Divisions in the Churches

Greetings, Wayne, a servant of God, by the grace of God, teaching the truth of God under the authority of Jesus Christ to any who are willing to receive it. (Mat 13:43).

The Holy Bible contains the truth of God by the word of God (Joh 17:17); therefore, God teaches and gives understanding, wisdom, and knowledge to all who pray and seek Him with all the heart (Deu 4:29-31; 29:12,13).

I will be the words in green. Purple highlights in the scriptures emphasize key words or phrases of truth.

Divisions in the churches grieve the heart of God (Pro 6:16-19), for He has called His people to walk in unity (Psa 133:1), to be of one mind, and to bear with one another in love. Scripture urges believers to pursue peace, to guard the bond of fellowship, and to resist the pride that leads us to judge quickly or condemn those whom God is still shaping.

The body of Christ was never meant to be fractured into separate groups by personal opinions, rivalries, or the elevation of human teachers, but to stand together in the truth with humility and patience. When we forget this, we weaken our witness and obscure the very gospel we claim to uphold. True unity is not uniformity - it is the shared commitment to honour God's will above our own and to treat one another with the grace He has shown us.

We will see, from the doctrine of God (Joh 7:16), that the true church is a spiritual body of believers in the body (unity), and teachings, of Jesus the Christ who was sent to carry out the will of God.

Jesus confirmed a spiritual church after Peter's recognition of him as the Son of God which was to consist of believers and followers who obediently worship God in spirit and in truth:

Mat 16:18 And I say also unto you, That you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

The Greek word for "build" means to "build up", "establish", or "edify". The rock is the spiritual truth of Jesus' identity as the Son of God. The “church” (ekklesia) is not a building but a called-out assembly of believers. “Build” here means to establish, confirm, and grow a spiritual community rooted in divine revelation.

Jesus did not construct a temple or physical headquarters. He confirmed the beginning of a new covenant community of believers and followers. The phrase “gates of hell (Hades; grave) shall not prevail” further emphasizes spiritual warfare and eternal victory and not architectural resilience. The church Jesus established is confirmed by obedience to his doctrine, God's doctrine, and not by mortar and stone.

The apostle Peter understood the spiritual nature of the called out assembly of believers and followers:

1Pe 2:5 You also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

Spiritual sacrifices suggest worshipping God from the heart.

And, what does Jesus expect to see in the hearts of members who confess to be in his church?

Joh 4:23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship him.

Can the Father's desire for truth be any more clearer? Where does truth come from?

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.

Jesus was praying to the Father to set apart those who He had called into His truth so they would not be partakers of the religious confusion in the world.

And that brings us to the heart of this teaching. Some of you may be familiar with this verse:

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.

This verse, though meant for the doctrine of God - the truth of God, has been used deceptively to disfellowship members of a church that confront non-biblical doctrine.

It must be remembered that the apostle Paul was writing to the early church believers who followed a doctrine of God the Father, taught by Jesus the Christ directly to his apostles:

Joh 7:16 Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me.

Joh 7:17 If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

Joh 7:18 He that speaks of himself seeks his own glory: but he that seeks His glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

Act 2:42 And they [believers and followers] continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Today, we have in reality, some self-proclaimed churches of God proclaiming to be the one true church of God. And, since the doctrine of God teaches unity, should they not all be one with the will of God?

1Co 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

So then, the unity of the body of Jesus Christ must be spiritual:

Eph 4:3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling;

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

Eph 4:6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

Joh 17:21 That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.

The church Jesus established is defined by obedience to God's doctrine through his teachings of the truth of God and not by mere affiliation with his name. For many have come in his name (Mat 24:5) mixed with hot truth and cold error - lukewarm (Rev 3:16):

Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Pay attention to those who cause divisions among brethren contrary to the teachings, or doctrine of the Lord Jesus Christ which comes from God. Division is a doctrine of demons for the sole purpose of attacking the unity of the body of Jesus Christ.

Partakers of this doctrine are made evident by teaching doctrines contrary to the doctrine of Jesus the Christ which is of God the Father (Joh 7:16-18). This is the spirit of anti-Christ (1Jn 2:18).

We will look at that body of Christ using, as is my custom, the scriptures to define it. Then we will have an understanding of a doctrine of truth to compare against a doctrine of error influenced by the god of this world (2Co 4:4), Satan, in an attempt to rob believers and followers of their crown of righteousness (1Pe 5:8,9; 2Ti 4:8).

Here is a sound admonition from the apostle John:

1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try [test] the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

And, with the apostle John addressing who he was writing to as beloved, would that not be the people of God today as well, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ? See Rom 1:7, 12:19; Rev 1:2,9; 12:17; 19:10; and then read Jude 1:17-25.

Scripture clearly reveals Satan as a threat to the unity of the body of Christ (1Pe 5:8-10; Eph 6:11-13; Luk 22:31). The body of Christ are the ones who faithfully follow God's doctrine through Jesus Christ (Rev 17:14).

Satan is responsible for the spirit of evil in the children of disobedience (Eph 2:2) growing more and more as we approach the end of the age of his influence:

Rev 12:12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.

A time when many are being called and tested:

Dan 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.

Mat 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

Dan 12:1 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince [archangel (Jud 1:9]which stands for the children of your people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time your people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book [Exo 32:32; Php 4:3; Rev 3:5].

Based on the truth of God , along with my years of experience and direct dealings with four of these divided churches of God, three of the four churches teaching that they are the one and only true church, and teaching members not to fellowship with members in the other churches, I would have to say that they will be breaking the new commandment from God.

Joh 13:34 A new commandment I give unto you, That you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.

Does shunning a fellow baptized member of God's church (Mat 16:18; Joh 6:44), who has done nothing to personally offend anyone, show love? Does this serve God or men influenced by the devil (Joh 8:44; Psa 118:8; Act 5:29)?

Also, consider these from the apostle Paul:

Gal 5:13 For, brethren, you have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.

Does teaching division and avoidance facilitate serving one another?

Gal 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; You shall love your neighbour as yourself [Mat 22:36-40].

Gal 5:15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you be not consumed one of another.

This is the way of the present evil world (Gal 1:4) that we have been called out of (Rev 18:4). More and more, everyday, we see the spirit of conflict and violence in the children of disobedience (Eph 2:2). We must fight against this spirit and walk in the Spirit of God.

Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Here, Jesus is being tested by Satan. Are we not being tested by Satan?

Mat 4:10 Then says Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, you shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.

Have you exalted yourself with a spirit of superiority over others who have been labelled as not worthy of the kingdom of God by men?

Mat 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Mat 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

Mat 5:7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.

Mat 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.

Are you afraid to be disfellowshipped for disobeying men who tell you to shun or avoid fellow baptised people of God using this scripture from the beloved apostle Paul – and oh, how they love to use the "hard to be understood" (2Pe 3:16) apostle Paul:

Eph 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness [evil], but rather reprove them.

Or this one:

1Th 5:22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.

Is it evil to stand up for the doctrine of God through the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ? Do not fear men. Obey God, and here is your reward:

Mat 5:10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

A little comfort coming here for those of you suffering persecution for standing up to the truth:

Mat 5:11 Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Mat 5:12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

In regards to some being kicked out or fired from some building in a worldly manner for the truth, Let us see what the Lord Jesus teaches concerning his spiritual church:

Joh 6:37 All that the Father gives me shall come to me; and him that comes to me I will in no wise cast out.

This is the doctrine of God. Never let a man tell you to avoid those who the Lord himself will in no wise cast out. That would be a direct violation of the new commandment from the Lord to love one another. Blessed are you that have stood up for this same truth. From Jesus Christ:

Luk 6:22 Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

Do not let discouragement keep you from the spiritual assembly that worships God in spirit and in truth. Trust in His word for truth in all things.

So, what is the fate of any who teach against a clear commandment of God?

Mat 5:19 Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Some teach love of brethren in their own church of God while also teaching them to stay away from the same baptized members of the body of Christ in all the other churches of God. Does that not raise a red flag?

Or they will use this scripture to describe those who have left a church, justly, because of non-biblical doctrine contrary to the truth of God:

1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

Looks good on the surface, but the apostle John is talking about those who deny the faith of Jesus, not those who want to live by it:

1Jn 2:23 Whosoever denies the Son, the same has not the Father: (but) he that acknowledges the Son has the Father also.

Continuing with the Lord Jesus concerning righteousness of the truth:

Mat 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

And what were the scribes and Pharisees doing?

Mat 23:15 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for you compass sea and land to make one proselyte [prospective member is the term used today], and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves.

Pay attention to what you are being taught. Be armed with the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God, the truth of God (Eph 6:17; Joh 17:17).

Notice how our Lord Jesus used the word “us” signifying praying in one united body to God the Father:

Mat 6:11 Give us this day our daily bread.

Mat 6:13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Our Father is looking for a single united bride to present as a wife to the returning Jesus Christ – the bridegroom (Jn 3:29).

Now you may be asking, where do I go if I leave or am kicked out for standing up to the truth? Look for others who have not fallen for the doctrine of avoiding brethren who they have never even met, and thus, are keeping the new commandment of God in spirit and truth (Joh 13:34). We love them because they also love God and keep His commandments:

1Jn 5:2 By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.

Also, look for other brethren who are like-minded, who obey the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and therefore, God the Father (Rom 15:5,6).

However, be mindful that we can not let ourselves be associated with false doctrines and still claim to be among a true body of believers. Consider these:

Gal 1:6 I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

The original gospel is found recorded in the books of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John by both eye witnesses (the apostles Mathew and John) and those who recorded the testimony of eye witnesses (Mark and Luke).

The harmony of all four gospel accounts provides faith building evidence of the truth of God. Any doctrines not found in, or added to, the gospel of Jesus Christ are false doctrines created by mankind, not for the will of God, but that they may keep their own tradition (Mar 7:9; Isa 8:20).

Gal 1:7 Which is not another [gospel]; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.

The "we" is referring to the apostles (eye witnesses - 2Pe 1:6) and their followers (Acts 2:42).

1Jn 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

2Jn 1:9 Whosoever transgresses, and abides not in the doctrine of Christ, has not God. He that abides in the doctrine of Christ, he has both the Father and the Son.

2Jn 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:

2Jn 1:11 For he that bids him God speed is partaker of his evil [hurtful] deeds.

The evil, or hurtful deeds, is partaking in and endorsing evil false doctrines of devils apart from the true doctrine of God. Here, from the apostle Paul:

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming:

2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,

2Th 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

My walk with God's truth has taught me to never underestimate the wiles of the devil (Eph 6:11). Will you receive the love of the truth?

Joh 4:23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeks such to worship Him.

Even if that means there are only two or three who do:

Mat 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Here are some bearing false witness against Jesus but revealing an important truth:

Mar 14:58 We heard him say, I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.

And why is there no longer any need for that physical temple which was eventually destroyed by the Romans?

1Co 3:16 Know you not that you [each and every baptised member of the united body of Christ] are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

And that means being in God's presence along with Jesus, especially important at the return of Jesus Christ. Notice the apostle Paul here:

1Th 2:19 For what is our [speaking of true servants of God] hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Let us continue with the apostle Paul admonishing the brethren about divisions while teaching what we ought to be doing:

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.

1Co 3:3 For you are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are you not carnal, and walk as men?

1Co 3:4 For while one says, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are you not carnal?

That continues today with “I am of this church or that church".

1Co 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers [servants] by whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: you are God's husbandry, you are God's building.

1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.

1Co 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;

1Co 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

1Co 3:23 And you are Christ's; and Christ is God's.

1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest [known] the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

That is, of course, every man or woman who endures in the trials and truth till the end (1Pe 4:12; Mat 10:22; Heb 3:14).

Continuing with admonition:

1Co 4:14 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you.

1Co 6:20 For you are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.

1Co 10:9 Neither let us tempt Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed of serpents.

1Co 10:10 Neither murmur you, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.

1Co 10:11 Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.

1Co 10:12 Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.

1Co 12:12 For as the body is one, and has many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.

1Co 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

1Co 12:25 That there should be no schism [gap; division] in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.

Brethren of Jesus Christ and children of God, remember to flee from any doctrines which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine of our Lord Jesus Christ to the saving of your crown:

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned; and avoid them.

Rom 16:18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Rom 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

Rom 16:20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

When a church disfellowships someone, it risks becoming the very “tare” it claims to be separating from:

Mat 13:29 But he said, Nay; lest while you gather up the tares, you root up also the wheat with them.

Mat 13:30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather you together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.

Joh 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Joh 14:24 He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which you hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.

Unity is preserved only when God’s people anchor themselves in the life‑giving words of Jesus His Christ and commit to carrying out the doctrine and will of the Father. His teachings are the standard that dissolves pride, silences strife, and brings every heart into harmony with the kingdom of God.

When we submit to Jesus' voice (Joh 10:27), we find ourselves drawn together - not by human agreement, but as one in divine truth. In this shared obedience, the spiritual church becomes one body, walking in one Spirit, fulfilling one purpose - sharing the gospel of the kingdom of God (Mar 1:14,15). And as we hold fast to the words of the Son, we honour the Father who sent him, proving that our unity is not of this world but born of God Himself.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through your truth: your word is truth.

Freely, I have received from the word of God; freely, I have given to all who would receive the truth of God.

Farewell,

Servanthood

Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.