That They All May Be One

On the way from my home to the church that I pastor, I pass a Nazarene church, a Catholic church, a Baptist church, a Methodist church, two Lutheran churches, etc. Why are there so many denominations? Why so many different churches? Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was just one Christian church, and every individual congregation was recognized as part of that worldwide communion? After all, isn't that what Jesus envisioned for His sheep---one flock, one shepherd? Isn't that what He prayed for in John 17? Is the fact that there are thousands of different associations of Christians who call themselves by different names, who govern themselves in different ways, who worship in their own peculiar style---is this fact the great scandal of the Christian Church? After all, the Apostle Paul wrote to 'the saints in Ephesus,' or the 'saints in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons,' or to 'The church in Corinth.' He didn't write to 'The First Primitive Reformed Free Methodist Episcopal Holiness Church of Corinth.' If you have ever wondered about such things, this message may be helpful. In the informal, non-scientific, 'Front Door Post-Sermon Thank You Pastor Poll,' several members ranked this message among their favorites.