Division or Vision

Vision has the ability to unite…yet when we look at modern day christianity, we find countless denominations and mission agencies with many different interpretations of God’s Vision.

According to the ‘Status of Global Mission 2014’, there are currently about 45 000 denominations in the world. This has increased from only 500 denominations in 1800.

Denominations are formed when people align themselves with the teaching of a specific person or group. They may say “I follow Luther” or “I follow Wesley” or “I follow Paul”.  I think sometimes denominations are formed when a pioneer pursues the things of God, hears His voice, proclaims the good news and attracts followers who want to have what he has.  They receive his teachings, maybe even put it into practice, but instead of going on with the Lord to deeper understanding and greater works, they stagnate.  Settling for yesterday’s revelation instead of the fresh word which proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.  God’s voice is moving (Gen 3:8) not settling, always leading us and uniting us towards His vision. We are not meant to make people follow us, but rather help them to hear God’s voice and follow Him.

READ:
1 Corinthians 1:10-12
1 Corinthians 3:1
-4
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
Ephesians 4:4
Psalm 133

How did Paul react to reports of division in the early church?
What does 1 Corinthians 3:1-4 tell us about the global maturity of the church?
How are local churches contributing to unity or division?
In what way can we promote unity in the body of Christ?
What role does vision play in uniting the church?
Whose vision can we promote?

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