Division among the Believers
Division in the Church kills the very gospel that Jesus preached.It could be something as simple as what color of carpet should be in the sanctuary.
In My many years attending church I have seen it all.Petty things become very divisive and soon split the congregation.
Down through the years splits in the Church have created many denominations.The devil slips in the back door disguised as “christians” and use members to tear down the church.Paul even had to tell the Corinthians
about their division.
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 1 Cor .1:10-11
The Church at Corinth was divided partly because of who baptized them.
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos;and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?1 Cor 1:12-13
These Corinthians were confused about who to follow,because of baptism.They missed the whole meaning of unity.
Today We have the same problem.I have witnessed the very same thing .I was a member of Faith Baptist in McMinnville Tn.We were needing a pastor,so we held a one week revival,with different speakers each night,boy what a mistake.I was scheduled to speak the last night of the revival.
The revival came to a screeching halt two days before it would be My time.Some had already made up their mind and wanted to put their choice as pastor.Funny thing their choice was a charismatic preacher,who belonged to the Church of God.His beliefs were contrary to the teachings of our Church.
This is where division starts.I have always believed if You are a Baptist ,Youshould uphold the teachings of that Church.We did not accept the doctrine of speaking in tongues.He should not have been a candidate for pastor to begin with.I do not personally have a problem with the Charismatic folks,however since this is not a practice in the Baptist Church,it should be discouraged.
This is how the Devil splits churches.If You believe in speaking in
tongues,then go to a church that believes that way.If You do not believe in eternal security go to a church that doesn’t.To many times We allow things to creep into Our congregations,We should be diligent and cause it to cease, before it tears up the church.
And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, anddivisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?1 Cor 3:1-4
The churches are filled with baby christian’s,that do not understand the teachings of the word.
There is too much milk being given to the congregations.This is why there are divisions among You.When a “baby christian” thinks He knows more than mature,seasoned christian’s, this becomes a problem.Paul said “baby christian’s”could not bear the meat of the word.Some want to stay carnal and do the things that are not biblical.I have seen it over and over.The devil uses these carnal believers,because they are easy prey.
Closing:How do we avoid division in our congregations?
(a)Leaders should be seasoned Christians,not a novice.Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 1 Tim 3:6
(b)Be consistent in the teachings of the Bible.
(c)Lead new converts in the teaching of the doctrine of Christ.
(d)Rebuke the ones that are causing trouble in the congregations.
To reprimand; strongly warn; restrain.
We must have unity in the congregations to be a soul winning station !
My Christian report 