Local Church Fellowship.                                                                                                                          (Who makes up the membership of a local church fellowship. Are there conditions of fellowship.)

 

A local church should be made up of people saved and baptised.

When we come to the beginning of the book of Acts, we find a pattern to follow.

Act 2:41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Act 2:42 “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” They were believers, because they had received Peter’s testimony of Christ. They had been baptized in water. Then they were added to the local church that had been formed at the beginning of Acts 2. In the fellowship they enjoyed the activities and responsibilities of fellowship.

Therefore, believing faith and baptism are required before fellowship.

 

Should all baptized believers be automatically accepted in fellowship to the local church.

There are standards required.

Two such conditions are mentioned in the bible. They are Moral evil and Doctrinal evil.

 

Moral evil – 1Corinthians 5. Living a sexual life, not according to the teaching of the bible. A person who is stealing from others or swindling possessions from others. A reviler, or thought to be one who continues to speak with hatred of others. A drunkard, or one whose life, is controlled by strong drink. Even after we are saved, these things can take a hold in our life.

 

Doctrinal evil – Acts 2:42. “And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship“. The fellowship that they enjoyed was based on the apostles’ teachings. The apostles have passed and now we have the bible to guide us. Those who teach contrary to the plain truths of scripture, or are fellowshipping with those who practice and believe such things, should not be received, unless the failing is corrected. Fellowship is a sharing together and common enjoyment of spiritual truths. The following principle would be applicable. Ephesians 5:11 “And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

 

We would judge, such matters would be of great importance, and essential doctrine(teaching). Some thoughts would be –

The Deity of Christ.

Faith in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, as the only foundation for salvation.

The responsibility of each local church to the Lord Jesus Christ alone.

The display of the headship of Christ, in the local church. The will be witnessed by the uncovered head of the man and the covered head of the women.

An understanding that the bible is complete. Prophets have ceased to exist.