There has always been alot of division on this forum, I haven't posted in a long time because of it, I've prayed for God to help me post in a positive way. So here's my attempt to minister and lift. God bless you all.
On the most basic threshold level, we have universal fellowship with everyone who breathes. So are we to have fellowship with the ungodly of this world? Jesus did. Jesus might well have said, “I can’t serve you unless I first fellowship you!” Jesus did say: “If you greet only your brothers,” referring to ethnic, religious, and sectarian divisions, “what are you doing more than others? Do not even the pagans do that?” Jesus was His brother’s keeper, and His sister’s. And He calls us to that same basic fellowship! Remember, Jesus wasn’t just eating with sinners and conveniently ignoring their spiritual needs! He helped people see God.
“Respect all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the King.” 1 Peter 2:17
We are to love all that are in the world..but Jesus made a distinction of who our "Brothers" are.Jesus said, "My brothers and sisters are they who do the will of my Father." Fact..He said ,"I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.."
Love is patience and kindness...and yes we do exercise these 2 virtues in our dealings with all...but everyone in the world is not our brothers.
As far as the forum..I can only answer for me...and I ponder every post and thread out good before I push save..as we are ambassadors of Christ.
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So are we to have fellowship with the ungodly of this world? Jesus did.
Maybe we should define the term fellowship. Jesus said, "have NO fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
When Jesus took the whip and drove them from the Temple, was that concidered fellowship?
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Jesus wasn’t just eating with sinners and conveniently ignoring their spiritual needs! He helped people see God.
True, and when he did, they sought to kill him. As Chuck pointed out, Jesus caused much division by teaching the truth to those who really didn't want to hear what the truth was. Beware when all men speak well of you.
I agree we should define fellowship. Fellowship in Christ is defined in 1 John 1:5-7 But I am looking at different kinds of fellowship. In the first post I was talking about "Universal Fellowship" the fact that every person ever created is an image bearer of God. In that one common aspect we are united. But of course there are different fellowships that must be recognized. Jesus drew a line and it must be respected by His people.
This post is about “Faith Fellowship” a distinct fellowship that we all (those who consider themselves Christians) enjoy on this forum as we debate details about the faith we share in Christ. In Christendom we are all joined by our faith that Jesus is the Son of God. It is the common thread. Although we differ in many other areas this we have in common.
Consider Mark 9:38-41, where John finds someone casting out demons in Jesus' name.
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw a man driving out demons in your name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.” Do not stop him,” Jesus said, “No one who does a miracle in my name can in the next moment say anything bad about me, for whoever is not against us is for us. I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.”
Here is one who “was not one of us” but yet the Lord is not willing to allow them to be forbidden from speaking in Jesus name. Now, almost no one who believes the Bible would say that the "reward" Jesus refers to here is salvation. We all agree that salvation is not gained somehow by an act of kindness, (giving water to one in need). Of course all Christians would say salvation is a spiritual blessing that is freely given by God. Almost all would agree that one must believe before that blessing can or will be bestowed. “Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” Jn. 6:29. I think of “Faith Fellowship” as “Like Family fellowship” they are a lot “like” you in that they believe in Jesus, but they are not exactly aligned with you in all matters of faith. Wherever it is found, whether in individuals, families, or nations, faith in Christ always has it’s reward. We have a unique fellowship of faith with all those who fervently seek God through Jesus Christ. We can be encouraged, taught, and even rebuked by their faith.
Last edited by Goose 11; 04-04-2011 at 01:34 PM.
Reason: Change wording
Trey, The best way to preach fellowship like this is by example..I would suggest to get involved in some of these threads and show by example in your post how it should be done.{ -;
Trey, The best way to preach fellowship like this is by example..I would suggest to get involved in some of these threads and show by example in your post how it should be done.{ -;
So in other words you want me to quit posting to this thread and post elsewhere?
no sir..I enjoy reading your post...I know you are well learned. You also have alot of good advice in hunting..I've actually missed you..by all means post my friend.
One way to keep the pot stired is to be quick to take offense to what others post.
We are not all overly intelligent posters, but most have long memorys.
Who is my Brother?
