Not only are there many denominations, there are many congregations of the same denomination in the same community. What’s up with that?
The verse from John 17:22-23 reads, “22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “
This verse describes the purpose of the unity that Jesus mentions in his prayer. Jesus prays for unity among Christians (those who have the glory of God within them) so that everyone may realize that Jesus came to us because of God's love.
I believe that true Christianity can unite on this very thought even among the many denominations and congregations that exist today. To do so, honors Jesus’ prayer.
Unity is not uniformity. In other words, our unity is not based on a uniformity of belief. We are free to interpret the scripture for ourselves under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. As a result we may differ in our understanding of the bible. However, on the essentials of the Christian faith we find unity. This may also help explain the many denominations and congregations.
2 comments:
How does this correlate with our current trend of all the different religious organizations and denominations.
Not only are there many denominations, there are many congregations of the same denomination in the same community. What’s up with that?
The verse from John 17:22-23 reads, “22I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: 23I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. “
This verse describes the purpose of the unity that Jesus mentions in his prayer. Jesus prays for unity among Christians (those who have the glory of God within them) so that everyone may realize that Jesus came to us because of God's love.
I believe that true Christianity can unite on this very thought even among the many denominations and congregations that exist today. To do so, honors Jesus’ prayer.
Unity is not uniformity. In other words, our unity is not based on a uniformity of belief. We are free to interpret the scripture for ourselves under the leadership of the Holy Spirit. As a result we may differ in our understanding of the bible. However, on the essentials of the Christian faith we find unity. This may also help explain the many denominations and congregations.
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