Romans 16:17-19
In June 1858, Abraham Lincoln addressed the statehouse for the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois. The speech was noteworthy because it has been referred to as the “House Divided Speech.” In it, he argues that “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” For those who heard his speech, many were familiar with it as it reflected the words said by Jesus nearly two millennia before, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Paul is warning (urging) the Christians in Rome of the same truth. And that is to watch out for those who would choose to divide. Sometimes, church splits are a necessary “housekeeping” when the split is caused by serious doctrinal divergence within the congregation. It puts the pastor in a precarious position, as he is responsible for protecting the flock, and he must either lead the congregation through it or, in some circumstances, he must leave because of it. Either way, there is collateral damage, and some will leave the church. Many years ago, our church experienced a split. But not because of a serious doctrinal difference of opinion, but over hymnals. Yes, hymnals. Some insisted that the new hymnals to be bought must have the plan of salvation in them. Others thought it was unnecessary. As a result, about one-third of the congregation left. Which side was right, and which was wrong, doesn’t matter, because each side considered themselves to be correct. What was wrong was that this was not a split-worthy issue, but a spirit of division was created by people pushing personal agendas over the Gospel. The church must be on guard for those who would seek to divide. There are plenty of “hot-button” issues that are causing rifts among Believers. It is a clever tool used by Satan to reduce and distract from the Great Commission. As Paul says, “Keep away from them.” In other words, “watch out!” May our testimony always be one that is united in Christ.
In June 1858, Abraham Lincoln addressed the statehouse for the Republican State Convention in Springfield, Illinois. The speech was noteworthy because it has been referred to as the “House Divided Speech.” In it, he argues that “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” For those who heard his speech, many were familiar with it as it reflected the words said by Jesus nearly two millennia before, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Paul is warning (urging) the Christians in Rome of the same truth. And that is to watch out for those who would choose to divide. Sometimes, church splits are a necessary “housekeeping” when the split is caused by serious doctrinal divergence within the congregation. It puts the pastor in a precarious position, as he is responsible for protecting the flock, and he must either lead the congregation through it or, in some circumstances, he must leave because of it. Either way, there is collateral damage, and some will leave the church. Many years ago, our church experienced a split. But not because of a serious doctrinal difference of opinion, but over hymnals. Yes, hymnals. Some insisted that the new hymnals to be bought must have the plan of salvation in them. Others thought it was unnecessary. As a result, about one-third of the congregation left. Which side was right, and which was wrong, doesn’t matter, because each side considered themselves to be correct. What was wrong was that this was not a split-worthy issue, but a spirit of division was created by people pushing personal agendas over the Gospel. The church must be on guard for those who would seek to divide. There are plenty of “hot-button” issues that are causing rifts among Believers. It is a clever tool used by Satan to reduce and distract from the Great Commission. As Paul says, “Keep away from them.” In other words, “watch out!” May our testimony always be one that is united in Christ.
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