Christian Unity?

[fishinFamily]

Hi everyone, I want to preface this with the disclaimer that I am Catholic. I am particularly interested in hearing from other Christians as I’m not sure if this is something I am unique in hoping for or not . . . .

It has been in my heart for a while that it is not good that Christianity is so divided. With all of the messages in the world today that are counter to Christianity, I feel our voices would be heard more clearly if we were speaking in one voice. When I pray about this I hear the words from the Lord’s Prayer - “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I can’t believe that there is a Catholic Heaven, a Lutheran Heaven, a Baptist Heaven, etc. that is almost ridiculous to think about. So why would we have God’s church on earth divided as such? I know there are differences - some of them big differences but there is also so much we believe in common. I often pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of Christians that we might see the common doctrine and reconcile the differences.

Does anyone else hope for Christian Unity? Does anyone else think it would be good to unite the church on earth? If so, how - through the grace of God and the intercession of the Holy Spirit could that begin to happen? Or does anyone think we are better off separated? Why? How do you think we strengthen each other separated in various denominations?

Thanks everyone. May everyone be blessed today.

[digthemup]

Fishinfamily

Thank you for your posting and sharing your ideas of needing more unity within the Christian world family. Since I have no religion memberships or affiliation and I believe myself to be a bondservant of our Lord and Savior Christ, I have been blessed with having various discussions, especially during my ministry at the Fair, with people that have identified themselves as part of a particular religion. Though there are some great foundational differences, the one thing that brings us together as a common believe is that Christ is the son of God sent by the Father as our Savior.

Since the group that I attend the NYS Fair ministry with is from Lutheran Ministries, people assume that I am a Lutheran, and more than once have had heated discussions with members of the catholic faith claiming that they are the true faith originating from Christ through Peter, yet they fail to see that what Peter taught was the words and teachings of Christ, which are far from what many religions that claim to be Christians teach these days. I believe that religions have caused many conflicts and wars because of their critical differences, yet though this is very apparent, as you stated, very little is done to bring us together as ONE Christian faith with Jesus Christ being the sole focus and foundation to our believes proclaiming Him as our Savior that by His blood at the cross our sins are forgiven and our souls have been redeemed.
I pray daily that the Holy Spirit by the power of God would guide us in uniting as one Christian family serving the Father and our Lord Christ by doing Their teachings and commandments without limiting ourselves by what religions have added to those teachings.
May our Lord bless you and yours,
Frank

[GPtimes2]

Christian churches are united as Jesus is the savior. I don't hold hope that they will unite as one in other areas. Not too many would be happy with the changes and compromises that would be necessary to become the same.
Some churches think musical instruments and dancing is wrong. Some think the opposite. Some worship (sing love songs to God) sitting with their arms crossed, and others run up and down the aisles rejoicing. Some say if you smoke, drink, gamble, etc.. you can't join their church (while still taking your tithes), and others think that you will improve in time (so to speak). Some think that the Gifts are not for today and God doesn't speak to us, and others believe we still get the gifts and talk to God every day. Some think you pray to Mother Mary and saints, and some think you don't. I could go on, but you see it would be quite a challenge (unless you agree with me, LOL). But I think that is why God has so many different churches. Because there are so many different people. I think those that don't go to church are missing out on some things that God has/wants for us (but that would need a new thread).

[digthemup]

GPtimes

Are you saying that God created the different religions? since I do not have found that to be based in any scripture that I have read. I believe that you are correct in the many differences among the various religions, which they are all human based believes or opinions derived by different groups. Remember that even in the times of David, some of the people and pharisees were offended by his dancing in the street when he brought back the ark from the philistines, again another human opinion not by the hand of God who in my opinion wishes us to worship him with all types of music instruments and all kinds of praises.

[GPtimes2]

GPtimes

Are you saying that God created the different religions? since I do not have found that to be based in any scripture that I have read. I believe that you are correct in the many differences among the various religions, which they are all human based believes or opinions derived by different groups. Remember that even in the times of David, some of the people and pharisees were offended by his dancing in the street when he brought back the ark from the philistines, again another human opinion not by the hand of God who in my opinion wishes us to worship him with all types of music instruments and all kinds of praises.

No, I don't think God (the one true God) created the different religions. I meant to convey some differences in the variety of Christian churches.

[Matt_Fisherman]

Hi everyone, I want to preface this with the disclaimer that I am Catholic. I am particularly interested in hearing from other Christians as I’m not sure if this is something I am unique in hoping for or not . . . .

It has been in my heart for a while that it is not good that Christianity is so divided. With all of the messages in the world today that are counter to Christianity, I feel our voices would be heard more clearly if we were speaking in one voice. When I pray about this I hear the words from the Lord’s Prayer - “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” I can’t believe that there is a Catholic Heaven, a Lutheran Heaven, a Baptist Heaven, etc. that is almost ridiculous to think about. So why would we have God’s church on earth divided as such? I know there are differences - some of them big differences but there is also so much we believe in common. I often pray for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of Christians that we might see the common doctrine and reconcile the differences.

Does anyone else hope for Christian Unity? Does anyone else think it would be good to unite the church on earth? If so, how - through the grace of God and the intercession of the Holy Spirit could that begin to happen? Or does anyone think we are better off separated? Why? How do you think we strengthen each other separated in various denominations?

Thanks everyone. May everyone be blessed today.

When I was first saved I remember being sad and angry seeing so many different churches/denominations literally next door to each other instead of all joining as one body. I kept wondering how God felt about all the division here I noticed as a new believer. Unfortunately I don't think the unity will happen until the Rapture.

[fishinFamily]

Christian churches are united as Jesus is the savior. I don't hold hope that they will unite as one in other areas. Not too many would be happy with the changes and compromises that would be necessary to become the same.
Some churches think musical instruments and dancing is wrong. Some think the opposite. Some worship (sing love songs to God) sitting with their arms crossed, and others run up and down the aisles rejoicing. Some say if you smoke, drink, gamble, etc.. you can't join their church (while still taking your tithes), and others think that you will improve in time (so to speak). Some think that the Gifts are not for today and God doesn't speak to us, and others believe we still get the gifts and talk to God every day. Some think you pray to Mother Mary and saints, and some think you don't. I could go on, but you see it would be quite a challenge (unless you agree with me, LOL). But I think that is why God has so many different churches. Because there are so many different people. I think those that don't go to church are missing out on some things that God has/wants for us (but that would need a new thread).

i agree uniting would be difficult or maybe even near impossible (nothing is impossible with God!) in this life. But, do you think we should be United or do you see benefits in this division?

[digthemup]

No, I don't think God (the one true God) created the different religions. I meant to convey some differences in the variety of Christian churches.

Thank you for clarifying and I do understand your point now.

[digthemup]

i agree uniting would be difficult or maybe even near impossible (nothing is impossible with God!) in this life. But, do you think we should be United or do you see benefits in this division?

I agree with you that uniting would be very difficult, since some religions would need to drastically change what they are currently teaching and some of their fundamentals. However, what those religions need to look at is how what they are teaching is supported by scriptures or is it based on traditions, in which cased should be revised to reflect God's word and the teaching of Christ.
All things are possible by the will of God. Amen

[csurp]

Even the early Church was greatly divided. It seems to be the nature of things.

[fishinFamily]

I agree with you that uniting would be very difficult, since some religions would need to drastically change what they are currently teaching and some of their fundamentals. However, what those religions need to look at is how what they are teaching is supported by scriptures or is it based on traditions, in which cased should be revised to reflect God's word and the teaching of Christ.
All things are possible by the will of God. Amen

It wasn’t until the late 4th century that councils decided what should be in the Bible. There are many historical writings from the first century that were not deemed to be inspired. In other words scripture doesn’t mention what should be included in scripture so it takes tradition to arrive at scripture.

[fishinFamily]

That is true - the early church fathers had to address differences. Heck, even in Acts they tell of the Council of Jerusalem addressing differing beliefs. But, is that the will of God? Or would we be better united?

[rexico]

It wasn’t until the late 4th century that councils decided what should be in the Bible. There are many historical writings from the first century that were not deemed to be inspired. In other words scripture doesn’t mention what should be included in scripture so it takes tradition to arrive at scripture.

This a perfect example,"4th century councils decided what should be in the Bible". "Many historical writings from the first century were not deemed to be inspired". Is it bothersome to you that the content of the Bible was chosen by men? Men that didn't know about germs, or where the sun went at night? This same mind set, jailed Galileo for writing that the earth orbited the sun.

[fishinFamily]

This a perfect example,"4th century councils decided what should be in the Bible". "Many historical writings from the first century were not deemed to be inspired". Is it bothersome to you that the content of the Bible was chosen by men? Men that didn't know about germs, or where the sun went at night? This same mind set, jailed Galileo for writing that the earth orbited the sun.

Rexico, if you don’t mind, I will start a new post and then answer your question just to keep from de-railing this conversation…..

[digthemup]

This a perfect example,"4th century councils decided what should be in the Bible". "Many historical writings from the first century were not deemed to be inspired". Is it bothersome to you that the content of the Bible was chosen by men? Men that didn't know about germs, or where the sun went at night? This same mind set, jailed Galileo for writing that the earth orbited the sun.

It doesn't bother me that the content in the bible was chosen by men that had been taught first hand by those that were in direct contact with what Christ taught, and the many letters written by the apostles to the believers in many regions, yet the BS that you used in your ending bear no relevance in choosing the content in the bible.

Think of the many things you are ignorant of, yet you try to cast judgement on others without taking the time to read what you have been offered.

[titanxt]

FishinFamiliy,

Good couple of posts!

The division in the church is yet another failure of man. We cannot agree on a single thing as a united body - not just on the topic of the church, but anything. Being a fishing forum, I will ask that we all come to a unified conclusion as to the single greatest bass catching lure ever created…. The same problem exists in the church. Man has introduced so much legalism and non-biblical practices into the church. The Jews of the Old Testament were horrifically legalistic and most Christian factions are still legalistic (in their own ways) today. As long as churches hold onto the false belief that salvation comes from their version of Christianity and through the sacraments of their particular church - and their church alone - we will never be unified. The gospel is simple, yet churches have made a mess of it. That is why it is so important that each of us knows the Bible and can keep our church leaders and the church beliefs in check and in line with scripture.

[1Holeshot]

The disagreement of various religions is why I believe in " The Priesthood of the Believer".

Each Believer has a responsibility to study God's Word the Holy Bible and recognize false teachings wherever and whenever they occur.

Unfortunately many are too lazy to put in the time required and consume a steady diet of spoon fed opinions of others.

John 8:32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

[teamplayer]

I have always said that the first question when we get to heaven is NOT going to be "are you _______" (insert Catholic, Methodist, Lutheran etc) There was no said denominations in Christ's day. I am Catholic but do not believe in any ONE religion. I do believe in one church, Christ's Church. John 3:16 says it all.

[06 SB]

While I believe in the sentiment of christian unity, every conversation I have had with Catholics about the subject, has turned into everyone becoming Catholic. That is not happening.

[fishinFamily]

While I believe in the sentiment of christian unity, every conversation I have had with Catholics about the subject, has turned into everyone becoming Catholic. That is not happening.

so what should we all become? What would Unity look like?

Would we all be Christians and everyone do what is right in their own eyes?