Jesus said that the love among Christian brothers and sisters would be a powerful testimony about the love of God for the world. (1 John 4:10) Paul said to Christians who were divided: For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal and behaving like mere men? For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not carnal? (1 Corinthians 3:3-4)
We also read in Paul's 1st letter to the Corinthians: Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household,that there are contentions among you. Now I say this, that each of you says, “I am of Paul,” or “I am of Apollos,” or “I am of Cephas,” or “I am of Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
The Bible says: Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but keeping the commandments of God is what matters. (1 Corinthians 7:19) A more revenant way of reading this scripture could be Catholic is nothing, Baptist is nothing, Pentecostal is nothing and Assemblies of God is nothing but keeping the commandments of God is what matters.
It does not matter what denomination you belong to, are you keeping the commandments of God?
So Jesus said: You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” (Mark 10:18-19)
Paul said that we Christians should be joined together in the same mind and judgement. (1 Corinthians 1:10) I believe, the 10 commandments would be a good starting point for all denominations to be joined together in one mind.
So are we all keeping the commandments?
The truth is that none of us can keep the 10 commandments. This is something all denominations will agree. If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. (1 John 1:8) (1 John 1:10) (Also read: Purpose of the Law)
The Revelation of Universal sin should bring all denomination to the common answer: Jesus Christ- the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)
The Bible says: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. (Galatians 3:24)
It is when Christian encounter the Love of Christ for them that they can love each other the way Christ loves them. The Love of Christ is patient and kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. The Love of Christ does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Corinthians 13:4-6)
I believe that this is one approach to unite Christians in various denominations. We need to all be joined together in the same mind and judgement in regard to the Law and Jesus Christ who is our Savior.
Paul said: Finally, brethren, farewell. Become complete. Be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.
All the saints greet you.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen. (2 Corinthians 13:11-14)
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