Conflict attempts to shatter the Church of Jesus Christ, as we near His return.
Part 1
Jesus warned us – His people. The Apostles warned us. The early church fathers did their part to stop it in their day. What are we talking about? Division between people within The Church.
Why does it happen? The world system, as Jesus said, hates Him and hates those who belong to Him. Human nature is stained with the sinful rebel attitude of Adam. And finally, there is a real adversary – a kingdom of spiritual beings headed by the one the Bible calls “the Devil”.
Considering these facts, it’s probably more surprising that there is any unity at all. In truth, it’s a miracle. However, most don’t see that because they don’t realize the forces arrayed against us. How does this division happen? In John 17:21-23, Jesus prayed for unity and sacrificial love among his people.
Why can’t we all get along? Well, it’s obvious that we’re not supposed to get along with evil and many people embrace evil, even those who claim to be Christian as John warned in 1 John 2:15-16. Some commit evil in the name of Jesus, others commit evil despite His call to be “children of light” and to “be holy as I am holy”, thinking that forgiveness of sins is the same as a license to sin. That alone causes division and conflict which we must reject as children of God.
Still other people assume that their commitment to build an enterprise for God gives them permission to trample other people along the way. Jesus clearly never did that, nor does He approve of those who do. The Apostles Paul and John called out leaders who abused the people of Christ for their own gain. What we build for Christ must be Christ-like.
The worst ones, in our opinion, are the professing believers who simply will not submit themselves to Christ according to the Bible. In short, they make things up. Then they work hard to validate their made-up beliefs, and want others to join in their made-up plans, so they work hard to create systems to prove their made-up concepts – and find ways to twist the truth into a lie. Thereby creating division. This is also terribly destructive.
So what’s the answer??
It falls to us, friend. We who are the common people in The Church must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and be careful to live according to Jesus’ instructions. You and I have to reject division and imbalance by striving to learn and live in Spirit-filled, holy, Christ-like balance. We must strive for Christ-like unity among believers. We must each wrestle against the tide of division, disunity, and hatred by being examples of Christ-like faith, Godliness, and loving kindness. If need be, even as examples to our leaders.
We must live out the message of the Grace of God in Christ, and gracefully shut down those who reject it. Because there are so many who thrive as agents of division. How do we see this exemplified? We find that throughout the New Testament. Look at the examples of Jesus and the Apostles, consider how they lived it, and then likewise we must live it out. Continue to part 2.
Don’t forget to check out our books and materials
Division within the Indivisible – part 1
Conflict attempts to shatter the Church of Jesus Christ, as we near His return.
Part 1
Why does it happen? The world system, as Jesus said, hates Him and hates those who belong to Him. Human nature is stained with the sinful rebel attitude of Adam. And finally, there is a real adversary – a kingdom of spiritual beings headed by the one the Bible calls “the Devil”.
Considering these facts, it’s probably more surprising that there is any unity at all. In truth, it’s a miracle. However, most don’t see that because they don’t realize the forces arrayed against us. How does this division happen? In John 17:21-23, Jesus prayed for unity and sacrificial love among his people.
Still other people assume that their commitment to build an enterprise for God gives them permission to trample other people along the way. Jesus clearly never did that, nor does He approve of those who do. The Apostles Paul and John called out leaders who abused the people of Christ for their own gain. What we build for Christ must be Christ-like.
The worst ones, in our opinion, are the professing believers who simply will not submit themselves to Christ according to the Bible. In short, they make things up. Then they work hard to validate their made-up beliefs, and want others to join in their made-up plans, so they work hard to create systems to prove their made-up concepts – and find ways to twist the truth into a lie. Thereby creating division. This is also terribly destructive.
It falls to us, friend. We who are the common people in The Church must walk in the power of the Holy Spirit and be careful to live according to Jesus’ instructions. You and I have to reject division and imbalance by striving to learn and live in Spirit-filled, holy, Christ-like balance. We must strive for Christ-like unity among believers. We must each wrestle against the tide of division, disunity, and hatred by being examples of Christ-like faith, Godliness, and loving kindness. If need be, even as examples to our leaders.
We must live out the message of the Grace of God in Christ, and gracefully shut down those who reject it. Because there are so many who thrive as agents of division. How do we see this exemplified? We find that throughout the New Testament. Look at the examples of Jesus and the Apostles, consider how they lived it, and then likewise we must live it out. Continue to part 2.
Don’t forget to check out our books and materials
Published in Commentary, Fellowship of Believers, Prepared Warriors, Teaching and The Jesus Adventure