One Church

There is one Christian church.

John 17:20-23
( This is a short segment of the prayer of Jesus Christ for his church. These are his own words.)
John 17:20 "Neither do I pray for these alone, but for those also who shall believe on me through their word, [21] that they all may be one, as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that you have sent me. [22] And the glory that you have given me I have given them, that they may be one, even as we are one, [23] I in them and you in me, that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that you have sent me, and have loved them as you have loved me.
(In this prayer, just before he was taken away to be crucified, Jesus prays that we will be kept in the Father's name so that we may be one , even as Jesus and the Father are one (John 17:11). He prays that we will be protected, and that we will be sanctified (set apart for a holy purpose) through the truth, then again he asks that we will be one so as to be a witness to the world that he is the Messiah (verses 21 and 23, quoted above), and that we will be with him where he is, so that we may behold his glory (verse 24).
This reiterates a truth that Jesus gave them earlier. In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another. As I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another."
This prayer in John 17 was recorded for our benefit. It is here that Jesus revealed the will of God concerning his children. I often hear Christians wonder aloud whether one thing or another is "the will of God." We often pray, "God, please let us know your will." We pray, "Your will be done!" Jesus prayed with the full authority of God because he had the Spirit without measure. Likewise, being God, he knew the full will of God. This is one we certainly don't need to wonder about. Is unity God's will? The answer is, YES! Absolutely and without a shadow of a doubt!
This petition of our Lord, recorded here in the book of John, will be fulfilled to the letter . There is no alternative, considering the source of the prayer. It is his will. The only thing that remains for us, then, is to decide which side we will be on. The Lord's side, as he brings this about, or the side that refuses to be a part of it, or would even foolishly oppose it. May God help us to see, and to act in accordance with what we know to be true.
Pray that God will help you to do his will. If we know his will (and we do in this case), and pray in accordance with his will, he will hear us, and we will have what we ask! (1 John 5:14-15 says, "And this is the confidence that we have in him, that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us, [15] and if we know that he hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. " )
Jesus was not having pipe dreams, nor was he given over to wistful and wishful thinking when he prayed for oneness in his church. God can and will do this. This is the Lord God, brothers and sisters, Lord of Heaven and Earth! Have we so little faith?)
John 10:16 [KJV] "And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold (flock), and one shepherd."
(This short passage has been used by some to try to justify the proliferation and maintenance of denominational systems as a permanent state of affairs that should not be disturbed in favor of unity. They would say that Jesus is saying here that there are many sheep in many folds, but all "spiritually" one fold, and all under one Shepherd, to remain apart, as separate folds, until we are all in Heaven, at which time we will finally be "one". If this seems like a stretch, it is because it is not true.
These words in the King James Version were translated from the Greek language. In the original, there are two words used that were both translated "fold". As I have indicated, the second word should be translated as "flock." There is a big difference. A large flock can be divided up into many folds. But this passage speaks of unifying the folds into one flock , not dividing the flock into many folds.
There is, in Isaiah 56:5-8, a prophecy that speaks of a time when a people who have entered into a "Sabbath-rest" relationship with God will be gathered together, and God's "house shall be called a house of prayer for all people (Isaiah 56:7).
John 10:16 does not support denominationalism and separation, as some would say. On the contrary, it speaks of unifying "folds" into one "flock". Specifically, the Jewish Israelites constituted only one "fold". There were many other sheep to be gathered. It was, and is, God's purpose to have one, and only one, flock. The sheep in all other folds are to be gathered into one flock, under the one Shepherd.
Have you ever seen a large flock of sheep? It is their nature to flock together. When the sheep see one another, they want to be together. They do not separate themselves out according to "folds". If folds of sheep are aware of other folds of sheep, and they are able to do so, they will flock together. The shepherd does not need to force them and convince them to come near to the others. It is something that they want to do. Are we like this?
Do we hear and heed the Shepherd of the sheep? Do we follow where he leads us? When the folds hear his voice, do they listen and flock together around him?
May God help us to have ears to hear, and eyes to see, and faith to obey.)
Romans 12:4-5 "For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office, [5] so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of one another."
(This and the following verses speak of the oneness of the Body of Christ, which is the church.)
1 Corinthians 12:4-27 (excerpts) [4] "Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. [5] And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. [6] And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which works all in all. [7] But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.... [11] But all these are the work of that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. [12] For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. [13] For by one Spirit we are all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. [14] For the body is not one member, but many.... [20] But now they are many members, yet but one body.... [22] ...those members of the body which seem to be more feeble, are necessary, [23] and those members of the body which we think to be less honorable, upon these we bestow more abundant honor, and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness [24] for our comely parts have no need, but God has tempered the body together, having given more abundant honor to that part which lacked [25] that there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another.... [27] Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular."
1 Corinthians 6:15a, 17 [15a] "Don't you know that your bodies are the members of Christ?.... [17] ...he that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit."
1 Corinthians 1:10 "Now I beseech 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 judgement."
1 Corinthians 3:3 "For you are yet carnal. Since there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk according to man?"
1 Corinthians 10:16-17; 11:18, 20-29
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 "The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? [17] For we being many, are one bread, one body, for we are all partakers of that one bread."
1 Corinthians 11:18,20-29 [18] "For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you... [20] when you come together into one place, you cannot eat the Lord's Supper. [21] For in eating, everyone is rushing to eat his own supper first, and one is hungry and another is drunken. [22] What? Haven't you houses to eat and drink in? Are you trying to show your contempt for the church of God, and to humiliate those who have nothing? [23] For I have received of the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread [24] and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'Take, eat. This is my body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' [25] In the same manner, he also took the cup when he had finished eating, saying, 'This cup is the new testament in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. [27] Therefore, whoever shall eat this bread and drink this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. [28] But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For he that eats and drinks unworthily drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body."
(These passages describe a gross perversion of the Communion, Eucharist, or Lord's Supper observance. The final verse here declares that "...he who eats or drinks unworthily drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. " The subject being addressed in the context of these verses is division, and division was being manifested in this mockery of the meaning of the Lord's Supper. To the Christian, the bread and the wine are the blood and the body of Christ. The body and blood of Christ are shared in the holy communion of believers, the church. When we partake of communion, or the Lord's Supper, we must discern that we are sharing in, and partaking of, that one Body of which we are members.)
Galatians 3:26-28 "For we are all children of God by faith in Jesus Christ [27] for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. [28] There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Jesus Christ."
(These three comparisons show that God intends for us to be one in Jesus Christ, no matter how great our differences. Circumstances of birth, culture, and social standing are to be non-issues to Christians.)
Ephesians (Excerpts. The overall theme of Ephesians is fellowship in the Body of Christ.); also Colossians 1:18-22
Ephesians 1:9-10 "Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has purposed in himself, [10] that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. "
(This perfect universal oneness is the ultimate goal, and is stated at the beginning of the letter from Paul to the local church at Ephesus.)
Colossians 1:18-22 "And he (Christ) is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning (or, "beginner"), the firstborn from the dead, that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased God that in him should all fulness dwell, [20] and, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things to himself. By him, I say, whether things in the earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now has he reconciled [22] in the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight."
(Again, Paul is inspired to declare God's ultimate purpose for his creation in yet another letter, this time written to the local church at Colossae.)
Ephesians 2:14-22 "For he is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of partition, [15] having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, to make out of two one new man in himself, so making peace, [16] and that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby, [17] and came and preached peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near, [18] for through him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. [19] Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, [20] and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone, [21] in whom all the building fitly framed together grows into a holy temple in the Lord, [22] in whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit."
(These verses address the schism, natural suspicion, and animosity between Christian Jews and Christian Gentiles. If these former enemies, reared in a societal atmosphere of mutual hate and loathing, widely divergent in their understanding and practice of the Christian religion, were admonished to be one in Christ, then the words apply to all Christians. Each faction saw Christ's teaching through the distorted window of their own experiences and former beliefs. We are not immune to this shortcoming. But we must grow in the truth. To do that, we must be willing to change, whether or not those around us immediately understand what we have come to see. If you are alone in your understanding of this truth, then perhaps you are one of those chosen of God to lead those around you to a greater understanding of the truth.)
Ephesians 4:1-16 "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that you walk worthy of the vocation wherewith you are called, [2] with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love, [3] endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. [4] There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling, [5] one Lord, one faith, one baptism, [6] one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. [7] But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. [8] Therefore he says, 'When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.' [9] (This term, 'He ascended,' shows that he first also descended into the lower parts of the earth. [10] He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill (or, fulfill ) all things.) [11] And he appointed some to be apostles, and some, prophets, and some, evangelists, and some, pastors and teachers, [12] for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, [13] till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, [14] that we be children no more, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive, [15] but holding the truth (KJV has 'speaking the truth') in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, Christ, [16] from whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplies, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, results in increase of the body, building itself up in love."
(Note that in verses 11 through 12, we are taught the whole purpose, thrust, and desired working goal of all church leadership. All the perfecting of the saints, the work of the ministry, and edifying of the body, is to result in unity of the faith and knowledge of the Son of God that matures us so we are Christ-like. The element of unity is vital to the result. Every Christian leader is held responsible for adherence to this clear admonishment.)
Ephesians 5:25-33 "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it, [26] that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, [27] that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. [28] So men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loves his wife loves himself. [29] For no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord the church, [30] for we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. [31] For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. [32] This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. [33] Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she highly respect her husband."
(Many people miss the point in these verses, seeing this as Paul's model of the ideal marriage relationship. Paul was not addressing marriage, but the nature of the church as the body of Christ. He was given to understand that the institution of marriage was created to illustrate the church as the body of Christ, rather than the other way around as some seem to read into these passages.
Paul says in verse 32, concerning the analogy, that "this (analogy) is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. " Then, he adds, almost as an aside, "nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she highly respect ("reverence" here, in the language of the old KJV English takes this meaning) her husband."
Here Paul directs that human marriage be patterned after the relationship between Christ and the church, the husband willing to give all, even his very life, because of his love for his wife, and the wife submitting to and respecting the husband she loves.
Please notice, all who would take these verses to mean that wives are the property and slaves of the husband, that in verse 21 it says that church members, including wives and husbands, are to submit themselves one to another! A husband truly desiring to walk according to the Bible will deeply respect his wife, and seek her input in decisions, and share family leadership with her.
We are to be one flesh in marriage. Although the husband and wife have different roles (we are, after all, created physiologically and mentally and emotionally different) the marriage functions together as a unit, "one flesh."
It is a Christian principle that a Christian leader does not lord it over others, but rather serves them and ministers to them. (Read, for example, Mark 10:42-44.)
What woman wouldn't want a husband like this, a man willing to give all for her needs, as Christ did for the church! She surely would not feel the need to be "liberated" from such a relationship.
Again, these passages illustrate the God-ordained model for unity in the church.)
Acts 2:41-47; 4:31-35; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
(The following accounts portray the church at the beginning and at the end of the New Testament era.)
Acts 2:41-47 - the Beginning of the Era: "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day there were added to them about 3000 souls, [42] and they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread and in prayers, [43] and fear (i.e, awesome reverence) came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. [44] And all that believed were together, and had all things in common, [45] and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all, as every person had need. [46] And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, [47] praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved."
Acts 4:31-35 - the Beginning of the Era: "And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the word of God with boldness. [32] and the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul, neither did any of them claim that the things that he possessed were his own, but they had all things in common. [33] And with great power the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. [34] Neither was there any among them that lacked, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, [35] and laid them down at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-17 - the End of the Era: "For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not precede those which are asleep, [16] for the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the heralding trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first, [17] then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord."
(The church began in beautiful unity. It existed that way for a few short moments in time. It will be together in the end. We must all share the responsibility for what happens in between.)

(Please click on any of the highlighted boxes ( ) below to go to the in-depth study of each statement.)

The church is composed of all Christians.
A Christian is one in whom the one true God dwells.
The Holy Bible is God inspired.
The Holy Bible contains all the truth necessary for salvation.
Different translations of the Bible, and various interpretations of scripture and doctrine, may contain errors, but in all major translations the errors are not a barrier to salvation.
Salvation is by grace, a gift from God.
Christian works are the acts of Jesus dwelling in us.
Jesus lives in the members of the church, and the church is his body in this age.
Everyone sins and breaks the spiritual law, even Christians.
To love God and to love our neighbor is the fulfillment of all spiritual law.
God's forgiveness is ongoing and limitless, and available to all who truly accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior.
God will never leave us, nor forsake us.

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