Tag: division
Labels Divide (Beware the Danger of Labels)
Each morning, we awaken to another day living in “upside down world.” Few things make sense anymore and you can’t trust much of what you see with your own eyes. It’s now obvious that a silent war rages over human solidarity. On one hand, people are incessantly bombarded by efforts to divide us. Nationality, ethnicity,…
What the Early Christians Wrote about Easter
The Bible doesn’t mention the word “Easter.” Well, the King James Version erroneously translates the word “Passover” as “Easter” in Acts 12:4, but the word Easter isn’t found in the Greek. The truth is that GOD does not instruct Christians to observe a special celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection at the time of the…
Who is Jesus’ Church, Really? (Clarifying Fundamental Misunderstanding)
There’s a lot of talk these days about the need for greater unity between Christians and among churches. And for good reason! There are like a bazillion denominations now, each claiming to be “of Jesus.” People recognize that improved unity is needed. Jesus taught His disciples the importance of unity and prayed for it among…
Unity in the Bible
Let’s examine what the Scriptures say about unity. GOD is Unified Our starting point for any study of character traits or attributes should be to look at the nature of GOD. GOD wants man to imitate His character and nature in every way, so He always provides the target for which we should aim. Unity…
November 30 – 1 Corinthians (part 1)
Reading 1 Cor. 1:1-4:21 Devotional Around 55-56 A.D., Paul wrote the letter that we know as 1 Corinthians. Apparently Paul and the brethren at Corinth had written each other a previous time, during which the Corinthian Christians asked Paul a number of questions, which Paul addresses. Additionally, Paul instructs them regarding divisions between them as…
November 4 – If Anyone is Thirsty
Reading John 7:2-8:11 Devotional Six months before His crucifixion, Jesus went to Jerusalem to attend the Feast of Tabernacles, one of three ceremonial feasts of the Jews. Halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple and began to teach. People were amazed at Jesus’ teachings because they didn’t think He could know so…
October 31 – Jesus Promises Conflict
Reading Matt. 9:35-38 Matt. 10:1-15; Mark 6:7 Matt. 10:16-42 Matt. 11:1; Luke 9:6 Mark 6:14-16; Luke 9:7-9 Matt. 14:3-12a; Mark 6:17-29 Mark 6:30-33; Luke 9:10-11a; John 6:1 Devotional As Jesus traveled throughout the towns and villages He was moved with compassion because the people were harassed and helpless, like sheep with no shepherd to lead…
October 17 – Changes Between the Testaments
Reading Daily Bible section entitled “Influences on a Dispersed People” Daily Bible section entitled “Hellenism and the Jews” Daily Bible section entitled “Judaism Under Roman Rule” Devotional After the Babylonian captivity ended, most Jews did not return to their homeland, instead choosing to remain in the land where they had built a life. Some were…
September 21 – The Writing on the Wall
Reading Dan. 5:1-31; 9:1-27 Devotional Another 7 years has passed since Daniel saw the two visions of the future kingdoms. Belshazzar king of Babylon hosted a great banquet feast for 1,000 nobles and they drank wine. While drinking, Belshazzar ordered for the gold and silver cups that Nebuchadnezzar had taken from the LORD’s temple in…
What Does the Bible Say About Division within the Church?
Let’s begin by considering a few Scriptures that discuss church division. 17 Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive…