True Fellowship

I have noticed that many Christians tend to base their fellowship upon certain preset conditions, which typically are formed by the teaching they have received from the Word of God. In other words, what they believe about the Bible becomes the basis, or grounds for their fellowship with other believers.

So what am I saying? That discernment of doctrine is wrong? Or that we should not reason from the scriptures? None of these things are wrong in and of themselves. However when they become the focus of our spiritual pursuits, we lose perspective on what the purpose of our Christian life is all about.

Jesus said, “I am come that they might have life, and that they may have it more abundantly”. He Himself is that life! He did not come simply to teach us pure doctrine, or any other outward issue. Christ Jesus came to bring us into union with Himself. John tells us that “if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His son, cleanses us from all sin.”

Therefore the secret of fellowship is walking in the light! Praise the Lord! It’s not about us, it’s all about Him. The more we behold Him, the more we are changed from glory to glory, even as from the Lord’s Spirit.

When we walk in the light, God reveals any sins present in us. As we confess ours sins, His blood cleanses us allowing closer and deeper fellowship with the Triune God. This is the ultimate goal of any believer, to live in constant communion with our Lord.

In order for any two believers to have fellowship with each other, the first prerequisite is fellowship with God. In other words, there must be a relationship between Christ and the believer where the light is shining into their life. As two or more saints gather “into” His name, Christ Himself is present in their midst. This becomes the basis for true fellowship which alone can produce unity and oneness.

The gospel of John tells us clearly that Christ Himself is the Word, the Life, and the Light. Does it not make sense that to understand the Word accurately, we must be in the Light?

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, in order for our discussions to be profitable, we must be walking in the light. Simply proving one’s point apart from the presence of the Holy Spirit will only lead to contention and strife.

So to end, let us speak the truth in love one to another, having our words full of grace, seasoned with salt. Let us consider one another, provoking each one to love and good works.

Grace and Peace be multiplied in your lives!

Your brother,

Jim