We are all on the same team!

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV)
Sometimes it upsets me when churches can't work together. I just want to scream "WE ARE ALL ON THE SAME TEAM!!" We think that if someone doesn't carry the same name: Methodist, Lutheran, Non Denominational, Baptist, Nazarene, you name it, that somehow we can't join together for a common goal. To win people to Christ. That's what our goal is here on earth isn't it? To build God's Kingdom here and show love to the lost and broken.

When you really strip things down, the majority of issues are based on preference not biblical truth or salvation. From the music to the building to the traditions to the length of service to hands raised or not raised to is there an organ or loud drums and guitars. The list could go on and on. None of that effects our salvation. Some churches will interpret verses different than others. The truth is that every church must read the verse, search their heart and hear from God as to what the verse is trying to show us.  There is no one who can say that their way of interpreting the bible is THE RIGHT WAY.  That persons way of thinking has come from someone else or some other influence. Even in bible colleges, the professor may tell the students to think for their own but the professor has been influenced by someone in their past and that person was influenced by someone else and that influence will more than likely effect the students views. The fact is no one is original. It may be hard to accept but it's the truth. Only the creator of the universe is The Original.  It’s a cycle that will continue to go on and on. It all goes back to seeking God and His truth.  But we do have one common truth: Jesus Christ is Lord. He died for our sins, He rose from the grace and if we put our trust in Him and follow Him daily we will be saved. When you have that foundation and are truly, hear me, truly seeking God, His truths will be made clear to you through His word!

So much separation has happened in the church because we fight amongst ourselves on things that don't effect our salvation!! Kind of counter productive wouldn't you say?

Here are some examples I can think of that I have heard people arguing over.

- Did God create the earth in 7 literal days?
- Is it predestination or free will?
- Can you lose your salvation?
- Can pastors only be men?
- Can you drink alcohol?
- Is it once saved always saved?
- Are spiritual gifts still active today?

The list could probably go on and on. What I am trying to get at is, it’s not a problem to have a preference, just don't use that as a reason or excuse not to join up with other Christ Followers to unite in a common mission to advance God’s Kingdom here on Earth. After saying that, I will say that there are some churches that teach things I do think effect your salvation but that is for another topic. Probably not a topic I would want to tackle anyway!!

Just because you join up with another church that is from a different denomination doesn't mean that you will somehow be required to take on their ways of doing things. It’s like somehow, if we get involved with another church that does communion with real wine and not grape juice that next Sunday our grape juice will be turned to wine. I know it sounds funny but I am sure that is the way some people think. We are all on the same team people!

So the next time you find yourself wanting to argue over biblical topics, put your preference aside and ask yourself, does this effect my salvation? If it doesn't, let that be something you don't see eye to eye on and unite under the only true foundation, Christ. We need different styles of churches, worship and teaching to reach different people's preferences but let us NOT be the division that people see from the outside that makes then question what being a Christ Follower is all about.

Let’s all put our hands in together and unite as one body to bring Christ’s love to the world!

Grace and Peace
Ben