Let us delve into the heart-wrenching yet necessary topic of division within the church, a phenomenon not new to us nor unfamiliar to our forefathers in faith. The revered preacher David Lipscomb, in his poignant article dated September 4, 1941, addressed this very issue, acknowledging that “division must come” even within the Church of Christ. This statement, though seemingly disheartening, sheds light on a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey – the inevitability of division when it comes to upholding truth and doctrine.
Throughout history, our church has faced its share of controversies and divisions, from debates over instrumental music in worship to disagreements about the structuring of Bible studies. These disputes, while troubling, are often reflective of a deeper quest for adherence to the Scriptures and a commitment to preserving the purity of our worship and doctrine. In the face of such challenges, it is crucial to remember the words of Amos 3:3, “Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?” This scripture beautifully encapsulates the essence of unity in the body of Christ, emphasizing the need for agreement in our walk with God and with each other.
Division, though painful, can serve as a refining fire, separating what is of God from what is not. It challenges us to examine our beliefs, align our practices with Scripture, and steadfastly commit ourselves to the truth as revealed in God’s Word. As we navigate these often turbulent waters, we must do so with a spirit of love, humility, and a relentless pursuit of truth.
Remember, beloved, that unity in the church is not about uniformity in thought or practice but about a shared commitment to Christ and His teachings. As we face potential divisions, let us approach them not as a means to sow discord but as opportunities to engage in healthy, scriptural discernment. Let us strive to resolve our differences through prayer, open dialogue, and a collective commitment to Scripture.
In facing contemporary controversies within the church, we must engage them with the wisdom and guidance of the Holy Spirit, ensuring that our discussions and resolutions are anchored in love, respect, and a deep reverence for God’s Word. Let us be reminded of Ephesians 4:3-5, which calls us to the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace, under one Lord, one faith, one baptism.
As we move forward, let us embrace the challenges that come with being a part of the living body of Christ. Let us view these moments not as setbacks but as stepping stones towards a deeper, more authentic expression of our faith. In doing so, we honor our commitment to Christ and demonstrate to the world the transformative power of a church united in love, truth, and grace. Amen.
Discussion Questions and Answers
1. What requirements were some Jewish Christians attempting to lay upon their Gentile brethren?
• They wanted them to be circumcised and keep other tenets of the law of Moses in order to be saved.
2. Why was division over this controversy generally contained to small losses in the first century?
• They did not split because they met the controversy head-on and established what God’s will was. Those who chose to violate it were clearly exposed as teaching error and division.
3. How did Paul feel about the Judaizing teachers (Gal. 5:11-12)?
• He wished they would mutilate themselves rather than innocent Gentile Christians.
4. What does Titus 2:3-5 say about the role of the woman before God? Is she inferior to the man?
• Older women should be good examples and teachers for younger women. She is not inferior at all.
5. Why cannot a woman be an elder or deacon?
• She cannot take these offices because the qualifications call for husbands and fathers.
6. Why cannot a woman take a leading role in the worship services of the church?
• She cannot exercise authority over men, nor speak in the assembly, for it is shameful to do otherwise.
7. Why is this doctrine about women’s roles controversial today?
• Feminism has led to a blurring of roles in every area of society, and the church is under pressure to mirror the world instead of the Bible.
8. How did the early church drift into centralizing authority? Why is this wrong (1 Peter 5:2)?
• The plurality of elders began to nominate one elder as supreme. Eventually, one bishop was taking prominence in an entire region, and then a pope was elected over the whole church. Instead, a plurality of elders should shepherd the flock that is among them.
9. What was wrong with the American Christian Missionary Society of the nineteenth century?
• It violated congregational autonomy by centralizing oversight and supporting an outside organization from the church treasury.
10. What was wrong with the Herald of Truth funding program in the 1950s?
• It violated congregational autonomy by having elders turn over their oversight to another eldership.
11. How far have many institutional churches gone, now a half-century later?
• They are involved in the extremes of the social gospel, fun, food, politics, and entertainment.