Debating and dissecting

Sometimes people argue about the dumbest things..

Among Pentecostals, it's about Oneness vs. Trinitarian or whether Holy Spirit baptism is essential for heaven. Among Christians in general, it's about "once saved, always saved" vs. backsliding/loss of salvation or whether the gifts of the Holy Spirit are still in operation.

I then wonder to myself how Jesus likes the division. What do you think?

There are times where I want to pull my hair out. Other times I want to give my two cents. Even with the first, why do I worry? With the latter, how Godly is that anyway? Regardless, what would either choices solve? Would my opponent (I use that word purposely, yet lightly) change his mind? Perhaps, but that's highly unlikely. If my opponent already believes that Christ is the resurrected Son of the living God and lives it out, why do we debate? We have more things in common than not. What's the point in trying to convert another believer? Moreover, why would I call a brother or sister an "opponent"?

Imagine what could happen in the Body of Christ if we were able to get our eyes off of each other and onto Jesus. The gospel would be preached and salvation would move and flow throughout the earth. Salvation, God's heartbeat, would take back sinners from the flames of hell.

Only and only if we get our eyes focused on the King's glory.

Reverend Billy Graham put it this way, "The Word of God is not meant to be debated or dissected. It is meant to be done."

Not only that, but Jesus said in Matthew 12, every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city of house divided against itself will not stand..

Paul talks in Philippians 1 and says that we are to stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Noticing the Acts church, before the Holy Spirit was poured out in chapter 2, they were in one mind and one accord. Acts 4 tells us that they were together in one heart and one spirit.

Psalm 133 says that it is good and pleasant for brothers who dwell in unity.

Unity in the Church is how things are accomplished. Unity is how the grace of God is shown and the heart of God is made known. Unity is turning an audience into army for the glory of God alone. Unity is showing and sharing the love we've received with the whole world. Unity is not showing partiality. Unity is giving more and more for the Kingdom to be fulfilled.

Only and only if we get our eyes focused on the King's glory.