Like-Minded Believers

Likeminded Believers

By Doug Cook

Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 2:2

How many times have we heard brothers and sisters in Christ tell us of their desire to fellowship with “like-minded” believers? Did we ever ask any Christian to explain just exactly what they mean by the word “like-minded?” Well I have, and the answers I received were regrettably unbiblical.

First, because of the blatant improper use of the word “heresy” among believers, we need to establish the correct biblical definition of this word, not based on the way most ministers, pastors, prophets, and bishops choose to apply it.

Strong’s Concordance: Properly a choice, that is, a party or disunion. Heresy, sect.

Thayer’s Greek Lexicon: 1) act of taking, capture: e.g. storming a city, 2) choosing, choice 3) That which is chosen, 4) a body of men following their own tenets (sect or party) 5) Dissensions arising from diversity of opinions and aims

Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary: In Scripture and primitive usage, heresy meant merely sect, party, or the doctrines of a sect, as we now use denomination or persuasion, implying no reproach (criticism).

Do we see anywhere in these scriptural definitions where heresy is defined as a false doctrine or untruth? The word simply means to choose a sect, denominate, or practice disunion. In fact, the bible interprets the Greek word “hairesis” 5 times as “sect” (denomination) 3 times as “heresies,” and 1 time as “heresy” in the King James. Other translations use the word factious. If you use this word to describe someone who you think has a false doctrine, then you are in err and have been deceived, and this label you are trying to attach to another believer more than likely applies to yourself. You can believe a true biblical doctrine and still be guilty of heresy or dissension. Heresy is in actuality the last of the seven abominable sins of Proverbs 6 that the Lord hates, “…he that soweth discord among the brethren.”

If you wish to claim something as a false doctrine or false teaching, then the Greek word “apostasia,” English word “apostasy” needs to be used which is defined as a “defection from the truth.” Someone teaching false doctrines or untruths would be an apostate, not a heretic.

Heresy is the opposite of biblical unity or of being a biblically defined “like-minded” believer. The apostle Paul states in Ephesians 4:1-3, “I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” If we are restricting our fellowship to believers that only uphold our pet doctrines, are we forbearing one another in the unity of the Spirit? Not hardly! The fact is most believers referring to themselves by their denominational affiliation or a pastors’ name (rather than simply as a member of the body of Christ) are practicing heresy/division. This includes those involved with the non-denominational denominations, home meetings and internet forums.

Once we understand the true biblical definition of heresy (denominating, causing dissension and strife among the brethren, separating from other believers who refuse to follow our doctrines, and practicing factious emulations) we find that most Christians these days are themselves practicing heresy without even knowing it. The apostle Paul defines all of the above activities as “works of the flesh” in Galatians 5, and goes on to say in verse 21 of the same chapter that “they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Could this be interconnected with the prophesied great falling away of Christians in the last days?

You may have noticed most denominated “churches” have “their cannon” that you must observe. If you don’t, you will not be allowed to participate in their activities or may even be shunned and asked to leave “their” assembly. I have had this “being spurned” experience myself. In fact, I have just been recently made aware of a common practice among more and more “senior pastors” these days of insisting any and all “members” sign a contract in order to be an affiliate of “their church.” These contracts have been so manipulative as to include what services you will attend, what ministries you will be a part of and even how much “tithe” you will give each week. So much for following Matthew 6:4 “That thine alms may be in secret:” This attitude is all about control and lording it over the flock.

I discovered these factious denominational requirements are also especially true of internet forums. Visit any “Christian” forum these days and you may see their “set of guidelines” (usually referred to as Statement of Faith) to join “their” forum. Closer inspection of any forum’s “doctrine” actually reveals their sects (denominational) beliefs. One forum doesn’t allow anyone who isn’t a “pre-trib” rapture believer, while another forum doesn’t allow any “pre-trib” believers…both forums leaders claiming to be the true “remnant.” In reality, because they both will “ban” (kick them out of “their” denomination) anyone who disagrees with their beliefs, both these forums are practicing heresy because they are both sowing division and discord among brethren. Is that how true remnant believers act in unity? I don’t think so. The fact that it’s “their” forum or “their” church is a dead giveaway none of these factious buildings or e-gatherings have truly been surrendered to the Lord.

I have also attended home fellowships that utilize the same heretical practices of separating from other believers who don’t embrace their dogma, so the practice of heresy is not limited to denominational church buildings. I found one home fellowship that had a very unique way of dealing with believers they didn’t want to associate with. Every week they would have their meeting at a different location. Occasionally they would reveal the next meeting location and time at the previous meeting, but the usual practice was to send out an e-mail a couple of days before the meeting of the location of the next gathering. If they didn’t agree with some of your beliefs or didn’t want you to attend their religious sect, they would drop you from the e-mail notifications so you wouldn’t know where they were meeting. Unsurprisingly, I was removed from their E-mail list very quickly. For sure they had multiple excuses they drew upon for the revolving meetings that could shield them from revealing their ulterior motives, but it was foundationally about division and control – practicing heresy!

It’s not hard to understand how the apostle Peter described the proper way elders are to guide the body (not bodies) of Christ. 1Peter 5:2-3, “Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.” If you know of a verse that says to divide, manipulate and control the flock, please show me where it is as I have yet to find one.

A common goal among all these different sects of “like-minded” believers is to “protect” what most of them refer to as “the basic tenets of the faith.” Most leaders I hear using this phrase have a mindset as though they themselves have been appointed as guardians of the Holy Grail of basic tenets. The question that begs to be asked of the guardians when they use this statement is; just what exactly are “the basic tenets of the faith?” Then follow that up with the question, could you please show me in the bible where the Lord specifically defines “the basic tenets of the faith?” What you will find by asking these crucial questions about “the basics” is that you will get as many different answers as there are different sects of supposed “like-minded” believers – thousands! That means at least 99% of these “basic tenets of the faith” are misguided and designed to be factious. And you would have to question the remaining 1%.

Philippians 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

One thing I find distressing is that I have yet to hear any of these guardians of their Holy Grail’s include the true biblical unity of all believers in their basic faith tenet canons. We are to be in one mind and one spirit striving together for the faith of the gospel and that’s every believer, not just the so called “like-minded” believers who follow our doctrine. As much as the bible cries out for unity among ALL the brethren, shouldn’t this be a basic tenet of the faith? To you evangelists, pastors, prophets, bishops, watchmen, teachers and all elders in the body of Christ, none of us have all the answers. The Lord doesn’t give any individual the complete picture; He will only give us each pieces. This way we have got to fellowship together with other believers to get the complete truth’s by utilizing all the other pieces of God’s puzzle.

Another phrase I hear when discussing different opinions on doctrines, especially from elders, is “I’m not that concerned about the topics that don’t affect salvation.” Oh really! This again begs a question, just exactly which truths in The Word don’t affect salvation? Again, by asking this question, you will get as many varied answers as there are denominational church buildings, home groups and forums.

Let’s use tithing as an example. Most Christians will put this in a category of disagreement about the proper form of giving and proclaim it won’t affect anyone’s salvation. It is a command in the Old Covenant so it is part of the law.

Galatians 3:10-13 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, the just shall live by faith. And the law is not of faith: but, the man that doeth them shall live in them. Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

James 2:10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

According to scripture, if we try to keep the tithe law most denominations teach (in Malachi), but don’t keep all the other laws, we are cursed (as most the leaders say as they try to scare the sheeple into giving). No man is justified by the law which is not of faith and according to Romans 14:23 “…whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” If we knowingly continue in any sin (transgression of the law) after we have been made aware of it (written on our hearts), aren’t we at the precipice of falling away? Is there any sin that we can continue to do in disobedience and still get into heaven? Look to Hebrews 10:26-29 for some answers here. Doesn’t that mean that the law of tithing can affect our salvation, especially since we’re not supposed to be under the law anymore?

I could use most other examples of doctrinal issues and show how they can affect a believers’ salvation, but the point is that ultimately ALL of scripture deals with salvation issues because our complete salvation is a continual ongoing process as we are transformed from glory to glory. If we take some truths’s of the scriptures and relegate them to being less than a “basic tenant of the faith” (salvation issue), aren’t we effectively placing ourselves equal to God making decisions for Him? Are we so confident in our extremely limited spiritual knowledge that we think we can play Holy Spirit for the rest of Christianity? Yet I see many “watchmen, elders, pastors, bishops, evangelists, etc” do exactly that by establishing their own factious rules for fellowship. Paul was right in 1 Corinthians 8, “knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.”

Please understand, I’m not saying there are not any biblical principles to follow where saints are meeting together. Paul gave us procedures to follow in 1 Corinthians so that our meetings may be done “decently and in order,” otherwise there would be chaos in the fellowships. Elders are held responsible for keeping the meetings focused so all may learn and grow and the larger the attendance the stricter the biblical guidelines need to be followed.

I can’t begin to estimate the number of times I have had brothers and sisters tell me they are looking for “like-minded” believers to fellowship with. Unfortunately this is almost unanimously embraced as the proper way to look for a “church” throughout Christendom. It is such an ingrained belief that even the “remnant” believers the Lord is calling out from among the apostate church system continue the practice of looking for other “like-minded” remnant believers or a “book of Acts” church. Again, you can find as many different ideas of a “book of Acts” church as you can find believers looking for them. I have received many calls and e-mails requesting information on our beliefs before they will try our fellowship. I understand the need to be discerning because of what they have been through, but the approach should always be to lay it before the Lord. When He reveals where He wants you to fellowship (not based on what doctrines you may or may not agree with) then we need to be obedient and go where He says. The Lord declares “…the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.” If you haven’t spent enough time with Him to KNOW His voice and obey Him where He tells you to go, then you have bigger issues and might need to spend a lot more time in your prayer closet listening to Him, NOT telling Him what you want.

The Lord will place you in a fellowship where you can continue your growth and help others grow which means your doctrines and beliefs will be challenged and you may have to expand your self imposed limit of travel to find one. Christians cannot mature without opposing opinions that force each and every believer to search out the truth of the scriptures themselves. This also means you can’t run away every time you hear a doctrine you don’t consider to be biblical. Most believers don’t understand its okay to agree to disagree and let God work out the details. We have seen many believers attend our fellowship stating emphatically that “God told them to sit under this teaching,” yet three weeks along they hear or see something they don’t like and we never see them again! If God told them to sit under the teaching, then that’s exactly what they should do regardless of what is said. Paul exhorts us to “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.” How else are we going to learn how to “forbear one another in love” unless we fellowship with what believers now falsely think is “un-likeminded” believers? And for those self proclaimed “heresy” hunters who try to distort this to say I’m promoting fellowshipping with unsaved religions, don’t read something different into what I’m saying. I’m obviously only talking about fellowship within the body of Christ.

If everyone in a Christian gathering thinks exactly the same, then it becomes more of a social club where believers become stagnant puffing each other up with their limited knowledge telling each other how much God loves them all. Everyone discusses the same doctrines and nobody’s faith is challenged. There is very little maturing or making disciples in these imaginary “like-minded” type fellowships. If you’re not pushing forward to climb out of your comfort zone, then you are falling back in your spiritual walk because there is no campground on the climb up mount Zion.

Reasons to Separate

There are biblical reasons to separate from other Christians, but we must be very sure we have interpreted the scriptures properly so we are not the one committing apostasy. There are many who use scriptures improperly for the purpose of justifying their denominational sectarian actions because of their desire to distance themselves from someone that disagrees with their beliefs. I will try to address a few of those scriptures in the following paragraphs.

2 John 7-11 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

Most Christians using this 2 John passage to judge other believers, either by ignorance or convenience, begin in verse 9 rather than verse 7 to justify breaking fellowship. Verse 7 is the only verse in this passage that describes the type of person John is warning about, and must be used to determine “the doctrine of Christ” he is referring to. Otherwise we get a varied form of “Christ’s doctrine” based on our own individual denomination beliefs, therefore enabling anyone who wants to utilize this passage to separate from another believer who doesn’t share their own tainted beliefs.

The person we are not supposed to “receive into our house, nor bid him God speed,” is, according to verse 7, one who doesn’t confess that Jesus is come in the flesh. How many believing Christians do you know that confess that Jesus Spirit doesn’t dwell within their flesh? The answer should be zero! Anyone in the church whose spirit doesn’t confess that the Spirit of Christ is come in their flesh is a “Christian” in name only. They are actually a deceived unbeliever and an Antichrist if they try to promote this deception. The separation John is endorsing in this passage cannot be anyone confessing Jesus as their Lord and acknowledging they have received the Spirit of Christ within them. False Christians are the only ones John is talking about separating from here.

Please note that John also states in this passage that “He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.” Which means those actually operating in “the doctrine of Christ” have the Spirit of Christ AND the Spirit of God (Holy Spirit) dwelling in them. This absolutely means they have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. And with most of the current denominational doctrines that intentionally disregard the baptism of the Holy Spirit (meaning their members received the Spirit of Christ for salvation but do not have the Spirit of God dwelling in them), one could easily make a case that all these factions that are using this set of verses to separate from others who are “not like-minded” are the very ones who are not abiding in the true “doctrine of Christ,” and they themselves are the individuals who are “not like-minded” according to the bible. Back in John’s day the apostles made sure everyone receiving salvation also received the baptism of the Holy Spirit (See Acts chapter 8). In today’s church the opposite is true; many denominations make sure nobody they control receives the indwelling of the Spirit of God evidenced by the ability to pray in heavenly languages.

Titus 3:9-10 But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;

This verse has been used many times to justify separating from another believer who supposedly has a “false doctrine.” After looking at the true biblical definition of heresy, we see this interpretation of this passage is itself a false doctrine. These scriptures say that we are to avoid causing contentions, strikings or arguing about any scriptures. Heated arguments and strife will naturally cause division within the body. A healthy bible study needs opposing opinions and peaceful debates over differences, which supports growth. It’s when some one invokes anger to dogmatically try to enforce their doctrines rather than backing down for the sake of unity that we are to reject them (separate from them). It doesn’t matter whether their doctrines are correct or not. The Lord is dealing with divisive brothers and sisters not showing love for the brethren here, not false doctrines.

1Timothy 6:1-5 Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings (conclusions), Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

We don’t have slavery in this country today, but this applies to giving “honor” to our bosses at our jobs as well. This would also apply to wives concerning their husbands who are commanded by God to be under submission to them. And we are not to despise those bosses/husbands that are themselves Christians because they are our brothers and included in the body of Christ. And if your pastor doesn’t teach these things along with wholesome words and doctrine according to godliness, he is “destitute of the truth” and is the person Timothy is saying “from such withdraw thyself.” (Wives married to these preachers are NOT to leave their husbands. 1 Peter 3:1-2 specifically instructs them on the procedure for dealing with Husbands who don’t obey the Word). How many times have you heard in denominational churches we are to “line up with pastors’ vision.” This is a lie from the pits of hell instigated by pastors trying to control and lord it over their flocks. We are to line up with our own individual vision given to us from God and it is the pastor’s job to help all Christians nurture and discover the visions God gave each one in the church so we can be effective in our part of the body of Christ. Each and every believer has a different calling and vision on their lives and needs to line up with that vision to help the body of Christ as a whole, not the pastors’ vision. (Romans 14:12) “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God,” not to some bishop or preacher. If you have a pastor that promotes lining up with HIS vision or denomination (false doctrines) “He is proud, knowing nothing, and destitute of the truth” and this is the type of person this passage tells us “from such withdraw thyself.”

2 Timothy 3:1-8 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

We are in the last days and this is describing exactly what is happening in the “church” buildings and home groups nowadays. This is not talking about lost sinners of the world not attending church, he is referring to the millions of churchgoers sitting in pews every Saturday and Sunday “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.” This is also the denominated “Christians” He was talking about in the 2 John 7-11 passage above. Some may have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in them (they are saved), but they deny the power (Spirit of God dwelling in them – Baptism of the Holy Spirit) to walk out the godly Christian life God requires of all believers. They are proud, lovers of themselves and pleasure more than they love Jesus. These are the ones that believe and constantly say “I’m just a sinner saved by grace” so they continue in their sins deceptively depending on grace to get them into heaven. Some of them even read their bibles “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth” because they don’t have the Spirit of Truth (Holy Spirit) dwelling in them, which makes them easy targets for the devil to help them misinterpret scripture. It’s these type of “Christians” Timothy is exhorting us “from such turn away,” because most of them are not receptive nor have any desire to learn the truth.

“The capacity of the human mind to resist the intrusion of new knowledge is infinite.”

Yet again it is the few remnant believers that those in these type denominational churches are accusing of not being “like-minded” and using this and other passages to justify “turning away” from those few that truly obey the gospel.

2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.

The Apostle Paul is admonishing us to come out from among these end times apostate factious gatherings and separate ourselves from them so we ourselves are not infected by these unclean doctrines, most of which are following man made doctrines and traditions. Jesus said about these denominational heretics “This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.” They talk a good sounding “Christian” type language and sound somewhat holy as if they are worshipping Jesus. “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Unfortunately, most of those following these factions earnestly believe they are set apart and super holy by following commandments of men, obeying pastors, bishops, and priests and separating themselves from the true body of Christ because they believe they are the only ones that have it right. These are actually the type of groups the Titus 3:10 passage above refers to, “A man that is an heretic (man-made denomination follower) after the first and second admonition reject;” After trying to help them no more than two times out of their deep deception to no avail, we are to separate ourselves from them so we ourselves are not guilty of causing arguments and strife.

Looking at all the reasons the bible gives to separate from others referring to themselves as “Christian,” it looks as though it mostly concerns separation from those involved in denominating, dividing, separating or causing faction and strife within the body of Christ – true, biblically defined heretics. Some may be saved, but a lot of them are not truly saved because they are still committing sins. The bible in 1 John 3 is very plain, “Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning,” If anyone proclaiming to be “saved” still thinks its normal for a “Christian” to sin once in a while, then we need to question whether they fulfilled a true confession of faith or just made a mental decision about following a man made denominational “Jesus” religion.

United we Stand – Divided we Fall

We should still be able to fellowship with those whose doctrines are different than ours, yet are truly born again as none of us have all the right answers. We can let “iron sharpen iron” and agree to disagree while God works out the difference in each of us, but we should never break fellowship or refuse to partake of communion with another true believer in Christ. It’s being able to fellowship and break bread together in peace, void of denominational barricades that makes us “like-minded” as the bible defines.

There are many more verses in the bible addressing like-mindedness but consider the following few:

Romans 15:5-7 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Romans 12:16 Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

1 Peter 3:8 Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:

Where in any of these verses can anyone possibly interpret that it is God’s desire that we all separate and divide in thousands of denominations that don’t have anything to do with each other? How can any of these divisive denominations obey the command to “be ye all of one mind” if they won’t even talk to other denominations about trying to suspend doctrinal differences. Can anyone name any faction or denomination that is obeying the other commands of unity brought out in these verses above? If you can’t name one, then doesn’t that conclude that none of these denominations are abiding in the “doctrine of Christ?” “Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.” Do you think God will not severely judge His church for dividing His son Jesus into thousands of little pieces? It is only because of His grace that He hasn’t released His full judgment on us yet, but His grace IS NOT unconditional, no matter what some “Christians” may try to tell you.

1Corinthians 1:11-13 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

1 Corinthians 3:3-6 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Paul was early on in his ministry having to address dividing and denominating in the Corinthian church just after he established the church in that city. One group was following Paul, one group was following Apollos, one group was following Cephas, one group was following “Christ,” etc. Allow me the liberty of bringing his list up to now days. For while one saith, I am of Catholic, I am of Baptist, I am of Methodist, I am of Lutheran, I am of Seventh Day, I am of Church of Christ, I am of Mennonite, etc, etc, etc, auld nausea, barf, barf. And what did He call this? Envying, Strife and Division. And what did he say about the Christians in Corinth that were participating in this division? They were CARNAL and WALK AS MEN. So if someone says they are a Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Seventh Day, Church of Christ, Mennonite, or any other of the thousands of factious denominational names, THEY ARE CARNAL and WALK AS MEN, in other words they are NOT spiritual in any way. The apostle Paul said this, I’m just the messenger and you would have to have the devil help you misinterpret these passages to mean anything other than Christians following man made denominations that he is talking about. No wonder there are so many diverse doctrines of men today if most all “Christians” are in carnality and following men, not Christ.

Romans 8:6-8 For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

No wonder these denominations are not obeying the list of verses above… They are operating in the carnality of the flesh. As Paul says to the Romans, the carnal mind “is not subject to the law of God” but to the law of man and man made doctrines and it brings death, as in second death.

I say as Paul says, “Wherefore come out from among them (denominations), and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing (factions); and I will receive you.” We are under the judgment hand of God because of all the division we in the church have created. Do you wonder why there is so much evil wickedness prospering against Christians in the world today? Because the church has allowed evil to flourish! The blame falls directly on us. If we were all in unity with one mind as God demands we would stand in unity against all the evil and the evil could not thrive and would have to flee.

Brethren, please heed the warning from the Lord. Come out from these heretical denominations, separate from them and be a true biblical “like-minded” believer like the Lord commands while there is still time.

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them (religious factions) that obey not the gospel of God?

I pray the Lord God of heaven remove the veil of deceit that has placed in bondage millions of carnal denominational believers. To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in one Jesus. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Your servant in Christ.