With all the writing I have posted concerning the subject of unity (especially with churches rooted in the Restoration Movement,) it finally dawned on me that I’m a significant part of the problem; I’m guilty of seeking unity without making any effort to meet the people in these divided churches to discuss the problems.
We wait for the church (as a group) where we assemble to instigate initial contact with our divided brothers to try and understand their position better, but guess what…that’s just not going to happen; we are now at a point where division doesn’t seem to matter any more. We promote inter-church unity, but do little nothing to promote unity outside our group.
Do we consider Christian fellowship something strictly confined within our little church group, or do we see our fellowship extended to those who meet on the Lord’s day in a building with a different “church” name on their signpost? Unless a church believes it alone has God’s approval to exist, then we have brothers and sisters throughout our communities that we seldom, if ever, have any fellowship.
Division among God’s people has become acceptable to many, and because of all the unfruitful attempts in the past to iron-out our problems we have decided that discussions are useless; we no longer seem to think it’s important to provide a united front to save the lost who are awash in religious confusion
Unfortunately, finding the time and courage to tackle the problems that separate the churches of the Restoration Movement will continue as before, slow and lackluster.
Larry, I agree with you wholeheartedly, and I do believe Jesus did also. But the bible is not without controversy on this subject. I have heard the following, and other scripture quoted from my childhood and even now to confirm the belief some have about their branch on the vine, the CHURCH OF CHRIST the name surely denotes just whose church it is doesn’t it?
Rom:16:17: Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
2Jn:1:10: If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2Jn:1:11: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
surely you are not suggesting that we soil our image, or our lily white hands, buy being seen with those who disagree, or even worse non-Christians.
God speed brother
By: laymond on September 12, 2008
at 7:20 pm
Larry, I debated whether to tell you this story or not, but at the risk of loosing my place in heaven I will. ( I suppose God already knows anyway)
I was talking to an older gentleman a few years back (and when they are older than me they are old) about some of the things I had been discussing with the Jehovah’s witnesses. and he asked “did you let them into your house”? and when I answered yes and asked why he asked, he referred me to 2Jn 1:10,11
I guess we are damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.
By: laymond on September 12, 2008
at 7:40 pm
laymond…
Thanks for the comments.
In all the quoted verses one certainly sees that God is not happy with divisions. Each verse is tough, and pulls no punches, but as usual there is the question of just who is the one causing the divisions…the one leaving, or the one staying!
I prefer to err on the side of accepting a brother I disagree with, rather than refusing to accept him in this life, then hear Jesus call him a brother on judgment day.
Certainly there are people you cause such strife that they must be marked, and associating with him, or wishing him well in doing evil is wrong.
It’s hard for me to consider a member of the Church of Christ that uses one-cup, refuses to use the church treasury to provide support to orphanages, or even sings with an instrument as being less than my brother or sister.
Now I’ve soiled my lily white hands! :)
By: larry on September 12, 2008
at 8:12 pm