Unity

[TomMcC]

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." 1 Cor ch 1:10

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos ch 3:3

If we are commanded to be in unity, what happen, how did Christ's church get rent into a thousand pieces?

[Just Dave]

"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement." 1 Cor ch 1:10

"Can two walk together, except they be agreed?" Amos ch 3:3

If we are commanded to be in unity, what happen, how did Christ's church get rent into a thousand pieces?

There's division in the church?

[TomMcC]

There's division in the church?

How many denominations are there? Do they all teach the same thing? Do you believe the same thing I believe. Do you believe the same things as the Pope, or the Reformed, or the Eastern Orthodox. Is your question even serious?

[Just Dave]

How many denominations are there? Do they all teach the same thing? Do you believe the same thing I believe. Do you believe the same things as the Pope, or the Reformed, or the Eastern Orthodox. Is your question even serious?

I think they just have different ways of doing things, I wouldn't call it division but variety and I think it has more to do with culture

[TomMcC]

I think they just have different ways of doing things, I wouldn't call it division but variety and I think it has more to do with culture

So you think the difference between the RCC and the Reformed or the great schism of 1054 between the western (RCC) and the eastern (EO) branches of the church was just some harmless "different ways of doing things" or some cultural difference? You do know that literally millions have been martyred because of these differences?

[Just Dave]

So you think the difference between the RCC and the Reformed or the great schism of 1054 between the western (RCC) and the eastern (EO) branches of the church was just some harmless "different ways of doing things" or some cultural difference? You do know that literally millions have been martyred because of these differences?

I consider the RCC something different.

[TomMcC]

I consider the RCC something different.

You may think of them as something different, but some big time celebrity pastors and their churches think of them as the "brethren".

Why are there so many denominations, teaching so many different things, and what is the solution?

[Just Dave]

You may think of them as something different, but some big time celebrity pastors and their churches think of them as the "brethren".

Why are there so many denominations, teaching so many different things, and what is the solution?

Stick to the word of God.
Be a Berean, keep your eyes focused on Jesus and if any "spiritual" leader says different...Run!

[TomMcC]

Stick to the word of God.
Be a Berean, keep your eyes focused on Jesus and if any "spiritual" leader says different...Run!

I would add something else, since everyone is claiming they're following the Bible. Take a very close look at church history, and see what has happen for two thousand years.

I would also point out that most that I've spoken to don't even recognize that there is a problem of disunity. I've seen on the same city block 4 or 5 different churches all teaching different things about salvation, communion, church government, how to worship, etc. etc., etc. and we wonder why the world scoffs!

[Just Dave]

I would add something else, since everyone is claiming they're following the Bible. Take a very close look at church history, and see what has happen for two thousand years.

I would also point out that most that I've spoken to don't even recognize that there is a problem of disunity. I've seen on the same city block 4 or 5 different churches all teaching different things about salvation, communion, church government, how to worship, etc. etc., etc. and we wonder why the world scoffs!

Perhaps. I've never really studied what different denominations teach but what I did find out is that some of these churches require qualifications that Jesus and His Apostles didn't even have.

[Just Dave]

The true test I believe will be this whole homosexual weirdness. Churches that embrace this sin and say it's OK are starting to show themselves as apostates

[TomMcC]

The true test I believe will be this whole homosexual weirdness. Churches that embrace this sin and say it's OK are starting to show themselves as apostates

No doubt this particular sin is encroaching upon the church in our day with a vengeance, but I could probably think of 10 sins the church has engaged in to cause disunity for centuries.

[Just Dave]

No doubt this particular sin is encroaching upon the church in our day with a vengeance, but I could probably think of 10 sins the church has engaged in to cause disunity for centuries.

Don't forget "itchy ears" more people are going towards that feel goodism rather than repenting.

[Just Dave]

Do you want to know what's really sad Tom?

That the most comforting and encouraging words that God has to say to His people are used by some to cause division and strife amongst the flock.

29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; 30 and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called, He also justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.

It is just sad that people will take those verses and use them to sow the seeds of discord among the brethren
The most comforting and encouraging words... it's just like Satan..what a shame.

[Dezrat]

I do believe that one of the best antidotes for disunity is persecution.
That said, the scripture has plenty of exhortations not to have unity with those that would pervert the Gospel. Many today would see Paul as one who was constantly sowing discord by rejecting errant beliefs that yet claimed belief in Christ. So does the lack of unity as we'd like to see it get heartbreaking, surely, yet it was pretty much assured to be:

1Co 11:19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you.
Rom 16:17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

It's with an obviously heavy heart that we see Jude opening his epistle with(paraphrased): I really wanted to write to you just rejoicing in our common salvation, but I find it necessary to instead exhort you to be earnestly contending for the Faith as it was once(and for all) given.
In much of today's Postmodern Church, earnestly contending for the Faith as once and for all given is equated with sinful divisiveness.
Come quickly Lord Jesus!