Why are such actions required? 1. The need for unity of mind and purpose within the Ecclesia. Romans 15:6 1 Lesson 3 – “Endeavoring to keep the unity of

Why are such actions required?Why are such actions required?

1.1. The need for unity of mind and The need for unity of mind and purpose within the Ecclesia. purpose within the Ecclesia. Romans 15:6Romans 15:6

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Lesson 3 – “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit”

““Peace & Unity”Peace & Unity”

““Men talk of peace and unity. There can be no Men talk of peace and unity. There can be no peace where there is no essential unity. Where peace where there is no essential unity. Where there is unity there will be peace. To bring there is unity there will be peace. To bring about unity is therefore to bring about peace. about unity is therefore to bring about peace. The peace of an Ecclesia is promoted by the The peace of an Ecclesia is promoted by the excision of those disturbers who introduce false excision of those disturbers who introduce false teaching. This is one purpose served by their teaching. This is one purpose served by their expulsion…If we cannot have a large number in expulsion…If we cannot have a large number in unity and peace, we may at least have peace unity and peace, we may at least have peace among those, the few, who are in unity, by a among those, the few, who are in unity, by a separation from those with whom they are not separation from those with whom they are not in unity and with whom they are not at peace.” in unity and with whom they are not at peace.” Berton Little, 1917Berton Little, 1917

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FalseFalse: We cannot “fellowship” false doctrine : We cannot “fellowship” false doctrine without being in agreement with it, and without being in agreement with it, and therefore believing it. therefore believing it.

Answer: Answer: That is NOT true. The scriptures declare we can fellowship without believing it. One illustration will suffice. In the chapter referred to (1 Cor. 10:18) we have seen that Paul tells his brethren that those who eat of the sacrifices offered to idols are “partakers” (original: fellowshippers) of the alter, and therefore fellowship ALL represented thereby – which in this case were “demons” or idols…The Corinthian believers knew with Paul that an “idol is nothing in the world”. Therefore it is clear from Paul’s counsel to them that they could “fellowship” false doctrine without believing in it themselves.

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Continued on next slide

Why are such actions required?Why are such actions required?

1.1. The need for unity of mind and purpose The need for unity of mind and purpose within the Ecclesia. within the Ecclesia. Romans 15:6Romans 15:6

2.2. So that error does not influence others – So that error does not influence others – “a little leaven” “a little leaven” 1st Cor. 15:33; Heb. 1st Cor. 15:33; Heb. 12:1512:15

3.3. As a lesson for those in error as well as an As a lesson for those in error as well as an example that others “example that others “may fearmay fear.” .”

4.4. As not to be counted ourselves as a As not to be counted ourselves as a ““partakerpartaker” of the “” of the “evil deedsevil deeds.” .” 22ndnd John John 10,1110,11

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FalseFalse: We cannot fellowship the evil deeds of : We cannot fellowship the evil deeds of another without being in agreement with another without being in agreement with them and doing the same things.them and doing the same things.

AnswerAnswer: We have just shown we can. But : We have just shown we can. But further: John in his second epistle calls false further: John in his second epistle calls false teaching concerning Christ an “evil deed.” teaching concerning Christ an “evil deed.” And he says if we bid the man with this false And he says if we bid the man with this false doctrine God speed, “we become partakers doctrine God speed, “we become partakers (original: fellowshippers) of his evil deeds. It (original: fellowshippers) of his evil deeds. It is clear he is not referring to show who is clear he is not referring to show who believed or were doing the same things, for believed or were doing the same things, for he says it is the bidding him God speed that he says it is the bidding him God speed that creates the participation.creates the participation.

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Bro. Roberts, The Christadelphian, February-March, 1892

"Is a brother walking disorderly in associating in "Is a brother walking disorderly in associating in fellowship with Methodists? We would say 'yes.' Upon the fellowship with Methodists? We would say 'yes.' Upon the very same principle we say that a brother is walking very same principle we say that a brother is walking disorderly who fellowships those who deny the scriptural disorderly who fellowships those who deny the scriptural doctrine of resurrection, and teach and believe another; doctrine of resurrection, and teach and believe another; and who, deny THE judgment; and either teach another or and who, deny THE judgment; and either teach another or no judgment at all. The one who fellowships such, no judgment at all. The one who fellowships such, fellowships with heretics, thereby walks disorderly, and fellowships with heretics, thereby walks disorderly, and becomes unfit for fellowship with those who desire to hold becomes unfit for fellowship with those who desire to hold the truth in its purity." the truth in its purity." Bro. Thomas Williams, The Bro. Thomas Williams, The Advocate Vol. 2, 1886, Pg. 64 Advocate Vol. 2, 1886, Pg. 64

"'He that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil "'He that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.' This applies to all without distinction, and erects a deeds.' This applies to all without distinction, and erects a barrier to fellowship with even some who hold the truth; barrier to fellowship with even some who hold the truth; for though they may hold the doctrine of Christ for though they may hold the doctrine of Christ themselves, yet, if they keep up a 'God-speed' connection themselves, yet, if they keep up a 'God-speed' connection with those who do not, by John's rule they make with those who do not, by John's rule they make themselves partakers with them, and, therefore, cut themselves partakers with them, and, therefore, cut themselves off from those who stand for the doctrine of themselves off from those who stand for the doctrine of Christ." Christ." Bro. Robert Roberts, Seasons of Comfort Vol. 1, Bro. Robert Roberts, Seasons of Comfort Vol. 1, Pg. 127, 'Love and Doctrine'Pg. 127, 'Love and Doctrine'

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Questions and Objections Questions and Objections AnsweredAnswered

Why do we need a Statement of Why do we need a Statement of Faith as a basis of fellowship? Isn’t Faith as a basis of fellowship? Isn’t the Bible enough?the Bible enough?

““Ecclesial Autonomy”Ecclesial Autonomy” Those with “undefiled” garmentsThose with “undefiled” garments Parable of the Wheat & Tares – Parable of the Wheat & Tares –

Matt. 13Matt. 13

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Lesson 4– Questions and Objections Answered

Modern day revival of the Modern day revival of the TruthTruth

Recognition that Bible Truth did not match the Recognition that Bible Truth did not match the beliefs of mainstream Christianity, whether it beliefs of mainstream Christianity, whether it be Catholicism or Protestant.be Catholicism or Protestant.

A Statement developed to summarize our A Statement developed to summarize our beliefs in contrast to other religious beliefs beliefs in contrast to other religious beliefs that exist. that exist.

A guide for the maintaining of sound scriptural A guide for the maintaining of sound scriptural teaching under the “Christadelphian” name.teaching under the “Christadelphian” name.

Used to make sure that there is a clear basis of Used to make sure that there is a clear basis of agreement or commonality – fellowship. agreement or commonality – fellowship.

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Our Statement of FaithOur Statement of Faith

Doctrines to be Believed and Doctrines to be Believed and taught.taught.

Doctrines to be RejectedDoctrines to be Rejected The Commandments of ChristThe Commandments of Christ

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““Isn’t the Bible good Isn’t the Bible good enough?”enough?”

““Unless there is a Statement of Faith what Unless there is a Statement of Faith what basis has an ecclesia to work upon? The mere basis has an ecclesia to work upon? The mere statement that the Bible is our basis will not statement that the Bible is our basis will not do, for all denominations claim that and do, for all denominations claim that and Christadelphians have laid special emphasis Christadelphians have laid special emphasis upon the fact that it is “to the Law and the upon the fact that it is “to the Law and the Testimony.” Among themselves in these days, Testimony.” Among themselves in these days, they do not agree upon some of the vital they do not agree upon some of the vital truths that we have in the past considered truths that we have in the past considered necessary for fellowship and salvation.” necessary for fellowship and salvation.”

““An Appreciative Letter”, The Christadelphian Advocate, January 1931, p. An Appreciative Letter”, The Christadelphian Advocate, January 1931, p. 1717

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““Isn’t the Bible good Isn’t the Bible good enough?”enough?”

““There is one thing, however, of which a There is one thing, however, of which a formal Statement may be, and is, the formal Statement may be, and is, the basis, it registers a united declaration, basis, it registers a united declaration, and it is a basis of co-operation and of and it is a basis of co-operation and of collective work in advocacy of the truth. collective work in advocacy of the truth. The prevalence of false interpretations of The prevalence of false interpretations of Scripture has rendered it desirable that Scripture has rendered it desirable that groups of intelligent believers in the groups of intelligent believers in the Gospel that saves should set forth the Gospel that saves should set forth the main points of doctrine that they agree to main points of doctrine that they agree to uphold.” uphold.”

The Christadelphian Advocate, Dec, 1930, p. 315The Christadelphian Advocate, Dec, 1930, p. 315

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““Statements and Creeds”Statements and Creeds”

““If a man’s faith is worth having, it is worth If a man’s faith is worth having, it is worth publishing in a well-defined form; so that publishing in a well-defined form; so that others may examine it, accept it or reject it; others may examine it, accept it or reject it; fellowship it or repudiate it…How absurd it fellowship it or repudiate it…How absurd it would sound to hear a person say, “I have no would sound to hear a person say, “I have no creed,” which really means that he has no creed,” which really means that he has no faith, nor hope – no well-defined faith, nor hope – no well-defined understanding and belief of the plan of understanding and belief of the plan of salvation. Such a person is not even a salvation. Such a person is not even a negation; he is a mere neutrality- as near negation; he is a mere neutrality- as near nothing as he can well be.”nothing as he can well be.”

continuedcontinued

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““Every faithful soldier of the truth will be willing to Every faithful soldier of the truth will be willing to state his faith in unambiguous terms, and will state his faith in unambiguous terms, and will have the courage to say, ‘That is what I sincerely have the courage to say, ‘That is what I sincerely believe to be the truth, and that is the basis upon believe to be the truth, and that is the basis upon which I can conscientiously fellowship others; which I can conscientiously fellowship others; and for me to pretend to fellowship where there and for me to pretend to fellowship where there is not a hearty belief in the truth thus defined, is not a hearty belief in the truth thus defined, would be hypocrisy.’ This is certainly what the would be hypocrisy.’ This is certainly what the teachings of the New Testament demand, in its teachings of the New Testament demand, in its many imperative warnings to have no fellowship many imperative warnings to have no fellowship with ‘the unfruitful works of darkness.”with ‘the unfruitful works of darkness.”

continuedcontinued

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“… “… we were rebuked by a brother for coinciding with those we were rebuked by a brother for coinciding with those who maintain ‘a doctrine of separatism’. What is the who maintain ‘a doctrine of separatism’. What is the truth, but a system of ‘separatism?’ Its first and last work truth, but a system of ‘separatism?’ Its first and last work is to separate. It begins by separating the ‘good and is to separate. It begins by separating the ‘good and honest hearts’ from a wicked and adulterous generation. honest hearts’ from a wicked and adulterous generation. It ends by separating the just from the unjust at the It ends by separating the just from the unjust at the judgment seat of Christ. Men bent upon maintaining the judgment seat of Christ. Men bent upon maintaining the purity of the truth will not be frightened nor taunted off purity of the truth will not be frightened nor taunted off from their foundation by ever so much babble about from their foundation by ever so much babble about ‘casting out’ and ‘separatism.’ They will keep their faces ‘casting out’ and ‘separatism.’ They will keep their faces Zion-ward; press on in the strait and narrow way, let the Zion-ward; press on in the strait and narrow way, let the enemies of the truth spit, jeer and throw stones as they enemies of the truth spit, jeer and throw stones as they may.”may.”

The Christadelphian Advocate, October, 1891The Christadelphian Advocate, October, 1891

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Ecclesial AutonomyEcclesial Autonomy““The fact that the body is held responsible for the The fact that the body is held responsible for the

inconsistencies of its members illustrate a principle inconsistencies of its members illustrate a principle that runs through the entire scriptures, exhibited that runs through the entire scriptures, exhibited more particularly in the history of Israel. The lesson more particularly in the history of Israel. The lesson for us to learn from this is that we cannot be for us to learn from this is that we cannot be individually independent; we have obligations to each individually independent; we have obligations to each other that we must not ignore. In ecclesial matters other that we must not ignore. In ecclesial matters and in all matters affecting the welfare of the Truth and in all matters affecting the welfare of the Truth my business is yours and yours is mine. We are my business is yours and yours is mine. We are brought together in mutual compact under the same brought together in mutual compact under the same name – a name whose honor and reputation are made name – a name whose honor and reputation are made dependant on conduct. Here, brethren, we must fact dependant on conduct. Here, brethren, we must fact the fact that great responsibilities devolve upon us, the fact that great responsibilities devolve upon us, commensurate with the great privileges and high commensurate with the great privileges and high honor to which the Truth has brought us into honor to which the Truth has brought us into relation.”relation.”

The Christadelphian Advocate, March, 1886The Christadelphian Advocate, March, 1886

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Ecclesial AutonomyEcclesial Autonomy

First references the destruction of a city (Duet. First references the destruction of a city (Duet. 13), if after diligent enquiry it was found that 13), if after diligent enquiry it was found that such a city was serving false gods (apostasy). such a city was serving false gods (apostasy).

““When, therefore, it is reported that any brother When, therefore, it is reported that any brother or ecclesia is following false doctrine, it is not or ecclesia is following false doctrine, it is not only permitted, but it is obligatory on other only permitted, but it is obligatory on other brethren and ecclesias to “enquire and make brethren and ecclesias to “enquire and make search, and ask diligently” to see whether it be search, and ask diligently” to see whether it be true and the thing certain. If it is, the true and the thing certain. If it is, the responsibility of their position leaves no option responsibility of their position leaves no option but that of repudiating complicity with the but that of repudiating complicity with the evilevil.” .”

J.J. Andrew, The Christadelphian, July 1886 J.J. Andrew, The Christadelphian, July 1886

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Parable of the Wheat & Parable of the Wheat & Tares – Tares –

Matt. 13: 24 – 30Matt. 13: 24 – 30 ““man which sowed good seed in the field” vs. 24man which sowed good seed in the field” vs. 24 An “enemy came and sowed tares also”An “enemy came and sowed tares also” The servants ask if they can gather up the tares The servants ask if they can gather up the tares

vs. 28vs. 28 The master answers, in order to avoid a process The master answers, in order to avoid a process

that will also harm the wheat, that “that will also harm the wheat, that “let both let both grow together until the harvestgrow together until the harvest.” .”

It is falsely assumed that the field represents It is falsely assumed that the field represents the ecclesia.the ecclesia.

Answer given in vs. 38 – The “field” is the Answer given in vs. 38 – The “field” is the “world”. “world”.

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Parable of the Wheat & Parable of the Wheat & Tares – Tares –

Matt. 13: 24 – 30Matt. 13: 24 – 30 ““man which sowed good seed in the field” vs. 24man which sowed good seed in the field” vs. 24 An “enemy came and sowed tares also”An “enemy came and sowed tares also” The servants ask if they can gather up the tares The servants ask if they can gather up the tares

vs. 28vs. 28 The master answers, in order to avoid a process The master answers, in order to avoid a process

that will also harm the wheat, that “that will also harm the wheat, that “let both let both grow together until the harvestgrow together until the harvest.” .”

It is falsely assumed that the field represents It is falsely assumed that the field represents the ecclesia.the ecclesia.

Answer given in vs. 38 – The “field” is the Answer given in vs. 38 – The “field” is the “world”. “world”.

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Documents

Why are such actions required? 1. The need for unity of mind and purpose within the Ecclesia. Romans 15:6 1 Lesson 3 – “Endeavoring to keep the unity of