Fellowship ReviewFellowship Review

The Christian Church

1.1. The definition of the holy Christian church.The definition of the holy Christian church.

And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. (Jn 10:16)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Pe 2:9)

Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you? (1 Co 3:16) 22 And God the Father put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all. (Eph 1:22–23)

to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, (Eph 4:12)

for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. (Ga 3:26)

For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Co 5:21)

but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, (Ro 4:24) 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Eph 2:8–9)

We believe that there is one holy Christian church (Jn 10:16; 1 Pe 2:9), which is the temple of God (1 Co 3:16) and the body of Christ (Eph 1:23; 4:12). The members of this one church are all those who “in Christ Jesus … are … sons of God, through faith” (Ga 3:26). The church, then, consists only of believers , or saints, whom God accepts as holy [without sin] for the sake of Jesus’ righteousness, which has been credited to them (2 Co 5:21; Ro 4:24) through faith (Eph 2:8-9). These saints are scattered throughout the world. All people who believe that Jesus is their Savior from sin are members of the holy Christian church, regardless of the nation, race, or church body to which they belong.

2.2. The holy Christian church is invisible.The holy Christian church is invisible.

But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” (1 Sa 16:7)

But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” (2 Ti 2:19)

We believe that this holy Christian church is a reality, although it is not an external, visible organization. Because “man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart” (1 Sa 16:7), only the Lord knows “those who are his” (2 Ti 2:19). The members of the holy Christian church are known only to God; we cannot distinguish between true believers and hypocrites . The holy Christian church is therefore invisible and cannot be identified with any one church body or with the total membership of all church bodies .

3.3. The Presence of the Holy Christian Church can be recognized.The Presence of the Holy Christian Church can be recognized.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (Ro 1:16)

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Ro 10:17)

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Ac 2:38)

Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Pe 3:21) 26 Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, “Take, eat; this is my body… 28 for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt 26:26,28) 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Is 55:10–11)

We believe that the presence of the holy Christian church nevertheless can be recognized. Wherever the gospel (Ro 1:16; 10:17) is preached and the sacraments (Ac 2:28; 1 Pe 3:21; Mt 26:16,28) are administered, the holy Christian church is present, for through the means of grace true faith is produced and preserved (Isaiah 55:10,11). The means of grace, therefore, are called the marks of the church.

4.4. It is God’s Will that Christians Meet Together.It is God’s Will that Christians Meet Together.24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb 10:24–25)

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mk 16:15)

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours: (1 Co 1:2)

We believe that it is the Lord’s will that Christians meet regularly to build one another up by using the means of grace together (Heb 10:24-25) and to work for the spread of the gospel into all the world (Mk 16:15). Since these visible gatherings (for example, congregations and synods) use the means of grace, they are called churches. They bear this name, however, only because of the true believers present in them (1 Co 1:2).

5.5. It is God’s Will that Christians Acknowledge Oneness.It is God’s Will that Christians Acknowledge Oneness.

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, (Jn 8:31)

but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil. (1 Th 5:21–22)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Ro 14:17)

We believe that God directs believers to acknowledge oneness in faith with Christians whose confession of faith submits to all the teachings of Scripture (Jn 8:31; 1 Th 5:21,22). We believe, furthermore, that individuals through their membership in a church body commit themselves to the doctrine and practice of that church. To assert that unity exists where there is no agreement in confession is to presume to look into people’s hearts. Only God can look into people’s hearts. It is not necessary that all Christians agree on matters of church ritual or organization. About these the New Testament gives no commands (Ro 14:17).

6.6. It is God’s Will that Christians do not tolerate error. It is God’s Will that Christians do not tolerate error.

eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Eph 4:3) 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting, 11 for whoever greets him takes part in his wicked works. (2 Jn 10–11) 25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will. (2 Ti 2:25-26)

As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, (Tt 3:10) 17 I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. 18 For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive. (Ro 16:17–18)

We believe that those whose confession of faith reveals that they are united in the doctrines of Scripture will express their fellowship in Christ as occasion permits (Eph 4:3). They may express their fellowship by joint worship, by joint proclamation of the gospel, by joining in Holy Communion, by joint prayer, and by joint church work. God directs believers not to practice religious fellowship with those whose confession and actions reveal that they teach, tolerate, support, or defend error (2 Jn 10-11). When error appears in the church, Christians will try to preserve their fellowship by patiently admonishing the offenders, in the hope that they will turn from their error (2 Ti 2:25-26; Tt 3:10). But the Lord commands believers not to practice church fellowship with people who persist in teaching or adhering to beliefs that are false (Ro 16:17-18).

7.7. All members of the holy Christian Church are priests.All members of the holy Christian Church are priests.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Pe 2:9) 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. (Eph 2:17–18) 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Mt 28:19–20)

So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, (Mt 10:32)

We believe that every Christian is a priest before God (1 Pt 2:9). All believers have direct and equal access to the throne of grace through Christ, the mediator (Eph 2:17-18). God has given the means of grace to all believers. All Christians are to proclaim the praises of him who called them out of darkness into his wonderful light (1 Pt 2:9). In this sense all Christians are ministers, or servants, of the gospel . God wants all Christians to share the message of salvation with other people (Mt 28:19-20; 10:32).

8.8. On the Basis of Scripture Our Church Believes...On the Basis of Scripture Our Church Believes...

the public ministry

And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, (Eph 4:11)

But all things should be done decently and in order. (1 Co 14:40)

In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel. (1 Co 9:14)

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” (Ro 10:15)

not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. (1 Pe 5:3)

Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood. (Ac 20:28)

We believe that God has also established the public ministry of the Word (Eph 4:11), and it is the will of God that the church, in accordance with good order (1 Co 14:40), call qualified individuals into this public ministry (1 Ti 3:1-10; 1 Co 9:14). Such individuals minister publicly, that is, not because as individuals they possess the universal priesthood but because they are asked to do this in the name of fellow Christians (Ro 10:15). These individuals are the called servants of Christ and ministers of the gospel. They are not to be lords over God’s church (1 Peter 5:3). We believe that when the church calls individuals into this public ministry, the Lord himself is acting through the church (Acts 20:28). We believe that the church has the freedom to establish various forms within the one ministry of the Word, such as pastors, Christian teachers, and staff ministers. Through its call, the church in Christian liberty designates the place and scope of service.

the mission

shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; (1 Pe 5:2)

We believe that the church’s mission is to serve people with the Word and sacraments . This service is usually done in local congregations. We look upon the pastoral office as the most comprehensive form of the public ministry of the Word. Pastors are trained and called to provide such comprehensive spiritual oversight for the gathering and nurturing of souls in congregations (1 Pe 5:2).

women11 Let a woman learn quietly with all submissiveness. 12 I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet. (1 Ti 2:11–12)

3 But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God. (1 Co 11:3) 33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints, 34 the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says. 35 If there is anything they desire to learn, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is shameful for a woman to speak in church. (1 Co 14:33–35)

We believe that women may participate in offices and activities of the public ministry except where that work involves authority over men (1 Ti 2:11-12). This means that women may not serve as pastors nor participate in assemblies of the church in ways that exercise authority over men (1 Co 11:3; 14:33-35).

9. On the Basis of Scripture Our Church Rejects...

We reject any attempt to identify the holy Christian church with an outward organization. We reject any claim that the church must function in the world through specific organizational forms.

We reject as false ecumenicity (ec·u·men·is·a·tee) any views that look for the true unity of the church in some form of external or organizational union, and we oppose all movements toward such union made at the expense of a clear confession of all the teachings of Scripture. We reject the contention that religious fellowship may be practiced without agreement in doctrine and practice . There must be agreement in the confession of scriptural doctrines, and also one’s actions or practice must show that error is not tolerated.

We reject participation or membership in organizations that have religious features in conflict with the Christian faith, such as most lodges.

How do we join in fellowship with those who hold to God’s pure Word?

16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Col 3:16) 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, 25 not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. (Heb 10:24–25) 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— 12 that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. (Ro 1:11–12)

Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Ga 6:2)

Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. (1 Th 5:11) 11 And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14 so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15 Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every

way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. (Eph 4:11–16) [As members of one body we grow stronger together by fellowship in Christ.]

We join in fellowship by worshiping and studying God’s Word regularly together ( church fellowship)

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. (Ac 1:14)

And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. (Ac 2:42) 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Ti 2:1–4)

I desire then that in every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling; (1 Ti 2:8)

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. (Jas 5:16)

We join in fellowship by praying with each other and for each other. ( prayer fellowship).

4 We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments; (Ps 78:4–7) 3 Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation. (Joe 1:3) 15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” (Jn 21:15) 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. (2 Ti 3:15) 6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. (Pr 22:6)

We join in fellowship by working together to help parents teach God's Word to their children. (Christian education )

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, (Mt 28:19)

And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” (Mk 16:15)

Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. (Ac 8:4) 1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. 2 And the twelve summoned the full

number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. 4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6 These they set before the apostles, and they prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (Ac 6:1–7) [Men were chosen to help the apostles so that the apostles could devote themselves full time to the ministry of the Word.]14 Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble. 15 And you Philippians yourselves know that in the beginning of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church entered into partnership with me in giving and receiving, except you only. 16 Even in Thessalonica you sent me help for my needs once and again. (Php 4:14–16) [The Philippians sent money so that Paul could spend all his time in preaching God’s Word.]5 Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, 6 who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7 For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. 8 Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth. (3 Jn 5–8) John commended Gaius for help those missionaries who worked among the pagans and so had little or no income.]

We join in fellowship by working together to help spread the gospel to all people. ( mission work)

Christian’s Use of God’s Word

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Ps 19:14)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Co 10:31)

… whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Pe 4:11)

For a Christian, God’s Word is never empty of meaning so a Christian’s use of God’s Word is always an expression of faith.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. (Ps 19:14)

So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Co 10:31)

… whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. (1 Pe 4:11)

You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. (Ex 20:7)

God forbids anyone to add his own ideas, visions, or teachings to the Bible.

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you. (Dt 4:2)

… and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (Re 22:19)

For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions (2 Ti 4:3)

God forbids anyone to subtract from the Bible by leaving out what he doesn’t want to believe or teach.

If he called them gods to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken— (Jn 10:35)

For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Jud 4) 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures. (2 Pe 3:16)

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. (2 Pe 1:16)

God forbids anyone to change the Bible by twisting its meaning or by saying that it is a collection of cleverly invented stories.

Persistent Adherence to False Doctrine and Practice Call for the Termination of Church Fellowship

The following statement drafted by representatives of the WELS, Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS), and the Church of the Lutheran Confession (CLC) in April of 1990, serves to illustrate what Scripture tells us about admonition and termination of fellowship.

Admonition continues until the erring individual or group either repents of its error and turns away from it or until it shows itself to be persistent in its error by adhering to it in public doctrine and practice, by demanding recognition for it, or by making propaganda for it and trying to persuade others of it.

The imperative ekklinate [“keep away” Ro 16:17] calls for a clean break of fellowship with those who persistently adhere to error. When it has been ascertained that a person or a church body is causing divisions and offenses ... by teaching contrary to Holy Scripture, the directive to avoid is as binding as any word addressed to us by our Savior God in his holy Word. Pleading a debt of love dare not serve as an excuse for putting off a break in fellowship with those who have shown themselves to be not weak brethren but persistent errorists .... We reject the view that the decision to continue or discontinue admonition and proceed to avoid is to be made on the basis of a subjective judgment or conjecture about the possible outcome of the admonition. . .. We reject the view that permits the use of human judgment to prolong fellowship with persistent errorists contrary to the principles of Scripture.”

Thus, when the process of admonition reveals that a person or church body is persisting in error, the command of Scripture is clear: “Keep away from them” (Ro 16:17). This means, then, that we will not participate with the person or church body in acts that are expressions of fellowship.

[GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, A Study of Christian Doctrine, by Lyle W. Lange, NPH © 2005, p. 560]

Look over this newpaper advertisement for MLHS. What do you like? What do you dislike?Look over this newpaper advertisement for MLHS. What do you like? What do you dislike?

Read this letter from MLSH Music Director Ryan Stangl then look at the bulletin insert on the next page. Read this letter from MLSH Music Director Ryan Stangl then look at the bulletin insert on the next page. What difference(s) do you notice between the above letter and the the bulletin insert?What difference(s) do you notice between the above letter and the the bulletin insert?