The reality of the Christian Church today is that we are divided. The issues that we are divided on are so vast, and the fear we have for deception is so strong, that we do not know what to lay down as an opinion and what to uphold as the truth! There seems no hope for unity, and attempts at unity are looked upon with suspicion, as a tactic of the enemy to compromise the Faith.
The Church that Christ built is meant to be under one leadership, such that He gave instructions for what to do when there is a grievous disagreement within the Body (Matt 18:15-17). However, the practice of excommunication from fellowship looses its meaning, when there is no one visible BODY! Those who are kicked out from one fellowship, soon find acceptance elsewhere. And those who don’t find acceptance anywhere declare the apostasy of the Church, while still holding claim to true Christianity. Is the Church that Christ built still in existence, or have we once again all gone our own way?
Jesus taught us that “a house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25). He said that the world will know God sent Him, because of our unity (John 17:21), and they will know we are Christians because of our love (John 13:34-35). Is it a wonder that the world has rejected our witness? That they do not believe in Jesus, nor believe that we truly believe in Him ourselves? In fact, is Jesus still the centre of our worship, or is our Christianity simply modernised Judaism?
We agree that meeting together is important for our unity, and showing love to one and another, yet we proclaim assemblies different to our own to be in error. We are divided and at war. In this state, it is impossible for us to stand, especially given the opposition we face to our faith in Jesus. But what is impossible for men, is not impossible for God (Luke 18:27). We have to still strive for unity, pray for it, and work towards it!
We really need to do some unpacking. Some forsaking. We need to strip down this religion called Christianity, and come back to Christ – to His core message of salvation. That is where we have unity as Christians, and what distinguishes us from other religions. We have to stop trying to build our own churches, and look at the foundation we are building on… Otherwise, we will continue to propagate the divisions, as we build on mixed sand. We must build on the rock of Christ. Any other ground is sinking sand.
Let us repent of everything we have made equal to loving God. Let us repent of every division we have propagated, knowingly or unknowingly. Let us humbly go back to the cornerstone, and trust that God’s Spirit will illuminate His Way for us to walk in – together in unity. Let us trust Him to build His Church, and be content to be a lively stone in His hands (1 Pet 2:5).
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also” (1 John 4:18-21)
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Categories: A Different Perspective, Issues of Life, The Latest, True Religion
Grace and Truth 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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Thanks for sharing 🙂
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My pleasure Sister!
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A good post here. I’d just like to add the thought that personally, I would never let things work up to a disfellowship. My feelings are that I’d settle things first, stop that process, and then if I still felt I had to, I’d withdraw from that church on my own to find another congregation. We certainly have enough division in the churches as you’ve pointed out, and don’t need to contribute any more to such activity. Our congregation is very slow to take such action as disfellowshipping someone. It is the very last alternative…we try everything to restore order in the name of Christianity.
Steve
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Thanks for your contribution Steve! I appreciate it 🙂
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Sis, I agree with you assessment of the church as it is represented in the natural. No debate what-so-ever! But–the Holy Spirit knows the hearts of Christ’s followers/disciples. They are still known by their love, by their faith, by their “endeavoring to the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace!” As in all cases of man-made organizations, there are flaws, but the real Christians overlook those flaws with active love (as opposed to just feeling) and do their best to esteem others, to lift up those weak in faith, to support those with questions, etc.
Since I have found blogging (I have been involved in all aspects of internet ministry since 1994 with my first computer) but I have never found a medium quite as encouraging and far reaching as the “blogosphere!” Yes, you find all types of denominational background and doctrines, but you also find a real active Agape Love in much of the writing that can and often does overlook the doctrines that don’t interfere with our Heavenly Father’s plan for mankind’s Redemption. There are some things we might disagree on, but as long as we can agree and actively pursue the two greatest commandments (Matthew 22:36-40) and have surrendered ourselves wholly to Christ Jesus, then any number of other doctrines just don’t mean that much in the scheme of eternity. Love truly is the greatest and is the one “Fruit of the Spirit” that will last into eternity while everything else fades away.
I would like to invite you, if you have found it yet or been made aware of it, to check out a fellowship of diverse Christians (and yes they are loving Christians though diverse in background etc.). It is called Church Set Free and it is definitely a move of the Holy Spirit uniting brothers and sisters throughout the globe. We are not a membership driven but rather a Holy Spirit driven movement that hopefully allows the love gained and learned to be taken back into the natural world and disseminate what we learn in an active form of love.
The link is: https://churchsetfree.wordpress.com/ and just stop by and check us out. You are sure to find encouragement and at least some who will inspire, encourage and build you up in your own ministry/service.
I look forward to following your site and as my health allows will place your site on my Blogs Followed page. I use that as a personal list for interceding for those on it plus as a personal list for following. As health and time allows, I DO get to each one, though some more often than others and I am in the process of reformatting the page alphabetically as it is getting harder for me to keep from duplicating links. As soon as I add your site, I will be blessed to let you know. I look forward to reading more and to check out the ministry you are engaged in to help others less fortunate!! I don’t Pastor from behind the pulpit anymore due to disabilities but I do have an outreach ministry: Oasis Bible Ministry that does allow my wife and I to help (as God provides) those less fortunate in my neighborhood and I am still able to teach a bit, albeit mostly by blog and print now.
For the meantime, God bless you abundantly as you continue to minister/serve the Lord and all those whom the Holy Spirit leads your way!!
In Christ Jesus’ Love — (Pastor) Roland Ledoux
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Thanks so much Roland! I am encouraged. I will check out your link. I am already following your blog, and I am relatively new to this world of blogging. It’s an amazing gift from God!
I have not given up on the Church… God has not given up on us. I was just recently despairing on our divisions, after a recent fall out with other believers. I shared my views about the Church and God’s role in uniting us in two of my recent posts: When Believers Disagree and Change Your Mind About Church. I’m learning to keep walking in faith, even if I go through times without fellowship with others. I always desire fellowship and I think that’s God’s Spirit in me.
Have a blessed day and let’s stay connected.
Cheers, Ufuoma.
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Sis, thanks for the comments back! I have had some of the same experiences but you know what Romans 8:28 says and it is so very true, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Sometimes our Lord out of His love for us allow us to go through these things and even though we don’t always understand it in the moment, He is always true to show us later by His Spirit. Don’t ever give up on the local churches and don’t ever forget to pray for those who continue on. I have actually had ones I had grown to truly love who have “shunned” me and said that I went from the light back into darkness because I didn’t see I to eye on doctrinal beliefs. It hurt at the time, hurt bad, yet, I learned so much and was able to actually grow in love and share that love for others down the road! The Lord always knows, just stay open and meek. And remember, meekness is not lack of strength but rather just the opposite. I will get back and read more. I look forward to your insights and hope and pray that you will continue in this form of ministry as the Holy Spirit leads. You can effect so much in your local and outreach ministry, but despite what some think, this is an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to also let you serve/minister on a global basis. All I can say is welcome to the blogging world, I am loving it!! God bless, Sister!
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You’re a wonderful inspiration. Thanks for your brilliant advice. I needed it 🙂 staying positive and moving forward, expectant of great things yet to come.
Christian love, Ufuoma.
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