Factions

[Alive]

We wonder why the church (small c) lacks power and a strong witness that results in great fruit and revival of love, joy in the Holy Spirit with many souls coming in and thirsty for Truth.

We wonder why so many remain in a state of spiritual infancy.

I suggest that it is the ‘spirit’ of factions or division. Not so much the doctrinal differences within christendom, but rather the hearts and attitudes that come from the root of factions. That attitude says, “we are more special than you folks over there”. We are ‘especial’ because we say this or because we use these special terms and words that are more special than yours”.

There are those among us who specialize in this. There are those whose main function is to plant and fertilize this spirit of faction. I don’t say, ‘intent’—I say ‘function’.

These things do not come from God. I tell you, the Lord and the Holy Spirit can’t and won’t function in that environment. That spirit and that fleshly emanation hinders the flow of Life and Power in the church.

 

I will share a dream that the Lord gave that helped me be prepared for a difficult time that was to come. It served me well then and does now. It is my hope that it will be of some help. Please—I adjure you. Consider these things and strive to not take part in these things. It starts with a revelation and a changed heart. I don’t believe that the Lord gave this dream only for myself.

 

----There was a great field and in that field were a great many bodies that had been dismembered in the most heinous fashion. Parts and pieces all over. As I was looking at the scene a word came to my mind that described it. It was a word that has no human equivalent, but was a combination of things like horror, disgust and atrocity. I didn't know the word then and I haven't since, but it was a powerful impression. Very powerful and impossible to describe. I woke like a shot from a cannon and said, "Lord, what the heck was that". He said, "that is how I feel when I see my body divided".

The impact that lesson had on me can't be overstated.--------

 

1Cor. 11:19 For there must also be factions among you, so that those who are approved may become ¹evident among you.

Gal. 5:20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

1Cor. 1:10   Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment. ¹¹ For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe’s people, that there are quarrels among you. ¹² Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,” and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” ¹³ Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? ¹⁴ I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵ so that no one would say you were baptized in my name.

1Cor. 3:1   And I, brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of flesh, as to infants in Christ. ² I gave you milk to drink, not solid food; for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are not yet able, ³ for you are still fleshly. For since there is jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly, and are you not walking like mere men? ⁴ For when one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not mere men?

[Sharky and George]

Your right and its not good but like Brexxit, lets talk about how we can solve it, not just the problem. Not suggesting you were of course.

- A sense of humor can breakdown tensions between different churches. Just to relax and enjoy Christ instead of tension.

- Understanding each other. The problem is usually actually mis understanding e.g. the enemy had created a communication breakdown somewhere. Be transparent, open and honest.

- Listen more and talk less. The book of Proverbs suggest this way.

 

Thats just a few points but there are many more that we need to implement.

Guys, please suggest your own and think about how we can start doing them today.

Bless you, its a good question as addressing it can release the church into a lot more serving Jesus in a positive way.

[Alive]

Yes--the point and the lesson is that we examine ourselves and see whether or not we have engaged the 'spirit' of factions and allow the Lord to shed light on our hearts.

There are some that delight in the factions and there are those who aren't aware of the seed of 'division' that has been planted in their heart and mind.

[Alive]

It seems to me that this is a good message for us today.

May our God and Savior speak to each of us.