Differences...

            I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.” (I Corinthians 1:10-12)

           Who do you follow? Who’s your favorite pastor? What denomination are you? Today’s passage seems to suggest that denominations and even having different favorite pastors is wrong. Instead, we should have the Church at (insert your hometown.) There is a sense – the sense that Paul is writing about – in which this is very true. This church, that denomination, and the other preacher are just as much part of the Church as any other that is actually part.

          I’m not superior or inferior because I attend a nondenominational camp church or a Christian and Missionary Alliance church and you’re not superior or inferior because you worship at whatever church you attend. If we are in Christ, we are in Christ. I don’t believe that means we should also have exactly the same beliefs or all attend the same church.

           There are differences and there are differences. One example of this is baptism. Is it only for adults? Must it be by immersion? I can’t quite see why anyone would call “sprinkling” a baptism. It doesn’t make sense to me. But, I would not tell someone who was sprinkled (even as a child) that he/she needs to be re-baptized in order to be part of a congregation that practices immersion. I know a good Christian guy whose doctor told him that he was not permitted to be baptized by immersion for health reasons, and the church he attended accommodated him by pouring a large quantity of water over him. His health and the health of the others baptized that day were protected.

          As another example, I know people who are fond of Charles Stanley, or Andy Stanley, or David Jeremiah, or John Ortberg, or Beth Moore, or R. C. Sproul, or Dallas Willard. At one point or another, I’ve enjoyed the teaching of each of these people, and at one point or another, I’ve probably disagreed with them all. But Paul tells us we shouldn’t lionize or canonize any of them. As long as they are telling the truth in accordance with Scripture we’re free to enjoy them, but not to worship in their temples.

          There are some things that may not be compromised. Jesus Christ, Son of God, crucified for our sins, risen on the third day, and ascended into heaven. Those aren’t open to discussion. Salvation by faith alone, in God alone – those aren’t gray areas. What the whole of Scripture says is right, or wrong aren’t debatable. So much else doesn’t really matter, and those things should not build walls between us.