1 John 1:7 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.
True fellowship requires...
that we share similar interests, ideals, or experiences, by reason of
profession, religion, or nationality. The conditions of our fellowship as Christians are not denomination or creed. The condition is "if we walk in the light as he is in the light." The 'light' by which we are to walk is the Word of God according to Psalm 119:105. Jesus made it plain that if we do not walk in His light, we walk in darkness. John 8:12 ... I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
2 Corinthians 6: 14 asks a very important question... "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
True believers do not have similar interests with those who desire no commitment to Christ. When those types of relationships are formed it is usually because the Christian has not made a definite commitment to the Lord and inevitably ends up compromising the standards of the Word. It needs to be noted that we are not referring to casual friendships. We are talking about intimate friendships and relationships where people enjoy the same activities, the same type of conversation, the same values and morals. A true believer cannot form that kind of relationship with an unbeliever because there is no commonality of interest.
There is an old saying, "If it talks like a duck and quakes like a duck it probably is a duck." Well, the same holds true of a Christian. If they don't act like a Christian and they don't talk like a Christian, they are probably not a Christian. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like.
It is true that being a genuine Christian narrows a person's lifestyle. The 'flesh' (sinful nature) makes many demands that must be denied. That is why the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8: 13-14 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Consider, if you will, how much sorrow and pain the true Christian does not experience because of their choice to serve God. Most of the inner pain that a Christian experiences comes as a result of the lifestyle of others.
Christians enjoy many meaningful activities. They also enjoy discussing the Word and learning new ways to apply it to their lives. They are concerned about the way people live their lives and the eternal destiny of those people. They know what the Word of God has to say about eternity and since they believe the Word of God they consider their lifestyle to be important. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) In turn, they will attempt to share it with others. Their concern is a sign of love not condemnation or judgment.
God bless you.
Paul.
we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of
Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
True fellowship requires...
that we share similar interests, ideals, or experiences, by reason of
profession, religion, or nationality. The conditions of our fellowship as Christians are not denomination or creed. The condition is "if we walk in the light as he is in the light." The 'light' by which we are to walk is the Word of God according to Psalm 119:105. Jesus made it plain that if we do not walk in His light, we walk in darkness. John 8:12 ... I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
2 Corinthians 6: 14 asks a very important question... "for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?"
True believers do not have similar interests with those who desire no commitment to Christ. When those types of relationships are formed it is usually because the Christian has not made a definite commitment to the Lord and inevitably ends up compromising the standards of the Word. It needs to be noted that we are not referring to casual friendships. We are talking about intimate friendships and relationships where people enjoy the same activities, the same type of conversation, the same values and morals. A true believer cannot form that kind of relationship with an unbeliever because there is no commonality of interest.
There is an old saying, "If it talks like a duck and quakes like a duck it probably is a duck." Well, the same holds true of a Christian. If they don't act like a Christian and they don't talk like a Christian, they are probably not a Christian. To be a Christian is to be Christ-like.
It is true that being a genuine Christian narrows a person's lifestyle. The 'flesh' (sinful nature) makes many demands that must be denied. That is why the Apostle Paul tells us in Romans 8: 13-14 For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Consider, if you will, how much sorrow and pain the true Christian does not experience because of their choice to serve God. Most of the inner pain that a Christian experiences comes as a result of the lifestyle of others.
Christians enjoy many meaningful activities. They also enjoy discussing the Word and learning new ways to apply it to their lives. They are concerned about the way people live their lives and the eternal destiny of those people. They know what the Word of God has to say about eternity and since they believe the Word of God they consider their lifestyle to be important. Jesus said, "If ye love me, keep my commandments." (John 14:15) In turn, they will attempt to share it with others. Their concern is a sign of love not condemnation or judgment.
God bless you.
Paul.
