“Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:13 NIV84)

Is Christ divided? Of course not! He is the second person of the Godhead. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the eternal Son of God. There can be no division within the Godhead. Of course the answer is no. Unless we are talking about the body of Christ lived out by you and me in this world. There is indeed division in that body. Just look at the number of Christian denominations and then the division within those denominations. How can this be? The easy answer is us! We are the problem. Paul was right when he asked: “Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?” The Corinthian church, like many of our churches today, had strong leaders like Paul, Apollos and others. People tend to gravitate to individuals and the teachings of individuals, and both come with a danger. We can’t lose sight of the true Teacher and His teachings.

Our allegiance must be with Jesus, His teachings, and anyone who clearly points us to both. Pastors, teachers or evangelists should wish that they were transparent and that whenever they did their work for the kingdom of God, it was not them but the King that everyone saw and heard. Satan will use any means possible, even spiritual leaders, to lead people away from the cross of Jesus Christ. May we say with Paul, “For I determine to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Peace!

Pastor Tom