I would like to discuss the issue of division within the church. This is a problem that has persisted throughout history and is ultimately detrimental to the church. With so many different denominations and factions, it can be challenging to discern which is the right one to follow. That is why I choose to follow the way, which is what the early believers were called - the followers of the way or Nazarenes.
Acts 24:14
But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law and that is written in the Prophets;
For we have found this man a plague, one who stirs up riots among all the Jews throughout the world and is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.
"I think we are doing ourselves a disservice by allowing this issue to divide us. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the devil is in the details and the source of our problem."
In the beginning, people divided themselves into different denominations, with each claiming that the others were wrong. This led to the creation of more and more churches. I have read some articles stating that there are 200 denominations in the United States and over 40,000 worldwide. It's quite surprising! On the other hand, Islam only has five denominations. I'm not sure if the number 40,000 is accurate or not, but the difference between the number of denominations in Christianity and Islam is quite significant.
So, my question is why can’t we get it right? We wonder why the world looks at Christians the way they do well this is one of the reasons why Christians are viewed negatively because we struggle to get it right.
"We have various denominations of Christians and added to this are the different types like Calvinists, Reformed, and others, although there may be more. It seems that we are constantly creating divisions amongst ourselves, which is not a good representation of Christianity."
"I'm not sure if you've heard the phrase 'the devil is in the details,' but it's true. The devil has made it clear which side he is attacking. If you compare the two religions, it's clear that he's trying to prevent us from understanding scripture."
However, I want to make this argument that God says a house divided cannot stand which shows us why we are so confused amongst ourselves.
But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.
Knowing their thoughts, he said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.
If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.
These verses here are very clear as to why we are in the condition that we are in.
"Before I proceed, I feel the need to clarify why I am writing this blog. Recently, I watched a round table discussion featuring one of my favorite YouTubers. I was disappointed to see some of the men, who are supposed to be men of God, praising worldly men instead of honoring our Lord and Savior." This to me is completely out of order, and against God’s teachings.
I commend Mr. Peters for organizing this roundtable discussion, as it is much needed in our community. As men of God, we are called to come together and discuss issues like these, so that we can collaborate and address any differences we may have in our beliefs and doctrines.
"Some people assert that they understand the thoughts and feelings of their companions as if they can truly comprehend their innermost selves. However, it is impossible for us to know what lies in the hearts of others because only God has the power to see into them. As the scripture states, God alone can determine the nature of man's heart.”
The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.”
For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.
For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.”
These above are some verses that you may be familiar with, but I wanted to share them with you anyway.
"I could explain how a heart that has been regenerated behaves when it is rebuked, but most of us are already familiar with that. Instead, I want to demonstrate that the individuals referred to by Mr. Peters do not possess a regenerated heart. Like Mr. Peters, I believe they are possessed by demons.”
So, what bothered me about this exchange was that the other two gentlemen failed to acknowledge the need to investigate the allegations against their close friends. It was weird that they claimed to be dear friends with someone whose show they never watched. One of them had even been on the show but still never watched it.
"They say that they don't have the time, so I can understand why they haven't heard of this thing. That's not part of their ministry, and I accept that. However, what I cannot accept is that when it's brought to your attention and you ignore it, it makes you a participating party."
Because as a leader you are called to call out all false teachings no matter who it is even if it is family. I just would like to see some consistency from prominent men of God.
I began my blog by highlighting the alarming division among us as a community, and how it should not be so. I understand that some may find the use of the word "people" incorrect, but in truth, God has called us to be a distinct group, set apart from the world, for His purpose, so that no one may boast.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
"We, as the church, were chosen by God to be His people, so that He could build His bride - the church. Initially, all of mankind was chosen, with no distinction of leaders or followers. We all begin as infants in the Word.
At some point, we lost our way and instead of helping each other grow and improve, we chose to go in different directions. This has resulted in the creation of 200 denominations in the U.S. and 40,000 worldwide. While I am unsure if these numbers are accurate, they are not the main issue. The more pressing concern is why we allowed this to happen and why it seems like everyone is accepting of this situation. The word tells us that iron sharpens iron, what happens to the concept?
Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Man, why are we ok with it, am I missing something if so please share because my heart is broken to see the church go the way that it is going.
I will add the link so you can see what I am talking about. Warning it is 4 hours long if you are not one for researching you may not stay and watch it all but I hope you do it is good and worth watching.
"There is much more that can be said, but I believe we have received the message. We need to follow Mr. Peters' approach and come to a biblical resolution, with the understanding that one of us may be wrong. As representatives of God to humanity on earth, let's start acting accordingly." Let us not allow pride to divide us. God calls us to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves, meaning we should be meek and humble. It's that simple.
"I understand that it can be difficult to accept being corrected or proven wrong, as I have experienced that feeling before. However, if you wish to prove your point to me, it must be done through scripture. I require evidence from the Bible, not just words from other people.”
I will end it here because I can go long as I have stated above but you get my message.
As always may the Lord richly bless all who passes through my blogs, and may it help you to understand God’s word better.
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