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NASB | Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. |
Bible Question:
How do we justify denominations in light of John 17:20-23 (NKJV) 20 "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in 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 sent Me. 22 And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just 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. Which in effect is calling for unity and says the world will know Jesus is authentic by the unity it sees in the believers. Then we move to 1 Corinthians 1:13 (NKJV) 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Corinthians 12:25 (NKJV) 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. |
Bible Answer: Ed, please allow me to jump into this conversation. A number of years ago (I’d rather not say how many less you think I’m too old to know how things are today), teenagers from around the USA and Canada descended upon a missionary training center for a two-week missionary trip deep into Mexico. The thorough application covered such topics as denomination affiliation, etc. Especially important was their “testimony”. Year after year, without fail, the vast majority of applicants were from numerous denominations - Lutherans, Baptist, Assembly of God, Methodist, Presbyterian, etc. Out of 150 students, 50-60 different denominations were “represented”. The purpose was always the same – knocking on doors, two by two, and handing out free Spanish New Testaments. Often, people would ask for prayer about certain situations. The same God of the Baptists heard the prayers of the Catholic lads, and the Congregational’s, etc. The Mexicans were always astonished when they asked us which church we “were from”. The kids would grin and start naming denominations. Oh, how I miss such trips. Now all I get to do is “send ‘em.” T’oma |