by ricks
3. March 2010 20:39
What about all the different denominations? Don't they damage the idea of Christian unity?
"Is Christ divided?" Paul asks in 1 Corinthians 1:13. The answer is "No." Christ is unified in every sense. He is relationally unified with the Father and the Holy Spirit: "I and the Father are one" (John 10:30). His heart has no division in its expression of love toward His people: "He showed them the full extent of His love" (John 13:1). He is fully God and fully human and will always have these two natures in complete unity forever: "He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them" (Hebrews 7:24). Christ is not divided. Nor should His body be divided. "The body is a unity, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12).
So how do we approach various denominations? As a church we associate with Converge Worldwide (aka Baptist General Conference) and the Minnesota-Iowa Baptist Conference in order to advance the good news of Christ together. We also join with other churches in ways that advance the message of Christ crucified and share the love of Christ in practical ways. Common Cup is a shared ministry of many churches in our area that serves physical needs of people. Our church is a strong participant. We do make it a point to team up with other churches and so to honor the fact that Christ is not divided.
A curious fact -- studies have shown that there were up to 16 churches in the city of Rome by the time that the apostle Paul wrote the letter to the Romans. At an early stage, many congregations had formed in Rome. This is an example of how the local church can have many individual, congregational expressions and yet be a part of the larger body of Christ.
A silly joke -- a man was stranded for 7 years on an island; finally he was rescued and he showed his rescuers around his primitive camp before leaving. They noticed three huts and asked him why he had three huts. The first one is where i go when the afternoon rains come. The second hut is my place of worship. "What about the third hut?" his rescuers asked. "That's another church," the man said. "A few years ago there was a bad squabble and there was a church split."
Your thoughts?
Subscribe