This Blessed Fellowship

Abstract

John F. Brug’s essay explores the biblical foundations, blessings, and responsibilities of Christian fellowship. He emphasizes that true fellowship begins with faith in Christ and unites all believers into one spiritual body, regardless of denomination or background. Brug distinguishes between spiritual fellowship with all believers and the outward practice of church fellowship, which requires full agreement in all doctrines of Scripture. Drawing on 2 and 3 John, he defines fellowship as “working together for the truth,” and warns against compromising with false teachers. He also cautions against unnecessary divisions over adiaphora or terminology. Brug outlines practical ways to preserve fellowship: sharing the means of grace, praying for one another, expressing love, helping with physical needs, supporting sound teachers, warning against sin, and welcoming the repentant. He concludes that fellowship is both a gift and a responsibility, urging Christians to cherish and defend it faithfully. Abstract prepared by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).