; Romans 10:10), were immersed in water unto (for in order to) the forgiveness of alien sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16; 1 Peter 3:20-21; Mark 16:16). Such have been added by the Lord Himself to His church (Acts 2:22-47; Colossians 1:13-14). We are in fellowship with all such as have followed the word of Christ and are continuing to "abide in the apostles' doctrine.." or as John put it, who are "abiding in the doctrine of Christ." (Acts 2:42; 2 John 9-10).

 The Psalmist Said It Well In (Psalms 119:63)

 "I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep Thy precepts." A companion means "one who agrees," The Psalmist said he was "in agreement" with those who fear God and keep God's precepts or commandments. This is the standard which should guide us today.

 Some With Whom We Are Not In Fellowship

 We are not in fellowship with those who teach such things as (1). Salvation by faith alone, or solely through faith in Christ. Such is said in the Methodist Disciple and Standard Manual for (Southern) Baptist churches. (2). We are not in fellowship with those who teach that conversion is accomplished by a better felt than told "experience." Most Protestants teach his in so many words. To quote the Baptist Manual by Edward T. Hiscox again, under "regeneration."  "..it (the new birth or regeneration ket) is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the Holy Spirit,...that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, faith, and newness of life" (page 63). My friend, this is saying that one is saved first by the Holy Spirit's direct operation and later one repents, believes, and reforms! That's Calvinism in its rankest form! If this is the way the "new birth" is accomplished, why doesn't everyone receive this experience? Doesn't God desire all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4; John 3:16; Hebrews 2:9)? Doesn't He want "all to come to repentance?" Why, yes He does (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:30; Luke 13:3; Acts 11:18b). If He must "zap" one with the Holy Spirit enabling one to repent, believe, and reform, why doesn't He "zap" everyone whom He wants regenerated? (John 3:3-5; Titus 3:3-5).

     I have said it many times, I could easier prove universal salvation by the Scriptures than they can their doctrine of a "direct operation of the Holy Spirit" in conversion. Besides, the Baptist invariably have  repentance  preceding faith. The only time this was so stated was under the limited commission to the Jews of John and Jesus' ministry. They were to "repent toward God" (since they had departed,) and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). They were believers already in the one true God. John's ministry or commission as the harbinger of Christ was to turn the hearts of the Jews back to God and be ready to receive their Messiah. That is why repentance is mentioned first in their case. Remember now, they already believed in the one true God. See?

 Under His "Great Commission," Jesus taught "..he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.." (Mark 16:16). Peter on Pentecost told sinners who were already made believers in Christ by the sermon he preached that day, "..repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:37-38).  See (VS-40-41), where they were told to "..save yourselves from this crooked generation." Again, where ever folks give such allegiance to Jesus Christ and obey as did these folks, we are in fellowship with them and they with us. These folks were not told "join the church of your choice" they knew this made them members of the church of Christ's choice (Matthew 16:18-19; Ephesians 1:22-23; Ephesians 5:22-25; Colossians 1:18).

 Denominations Not "Part Of Christ's Church"

 Not only do the denominations not teach the gospel plan of salvation for alien sinners to "save yourselves from this crooked generation,"(Acts 2:40). When they get members they give them the wrong names, provide a corrupted Lord's day worship, are different in organization and mission from the blood bought church of Christ. Denominationalism is a product of human wisdom. They are not the divine relationship planned from eternity and purchased with the blood of the sinless Son of the living God. They are plants "not planted by the heavenly Father"  and all such are destined to be "rooted up" (Matthew 15:13; Psalms 127:1). If you find yourself a member of a human denomination, get out right away before it is too late. Obey the gospel of Christ and the Lord will "add you too to His church" (Acts 2:22-38,41,47).

    If you are a Christian but are involved in things for which there is no scriptural authority, you need to stop it, repent, confess error and pray for  forgiveness (1 John 1:1-9; Acts 8:22; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 4:11).  If you are subject to Christ's invitation, why not come now while we stand and sing the song announced?