[Tj3]

Tj3
As I said,
A friend of Jesus is a friend of mine.
I'll pick my own friends, thank you.
I'll not toss anyone who loves Jesus away.
You can do so as you apparently want to.
Fred

Fred,

I said nothing of the sort. It is not appropriate to mis-represent what others say.

Tom

[Fr_Chuck]

And such the reason there is not Christian unity,

[sndbay]

Unity in Christ is to be yoked to Him. Never permitting the mind to be beguilded from the simplicity of Christ. In Christ we can find our way. (John 14:6) And in Christ one is united with Him ! (Romans 8:39)

In the Spirit of Unity...Gal 5:22-25
To love all men, and to be a servant at the will of God even to the wisked. (1 Peter 2:17-18) Should you suffer in that attempt of kindness, faithfulness, and goodness, do so patiently.... knowing that it is acceptable with God. (1 Peter 2:20)

Still Remember... discern from what is corrupt and use causion not to yoke yourself to evil, which causes unequal yoke.. Separate yourself from such.. ( 2 Coringthians 6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?)

Question?

2 Corinthians 6: 16-18 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in [them]; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

It is evil that separates the denominations, one from another. The evil that tempts the mind from the simplicity of Christ...

Should they preach The Word, should they open the door to Christ ...

All must overcome.. Revelation 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

[arcura]

sndbay,
Thanks for your opinion on that.
Fred

[Akoue]

There are some who take the view that when the NT speaks of unity it is speaking only of spiritual, and not of ecclesial, unity. This strikes me as a very selective way of reading Scripture, one which is not at all well-motivated or supported.

At Jn.10.16 Jesus says that there is one flock with one shepherd. I think all can agree that the one shepherd is Christ, but I see no reason to introduce into the verse a distinction which it does not itself make, i.e. between spiritual and ecclesial unity.

Eph.4.4-5 speaks of one hope, one faith, one Lord, and one baptism, and at 1Cor.10.17 Paul connects this unity with the Eucharist. Why, then, should anyone prise thema apart?

It is difficult for me to imagine anyone denying the importance of spiritual union. What strikes me as more than a little peculiar is the attempt to contrast this with ecclesial unity, as though the two do not go hand in hand.

[Tj3]

At Jn.10.16 Jesus says that there is one flock with one shepherd. I think all can agree that the one shepherd is Christ, but I see no reason to introduce into the verse a distinction which it does not itself make, i.e., between spiritual and ecclesial unity.

Eph.4.4-5 speaks of one hope, one faith, one Lord, and one baptism, and at 1Cor.10.17 Paul connects this unity with the Eucharist. Why, then, should anyone prise thema apart?

We could get into the question regarding the linkages between baptism, communion and the church, but I believe that would take us off topic rather quickly and we have discussed that before.

The key point here is that not everyone in a pew is saved, and not all churches are following the one true God. In such cases, it would be necessary for a Christian church to be in concert with that which is not of Christ. We find nothing in scripture which says that we should be unequally yoked or united with that which is not of Christ. We find a great deal in scripture which speaks of dividing with those who do not hold to the doctrine of Christ. Where is there anything in scripture which says that we should compromise Biblical doctrine for the sake of unity?

[Akoue]

Where is there anything in scripture which says that we should compromise Biblical doctrine for the sake of unity?

Why suppose we would have to?

[Tj3]

Duplicate

[Tj3]

Why suppose we would have to?

Do you believe in unity between churches which are Christian and those who have turned away from Christian teachings? I was once in a church where they prayed to a pagan god. Would you recommend that your church unite with that church or similar churches?

[arcura]

Originally Posted by Tj3 View Post
Where is there anything in scripture which says that we should compromise Biblical doctrine for the sake of unity?
Who or what are you referring to that does that?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[Tj3]

Originally Posted by Tj3 View Post
Where is there anything in scripture which says that we should compromise Biblical doctrine for the sake of unity?
Who or what are you referring to that does that?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Fred,

We are discussing whether we should - we are not trying to string anyone up at this time. But an alternate question for consideration - is it even possible to have unity in the name of Christ between a two churches, one which denies the essentials of the Christian faith, without compromising the witness of the church which remains sound?

[arcura]

Tj3,
As I said in another post here I believe that there are several forms or kinds of unity.
Since there are over 30,000 denominations and still that number is growing I think that full unity is impossible particularly with those who not only teach their interpretation of scripture but also attack or misrepresent other denominations rather than try to get along.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[Tj3]

Tj3,
As I said in another post here I believe that there are several forms or kinds of unity.
Since there are over 30,000 denominations and still that number is growing I think that full unity is impossible particularly with those who not only teach their interpretation of scripture but also attack or misrepresent other denominations rather than try to get along.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

So you do not believe that unity between churches is always possible. I agree.

That was my point.

[sndbay]

Who or what are you referring to that does that?
Peace and kindness,
Fred

Fred, I feel the who and what are men with prideful ways. Those who boost of their own righteousness rather then being humble as a servant of God. Those who think they can role act as God, or commit idolatry by showing admiration to anything or anyone other then Christ.

To yoke yourself to Christ is knowing He alone can be praised and honored. That nothing or anyone comes unto the Father except by Christ. Faith without sight, meaning faith in knowing The Holy Spirit is with us, and we need nothing more in our presence.

Confessing that we "Love Christ" without showing any shame in that confession of love, is a work of righteosuness. And belief in His worthyness to wash our sins away when we repent is Faith in Him alone. (This is the Faith and Righteousness combined) there is no other way to the Father.Amen

Every man has the decision to make in whether to follow Christ or not.... That is where unity is found...

[arcura]

sndbay,
Thanks for your clarification on that.
Fred

[galveston]

The only unity that matters is spiritual, not earthly or mental.
Jesus prayed that His followers would become one as He and the Father are one. That is spiritual unity and has absolutely no connection with organization or denomination.

That said, some denominations hold closer to written scripture than others, and that becomes a bone of contention that will never be resolved until/unless everyone agrees on what the authoritative source of God's revelation is.

The non-Catholics say the Bible (if they believe in ANY authority beyond their own intellect), whereas the Catholics say the Pope trumps the Bible in any disagreement.

That gap will never be bridged.

[arcura]

galveston
Thanks for your opinion on that.
I find this statement of yours interesting.
"whereas the Catholics say the Pope trumps the Bible in any disagreement."
From where did you get that idea?
I as a Catholic have never said that or have I heard any others say it.
Peace and kindness,
Fred

[sndbay]

Judge not the hearts of man... For God knows those who hold the seal ..

The foundation holds the seal.. And they name Christ the Rock, and willing depart from iniquity!

2 Ti 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

Yet we realize in the great House of God.. there are both some that dishonour and some that hold the seal in honour.

2 Ti 2:20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.

Discern and purge from dishonour to do righteousness in works

2 Ti 2:21 If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, [and] prepared unto every good work.


Call on Christ without shame, for it is righteous to do so!!!

2 Ti 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

As Peter and the apostles said: Acts 5: 29 Then Peter and the [other] apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Psalms 7:17 I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high.

~Unity in Christ

[arcura]

sndbay,
Thanks much for that.
Fred