Good morning from Ricky Watson, Deacon – Baptist Tabernacle Church.
***Due to the rise in COVID19 related illnesses, we are strongly encouraging the use of Masks within the Sanctuary and to continue to observe “Social Distancing.” Together, with a faithful reliance on God, we will overcome this present challenge!!***
On Divisions in the Church
Chapter 3 of 1 Corinthians
In the Book of Corinthians, Paul addressed the Church at Corinth concerning several subjects where they were “missing the mark!” One such area was in the divisions within the Church. Paul indicated that there was too much jealousy and quarreling among the members and that they were too worldly. Some were following Paul; some were following Apollos. Paul made the point that Paul and Apollos were only servants following God’s instructions. They were planting the seeds and watering the plants with the intention of making them grow. Is that not what we are about within our Church? We should be following the example of Christ and feed and water the fellowship so the Church and Christianity will grow; we should not be following what other servants are doing or saying, we should BE the servants God.
Paul says in verse 10 “by the Grace God has given him, he laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds.” Verse 11 continues “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Paul follows by saying that man builds on the foundation that God already laid and how that man builds on that foundation will be shown for what it is at the end of his life on earth. We will be judged as to how we continue to build on the word of God and how we build our Church. How do you want to be judged? Is the quality of your works what you would want them to be on Judgement Day or do you fall short of God’s expectations?
Paul then concludes in Verses 22 and 23: “whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or the present or the future – all are yours, and you are the Christ, and the Christ is of God.
So, we are to be following Christ in our lives, not Tom, Susan, or Harry. Following other servants allows the Church to be divided as we are not following the true Christ. Look at your life…are you following Christ, being a true servant of God, or are you following some other servant and not following the will of God. If the latter, then you should drop to your knees and beg for forgiveness and turn your life around to be a follower of the True God. This will allow us to live better lives and eliminate any divisions within the Church. Remember; Stay Strong and Stay Focused…