Blake’s Take

Blake Johnson
Blake’s Take

Dear Mike,

I appreciate your question and thank you for having the courage to discuss such a delicate topic. Church service is important to Christians and none of us want to intentionally deviate from Christ’s message. Unfortunately, it happens and it’s up to us as individuals to find the truth. 

According to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity, Christianity is divided into more than 200 denominations in the US alone. Worldwide, that number is estimated to be around 45,000. How can one religion be divided into so many separate groups? 

I would guess centuries of Bible translation to be one of the reasons. According to Christianity.com, there are 450 different translations of the Bible into English. Some of the early versions were known to be rendered from previous translations rather than the original Hebrew Scriptures of the Old Testament and the Greek writings of the New Testament. When translations evolve from already translated material, inconsistencies can occur. With inconsistencies and so many versions in one language, interpretations will vary, leading to church division. For this reason, Christians should do some homework to search for accurate Bible translations in their own language. 

Although it’s hard for us to imagine, church division can also be the consequence of having dishonest leadership. The Bible warns us of false prophets and teachers. It tells us we are to recognize and withdraw ourselves from them (King James Version, Matt. 7:15; 1 Tim. 6:3-5). Without God’s word this would be impossible. As you point out in your inquiry, the Bible will reveal the truth. God speaks through his word which is why we must study to show ourselves approved unto him (KJV, 2 Tim. 2:15). This is especially important when false teachers exist. 

Another significant reason for church division is disobedience. We tend to deny God by seeking after glorified experiences. History shows that man would rather worship idols, perform great ceremonies, or look for signs than obey God. In 2 Kings 5:1-14, Naaman was told by Elisha’s messenger to wash in Jordan seven times to cleanse his leprosy (KJV). When he heard this Naaman was wroth because he was told to conduct a simple act in an average river. Evidently, he was expecting some wondrous experience. However, God’s simple request to restore his flesh was perfect. After Naaman came out of Jordan the seventh time he was clean and had flesh like a little child. As Christians, we should learn to ignore our own expectations and trust in the simplicity of serving God (KJV, Prov. 3:5). 

Regardless of church division and the reasons behind it, salvation is a personal obligation. Paul told the Philippians in Philippians 2:12, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (KJV). The Bible tells us we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ and answer for the things we have done whether good or bad (KJV, 2 Cor. 5:10). No preacher, no Elder, and no Deacon will be able to stand in our place or answer for us. Therefore, we must examine ourselves and the church to corroborate the messages we receive are in line with God’s word.

If a church provides doctrine that contradicts the gospel, we have a responsibility to pursue the truth. Matthew 7:7 says, “Ask and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (KJV). God will provide the answers if we conduct the research. As you said, following Jesus should not be complicated and his service is reasonable (KJV, Rom. 12:1). It should never conflict with his word. 

Like you, I am a humble servant trying to follow Jesus to the best of my ability. I have enjoyed looking into this matter with you. I have no doubt if we all keep searching and studying, God will lead us in the paths of righteousness. Thank you again for your inquiry.

Sincerely,