Christians.......?

Question

Why do we have so many churches nationwide, but we have no unity with each other. Aren't we all on the same mission, which is saving souls?

Answer 1

Because the Lord deals differently with each person. He made us with specific needs and abilities, and He knows where we can be most effective.

My talents are best used in a quiet and structured church, which is why I am a Catholic. My best friend is a Pentecostal, and God makes good use of her abilities in that church setting.

It's not a case of being better than someone else -- it's a case of letting God place you in a church setting that is best for you. When you're where He wants you to be, then He can make best use of your gifts in winning souls to Christ.

Answer 2

You are so right, my brother.

I think we have so many churches nationwide because people are not in the spirit when they read the Bible. God's Word is Holy and true; it cannot be approached with reasoning and justification. When we don't pray for an understanding before we read God's sanctified Word, human emotions get involved and things are taken out of context. Individuals - even priests - mold God's word into what they want it to mean (defying God's Word) to suit their own selfish desires. The Bible clearly states that we shouldn't add or take away from the Word.

Our mission is, indeed, to save souls by spreading the Gospel. Ungodliness has led to the many "denominations" we see today.

Answer 3

You make a good point! I don't know why we don't have more unity with each other. I guess it may be due to the "politics" in some of the churches having taken priority over the real issue of saving souls. Also, much of it could be due to the different doctrinal practices involved with the different churches. In my opinion, too much time is spent with everyone arguing about the different doctrines. God is specific in the Bible where he tells His followers not to spend time arguing over doctrines yet so many are quick to judge, like for example, the fundamentalists I have had experiences with. Maybe not all of them feel the same way, but then why be associated with a group when your beliefs are not the same? I've had them tell me that they couldn't believe I was a Christian because I had friends, males, who had long hair and loved rock and roll music, as do I. So since I didn't believe my Bible said what they were interpreting it to say, I was wrong and on my way to Hell. Well, I'm sorry, I just don't think that is what God intended for us as Christians to act like or do. It is not their right to judge anyone nor should they be choosing for God who has asked to have salvation and who has not. I feel they were and are wrong and are responsible for running people away from wanting to know my Jesus, not bringing converts into the faith. I find their views rather narrow minded and extremely judgmental from my experiences with them here, down south in the Bible Belt. I don't consider myself a radical Christian. I just don't think my interpretation of God's word fits into their mold. So I don't seek any sort of unity with that sect of Christians. It is a shame, because we all as Christians do need to be saving souls and sharing His gospel. I guess what I'm on my soap box about is that we all should get back to the basics of saving souls and stop worrying whether "Johnny Christian" is doing that right or not. It is not ours to decide. If something "of the world" can be turned into an asset for God, then what's wrong with that? A good saying that might apply here is this, "Too many chiefs and not enough Indians." Simply meaning that everybody wants to be in charge and not many want to follow. Romans 3:23 "For ALL have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

Answer 4

I think it's because we have so many men being "pastors" who were not called by God to be pastors. I think that many men become pastors because they are good at public speaking, or really want to help people, or know the bible real well.

Sin, in God's eyes is "Missing The Mark". If God wants you to be a godly mechanic, or a godly youth leader, or a godly doctor, and instead you decide to be a pastor, you are not doing what God made you for and His purpose does not get fulfilled.

As an example - look at the game of basketball. Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippin, John Paxson, Dennis Rodman..... they made up a great Bulls team. EACH ONE OF THEM HAD A PARTICULAR ROLE TO PLAY. Phil Jackson (the coach) knew how to place them and set up plays that used EXACTLY the skills that each player could add to the team. If they had been disobedient (even Rodman was under control then!) we in the stands might not have fully understood what was missing, but the coach would, and he would also have known that the team did not reach it's true potential.

Our team, THE CHURCH, is made up of people that unfortunately are unwilling or don't understand their real roles. We need to get back to basics. Read, pray, fellowship, celebrate the Lord's Supper. See Acts 2:42 - It says they "persevered" because there is an enemy trying to keep us from doing it.

Answer 5

"Why do we have so many churches nationwide, but we have no unity with each other. "

Well, we choose not to act like we have unity. Unless you are not one of those that do. Do you get the point there? It starts with you and it starts with me. Jesus will make it worldwide, remember his prayer in John 17? God didn't forget that prayer.

"Aren't we all on the same mission, which is saving souls?"

Ummmmmmm, no. God saves the souls. I am only a messenger, that Jesus died and rose again. And if anyone believes that Jesus is Lord, they can be saved as well.

The desire and the Grace comes from God only. If the unbeliever is not a seeker, it aint going to matter if I tried to preach to him or her.

Answer 6

There is unity of two different kinds. There is the unity that exists between Bible believing, Christ honoring, Spirit led Christians who know that we have all been baptized into the body of Christ and are members one of another. I belong to a non-denominational church and we serve in the local community with a nearby Presbyterian church in an outreach ministry called the Bread of Life that feeds the poor and homeless. Our fairly new building was built partly from a loan that the Southern Baptists gave us because they said that God had put it on their hearts to reach out beyond their congregational lines.

http://www.alcf.net

Then there is the "unity" that exists between the compromising churches that have abandoned the truths of the Bible and fallen into the secularistic view that there are many paths to God and that we shouldn't only respect people who hold different beliefs, we should also respect their beliefs. :o(

Answer 7

we have different churches because we have different beliefs. we do not have unity because we find some Christians hyposrites, meaning they are fake. we are on the same mission but how can we complete it if some of our beloved ones are those that destroy souls? some or most are under Satan? sometimes we feel that just because we are Christians mean that we are saved. but that is what makes us separated. we are high-minded that we forgot the Words of God. it is written that better are the gentiles that don't know the Law but obey it than those who knows the Law but doesn't do it.

Answer 8

We should be on the same mission but, with some Churches it is like asking a fox to help watch the hen house. They are from the Devil to confuse and distort the truth just enough so people fall into Hell

Answer 9

I used to ask the same question and one day a good friend pointed out that "I" am the root of the disunity.
It is very easy to view the obvious problems of others but becomes difficult to recognize in my own life. For example...I am very conscientious to greet the "lowly" people visiting our church, however, the higher the person is on the social ladder the more I shy away from them. Sounds biblical doesn't it.
The best way I can answer it for me is to understand that it is the religious people that place Christ on the cross and overcoming disunity begins with me saying, "Free Jesus," instead of Barabas.

Answer 10

Yes, I think that part gets lost in translation. I think somewhere back, someone disagreed on a little issue, and the split just kept on splitting. I think most churches agree on the major issues but can't seem to get beyond petty differences. I totally agree with you. So much more could be accomplished if we all work together.