WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?
How Many Churches-
Every time there is a census there are more churches named. Several years ago the number was over 5,000. These churches differed from one another in name and doctrine. Some welcome this diversity.
What Does The Bible Say?
Matthew 16:18 says... "And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the powers of death shall not prevail against it."
John 17:20-23 says... "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me."
I Corinthians 1:10 says... "I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment."
In these passages we learn:
1. Jesus promised to build His church not churches.
2. Jesus prayed that His followers would be one or together.
3. When the church in Corinth was dividing, the Apostle Paul insisted that they be united.
When churches divide, Christ is not glorified and the world does not believe. That is a high price to pay for our selfishness.
Print Friendly