DIVISION IN THE CHURCH
We are often troubled with the division in our government and our nation. We see and even experience anger in politics, education, abortion, and other facets of our lives and we want to see changes in the lunacy, but do we even look at the division in the church of Christ? How can we expect others to be reasonable, when Christians can’t even give an example of unity in the faith? Aren’t we supposed to be the examples for this world? Perhaps the world around us is failing because the Church is failing.
Christ warned us in Matthew 12:25 and Luke 11:17 that “every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” The division in the Church has resulted in the decrease in faith in God. In a 2022 survey, not quite 50 percent of Americans truly believe in God. American’s doubt in God doubled in one generation and 61% of Americans age 18-35 doubt the existence of God all together. Why is belief in God decreasing even while the fears in the world are dramatically increasing?
Christ warned us in Matthew 12:25 and Luke 11:17 that “every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.” The division in the Church has resulted in the decrease in faith in God. In a 2022 survey, not quite 50 percent of Americans truly believe in God. American’s doubt in God doubled in one generation and 61% of Americans age 18-35 doubt the existence of God all together. Why is belief in God decreasing even while the fears in the world are dramatically increasing?
Despite differences in man-made doctrines and the multitude of denominations, we have two major divisions in the Body of Christ. There is a problem in our orthodoxy. Orthodoxy is the established doctrines and practices of, in this case, the Christian church. Part of the church lives by the legalism of the Old Testament and the other part live by the Grace given to us by the blood of Christ.
Those that live more by the legalism of the Old Testament tend to make rules for how they think you should live. I am not saying that rules, guidelines and boundaries are not important because they really are, but rules and laws can sometimes be burdensome, petty, opinion driven and difficult to obtain. The Pharisees and Sadducees were the examples of the Old Testament laws in excess. There are more woes given to the Pharisees and Sadducees than any other people. (See Matthew 23). The main reason was they couldn’t keep the laws themselves, but expected others to do so.
Those that live more by the legalism of the Old Testament tend to make rules for how they think you should live. I am not saying that rules, guidelines and boundaries are not important because they really are, but rules and laws can sometimes be burdensome, petty, opinion driven and difficult to obtain. The Pharisees and Sadducees were the examples of the Old Testament laws in excess. There are more woes given to the Pharisees and Sadducees than any other people. (See Matthew 23). The main reason was they couldn’t keep the laws themselves, but expected others to do so.
“Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of
hell than yourselves.” |
Many of those who subscribe to the Grace side of this equation, often adopt the “cheap grace” ideology. They believe that they can do whatever they want and the Grace paid for by Jesus will automatically give them a ticket to heaven. Here we can find the drunkards, the promiscuous, the adulterers, etc. and all is forgiven and under the blood. I often wonder if they fail to read Hebrews 10:26-31 that makes it clear that there is no more sacrifice for those who deliberately keep on sinning. Here lies the dilemma that often brings confusion to newcomers to Christ that are eager to please, but who should they please? The pastor? The Pope or father? Their parents? Their friends? We can all, with good intentions, get in the way of which way is best. Can we possibly teach and disciple these “young ones” without selfish motives or prideful intents? If we are divided in our orthodoxy, will we not empress that upon these disciples? Sure. We already are conflicted when we recognize the divisions in the Church. Christians should be of one body. |
When I moved to this area over 5 years ago, I confessed to the tour guide at the Comanche Crossing Museum that our church was visiting other churches to try to bring unity to the body of Christ. His response was, “Good luck with that” which had all the disbelief he felt ascribed to it. Yet, we have enjoyed attending other churches as we can, but real changes come with individuals seeking to please Christ through searching the scriptures for themselves and passing that understanding along without criticism, judgment or condemnation.
If we want unity, we must practice the Word that brings unity. Jesus said in Luke 6:37, “Forsake the habit of criticizing and judging others, and you will not be criticized and judged in return. Don’t condemn others and you will not be condemned. Forgive over and over, and you will be forgiven over and over.” (TPT Translation)
If we want unity, we must practice the Word that brings unity. Jesus said in Luke 6:37, “Forsake the habit of criticizing and judging others, and you will not be criticized and judged in return. Don’t condemn others and you will not be condemned. Forgive over and over, and you will be forgiven over and over.” (TPT Translation)
The Church cannot be an example to the world if we cannot practice unity in the body. Confusion will continue to chase non-believers and believers away. At the foot of the cross is where both sides must humbly kneel. The laws remind us that God’s expectations for holy living and obedience are high, and only then can we truly appreciate the value of the blood of Christ in providing true, forgiving GRACE. Let us then learn to forgive others just as we glory in the forgiveness we have been given.
KLN |
Visiting the Body of Christ
We have been visiting churches in the area in the hope of networking with fellow Christians as we search to bring unity, and build the Kingdom of God. It is amazing to see the work that these bodies are doing for their communities. We hope to visit your church in the weeks to come!
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts Journey Church Strasburg - Pastor Dusty Morris Calvary Baptist Bennett- Pastor Bob McCurley Mountain View Christian Strasburg - Pastor Donn Headley Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser Living Springs Cowboy Church Byers- Pastor Zac Sanger Save the Cowboy Kiowa - Kevin Weatherby Cornerstone Fellowship - Pastor Keith Sauder |
|
Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ. We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Click on the "Comments Page" button below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Click on the "Comments Page" button below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Community Prayer List
Calling all Prayer Warriors:
-Pray for PL for her continual guidance from God.
-Pray for RG, he is home from rehab, but still needs healing for his back.