We had an interesing discussion during home group last week in the context of a seminar that one of our members attended on chaplaincy. Debate - of a friendly and searching kind - ensued about what constitutes fellowship and at what point can a Believer be "friends" with a person, but not enter into fellowship with that person. At what point does fellowship not only become difficult, but impossible or questionable for the Believer. Fellowship implies a oneness of mind, a common purpose, a joint understanding. If those three elements are missing then there's a barrier which actively prevents fellowship.
As should be the case for any Believer, the point at which fellowship begins and ends is the Bible, or more specifically, the authority of the Bible. As Christians the Bible is our final, ultimate and only authority. It's not a popular view, even within the church, but it is true. The Bible is God's final word on His creation and His marvellous work in salvation. If agreement is not present over the truth and authority of God's word, then friendship is the only option. Fellowship simply cannot be. For fellowship to occur when there is inequity of undersanding about the Word of God, then someone or something has to compromise in order for fellowship to take place. It's not acceptable to compromise on the Bible.
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