The recent Republican presidential debate showed difference but equality.
Each candidate had his/her own slant on the way things ought to be done, but they were all united in the belief that we need a new president.
Many in the religious world believe in unity in diversity. Some believe denominations are okay. Diversity is the name of the game in many circles.
Some might say that all the diverse religious groups that claim to follow Christ are all part of the church of Christ.
The Bible talks about being different but equal. The Bible speaks of just one church. Christ is the head of that one church. He built it and it should bear His name. (Mt. 16:18) It is referred to as “His body.” (Eph. 1:22, 23; Col. 1:18) Just as Christ only had one body while on earth, He still has only one spiritual body. (Eph. 4:4)
Christ prayed for unity of all believers. He said, “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You.” (John 17:21)
The apostle Paul pleaded, “That there be no divisions among you, that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Cor. 1:10)
There was just one church in New Testament times. There were different congregations in various locations. They talked and practiced the same thing. (1 Cor.4:17; 7:17) That obviously is not the case today.
Each member was different from the other members. So the apostle Paul reminded the church, “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (1 Cor. 12:12)
There was unity of believers in practice and belief, but each member was different. Let us today get back to the simple unity of the New Testament church. God will be pleased.
– Bill Brandstatter preaches for the Marion church of Christ in Marion, IL. He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://www.marionchurchofchrist.com/index.htm
No comments:
Post a Comment