Family Tree: Differences in the Body of Christ

1 Corinthians 12:13-14 – For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.

1. One God…many denominations. Across the landscape of Christendom, there are hundreds, if not thousands of separate denominations and churches. Some are separated due to personal convictions or callings to specific locations and people groups, but many are due to varying doctrinal beliefs and earthly traditions. Sadly, these differences have created great schisms in the body of Christ.

Many believers do not consider that the all churches around the world represent the ONE church and ONE body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13-14; Ephesians 4:4-6). They only consider their own denomination, fellowship, or church to be that worldwide body of Christ, separate from any other group or church – those that share similar beliefs and traditions.

2. Differences in doctrine. One of the major differences among denominations is doctrine. Many denominations have been established because of varying beliefs, interpretations, and revelations of Scripture. One person or group declare themselves to have a true interpretation of Scripture and may believe all other viewpoints lack understanding and may not have God’s salvation through Jesus Christ.

In sharing their interpretation, they may debate, argue, and even exclude those that do not believe as they do, even among other believers in Jesus Christ as their Lord. They will build separate churches, will not contact one another for fellowship, nor will they share or consolidate resources to assist the needs of the communities around them. Even differences in race, social status, worship style, etc. have separated the body of Christ.

Galatians 3:26-28 – For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

3. Love your neighbor. This dilemma is reminiscent of the parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). When an expert in the law asked Jesus how he could inherit eternal life, Jesus said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself (Luke 10:27). When asked who was his neighbor, Jesus told a parable of a Jewish man that had been robbed, wounded, and left half dead. Though a Jewish priest and a Levite saw the man, they past him without offering any assistance. However, a Samaritan, who was hated and despised by Jews came to the aid of someone considered to be a hated enemy.

Love should define us as Christians, not the interpretation of Scripture we hold.

Mark 9:38-42 – And John answered him, saying, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbad him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not: for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name, that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part. For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. And whosoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it is better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

^{This message does not include individuals that teach false doctrines contrary to Scripture or add/subtract to the Word of God. These individuals are in error and must teach the truth of the Gospel (1 Timothy 6:3-4; 2 Timothy 4:1-6; 2 Peter 2:1-3).}

^{Photo courtesy of Stock.XCHNG.com/Krappweis}