Healing the Denomination Divide

What does it mean to live as a Christian in a non-Christian world? Many of the first Christians were asking this question, and God provided answers that still hold true for us today.

For example, God inspired Paul to write a letter to the Christians in Corinth, and he addressed specific problems they were facing. These issues had to do with divisions, sexual immorality, lawsuits, quarrels, the Lord’s Supper, worship, and spiritual gifts. Paul also explained some theological points, including the resurrection—how our faith hinges on the fact that Jesus died and rose from the dead, and He will one day raise all His forgiven followers from the dead too (1 Corinthians 15). Paul also clarified that our freedom in Christ doesn’t mean that we do whatever pleases us, but rather we should seek the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24). And Paul answered questions these Christians had about married and single life (chapter 7). Ultimately, Paul taught the church that love is always the primary driver and conclusion of how we live out our faith in Christ (chapter 13).

To Paul’s original audience, this letter was an answer to their questions and a guide for how to live. The same kinds of problems that arose in the Corinthian church continue to arise in the church today, and God equips us to handle them according to His Word. He calls us to set an example “in speech…in love, in faith and in purity†(1 Timothy 4:12). As we seek to walk with Jesus in every area of our lives, His Holy Spirit guides us to solutions to the problems we face.

As people who are chosen by God and precious to Him, we are called to conduct ourselves wisely and to “live such good lives†among non-Christians that the world will see the light of Christ (1 Peter 2:12). Today, we still face theological issues in the church, and we continue to wrestle with questions. But when Jesus returns, all our questions and disagreements will be settled in Him, for Jesus is the Word of God (John 1:1). Whenever we have questions, we can bring these to Jesus, listening for His guidance and resting in His sure love for us. And through Jesus, we can walk in love toward one another. • Enid Adah Nyinomujuni

• What are some of your questions about Christianity? Who are trusted Christians in your life you can talk to when you have questions?

• What problems do you see in the church today? How might you be able to help address these?

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

Read Verses:

John.17.20-John.17.26|Rom.15.5-Rom.15.7|Gal.3.22-Gal.3.29