Duties Of Christian Fellowship

Duties of Christian Fellowship deals with a matter of perennial concern for every truly Christian church. In just a few pages it sets out in very concise terms the responsibilities all Christians have, first, to their pastors, and then second, to one another within the fellowship of the local church. John Owen was a pastor as well as a theologian and therefore this is a most practical manual of church fellowship. It was likely intended to be read by individuals with self-examination, meditation and prayer, but it would also be very suitable for group Bible study or adult Sunday School classes. This edition is enhanced by a modernized text and the addition of questions which have been added to facilitate group discussion.

In "Duties of Christian Fellowship," eminent Puritan theologian John Owen comprehensively examines the foundations of healthy church membership through timeless biblical principles embraced across denominations. Owen argues that God designed local church congregations to gather under duly appointed leaders, actively participating in Christ's ordinances. He compellingly asserts every believer's duty to unite with a faithful church exhibiting core marks of biblical fidelity. Emphasizing consent and submission to Christ's authority, Owen portrays church commitment as the avenue for real spiritual fellowship. The book delineates twenty-two "rules" governing congregational responsibilities, grounded in relevant Scriptures. The first section's seven rules define ethical member conduct toward church leadership, spanning from exemplifying Hebrews 13:17's call to "obey your leaders and submit to them," to Ephesians 6's mandate to intercede for pastors through prayer. The second section's fifteen rules outline intra-congregational relations conducive to unity and harmony. Here Owen methodically moves through every principle, reinforcing each rule's scriptural basis and underlying motivations. While emphasizing official member duties, Owen essentially constructs a vision for healthy participation vital for church prosperity. "The Duties of Fellowship" brilliantly spotlights the path toward robust, thriving church community.

In Rules for Walking in Fellowship, John Owen supplies struggling congregations with biblical guidelines for making church life in the present a foretaste of heavenly fellowship to come.

As we navigate the complexities of modern church life, the timeless insights of John Owen in "Duties of Christian Fellowship" prove to be a beacon of enduring wisdom. Originally published in 1648 under the elaborate title "Eshcol: A Cluster of the fruit of Canaan; brought to the Borders, for the encouragement of the Saints, travelling thitherward, with their faces towards Zion. OR. Rules of direction, for the walking of the Saints in Fellowship, according to the order of the Gospel," this work remains a seminal text in understanding the essence of healthy church fellowship and membership.In "Duties of Christian Fellowship," John Owen provides an insightful exploration into the essence of congregational life and mutual responsibilities within the Christian community. His work, deeply anchored in scriptural teachings, offers a comprehensive guide to ecclesiastical fellowship and discipline.The book is meticulously structured into two main sections. The first outlines the duties of church members towards their pastor, encapsulating seven distinct rules that emphasize respect, support, and adherence to pastoral leadership based on biblical foundations. The second section expands on the responsibilities of church members towards one another, detailing fifteen rules that promote unity, mutual care, and spiritual edification within the body of Christ.Owen's writing is not only a testament to his profound understanding of scripture but also reflects his deep piety and sound judgment. His work transcends denominational lines, offering timeless wisdom applicable to any ecclesiastical polity. "Duties of Christian Fellowship" stands as a manual on church fellowship that continues to guide and inspire believers in their communal Christian walk.

Jonathan Leeman addresses the commonly asked (and often unanswered) question of, "Why should I join a church?" in a time when many are shunning the practice of organized religion. By offering a brief, straightforward explanation of what church membership is and why it's important, Leeman gives the local church its proper due and builds a case for committing to the local body. Church Membership is a useful tool for churches to distribute en masse to new and potential members of their congregation. This volume is part of the 9Marks: Building Healthy Churches series. Look for upcoming, quick-read formats of the following marks of a healthy church: expositional preaching, biblical theology, the gospel, conversion, evangelism, church discipline, discipleship and growth, and church leadership.