Question:

On what basis do we receive someone into fellowship?  Is there a Scriptural basis against occasional fellowship?

Answer:

We looked at Matthew 18:15-20.  The Lord wants His people to be gathered physically together, but He also wants it done according to the order He gives in His Word. To maintain holiness in the gathering of His people the Lord gives in these verses the local assembly—the “two or three” who are gathered unto His name—the responsibility to judge those who wish to come into fellowship.  This is the same instruction given to the assembly at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 5:12,13:  “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? Do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God judgeth.” We are to be inclusive—include everyone that Scripture doesn’t exclude.  We’re trying to go back to the way it was in the beginning of the church, and the foundation for that is God’s Word.  2 Timothy 2:15-22 tells us to separate from the wrong and be “with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”  In Acts 2:42-47, they continued steadfastly—coming together regularly.  There was no occasional fellowship then!  Fellowship is full time and permanent, not part time or occasional.  We gather to the Lord, not a man—other churches are allowing a man to take the place of God.

[The answer to the second part of the question: “Is there a Scriptural basis against occasional fellowship?” is yes. There are Scriptures against occasional fellowship, which I take to mean when a person desires to partake of the Lord’s Supper with a fellowship that is not associated with his own, on occasion, such as when on vacation, etc. and then go back to his other church fellowship when at home. But the assembly is to know a person: “Lay hands quickly on no man, nor partake in others’ sins. Keep thyself pure” (1 Timothy 5:22, JND translation). The reason is: “Be not deceived: evil communications [associations] corrupt good manners” (1 Corinthians 15:33). “Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6).—Ed.]

Denominations today expect you to tolerate everyone and other denominations (interfaith movement), saying we should all be together, leave our own beliefs at the door and accept all practices and beliefs.  This is wrong!  We need to stand for what we believe and be willing to say what’s right and what’s wrong.