UNITY AND FELLOWSHIP AMONGST LIKE-MINDED CHRISTIANS (ACTS 2:42)

Dear Members in Christ,

Unity and fellowship amongst like-minded Christians (Acts 2:42)

The Bible teaches us to have fellowship with Christians as we are bonded in Christ in one Spirit. In the book of Acts, we see this pattern of fellowship displayed by the early church. After the initial conversion and baptism of three thousand at the preaching of the Apostle Peter, we read of how the believers continued in the practice of their faith as in,

“And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Acts 2:42

Fellowship and mutual encouragement in the faith is one way of building up Christian faith. Christians ought to seek opportunity to edify and strengthen one another’s faith. Within the church, there are fellowship groups whereby believers can exercise this bond with one another in Christ.

However, I have also been asked about the subject of interaction with other churches. The question is, since we adhere to the doctrine of separation, does it mean that we will isolate ourselves from fellowship with Christians in other churches? The simple answer is no, we do not isolate ourselves, but instead we do seek the fellowship of like-minded Christians. This is stated in our Church Constitution under Article 3: Objects, sub-Article 3.7 which reads, “The strengthening of mutual fellowship, encouragement and unity among individual Bible-Presbyterian Churches and other Bible-believing churches of similar stand ‘for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ’ (Rev 1:9)”.

So, like the pattern seen in Acts 2:42, the believers were united in doctrine for they “continued stedfastly in the Apostle’s doctrine and fellowship.” The reason for our unity is to stand for the Word of God, and therefore doctrinal consensus must be the foundation of Christian fellowship.  

A. The basis of fellowship – worshipping and fellowship with doctrinal unity

Doctrinal unity is the foundational basis for Christian fellowship, so if we extend a hand of fellowship to other churches, the same basis applies. When Christians gather to worship God, we do so with the same understanding of who God is, and how we are redeemed by the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus, we read how the apostle Paul exhorts in the epistle to the Romans,

“That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6

It is only possible to glorify God with one mind and one mouth if we are doctrinally aligned. What joy it is to see brethren from like-minded BP churches come to worship with us. Particularly in the mid-year season when churches would come to Malaysia to hold their annual Family Bible Camp. While it is our practice to welcome any sincere visitor to the church bar none, we are especially glad to welcome like-minded brethren to worship with us. As our Church Constitution states; we strengthen the mutual fellowship, encouragement and unity “with individual Bible-Presbyterian Churches and other Bible-believing churches of similar stand ‘for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ’."

Dearly beloved, the Bible urges us to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27). Unity by the work of the Holy Spirit of God in our lives, and unity with like-minded brethren who share our love for the work and Word of the Lord Jesus Christ.

B. The purpose - mutual strengthening, encouragement and unity in Christ

Knowing that the biblical teaching for fellowship is only on the basis of doctrinal unity, the purpose of fellowship with like-minded churches is also clear in biblical teaching. The constitutional statement makes it clear that the purpose is for “the strengthening of mutual fellowship, encouragement and unity.” The Bible in the book of Ecclesiastes had this to say.

“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour…. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.”  Ecclesiastes 4:9,10

Indeed, the presence of a companion traveler is safety, and one can find help and strength in good company. On the other hand, if we stand in isolation, we become easy prey for the adversary the roaring lion, for it is the predator’s nature to seek out the lone prey who stands outside the safety of the herd. On the other hand, fellowship with brethren from like-minded churches helps in our labour for then there is mutual support and encouragement. This bond in Christ gives us strength and synergy in our labour for the Lord.  

We thank God for the teaching from the Scriptures which enlightens us on this subject. We do not stand in isolation, but instead we seek mutual strengthening and encouragement of “individual Bible-Presbyterian churches and other Bible-believing churches of similar stand ‘for the Word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ’.” With these thoughts, we extend a warm welcome to all worshippers, especially visitors who have come to worship with us. May the peace and joy of God be with you as we fellowship in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.    

In His Service,
Rev. Lim Seh Beng, Pastor