Steve Nearman A sinner saved by grace. Fredericksburg, VA

Sectarianism within Christianity is rampant, shameful and sin. A person is sectarian when they separates themselves from other believers in Christ along doctrinal lines then proudly denominates under party spirited names to identify themselves apart form other believers. The primary reason for this is pride and failure to follow Eph. 4:2-3. The majority of differences among Christians typically involves differences with, should or how to practice Jewish ordinances (like the Lord’s supper, baptism, foot washing, etc.) or pagan rituals (like Easter, Xmas, Halloween).

God’s word is crystal clear that ALL believers are ONE and should demonstrate that UNITY in their walk before each other and especially to the world around them.

1 Cor. 1:10-12; 3:1-4 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual people but as to carnal, as to babes in Christ. I fed you with milk and not with solid food; for until now you were not able to receive it, and even now you are still not able; for you are still carnal. 

For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? - The answer is YES! This is not just Paul’s opinion, read 1 Cor. 14:37.

Today its "I am Baptist", I am Church of God", "I’m Catholic", "I am Church of Christ", "I'm Pentecostal" or one of the other 3,000+ sects of Christianity. No mater what you believe there is a place for you in some manmade denomination, a counterfeit church, somewhere that will cater to your belief or flavor of Christianity. If not, "Just start your own church", everybody else has, right? What a poor example! Then we wonder why there is so little interest in Jesus Christ today and why missionaries fail. How many people have been killed defending "their faith" not "the faith", brother against brother?

How shameful it is when Christians do not honor the Lord’s prayer the night before His betrayal in the garden; "that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me… that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, or God’s commands in Phil. 1:27, 2:2, 3:16; Eph. 4:3; 1 Cor 12:12-25; Rom. 15:5-6

Few Christians seem to realize that sects have their roots listed in Gal. 5:19-21 as a work of the flesh - heresy (strictly, a choice or option; hence, a religious sect, faction; by implication, discord, contention, disunion, i.e. [figuratively] dissension: — division, sedition). In contrast Psa. 311:1

There are many world renowned church leaders (http://chihuahua-pups.com/Bible/Sin_of_Sectarianism.pdf) who know and have preach that all Christians are not only one in Christ but there is only one faith and one true Church and all Christians should WALK in this unity. But sadly while they preach this truth they themselves do not practice what they preach, denominating themselves apart from each other. They are like the scribes and the Pharisees of old to which the Lord said, "Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, that observe and do, but do not do according to their works; for they say, and do not do." Mat. 23:1-7

Also read:
"Church Confusion" - http://chihuahua-pups.com/Bible/ChurchConfusion.pdf

January 11 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report