Divisions in the Church By Bruce W. Robida

 

I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas "; still another, "I follow Christ." Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul? I am thankful that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized into my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.) For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 
1 Corinthians 1:10-17 

See also 1 Corinthians 3:1-9

Christians should be perfectly united in mind and thought. But somehow, churches have ignored that mandate and have chosen to go their own way, creating denominations and opposing each other with their own doctrines. How in the world are non-Christians going to come to Christ when we refuse to unite in mind and thought? Why are we so unwilling to agree for the sake of the salvation of so many? One answer is ego. These churches believe that they are correct in their beliefs and everyone else is wrong. If they would only not go beyond that which is written, maybe we could unite in mind and thought.

Now, brothers, I have applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that you may learn from us the meaning of the saying, "Do not go beyond what is written."Then you will not take pride in one man over against another. 1 Cor. 4:6

 

Divisiveness often and rightly comes as a result of those who twist and turn or otherwise manipulate the Scriptures to suit their own brand of religion.  If unity can only be achieved by compromising the truth, then I want no part of it. - bwr

 

US Pastor Council - founded in 2003 as a trans-denominational, inter-racial coalition of senior pastors who came together to bring a united, Biblical voice to the city, state and even nation.

Contact me about this article

Blog Me - Feel passionate about this subject? Join my blog and lets talk about it. You'll have to register but it's quick and easy.

Permission is granted to copy and distribute this article in its entirety, provided that it is not sold or used in any publication that is sold.  Also, this disclaimer must accompany the article along with the author’s copyright and Zondervan’s copyright. All other uses for this article must be approved by the author in writing.