Bible Truth Chapel is a fellowship of Christians who desire to follow the pattern of the New Testament for the local church. We have no denominational affiliation, but maintain contact with hundreds of similar groups throughout the world.
We have no membership rolls but instead welcome all believers who wish to share in the work of the Lord to join our gathering (assembly.) The foundation of our fellowship is a common personal faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Because the early church took names only found in the Bible – Christians, Believers, Brethren, etc. – we take no denominational name and invite all to our services.
What is Fellowship?
In the Bible, the term Fellowship (in the Greek, Koinonia) means “sharing in common,” a companion, a partner, or a joint-owner.
As believers, fellowship is a key aspect of our daily walk with Christ. Fellowship, then, is not passive, it is always linked to action; not just being together, but also doing together. Our Fellowship with each other is based on our common fellowship with Jesus Christ. Fellowship therefore brings with it personal responsibility.
Fellowship implies the spirit of generous sharing or the act of giving as contrasted with selfish getting. As believers, we are encouraged to support and nourish one another with love, in faith, and through encouragement.
In the book of Acts, you will find many events where followers of Christ got together and encouraged and strengthened one another. One example is described in Acts 2:42. There it specifically states what those followers did when they were together:
- They kept on Growing (“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine”),
- They continued Gathering (“and in fellowship, in the breaking of bread”), and
- They stood in the Gap for others (“and in prayers.”)
“In Fellowship”
There are no membership rolls at Bible Truth Chapel. The only record kept of believers is described in the book of Revelation as having been written by Christ himself in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 20:12-15; 3:5
Therefore, we use the term “in fellowship” to signify that an individual is a born again believer, was baptized, is remembering the Lord at the Lord’s Supper on a regular basis, and has declared to the elders that they will be a part of the Lord’s work carried out by those gathering at the chapel.
Such believers as are “in fellowship” support the local church (or assembly) and those gathering there as they
- Attend the Lord’s Supper, which is the principal meeting of the local church I Cor 11;
- Regularly attend all the Sunday Bible meetings Hebrews 10:25;
- Regularly attend the Wednesday evening Bible study and prayer meeting Acts 2:42;
- Are under the guidance and discipline of the elders of the assembly Hebrews 13:17; I Tim 3; Titus 1;
- Share in the work responsibilities of the assembly as is necessary 2 Cor 6:1-10;
- Provide financial support for the work of the Lord at Bible Truth Chapel as the Lord provides for them. 2 Cor 9:7
What the Bible Teaches
The New Testament shows there are five basic minimum qualifications which must be met for reception (fellowship) into the local assembly (church) of believers:
- A confession of Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior. The universal church, the Body of Christ, is composed of those who have been born again by the Spirit of God Romans 10:9-10
- A consistent, repentant Christian life Col 3:5; 1 Peter 2:24;
- An understanding of the fundamentals of the Christian faith, as set forth by God in the Bible; Psalm 1:1-3;
- Obedience to Christ in believer’s baptism by immersion Acts 2:41; and
- Remembering the Lord with fellow believers at the Lord’s Supper I Cor 11:26
Why We Are Here
- To provide opportunity to offer collective worship to God.
- To maintain a corporate testimony to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the oneness of His Body, the Church.
- To provide opportunity for the public teaching of the Word of God, fellowship, collective prayer, and practicing of the ordinances of baptism, and the Lord’s supper.
- To encourage evangelism through the local church and foreign missions.
- To provide a spiritual atmosphere for mutual care, encouragement, and growth for all ages.
- To equip men and women to fully develop their spiritual gifts and provide opportunities to use these gifts in the local church.