Church Unity

[jhutton]

Jesus Prays for All Believers
" My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. " - John 17:20-23 NIV (New International Version)

I took a look at the Wiki List of Christian Churches. It disturbs me how many divisions have been created by followers of Christ. I know there are many Christians who are united, but I also know there are many people from different Church traditions who spend a lot of resources trying to convert people from other Church's to their Church, and debating a lot of details that are not at the core of Christ's will for our lives.

I fear that many non-Christians will see the divisions we have, and be turned off by the message we offer. They will not see that we do agree that there is One Jesus, and he is the One way to find peace with God in this life and the next.

 

[TheAJKMan]

but I also know there are many people from different Church traditions who spend a lot of resources trying to convert people from other Church's to their Church, and debating a lot of details that are not at the core of Christ's will for our lives.

Just something for you to think about, I hear your concern, but are you perhaps not letting that concern get in the way of your walk with God. Concern yourself more with GOd and the things of God. Live a holy and God fearing life before man and God and have love and unity with all who speak in His name. Keep in mind, and I think it was Paul as well who said that even if Christ is preached in error, He is still being preached. Just a thought.

TheAJKMan

 

[EarthMomma]

Thanks for the thread on Unity! It is an important Word from the Lord and it is truth.

I see such unity growing among various churches, especially here in the gulf coast where the churches stepped up to God's directions, hand in hand, ministering to those in need last hurricane season.

I see spirit-filled ministers in denominational churches, and see the Holy Spirit present in their worship. In the church I am attending with my grown children, the Bible study that I'm in right now has the most excited and hungry women in it, and it is clear they've long passed denominational notions. Praise God.

Fear not. Simply, fear not. God doesn't give us the spirit of fear, satan does, and satan does it to keep us doubting and confused. I REFUSE TO BELIEVE HIS LIES! God is in control, and unity in love and peace is abounding in His kingdom.

Jesus Prays for All Believers
" My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. " - John 17:20-23 NIV (New International Version)

. . .

I fear that many non-Christians will see the divisions we have, and be turned off by the message we offer. They will not see that we do agree that there is One Jesus, and he is the One way to find peace with God in this life and the next.

I have not personally encountered any obstacles to spreading the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of denominational boundaries. But if you have, you may be placed in a unique position to show the overcoming power of His love.

God is in control!

Love and in Christ,
EarthMomma

 

[jhutton]

Just something for you to think about, I hear your concern, but are you perhaps not letting that concern get in the way of your walk with God. Concern yourself more with GOd and the things of God. Live a holy and God fearing life before man and God and have love and unity with all who speak in His name. Keep in mind, and I think it was Paul as well who said that even if Christ is preached in error, He is still being preached. Just a thought.

TheAJKMan

God has given me a passion for improving unity between followers of Christ. Jesus wants His followers to be One as He is One. I don't think I am in the wrong sharing Christ's prayer.

 

[jhutton]

Thanks for your reply,

I see such unity growing among various churches, especially here in the gulf coast where the churches stepped up to God's directions, hand in hand, ministering to those in need last hurricane season.

Yes, there have been many steps in this generation to break down the walls between Church traditions. This forum is also another example of followers of Christ fellowshiping in unity. Praise God!

Fear not. Simply, fear not. God doesn't give us the spirit of fear, satan does, and satan does it to keep us doubting and confused. I REFUSE TO BELIEVE HIS LIES! God is in control, and unity in love and peace is abounding in His kingdom.

I wrongly used the word fear there. Thanks for correcting me. I am concerned that people are turned off from Christianity from the infighting they see. I have heard a friend say that since the Churchs can not agree on what the truth is, why should they believe a Church.

I have not personally encountered any obstacles to spreading the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ because of denominational boundaries. But if you have, you may be placed in a unique position to show the overcoming power of His love.

I know there are a lot of protestant missions that send missionaries to convert Catholics. I have also spent time on a catholic forum (I wanted to learn more about the Catholic Faith, why they believe what they believe), but the majority of the Catholics on the forum were mostly concerned with converting me to their church, and not with considering that I was already one of their brothers.

I started another tread with a poll 'Do we view each other as Brothers/Sisters'. I wonder how many people think that all the Church traditions are working in unity as is Christ's prayer.

God bless,
Jonathan Hutton

 

[EarthMomma]

All things work for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes. We may not see it at the time, because the adversary bombards us constantly, yet subtly, trying to make us wonder and wander, and notice the adversarial presence. May our Almighty God strengthen our eyes to see His presence, His unity (amid the apparently disunity), and savor that presence, for HE IS and He always has been, and He will forever more be. Let us proclaim every hidden tiny shred of unity, for from that will emerge the glory that is Him.

He is ALL powerful, and yes, He is in control! Open the eyes of our hearts dear Lord to see and know that the victory has already been won! May we walk in it!