WHEN SHOULD WE BREAK FELLOWSHIP WITH A BROTHER IN CHRIST?

There are a good many people who are more interested in breaking fellowship than in cultivating fellowship. I am fearful of such men. I have often had men to "break fellowship" with me. Some "break fellowship" with me because I am not a Landmark Baptist. Others break fellowship with me because they say I am an antinomian. Some have broken fellowship with me because they say I preach too much grace. Others have broken fellowship with me because I do not preach their brand of eschatology. Recently, a preacher, whom I have known for years, broke fellowship with me because I differed with him about the number of elders a church with ten men should have!

When should we break fellowship with a brother in Christ? I answer, NEVER! True fellowship in Christ can never be broken, anymore than true love can become hatred. If my brother falls, I am not to trample on him, but lift him up. If he strays, I am not to cut him off, but embrace him. If he errs, I am not to kick him out of the way, but lead him in it.

I have had some experience in this matter. Once, a group of preachers got together and prayed for God's judgment to fall upon me. What they rejoiced in as God's curse upon me was truly his greatest possible blessing. I pity such malicious men. Their doctrine is so weak that it must maintain its adherents by fear of a curse. I never have, nor do I ever intend to break fellowship with a brother in Christ. Find me a man who truly believes the gospel of God's grace, and you have found me a companion. Find me a man who loves Christ, and you have found a man whom I shall love. Find me a man who preaches the free, sovereign grace of God, seeks the glory of Christ, and labors for the interest of Christ's kingdom, and you will have found a soldier by whose side I shall gladly serve my Master. I am not interested in breaking fellowship. I am interested in building fellowship. The boundary of my fellowship with men is as broad as the gospel of Christ and as limited as the gospel.