There are many who acknowledge Christ and carry out deeds in His name that are consistent with His teaching and direction. Not all of them are coordinated by men and follow under one flag of a “church” or one group of disciples. Never the less, they may still serve Christ.
We do well not to try to force everyone to follow in one group, but to respect those who are also teaching and preaching and doing miracles in the name of Christ… so long as they are genuine and consistent with His teaching. This is not an excuse to accept false shepherds and people who teach the wrong gospel but do so in the name of Jesus.
In this context, we are reminded that the body of Christ is made up of many members. When we find them at work, doing the Lord’s work and teaching the full truth of scripture, we need not consider them enemies and try to shut them down. Instead let us support one another and get the word out.
49John answered and said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name; and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow along with us.” 50But Jesus said to him, “Do not hinder him; for he who is not against you is for you.”
38John said to Him, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we tried to prevent him because he was not following us.” 39But Jesus said, “Do not hinder him, for there is no one who will perform a miracle in My name, and be able soon afterward to speak evil of Me. 40“For he who is not against us is for us. 41“For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because of your name as followers of Christ, truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
42“Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better for him if, with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.
There are many doctrinal disagreements in the denominations of Christian churches today. Never the less, many genuinely are trying to teach the truth of the gospel as they understand it. They get the main things right and perhaps stumble on some others. (Disregard for the moment those churches that teach false doctrine such as the “prosperity” gospel in the name of Christ to fill seats and raise money for selfish desires. For these please refer to Mark 9:42, above.) Imagine if we could all pull together and influence the direction of the culture toward Christ. What if we could all come together to vote for laws and leaders consistent with Christian values rather than constantly electing worldly people who accept every religion as equal… a concept which most religions, including the one these same people claim to follow, completely reject.
What if we worked together across denominations to fight poverty? to end abortion? to help set free those deceived by the world about homosexuality or transgender issues?
Pray for unity in the body of Christ. Pray that God’s people would work together according to His plans to accomplish great revival in our nation.
—-
Have you submitted your life to Jesus Christ? Are you living today filled with the peace and joy of truly knowing and following Jesus Christ? Learn more about salvation through The Message of the Cross.