Agreement is a key aspect to fellowship and as Amos 3:3 (NKJV) says, how can two walk together, unless they are in agreement? People agree around things that they hold common like common traits, common goals and common practices. The fact that people agree over commonalities is a social principle and there is no need to be born again to participate. The question is over what do you find agreement or what are your terms of agreement? The grace of God was apparent in the church at Corinth, because it seemed to have it going on in the way of gifts of the Holy Spirit. You would think that having no objection to the Holy Spirit would be a good place to agree and it is, but it was no guarantee against the carnal attitudes that soon developed. The only agreement found later was over the minister who had baptized one group and not another and what had been agreeable ministers became a disagreeable church.

The communion or agreement you find, is it over what separates or over what binds? When we get away from the communion or agreement of our need for Jesus’ death and resurrection we have tread upon carnal ground. Our agreement is no longer in the light but in the darkness. What is in the light agrees with what is in the light, but what is in the darkness agrees with what is in the darkness also. Carnal attitudes are self serving and seek fleshly agreement by what appeals to carnal appetites and not according to Christ. This is a trap for those who will not abide in Christ. While it may seem difficult for some to continue with daily Bible reading and prayer it is the only way to be reminded of our continual need for Jesus. Our daily surrender is where He protects us in what and with whom we agree, because He demonstrates true agreement by our fellowship with Him in the Light. It is only when we stay in the light that we can recognize darkness.

Carnal people and spiritual people cannot agree and therefore, cannot have communion. When Paul asked, what agreement Christ had with Belial what did he infer? As mentioned at the beginning of 2 Cor. 6, there are those who have believed in vain. Staying in the light is not what some want.

(2 Cor. 6:1 NKJV) “We then, as workers together with Him also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.”

Agreement isn’t possible because light and darkness cannot mingle. If we become carnal with the message that enlightened us, then we are now destroying the very thing that God provided; communion with Him and His Church. The grace of God is for those who continue with Him, whose end is the salvation of their souls. So, when people choose not to continue in the light, they have by default chosen darkness and the grace of God was given to them in vain.

The terms of carnal communion are in darkness and it operates with the guise of being kind to the weaknesses of others. Overlooking someone else’s obvious sin isn’t being merciful, because mercy upholds the standard of righteous behavior. The idea of wanting to see another set free by lovingly addressing issues of control, manipulation, selfishness, fear, lust, backbiting, perversion and others is not a consideration. When these things go unchecked it provides a haven for darkness. Numerous church groups are building their numbers based on that very premise. They offer a message of light but allow each person to sit in darkness. Is the message really one of light? Jesus said, “If the light that is in you is darkness, then how great is that darkness?” What some agree over isn’t light at all, but darkness all with the supposed purpose of being nice or seeker sensitive. Only a true witness of deliverance from darkness by the light of the gospel can counter these terms of agreement. The foundation of agreement in Jesus is over the sin He has delivered us from, and our testimonies reflect the common admiration for His power and love extended to us that wrought such a miracle. So, is your agreement over what Jesus has done in you or over what you want to do?

Carnal communion resists apostolic doctrine. Paul, the apostle who founded the church had to address the carnal state of the Corinthian church and they did not like it. It is amazing that the minister who shared the message that enlightened them is the very one they are now rejecting.

(2 Cor 7:1-2 NKJV) “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one.”

One of the signs of an obedient church is it is continuing steadfastly in the apostle’s doctrine. Apostle’s doctrine is what upholds the expectation of revelation and repentance in each life.

(Acts 2:41-42 NKJV) “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.”

As Paul addressed the Corinthian church we see their heart was closed off. This is representative of what they were doing to Jesus.

(2 Cor 6:11-17 NKJV) “O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open. Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell in them And walk among them. I will be their God, And they shall be My people.” Therefore,”Come out from among them And be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, And I will receive you.”"

In the above passage, God wants to dwell in the person and become one with him, but it is hinged on the condition that he/she come out of darkness (sin and idolatry). Verse 17 makes it clear as to the conditions for being received by God; otherwise He has no choice but to reject the person. One vital sign that darkness is at work is isolation; it could be an individual or a group. The Corinthians were separating themselves over their preference of one minister or another. It is amazing that the very opposite of Acts begins to takes place. Rather than unity there is division because the two can no longer agree. Unity with God in Christ is the beginning of unity with the rest of God’s body, the church. If we look back at the Acts 2:41-44, not only will the person find a love for the apostle’s doctrine, but a heart for unity with the rest of the body of Christ. This is the essence of true communion.

(Acts 2:43-44 NKJV) “Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common,”

God Bless,

Bro. Ken Lang