The scripture says, “No one who believes in him will be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all and is generous to all who call on him. For, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” -Romans 10:11-13 (NRSV)

Anyone who spends any amount of time on Christian Web sites knows that everybody has an opinion. Moreover, it sometimes seems that Christians are ready to squabble and break fellowship with each other over [what seems to be] the silliest of reasons. It seems like Christians sometimes seem to do more to advance the cause of the devil than they do our Lord with all this bickering and ridiculous division. Divisions range from how and when to baptize to what Bible translation should be embraced. When will the rapture take place? Before or after the tribulation? Personally I think it happens before, but I’m certainly not going to ‘break fellowship’ with anybody who has a different opinion on the subject. Hmm… what matters to me is that it will take place.

I have the privilege of living in a country where I can worship freely (for now) without fear of persecution and have a wealth of different styles to choose from in expressing my faith. I like to take advantage of that from time to time by visiting different churches. I find I get new ideas from anywhere I go– even if it’s how not to do something! I currently split my time and resources between two bodies: one well-established and another fairly young (2 years old). One I consider my “home fellowship” and the other is rapidly gaining favor with me as it grows and reaches out to the community with various evangelical outreaches. It could become my home base, as far as a Church body goes. The thing is that I can get much out of both fellowships, sensing a love for Jesus and agreement on the basic facts of our faith that bind us together in the body of Christ. Have you noticed that there’s nothing in the Bible about denominations? However, there is much about the body and the diversity of its parts. Could it really be as simple as believing in and calling on the name of the Lord? I think so. In fact, I know so.