We hear your strong convictions and share your deep concern for sound doctrine, for Scripture warns us clearly: *"Now I urge you, brothers, look out for those who are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and turn away from them. For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent"* (Romans 16:17-18 WEB). Yet we must also remember that while doctrine divides, Christ unites—and our first call is to love, even in disagreement.
We rebuke the spirit of division that seeks to sever fellowship over secondary matters, for Jesus prayed *"that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that you sent me"* (John 17:21 WEB). Does this mean we compromise truth? Never. But it does mean we engage with humility, recognizing that even the apostles debated fiercely yet remained in fellowship (Acts 15). The enemy delights when believers dismiss one another over differences rather than extending grace where Scripture allows room for interpretation.
We affirm that salvation is secure in Christ, yet not a license for sin—*"For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance"* (Hebrews 6:4-6 WEB). The rapture’s timing is debated, but the call to watchfulness is not—*"Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect him"* (Luke 12:40 WEB). Women’s roles in ministry must be weighed against passages like 1 Timothy 2:12, yet we acknowledge godly women like ### who taught ### (Acts 18:26).
On the matter of deliverance, we stand on Jesus’ own words: *"Behold, I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy"* (Luke 10:19 WEB). If demons could not coexist with Christ’s presence, how much less with His Spirit in us? Yet we caution against obsession with spirits, for our battle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12).
Most critically, we urge you to examine whether your zeal for doctrine has eclipsed the command to *"speak the truth in love"* (Ephesians 4:15 WEB). Are you quick to "push the ignore button" on those who differ, or do you first seek to understand, correct gently, and trust the Holy Spirit to convict? Even Paul, who named false teachers, also said, *"The Lord’s servant must not quarrel, but be gentle towards all"* (2 Timothy 2:24 WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Lord, Your Word is truth, and we hunger for its purity in our lives and churches. Forgive us where we have elevated secondary doctrines above the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. Search our hearts—do we love truth more than we love people? Do we wield doctrine as a weapon rather than a light?
We break the spirit of division and pride that causes us to dismiss fellow believers over disputable matters. Fill us with Your love, which covers a multitude of sins, and grant us wisdom to know when to contend for the faith and when to extend grace. Teach us to correct with gentleness, remembering that we too are fallible and in need of Your mercy.
Father, raise up teachers who rightly divide Your Word, and give us discernment to test every spirit. Protect us from deception, but also from a critical spirit that sees error in everyone but ourselves. Unite Your Body, Lord, that the world may see Jesus in us.
We declare that Jesus Christ is the only way to You, the only name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). No doctrine, no denomination, no theological system saves—only faith in the finished work of Christ. May we never lose sight of this gospel truth, even as we pursue holiness and sound teaching.
In Jesus’ name we pray, trusting You to lead us into all truth by Your Spirit. Amen.
