Truth Magazine

By Larry Ray Hafley

Question:

From Kentucky: I am, in every sense of the word, a ‘babe in Christ,’ and I have a question on fellowship. I am really confused on this word. Can you tell me exactly what it means?”

Reply:

The word, “fellowship,” comes from a Greek word which connotes communion, partnership, sharing. God, by means of the gospel, calls one unto the fellowship of His Son (1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Thess. 2:13, 14). This is merely another way of expressing relationship to Christ. Saved ones are said to be “born again,” “Married to Christ,” “fellow citizens,” “fellow heirs,” “members of His body,” etc. These terms are all descriptive of association with Christ. The book of Ephesians is rich in such imagery (Eph. 1:3-14; 2:1-3:6; 4:3-16; 5:23-32). To be in any one of these conditions with respect to Christ, one must obey the gospel. The terminology indicates that one has been saved from his sins and added to the Lord. So, to have fellowship with the Lord, one must obey the truth and continue to walk in the light. Again, these words relate to one’s position or status to the Lord.

Perhaps a negative thrust will help ascertain the definition of fellowship. Paul said, “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness” (Eph. 5:11). What did he mean? He meant, of course, that one may not share, partake, have communion, or agreement with those works. Suppose Paul had said, “Have fellowship with fruitful works of light.” What would that mean? It would mean that we are to engage in works of that nature. Hence, to have fellowship with Christ means to associate and participate with Him.

Comparison and Contrast In 1 John

Our inquirer wants to know “exactly” what fellowship means. Turn to 1 John. In chapter one, John says he has declared what he had seen, heard, and handled “that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ” (v. 3). But what does that mean? Compare 1 John 1:6 and 2:4. “If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth” (1:6). “He that saith, I know him and keepeth not his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him” (2:4). These verses say essentially the same thing. They define one another. As witness thereto note:

(l) “Walk in darkness” (1:6).

(2) “Keepeth not his commandments” (2:4).

(1) “We lie” (1:6).

(2) “Is a liar” (2:4).

(1) “Do not the truth” (1:6).

(2) “Truth is not in him” (2:4).

Further, compare 1 John 1:7 and 2:3, 5. “But 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 cleanseth us from all sin” (1:7). “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments . . . .But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him” (2:3,5).

(1) “If we walk in the light as he is in the light” (1:7).

(2) “If we keep his commandments; if we keep his word” (2:3,5).

(1) “We have fellowship one with another and blood cleanseth” (1:7).

(2) “We know that we know him, and we know we are in him” (2:3,5).

These passages are precisely parallel. They show us that fellowship or communion with God is contingent on obedience to His word. Conversely, they show us that we walk in darkness when we do not keep His word.

Truth Magazine XXI: 39, p. 610
October 6, 1977

By Robert Wayne La Coste

“Brother La Coste?” “Yes,” I responded. “Brother La Coste, we of the Weber Road congregation are inviting each and every member of the church that desires to attend in this area to come to our talent show to be held in our fellowship hall.” “Come again,” I replied. The voice faltered somewhat, “Uh, we are having a talent show here in our fellowship hall, and we thought you might want to attend and bring as many as desire to come with you.” I hesitated for a moment, “You want us to come where, bring who and do what?” “Well, uh, . . er, you see . . . we are going to have refreshments, judging, and even final prizes.” Complete silence for about a minute. “Brother La Coste, are you still there?” “Yes, I am still here,” I replied. “I am just curious . . . do you feel the Lord would be pleased with such activity in the name and at the expense of the church?” We here in Refugio believe in having a good time, but we don’t do it in the name of the church neither at the Lord’s expense . . . and by the way, what is a fellowship hall?” “Hello . . . are you still there?”

“Uh, err . . . well, I understand . . . goodbye.” Click.

Someone has said that a fanatic is a fellow who doubles his effort while forgetting his goal. How foolish is such a one. I thought as I hung up the phone; have these ‘brethren’ forgotten their goal or mission as the church? Are they doubling their effort in a near fanatical attempt to attract the attention of the world? Speed, dear reader, means nothing if we are going in the wrong direction! God never intended for His church to get involved in such ludicrous activity! The very idea: A church of Christ talent show! If the Lord were in the grave, He would have been resurrected or at least be turning therein. However, He lives and reigns and we do not have to guess how he feels about it! “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction, and many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of” (2 Peter 2:1-2)

Mission or Function

The purpose, mission or function of the church is spiritual in nature! It has always been so and it will always be so, as far as the Lord is concerned) Peter wrote extensively about the matter when he said, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable .to God by Jesus Christ . . . ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who bath called you out of darkness into light” (1 Peter 2:5, 9). In this text, dear reader, if you were to strip away the qualifying phrases, it would read like this: “You are-that ye should.” “Ye are something (showing nature) in order that ye should do something” (showing function). An obvious question is in order here, “What is the church to do?” Have talent shows? Build “fellowship” (?) halls? (What they really mean is a recreational center . . . fellowship is not meat and drink . . . it is a relationship; see 1 John 1:3-7; Rom. 14:17.)

According to Peter, the church is to “shew forth the praises of him who bath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Shew forth is from the greek exangello, meaning to “tell out, proclaim abroad, to publish completely.” What is the church to proclaim, publish or propagate? The praises, excellencies, the goodness, and wonderful. deeds (see other translations) of the Lord! As Paul put it, “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor. 2:2). The church has other spiritual activities, but this is its main task!

Where will it all end? What will these people do next? I am afraid to even guess! What is disturbing, is that they are so spiritually ignorant and so naive, that they can not see anything wrong. with their reprobate activity! If we oppose it, we are the troublemakers and the church splitters. Very well, so be it! I’ll risk the name branding and being called “anti” for I am 200% opposed to people spitting in the face of Jesus again and crucifying Him afresh again! Their activity impeaches the wisdom of God, and brings the Lord’s church down to the lowly estate of being “just another denomination.” By the way, guess who really wore their talent show? See 1 Timothy 5:15!

Truth Magazine XXI: 38, p. 605
September 29, 1977

By Jimmy Tuten, Jr.

Solomon said, “Remember now thy creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them” (Eccl. 12:1). Denise Anderson of Route 4, Madison, Alabama has done just that!

She recently graduated from Athens Bible School where she was a member of the ABS chorus, National Beta Club and Co-editor of the school newspaper. Denise recently received the extremely high honor of being selected to participate in “America’s Youth in Concert,” sponsored by the University Academy of Music, Princeton, N.J. She was to tour Europe, taking in London, Paris, Geneva, Innsbruck, Venice, Florence and Rome.

However, there was one catch for this young lady of 18 with deep religious convictions who is a faithful member of the church. She would have sung religious songs to the accompaniment of musical instruments. She would also have abetted Roman Catholicism by participating in a Catholic Mass in the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. While in Rome the tour would have taken in the Notre Dame Cathedral where she would have performed also. Such a wonderful opportunity for a girl of 18! But being a Christian, she made a mature decision. She would not violate her convictions. She turned down the opportunity. She did this for her Lord and declared her stand for truth and righteousness.

I was personally overwhelmed emotionally when I heard of it. I had to tell others of Denise and the example she set for others teenagers. Her mother, Alice C. Anderson must be proud of her. Surely the Lord smiles with approval. Denise, we as adults admire you and many of us wish we had the fortitude you have. God bless you!

Truth Magazine XXI: 38, p. 604
September 29, 1977

By Johnie Edwards

The state of one’s mind is important. Solomon said, “For as he thinketh in his heart so is he. . .” (Prov. 23:7). It is important that we keep our mind in a good state, for God “searcheth the hearts and knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit. . .” (Rom. 8:27). Let’s take a look at some good states of the mind.

A Sound Mind

The word sound as used in this lesson means “to be healthy, sound in health or wholesome” (Vine). Paul said, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). Young men are exhorted “to be sober minded” (Tit. 2:6). Do you have a sound mind?

A God-Glorifying Mind

One purpose of our minds is to glorify God. Paul told the Romans, “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. 15:6). We glorify God in being a Christian (i Pet. 4:16); in speaking as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11); and the purpose is, “that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever” (1 Pet. 4:11).

A Pure Mind

Christians are admonished to keep pure (1 Tim. 5:22). Peter said, “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance” (2 Pet. 3:1). One way to keep a pure mind is to “think on pure things” as Paul admonished the Philippians (Phil. 4:8).

Brethren-Caring Minds

In our society, just too many do not care! Paul wrote the Corinthians, “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Cor. 12:25). Paul said of Timothy as he wrote the brethren at Philippi, “For I have no man like-minded, who will naturally care for your state” (Phil. 2:20). How much do you care?

Humble Minds

“The word humble primarily signifies low-lying. It is used in a good sense in the New Testament, metaphorically, to denote of low degree, brought low” (Vine). God’s people must be humble-minded. Paul said he served the Lord with “all humility of mind. . .” (Acts 20:19). Again Paul said, “Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves” (Phil. 2:3). Peter said, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time” (1 Pet.5:6). Christians are told to put on a number of things. One of these is humility. “Put on therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering” (Col. 3:12). There is no place in the Lord’s church for haughty minds.

A God-Loving Mind

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind” (Matt. 23:37). Before people will obey God, they must be taught to love God with all their minds. Jesus said, “. . .If a man love, me, he will keep my words. . . He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings. . .” (Jn. 14:23-24). We must learn to love God above every thing else. Let us do some checking on our minds!

Truth Magazine XXI: 38, p. 604
September 29, 1977