This article is not exhaustive.

 

Can't find true fellowship with other believers? Are you wondering where is the true fellowship the Bible talks about? Well, you're not alone. There is a lack of true fellowship today. We are to be looking for the community of God's people, to relate to, share, enjoy, and be encouraged by their fellowship. Don't give up God says, "Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

 

There is a drought today, and there is a lack of genuine sincere born again fellowship with others no doubt. Why? Because false doctrine, deception, phony Christians, and outright heresy. The gospel has become so watered down, and many don't even know it. Denominations do not give the true gospel because someone raising their hand and repeating some words is not salvation.

 

So, what can I do? Just gather where you are. But be careful when inviting others because some Christians can't agree or get along and there are some wacky Christians and beleaguered believers out there. However, true believers know right fellowship, but many "so-called" Christians lack the Spirit and that's what it takes. People, we need to get back to the Bible to see what God want's His Church to look and act like.

 

Testimony

 

Here's what happened to us. In the early 90's, after doing the whole denomination thing for years, God began to move on our hearts to rethink just what it was we were doing. 

 

After reading the Scriptures for years, and doing a lot of prayer, our eyes were open and our hearts ready for the communication of the Holy Spirit on this matter. As a side note, God often bring truth to you suddenly and always connects it with His word, at least that what He did with us. It was not long after that the Holy Spirit impressed upon us to flee the denominations, knowing full well that reform or reviving them was hopeless.

 

The day I left never to return I felt such a weight lifted it was incredible! Shortly after I was paid a "visit" by the then "pastor" and his wife telling me to come back using all the standard reasoning like: you'll fall into temptation, you'll be out of grace or salvation, you're going to be "forsaking the assembling," you need a covering/authority, we need you. 

 

None of it was true. The real reason was they did not want to loose numbers and the 10% tithe (which is unBiblical). That weekend we began to meet in our home and since then it has been a freeing and tremendous time of learning Christ and the Scriptures. We left because God lead us to; not because it was all of the sudden popular as it is with some in the movement today.

 

Reasons?

 

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16)

 

Why do I say all this? Because you can do it too. "Well brother, is there any good in denominations?" Not really. Don't get me wrong there are good people in them they just need to come out. The very fact that there IS denominations puts them on the wrong side. Denominations just like Catholicism, Mormonism, and Jehovah's Witnesses will not go away. 

 

They are to ingrained in the world, to much into money, to much into the pastor's "power" to disappear. Look, if you're in a denomination and love it you have the right to do so, but all we're trying to do is show you the truth and help you. If you don't agree with this just go to the upper right corner of your screen and click the X simple as that. J

 

Getting back to the IC/DC's (Institutional churches/Denominational churches), they are a deep rooted entity that as John says needs an axe laid to the root and cut down (Matthew 3:10).

 

False Doctrine

 

Think of it? How can you be in a place that teaches false doctrine? Do you not know? Do you not care? You've folded in and to what degree will you continue to accept error in your life? Search the Scripture your only under a delusion.

 

Jesus said He would build His Church yet we see men building "ministries" after themselves. Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Jack Van Impe Ministries, Joe Bob Ministries, etc. We are not to be building man's house, but God's kingdom. Things like 10% tithe, pre-tribulation rapture, pastor authority, the wrong gospel, infant baptism, new Bible versions, and much, much more are simply false and that alone puts them in error. BEWARE! "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." (2 Timothy 3:13)

 

The way denominations operate today is no where found in the Bible. It's all traditions of men. In the end being accountable to God is what matters; truth is truth and the Church stands on that alone. Jesus has built His Church—His family on earth. We are to be declaring the Gospel to others and growing with like-minded believers.

 

Time to go

 

I get Christians that e-mail me all of the time asking is there any good fellowships in my area? The answer is always no. Why? Because we are the Church which is an important thing believers must consider. I'm all for helping anyone out that desires it. We simply present the Scriptures on any give subject or doctrine, and expect you to research it and be led of God to the truth. However, sometimes were forced into a position where we take on a dual role—one of non-believer evangelist (NBE) and the other of believer evangelist (BE) the NBE of course tells them of the good news. The BE tells of how to get free and free of the "church system." Jesus said we are to make disciples making them involves teaching them.

 

Step one

 

Be sure you are fully aware of the truth in what you're doing. Because when you make the decision to go you don't want to go back. Be sure it is the Lord leading you out and not something or someone else. Once that is done leave. Just go and come out from them to freedom. So go my friend, go!

 

Step two

 

Start studying at home with those you know not strangers or "those given to change." Try family, friends, and others you may know. Try to get with those that are like-minded (which is very hard to find by the way but keep at it). You may try to find a good home fellowship in your area, but be careful not all home fellowships are safe. Don't worry about growth it may never grow God is not in numbers. He's interested more in fruit and growth in each believer.

 

Step three

 

Continue right where you are or with others. Be careful of the pitfalls and don’t make your little study into another denomination. Don’t invite strangers because we are to fellowship with true believers not non-believers see "Who is Church for?" article. 

 

Be cautious and use the circle of trust test. Love one another, study the Scriptures, and have great fellowship until the glorious return of our Lord Jesus Christ.