Duties of Christian Fellowship

<p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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. </p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>