We should be trying to keep the unity that the Spirit gave though....
NOT at the expense of correct doctrine, but weneed to allow fo freedom in worship styles, views on grey areas, and while might not minister with a church, can with individual christians in them!
Every time I here the word unity I think of the pope and his alter boy waving a bowl of incense.
In organized churches they all support the whole supposedly. None have a perfect doctrine but they all believe theirs is some how better. Rivalry sets in and the next thing you know they no longer agree. At least this has been my experience with unity. This was Calvin's experience. The popes and many others it seems. To many shepherds cause divisions.
Once Christ comes division will disappear, because Christ brings perfect unity.
MB
If we are suspose to be united then Why may I ask did Christ bring division.
Luk 12:51
Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
It's just as He said
MB
Yesuha;
You should think before you comment and look it up in scripture. So you are sure of what you post. We are also instructed not to be unequally yoked together.
It's not impossible to know who is saved and who isn't. All we have to be able to do is see their hearts. I've known many who claim Christ but, when the going got a little inconvenient, I didn't see them. anymore.How do we know who is saved and who isn't? Who ever knows isn't telling.
MB
Ephesians 4:2-3. '....with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.'
That's it really.
We bear with one another.
Without being totally naïve, we assume the best of one another.
Perhaps we may later discover that someone we thought was a Christian is nothing of the kind, but that's an occupational hazard.
Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world' (2 Tim. 4:10).
It looks as if Paul didn't see that one coming!
Jesus gave us a new command, to love each other in the Body just as He loves them!
That was how Wesley and Withfield loved each other, despite theological differenences!