Someone I know has been on my mind a lot lately. He's a nice enough fellow and I love him very much. But his life is a total disaster, and it always has been. I've prayed fervently for his life to turn around, but he's made no progress whatsoever. He's hit the bottom financially many times. He's been homeless and unemployed many times. He's abused alcohol, and probably drugs to a smaller degree. He's been in trouble with the law many times, and has spent time in prison. He has emotional problems for which he needs medication, but he refuses to stay on his prescribed medication. Many times a family member or friend has taken him under their wing and tried to give him a fresh start, but every time within a matter of weeks he has rejected it all and hit bottom again.
Why is his life like this? I don't know for certain - I think that some people are given more challenges than others, and I think some are more prone to temptation than others. I don't think you can really know what it's like for another person, unless you've had all of the experiences and influences that they have had. But I can speculate in his case, since I know it well.
First, he does not have God in his life. I think he believes in the Christian story and acknowledges the truth, but he does not practice Christianity in any sense, nor does Christianity affect his life in any way. How can anyone hope to thrive, or even survive in this world, without a full devotion to the Creator?
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." -Proverbs 16:3
"Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life.' " -John 14:6
I think his second problem is that all of his thoughts and actions are turned toward himself. When he does manage to get a little money, he quickly blows it on eating out, electronic gadgets and alcohol. I don't know of a single time he has ever done any volunteer or charitable work. Ironically, by focusing on squeezing out of life whatever he can for his own use and pleasure, he has ended up denying himself of all of the good things that life offers.
"Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life." -Luke 21:34
"For you have spent enough time in the past doing what pagans choose to do—living in debauchery, lust, drunkenness, orgies, carousing and detestable idolatry. They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you." -I Peter 4:3-4
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires." -Galatians 5:19-24
"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." -Philippians 4:8
This young man needs your prayers. He has a sharp and quick mind, and a great deal of energy. He might yet go far if he can get his life on track. Only God can make the kind of change he needs.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Friday, March 20, 2009
blessings
Sometimes I'm just overwhelmed with the ways that God has blessed me.
I've had excellent health - I've never had surgery, spent a night in the hospital, or had a broken bone.
I've had access to education - I was able to complete my education up to and including a Ph. D., and never paid a dime, thanks to public funding and scholarships.
I've never been unemployed.
I've never been homeless.
I've never been without food. In fact, my waistline proves that I've even enjoyed an excess of food!
I've owned a car since I was 16 years old.
And I could go on and on listing many more ways in which God has blessed me.
And I am certain that I can take no credit for these things - they are all gifts from a generous and loving God.
In fact, the vast majority of us in the U. S. have been the beneficiaries of many of God's blessings. When you consider all people throughout the world, and also consider all of the people who lived in the past who are now deceased, all but the very poorest of Americans are ridiculously wealthy. I think it's especially important for us to remember this now, as we go through an economic climate that is much more challenging than we've faced in many years.
In other words, count your blessings! Look at all of the wonderful things that God has done for you in the past, and is doing for you now. The vast majority of Americans have food, shelter, fresh water, health care, free education, freedom, adequate clothing, transportation, free and easy access to worship and the Bible, etc.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." -Psalm 118:1
"In that day you will say: 'Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.'" -Isaiah 12:4
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -I Thessalonians 5:18
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." -Ephesians 1:3
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9
"For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" -I Corinthians 4:7
I've had excellent health - I've never had surgery, spent a night in the hospital, or had a broken bone.
I've had access to education - I was able to complete my education up to and including a Ph. D., and never paid a dime, thanks to public funding and scholarships.
I've never been unemployed.
I've never been homeless.
I've never been without food. In fact, my waistline proves that I've even enjoyed an excess of food!
I've owned a car since I was 16 years old.
And I could go on and on listing many more ways in which God has blessed me.
And I am certain that I can take no credit for these things - they are all gifts from a generous and loving God.
In fact, the vast majority of us in the U. S. have been the beneficiaries of many of God's blessings. When you consider all people throughout the world, and also consider all of the people who lived in the past who are now deceased, all but the very poorest of Americans are ridiculously wealthy. I think it's especially important for us to remember this now, as we go through an economic climate that is much more challenging than we've faced in many years.
In other words, count your blessings! Look at all of the wonderful things that God has done for you in the past, and is doing for you now. The vast majority of Americans have food, shelter, fresh water, health care, free education, freedom, adequate clothing, transportation, free and easy access to worship and the Bible, etc.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever." -Psalm 118:1
"In that day you will say: 'Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.'" -Isaiah 12:4
"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." -I Thessalonians 5:18
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." -Ephesians 1:3
"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast." -Ephesians 2:8-9
"For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" -I Corinthians 4:7
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
speaking about our Christian beliefs
As mentioned in my profile, I am a university professor. Recently, one of the senior members in my department came to me to tell me that one of our students had complained that I talk about my Christian beliefs in class too much. This was especially interesting, since I teach at a Christian university! But, I was glad my colleague talked to me - it was her intention to give me some helpful input to help me become a better teacher. After all, the Bible says:
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love."-Proverbs 27:5
So, we should not be offended when someone offers us constructive criticism given in the spirit of helpfulness.
But, is it possible for one to talk about their Christian beliefs too much?
I think so. For one, even in a Christian school, a teacher must maintain a level of professionalism, so it's possible for a teacher to reveal too much personal information that is not relevant to the material. Secondly, one must show respect for others' right to form their own opinion. (Notice that I said the "right to form their own opinion." That doesn't mean that one opinion is good as the next!) Finally, people who are not Christians can be turned off if we Christians are too aggressive in our witnessing.
However, under the guidelines mentioned in the previous paragraph, Christians should be unafraid to be open and honest about their beliefs. As Peter and John said in the book of Acts
"For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." -Acts 4:20
And I think that all Christians should feel this way. In particular, I feel that I have the Christian responsibility to talk about Christianity to my students for two reasons:
1. Many young people in the U. S. have been told that truth is relative, and that religious beliefs are a personal matter - a matter of individual choice. But, the fact is that there is either a God or not, it's not our choice. And if there is a God (which we Christians believe), He has certain characteristics - we don't get to choose those characteristics. He either has them or he doesn't, whether we like them or not. So, truth is not relative, it's absolute, and our young people need to be taught that they have been misled on this.
2. Many young people have also been taught to "compartmentalize" their lives: "Religion is fine for Sunday mornings, but don't talk about it the rest of the week." But, we know from the Bible that God wants all of our life, not just some segment of it. All of our activities should be about serving and glorifying God, including work, family, recreation, rest, nourishment, etc. I want to show my students that everything relates to God, whether it's history, psychology, math, finances, electronics or whatever!
I'd appreciate your prayers helping me to have good judgment on when and how to express my Christianity in my classes!
"Better is open rebuke than hidden love."-Proverbs 27:5
So, we should not be offended when someone offers us constructive criticism given in the spirit of helpfulness.
But, is it possible for one to talk about their Christian beliefs too much?
I think so. For one, even in a Christian school, a teacher must maintain a level of professionalism, so it's possible for a teacher to reveal too much personal information that is not relevant to the material. Secondly, one must show respect for others' right to form their own opinion. (Notice that I said the "right to form their own opinion." That doesn't mean that one opinion is good as the next!) Finally, people who are not Christians can be turned off if we Christians are too aggressive in our witnessing.
However, under the guidelines mentioned in the previous paragraph, Christians should be unafraid to be open and honest about their beliefs. As Peter and John said in the book of Acts
"For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard." -Acts 4:20
And I think that all Christians should feel this way. In particular, I feel that I have the Christian responsibility to talk about Christianity to my students for two reasons:
1. Many young people in the U. S. have been told that truth is relative, and that religious beliefs are a personal matter - a matter of individual choice. But, the fact is that there is either a God or not, it's not our choice. And if there is a God (which we Christians believe), He has certain characteristics - we don't get to choose those characteristics. He either has them or he doesn't, whether we like them or not. So, truth is not relative, it's absolute, and our young people need to be taught that they have been misled on this.
2. Many young people have also been taught to "compartmentalize" their lives: "Religion is fine for Sunday mornings, but don't talk about it the rest of the week." But, we know from the Bible that God wants all of our life, not just some segment of it. All of our activities should be about serving and glorifying God, including work, family, recreation, rest, nourishment, etc. I want to show my students that everything relates to God, whether it's history, psychology, math, finances, electronics or whatever!
I'd appreciate your prayers helping me to have good judgment on when and how to express my Christianity in my classes!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
prayer
Today I received an e-mail message from a former student of mine. It means a lot to me when my students from the past take the time to reconnect with me. This particular student has had nothing but bad luck. He was an outstanding student, with an unusual amount of creativity and motivation. But, his people skills are terrible, and have run him into trouble at every turn.
I feel like this person needs a lot of prayer. God gave him his special skills for a reason, and he just needs to find the right situation in which patient and caring people can mentor him in the social skills, and provide a shield for him when he makes mistakes.
From the Bible, we know that God wants us to pray, and we know that God wants to answer prayer and give us good things.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" -Matthew 7:7-11
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." -James 5:16-18
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." -Ephesians 6:18
God has promised to answer prayers and he has the power to do so. Please pray with me for this young man, and let's watch the results of God's power and mercy!
While I am talking about prayer, I want to give God praise for two recently answered prayers:
A young lady I worked with gave birth to twins recently, but one was born with a serious heart defect. He needed a heart transplant. After many prayers, God provided a heart for this little one, and his body has accepted the heart and it is functioning well!
A friend of mine for 37 years runs a mortgage business here in town. He worked very hard to build this business up, and then lost almost everything in a divorce, in which he was dealt with unfairly by the legal system. Then the housing crisis hit, and his business, which I understand supports five families, was in danger of going under. But, recently, business has picked up, and I happy to say he is having to stay in his office until late in the evening to get his work done!
Isn't God good!
I feel like this person needs a lot of prayer. God gave him his special skills for a reason, and he just needs to find the right situation in which patient and caring people can mentor him in the social skills, and provide a shield for him when he makes mistakes.
From the Bible, we know that God wants us to pray, and we know that God wants to answer prayer and give us good things.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" -Matthew 7:7-11
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops." -James 5:16-18
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." -Philippians 4:6
"And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints." -Ephesians 6:18
God has promised to answer prayers and he has the power to do so. Please pray with me for this young man, and let's watch the results of God's power and mercy!
While I am talking about prayer, I want to give God praise for two recently answered prayers:
A young lady I worked with gave birth to twins recently, but one was born with a serious heart defect. He needed a heart transplant. After many prayers, God provided a heart for this little one, and his body has accepted the heart and it is functioning well!
A friend of mine for 37 years runs a mortgage business here in town. He worked very hard to build this business up, and then lost almost everything in a divorce, in which he was dealt with unfairly by the legal system. Then the housing crisis hit, and his business, which I understand supports five families, was in danger of going under. But, recently, business has picked up, and I happy to say he is having to stay in his office until late in the evening to get his work done!
Isn't God good!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
fresh starts
It just crossed my mind that there are a lot of fresh starts/new beginnings this time of year:
January 1, New Year's Day, the start of a new year,
School is starting back after Christmas break for a large number of students and teachers - tomorrow is the start of the spring semester at the university where I teach,
January 20 is the day the next U. S. President takes office and begins a possible new direction for our nation,
And, hopefully it won't be TOO long until spring starts and then baseball season begins!
These things make me think of the well-known passage in the gospel of John:
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.' In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again....For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.' " -John 3:1-3, 16-17
God gives us a new beginning through baptism - we are born again. Our sins are wiped clean, and we have a fresh start.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - II Corinthians 5:17
"...everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Acts 10:43b
I remember a student of mine once telling me that she had a debt that she needed to pay. She had worried about this debt for a long time, but did not have the means to pay it off. When she finally had collected enough money to pay it back, she was told that she no longer owed the money! She told me that at that point, she really understood what Jesus has done for us - he has wiped the slate completely clean for us, and has given us a fresh start, a chance to be a new person dedicated to the Lord!
January 1, New Year's Day, the start of a new year,
School is starting back after Christmas break for a large number of students and teachers - tomorrow is the start of the spring semester at the university where I teach,
January 20 is the day the next U. S. President takes office and begins a possible new direction for our nation,
And, hopefully it won't be TOO long until spring starts and then baseball season begins!
These things make me think of the well-known passage in the gospel of John:
"Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. He came to Jesus at night and said, 'Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with him.' In reply Jesus declared, 'I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again....For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.' " -John 3:1-3, 16-17
God gives us a new beginning through baptism - we are born again. Our sins are wiped clean, and we have a fresh start.
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" - II Corinthians 5:17
"...everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name." Acts 10:43b
I remember a student of mine once telling me that she had a debt that she needed to pay. She had worried about this debt for a long time, but did not have the means to pay it off. When she finally had collected enough money to pay it back, she was told that she no longer owed the money! She told me that at that point, she really understood what Jesus has done for us - he has wiped the slate completely clean for us, and has given us a fresh start, a chance to be a new person dedicated to the Lord!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Marriage: Partnership or Dictatorship?
One of the biggest sources of difficulty in a marriage is decision making. How should decisions be made regarding finances, children, religion, vacations, where to live, etc., etc.?
Remember, the Bible is the answer key, so we can find the correct answer by looking there:
"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." -Ephesians 5:22-24
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." -Colossians 3:18
So, it looks pretty clear what the answer is, so I guess I'm finished...
But, wait, I think it's a little bit more complicated. Here in the U. S., we live in a time of equal rights for men and women (whether or not we have an amendment to the Constitution that says so). Women today are well-educated, and are taught to be self-sufficient and have opinions of their own.
I think the Bible says that the husband has the right to make the decisions regarding the family and household, but I don't see that it says that he must exercise that right. In this day and age, I think decisions are best made when the husband and wife work together. You know the saying, "Two heads are better than one!"
I think there is a time and place when a husband and wife cannot arrive at a decision, for example, if no compromise is possible. (For example, do we send the kids to private school or public school?) In a case like this, the husband has the Biblically-based right to make the decision, and the wife should submit. (And no "cold shoulders" or "silent treatments" - wives, do you really think that's what the Lord means when he says submit?) However, husbands, please listen to this: I would only play that ace very infrequently, maybe only once or twice in a lifetime. You should only play that ace if the decision is extremely important - do not abuse this God-given right.
And, when possible, involve the kids too. For example, if you're buying a new car, the parents could choose the make and model, and you could let the kids choose the color! Don't you think that if they are involved, the kids are more likely to support the family's activities and responsibilities, such as...washing the car?
Remember, the Bible is the answer key, so we can find the correct answer by looking there:
"Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." -Ephesians 5:22-24
"Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." -Colossians 3:18
So, it looks pretty clear what the answer is, so I guess I'm finished...
But, wait, I think it's a little bit more complicated. Here in the U. S., we live in a time of equal rights for men and women (whether or not we have an amendment to the Constitution that says so). Women today are well-educated, and are taught to be self-sufficient and have opinions of their own.
I think the Bible says that the husband has the right to make the decisions regarding the family and household, but I don't see that it says that he must exercise that right. In this day and age, I think decisions are best made when the husband and wife work together. You know the saying, "Two heads are better than one!"
I think there is a time and place when a husband and wife cannot arrive at a decision, for example, if no compromise is possible. (For example, do we send the kids to private school or public school?) In a case like this, the husband has the Biblically-based right to make the decision, and the wife should submit. (And no "cold shoulders" or "silent treatments" - wives, do you really think that's what the Lord means when he says submit?) However, husbands, please listen to this: I would only play that ace very infrequently, maybe only once or twice in a lifetime. You should only play that ace if the decision is extremely important - do not abuse this God-given right.
And, when possible, involve the kids too. For example, if you're buying a new car, the parents could choose the make and model, and you could let the kids choose the color! Don't you think that if they are involved, the kids are more likely to support the family's activities and responsibilities, such as...washing the car?
Monday, December 8, 2008
Christian divisions
After all of the years I've spent on this earth, I'm still surprised and dismayed at the extreme allegiance that some Christians have for their particular denomination!
Some of the reasons for these "divisions" into Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc. are not harmful. Some of them are simply historical in basis. Some people feel more comfortable worshipping in one style than another. Some people might feel more that a particular denomination's doctrinal stance is more consistent with their beliefs. Some people feel fulfillment in worshipping the same way that their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did. I have no quibble with people who choose to attend church services of a particular denomination for these reasons.
But, I take issue with those whose denominational allegiance is so strong that they are convinced that their denomination has perfect doctine, and that all other groups are in serious error. Some take their over-the-top zeal so far that they believe that people in other Christian groups must be converted to their own personal church group.
There are a number of problems with the attitudes mentioned in the previous paragraph. For one, it does not reflect the humility that Jesus preached and that is taught elsewhere in the Bible. Second, it ignores the fact that only God is perfect. Third, it causes animosity between denominations, while the Bible teaches unity. Fourth, these contententious divisions are an obstacle to evangelism. I remember talking to someone from the Middle East about Christianity, and one of his biggest problems with Christianity was all of the in-fighting that Christians do. Fifth, the extreme allegiance some have to their particular denomination is not all that different from idolatry, something which the Bible especially warns us about.
Consider the following passages from the Bible:
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" - I Corinthians 1:10-13
"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." -Titus 3:9-11
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." -Acts 4:32
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -John 17:20-23
The Bible sends a clear message of God's believers working together in love, humility and unity. Let's all strive with prayer and with God's help toward that goal!
Some of the reasons for these "divisions" into Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Presbyterian, etc. are not harmful. Some of them are simply historical in basis. Some people feel more comfortable worshipping in one style than another. Some people might feel more that a particular denomination's doctrinal stance is more consistent with their beliefs. Some people feel fulfillment in worshipping the same way that their parents, grandparents and great-grandparents did. I have no quibble with people who choose to attend church services of a particular denomination for these reasons.
But, I take issue with those whose denominational allegiance is so strong that they are convinced that their denomination has perfect doctine, and that all other groups are in serious error. Some take their over-the-top zeal so far that they believe that people in other Christian groups must be converted to their own personal church group.
There are a number of problems with the attitudes mentioned in the previous paragraph. For one, it does not reflect the humility that Jesus preached and that is taught elsewhere in the Bible. Second, it ignores the fact that only God is perfect. Third, it causes animosity between denominations, while the Bible teaches unity. Fourth, these contententious divisions are an obstacle to evangelism. I remember talking to someone from the Middle East about Christianity, and one of his biggest problems with Christianity was all of the in-fighting that Christians do. Fifth, the extreme allegiance some have to their particular denomination is not all that different from idolatry, something which the Bible especially warns us about.
Consider the following passages from the Bible:
"I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, 'I follow Paul'; another, 'I follow Apollos'; another, 'I follow Cephas'; still another, 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" - I Corinthians 1:10-13
"But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and arguments and quarrels about the law, because these are unprofitable and useless. Warn a divisive person once, and then warn him a second time. After that, have nothing to do with him. You may be sure that such a man is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned." -Titus 3:9-11
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." -Acts 4:32
"My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." -John 17:20-23
The Bible sends a clear message of God's believers working together in love, humility and unity. Let's all strive with prayer and with God's help toward that goal!
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