1. 1 D OCTRINE OF FELLOWSHIP “The gospel believed and obeyed restores the mind to a oneness with God, and by the act of baptism we are inducted into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, a complete oneness in the whole family in heaven and in earth. Here is a “family circle”. A circle is drawn by the truth, inside of which there is fellowship; but no fellowship with any or anything outside. The church [ecclesia] is thus the pillar and ground of the Truth and refuses to support, allow room for or to compromise with the unfruitful works of darkness in the outer world.” “Now, brethren, we cannot help seeing from this that by accepting such a privilege as that of admittance into the family circle of the God of heaven and earth we incur great responsibilities. We are no longer isolated individuals, who have simply our individual self to consider, but we have to remember that fellowship brings us together and lawfully imposes obligations to respect each other, to bear with each other, to help, comfort, console, correct, reprove, and with all to love each other, love Christ and love God.” Thomas Williams, Life and Works, p. 74

2. WHY IS THE SUBJECT IMPORTANT If accepted by God, through His Son, such fellowship and acceptance provides us with the hope of salvation. If accepted by God, through His Son, such fellowship and acceptance provides us with the hope of salvation. Provides a community to bear witness to the Truth and to glorify Yahweh’s Name – a vital aspect of GOD MANIFESTATION Provides a community to bear witness to the Truth and to glorify Yahweh’s Name – a vital aspect of GOD MANIFESTATION Fellowship with others of “like precious faith” helps to instruct, encourage and strengthen us all in our efforts to please our heavenly Father. Fellowship with others of “like precious faith” helps to instruct, encourage and strengthen us all in our efforts to please our heavenly Father. Provides a defensive means to “keep the way” Provides a defensive means to “keep the way” Specific scriptural commands in regard to its purity and preservation. Specific scriptural commands in regard to its purity and preservation. 2

3. “Fellowship” Defined From the Greek, koinonia From the Greek, koinonia Strong’s Concordance  “partnership” Strong’s Concordance  “partnership” Indicates a sharing in common and by implication “oneness of mind”. Indicates a sharing in common and by implication “oneness of mind”. Derived from koinonos, which means a “sharer or associate”. Translated as “partner(s)”, “companions”, “partakers”. Derived from koinonos, which means a “sharer or associate”. Translated as “partner(s)”, “companions”, “partakers”. DOES NOT merely indicate social or personal interaction. DOES NOT merely indicate social or personal interaction. 3 Lesson 1 - Fellowship Defined

4. Positive applications of the principal of fellowship. “fellowship in the gospel” – Philippians 1:3-5 “fellowship in the gospel” – Philippians 1:3-5 “the fellowship of (Jesus’) sufferings” – 3:10 “the fellowship of (Jesus’) sufferings” – 3:10 “fellowship of the ministering to the saints” – 2nd Cor. 8:4 “fellowship of the ministering to the saints” – 2nd Cor. 8:4 “the right hand of fellowship” – Galatians 2:9 “the right hand of fellowship” – Galatians 2:9 fellowship in charitable effort (“contribution” = koinonia) Rom. 15:26,27 fellowship in charitable effort (“contribution” = koinonia) Rom. 15:26,27 4 Lesson 1 - Fellowship Defined

5. Negative applications of the principal of fellowship. Fellowship with the world – 2nd Corinthians 6:14 Fellowship with the world – 2nd Corinthians 6:14 Fellowship with “the works of darkness” – Eph. 5:11 Fellowship with “the works of darkness” – Eph. 5:11 “Fellowship with devils” – 1st Corinthians 10:20 “Fellowship with devils” – 1st Corinthians 10:20 5 Lesson 1 - Fellowship Defined

6. Fellowship and Unity Romans 15:6 – “with one mind and one mouth” Romans 15:6 – “with one mind and one mouth” 1st Corinthians 1:10 – “same mind and judgment” 1st Corinthians 1:10 – “same mind and judgment” Ephesians 4:3 – “keep the unity of the Spirit” Ephesians 4:3 – “keep the unity of the Spirit” Philippians 1:27 – “striving together” … “for the gospel” Philippians 1:27 – “striving together” … “for the gospel” Philippians 2:2 – “of one accord, of one mind.” Philippians 2:2 – “of one accord, of one mind.” 1st Peter 3:8 – “be ye all of one mind.”.” 1st Peter 3:8 – “be ye all of one mind.”.” 6 Lesson 1 - Fellowship Defined

7. Summary to this point In order for there to be “fellowship”, there must be commonality, shared beliefs and goals. In order for there to be “fellowship”, there must be commonality, shared beliefs and goals. Calling, belief, and baptism bring men into fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. Calling, belief, and baptism bring men into fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. That fellowship begins with the Father and the Son. That fellowship begins with the Father and the Son. Those that have been “called out” make up an assembly or Ecclesia. Those that have been “called out” make up an assembly or Ecclesia. That “fellowship one with another” depends on #2 That “fellowship one with another” depends on #2 That God is light, and that fellowship with Him cannot exist without a continued walking in “the light”. That God is light, and that fellowship with Him cannot exist without a continued walking in “the light”. Fellowship within the Ecclesia requires that we hold in common the doctrines and the practices of the Apostles – “the apostles doctrine” – i.e. “The things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.” Fellowship within the Ecclesia requires that we hold in common the doctrines and the practices of the Apostles – “the apostles doctrine” – i.e. “The things concerning the Kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ.” 7 Lesson 1 - Fellowship Defined