Articles From Our Bulletins
Emphasizing Sameness
With all the different beliefs, teachings and practices in the religious world, it needs to be pointed out that the Scriptures emphasize sameness.
The Same Lord.
Paul wrote, “For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him” (Romans 10:12). There is but “One Lord” (Ephesians 4:5); one standard of authority!
The Same Body.
The Holy Spirit revealed, “That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body...” (Ephesians 3:6). There is “one body” (Ephesians 4:4), “which is the church” (Colossians 1:24). 1 Corinthians 12:13 teaches, “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body...” (1 Corinthians 12:13).
Speak the Same Thing.
Paul admonished divided brethren, “...that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you...” (1 Corinthians 1:10). When we all “speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11), we will speak the same thing. The fact that different things are being spoken says some are not speaking as the oracles of God!
The Same Mind and Same Judgment.
1 Corinthians 1:10 continues, “...that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” When all of us possess “the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16), we will have the same mind. We can know the mind of Christ as we read the will of Christ in the New Testament.
Walk By the Same Rule.
The Philippian Christians were instructed, “Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing” (Philippians 3:16). The Bible is our only rule of walk (Colossians 3:17). Paul wrote, “And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy...” (Galatians 6:16).
If we have the same Lord and are members of the same body, we ought to teach the same thing, worship the same way, do the same work and have the same organizational arrangement. When there are differences in teaching and practice, somebody is not speaking as the oracles of God or walking by the same rule!
