The Pilgrim Path---First Corinthians 1: 10

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our LORD Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.

“NO DIVISIONS…”

Not long ago I shared this with all the members of the session. I thought I would share it with all of you. From Richard Baxter (Practical Works, I: 50 – 51):

If controversies cause any divisions among you, look first to the interest of common truth and good in love. Do not become a passionate contender for any party in the division, but join more with the moderate and peacemakers than with the divisive. Division tends to ruin the church, and is condemned in the Scriptures greatly. It is usually the exercise of pride and passion, and the devil is pleased and gains the most by it. Those that would draw you into a contentious zeal will tell you that their cause is God’s, and that you desert God if you are not equally zealous. They claim moderation and peace as a mark of being lukewarm and carnal. This may be true if the cause is of God. But upon great experience, I must tell you that of the many zealous contenders who claim the cause of God, few know what they are talking about. Some cry out “the cause of God” when it is a brat of a proud mind. Some are rashly zealous before careful consideration. Some are misguided or captivated by others, and some ae hurried on by passion and discontent. Many of the ambitious and worldly-minded are blinded by their own carnal interests. They proudly glory in their own opinions and think they know more than ordinary men. But it is not God’s cause, but their own! What mischief is done for lack of knowledge. Souls should not be so lightly endangered! As far as I have seen, moderation is the most judicious course among good Christians. Those that furiously censured these as lukewarm have been men that had the least judgment and the most passion and pride. From my observation, ignorant and self-conceited wranglers who think they are champions for the truth are venting their passions and own fond opinions. These with formal enemies have caused the most suffering to the church down through the ages.

From Thomas Watson: Those born of God are peacemakers. Mark those who cause divisions, and avoid them (Romans 16: 17). Can they call God ---Father? The devil made the first division in heaven, so let them call the devil their father. Their music is in a discord key, and they unite to divide. Samson tied together fox tails only to set the Philistines’ corn on fire (Judges 15: 4). Satan’s kingdom grows only by making divisions. In the Corinthian church, Satan knew no better way to dam up the current of blessing than to throw in an apple of strife and divide them into parties; one was for Paul, and another was for Apollos, but few for Christ. Surely God will never be Father to those who are not sons of peace! God hates those who sow discord among brethren (Proverbs 6: 16, 19).

I therefore, a prisoner for the LORD, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit---just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call---one LORD, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4: 1 – 6

Grace and Peace in Jesus, the Only Redeemer of broken and wretched souls, Pastor Jason