Hot Topics: Religions, Christianity Divided?

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NASB)

“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone driving out demons in Your Name and we told him to stop, because he was not one of us.”

“Do not stop him,” Jesus said. “For no one who does a miracle in My Name can in the next moment say anything bad about Me, for whoever is not against us is for us.”

Mark 9:38-40 (NIV)

When I consider Christianity's countless branches and denominations… I'm stumped. Christ's Prayer in John 17* concludes with an appeal for unity. Even more, He explains His reasoning.

'That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me' (John 17:21).

Shortly after I committed to Christ, I was warned about “certain” Christian sects that believe and practice “certain” wrong things.

Maybe, but the snobbiness bothered me. (Religious pride still bothers me A LOT.)

Then I consider the Words of Jesus, when His men stopped a 'non-affiliate' from casting out demons in Jesus' Name:

'Do not stop him... for whoever is not against us is for us' (Mark 9:39-40).**

I think believers (then and now) are wise to focus on Christ's Command to unite... rather than differences that divide.

Why? 

Because a house divided will fall, and broken buildings are not attractive.

So on what, precisely, can we unite?

  • On Jesus as the only true Savior.

  • On the Cross where He and our sins were nailed.

  • On the power of His resurrection.

  • On the God of unconditional love.

  • On the faith that moves hearts, walls, and mountains.

Actors, models, and talent for Christ:

Don’t be pushed into sectarianism!

“Excessive attachment to or identification with a particular religious or political group.” (Oxford Dictionary).

Instead, practice soft-hearted inclusion when considering denominations. Because…

The biggest picture is all about love, and we’re told to leave the judgment TO GOD!

Hot Topics: Religion, Christianity Divided? (Part 54)

* John 17 NASB - The High Priestly Prayer - Jesus spoke - Bible Gateway

NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re all called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re all called to be models of Jesus. We all have gifts, talents, and a commission to multiply them in the world for His glory.

P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend DAILY BIBLE READING.

WARNING: Don’t focus on your favorite verses, because taken out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!

Carey Arban