Thursday, January 31, 2008
Fellowship issues...
I see a distinction between salvation issues and fellowship issues. One has to do with becoming a Christian, while the other deals with life as a Christian. Here are some of the basic things to be considered when deciding if something is an issue that could determine whether to extend -or to withhold- fellowship.
...if there is no fellowship, it is a moot question. So I have never quite understood withdrawing fellowship from someone, or some congregation, which you do not interact with.
...How clear is the behavior or belief in Scripture.
...withholding of fellowship has the goal of restoring someone in danger of losing their salvation.
...this is a decision the people of God make, so it needs to be done with prayer, love, tears, and wisdom.
...withdrawal of fellowship is the last step in a process.
...congregations can withhold fellowship from individuals.
...individuals may choose to worship elsewhere but that is not the same as withdrawing fellowship.
These are some of the things I think important to consider. Feel free to chime in with things I may have missed. Next time I will try to make some practical application.
...if there is no fellowship, it is a moot question. So I have never quite understood withdrawing fellowship from someone, or some congregation, which you do not interact with.
...How clear is the behavior or belief in Scripture.
...withholding of fellowship has the goal of restoring someone in danger of losing their salvation.
...this is a decision the people of God make, so it needs to be done with prayer, love, tears, and wisdom.
...withdrawal of fellowship is the last step in a process.
...congregations can withhold fellowship from individuals.
...individuals may choose to worship elsewhere but that is not the same as withdrawing fellowship.
These are some of the things I think important to consider. Feel free to chime in with things I may have missed. Next time I will try to make some practical application.
