This thread is an opportunity to explore such things as to what is consistent with Jesus' prayer to the Father.
In other words, when it comes to doctrinal differences, it seems that many gauge the line between acceptable differences and unacceptable differences at levels they simply cannot agree.
For example, I ran across a group that has a loose affiliation with others of the same basic name, but that claim to not be a denomination as a whole. That one particular group lays claim to believing that they are the only ones who will populate Heaven since all other groupings and individuals will not make it to Heaven who are outside the ranks of those who attend one of the organizations with which they are affiliated by name.
When I asked one of the Th.D's, who presides over one of the other of the affiliated groups in that same town, about that group, he rolled his eyes to the ceiling and said, in veiled exasperation, that he was aware of their sentiments along that line, but that he and his group didn't agree with that other group.
When I asked how closely they fellowship with that other group, he said they have very good relations, and that their differences aren't a big deal along the lines of the essentials.
Now, AS referenced Romans 14 in the above post, a chapter that addresses such things as one day in reference to another, eating meats, placing stumbling blocks before another on the basis of freedom and judging on that basis, but that doesn't get to the level of doctrinal belief of the magnitude I'm speaking about.
So, rather than for me to launch into a full blown dissertation in this one posting, what are everyone's thoughts so far in reference to this:
John 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we [are].
You see, when I look at all the differences, and therefore the lack of unity among the various groupings with their buildings and creeds and teachings that differ from all others not affiliated under some "denominational name" or other identifier, and therefore having little to absolutely no common ties of fellowship, I'm left wondering why their leadership has allowed this all to go on for so long. If they were spiritual, then would they not sense how wrong this all is?
I once asked why all the various groupings are NOT unified in each city. On the basis of that question, someone asked, "Well, who would be in charge?"
That one question pretty much is the eye-rolling core of this entire problem. When Paul addressed THE Church in any particular city or province, that puts to rest any idea that they were all divided on doctrinal distinctives like we have today. The horror of all this is that each group found for themselves leadership willing to put up with their demands for distinctiveness, and to lead on their side of the dividing lines.
Now, before I close this post, I will state to you my answer to that question: That person hit the nail on the head as to the problem in the thinking of the average believer. They see men as the leaders while turning a blind eye to the Head, which is Christ Jesus.
John 10:11, 14
11 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. ... 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine.
Please take notice that Jesus did not say that He AND all those others are the good shepherds (plural). So, when I heard that question, it set in stone the core problem in the thinking of the professing masses and their leadership. They fail to give thought to the very words of Jesus:
John 10:12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep.
John 10:13-15
13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my [sheep], and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
Who among the leadership out there are those hirelings Jesus talked about? Might they include those who do not collectively (with each other across unbiblical lines of division) seek to break down the doctrinal distinctives that keep them separated from being actively unified with the other groupings. Men shepherding is a function, not a position or office that places them above the others in their grouping, as many tend to claim and practice.
So, what are your thoughts?
MM