The Love One Another Podcast | Episode 03 - Division in the Church

This is the Love One Another podcast from Beach Point Church.

Together we're exploring the first letter to the Corinthians with the hope that we will be formed by the way of the cross and the love of the one who bore it.

Admitting, as this letter says, that we are nothing without love.

Love, empowered by the Spirit, through the work of Jesus, is an unstoppable force.

It invites each of us to join God in the work of redeeming all things back to God.

With that in mind, let's open our hearts to God's Word today.

I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.

My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

What I mean is this.

One of you says, I follow Paul.

Another, I follow Apollos.

Another, I follow Cephas.

Still another, I follow Christ.

Is Christ divided?

Was Paul crucified for you?

Were you baptized in the name of Paul?

I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name.

Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas.

Beyond that, I don't remember if I baptized anyone else.

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power." We all follow something.

Most of you would say you follow Jesus Christ because you've come to believe in his death and resurrection.

Without Christ, you may follow great moral teachings, politics, a path to great wealth and achievement.

If you think deeply about what you follow, you'd find Jesus plus a denomination, a sector of politics, and teachers that you find engaging to listen to.

Who you follow was a big conflict in Corinth.

People outside of the church would say they follow the goddess Aphrodite.

The Christians were divided.

Some would say they follow the teachings of Paul or Apollos, a Jewish Christian who knew the scriptures well and he spoke eloquently.

Others in the church would say they follow Cephas, or as we know, Peter.

This was a divided town and a divided church.

Paul writes to the Corinthians sharing that they are all united in Christ.

Everyone chose Christ first before these great teachers.

There shouldn't be disagreements of who's greater or who is right, but instead, remember that you are all brothers and sisters in Christ sent to worship, glorify, and I don't think we realize how easily we can get caught up in the semantics of who is right and wrong and which side do we stand on.

While you may not have posted it on social media or spoke it out loud, have you ever had thoughts that are divisive?

We've all thought Bill's a better preacher than Justin, right?

I'm kidding.

Instead of pushing those thoughts away, today, consider allowing them to come up.

Allow yourself to see where you stand and feel those feelings.

But then, Paul doesn't say you have to let go of what you feel is right.

You need to let go of that being your identity.

Let go of it being a point of tension in your life and give God the opportunity to bring you peace.

As you examine the passage today, you may have heard verse 11.

Some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you.

Chloe saw the tension and was uncomfortable.

God has gifted each of us with the Holy Spirit, and we feel uneasy when things aren't right with God.

If you're amongst fellow believers and you feel the conversation is leading to division, let God lead you to speak up.

Share that you've been trying to speak about others with love, remembering that they are Jesus prays that you would be a peacemaker and be unified in John 17.

Jesus says, Let's look at some ways that we can reflect today.

Think back to a time when you had a disagreement with another believer.

Were you looking to resolve with unity or did the discussion revolve around seeking to be right or to win the argument?

Today, invite the Lord to search your heart and find any areas where you can soften your heart to your community Think of someone who you tend to disagree with This week, pray for God to give you his eyes to see that person as a child he created and loves.

And if you're a parent, if you have children, consider guiding a family conversation about handling disagreements in a way that reflects Christ's love and seeks unity.

Amen.

Amen.

Amen.