One of the dilemmas of the modern evangelical church is the focus on differences rather than commonalities. As a part of the body of Christ, we tend to think more in terms of our own personal congregations rather than the church universal. Therefore, the members of that body are the members of your church.
Even churches within the same denomination or affiliation tend to think of each other as separate. My dad is an elder in the OPC, and that denomination tends to be more unified than most. Otherwise, the flavor of various denominational members tends to vary due to localized cultural influence.
From my experience, this has led to the “independent” church phenomenia. Of course, independent can also mean accountable to no one. Accountability then becomes an inward struggle.
While there are many differences among the body of believers, there are similarities that we need to rejoice in. First and foremost, we must recognize the starting and finishing point in Jesus Christ. It is only by His saving grace and mercy that we live. Without Him, we’d all be lost without hope. All things hold their commonality in Him, for He is the Word spoken of in John 1. All things were created by Him and for Him and He is coming again to call all things unto Himself.
Filed under: Commonalities, Denominations, Modern Evangelical Church
I’ve launched my first attack! Muhhahhahahaha