Topical Encyclopedia Dissensions within the church have been a concern since the early days of Christianity, as evidenced by numerous New Testament writings. These divisions often arise from doctrinal disagreements, personal conflicts, or differing interpretations of Scripture. The Bible provides guidance on addressing and resolving such conflicts to maintain unity within the body of Christ.Biblical Instances and Teachings 1. Corinthian Church: The Apostle Paul addresses dissensions in the Corinthian church, where factions had formed around different leaders. In 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 , Paul writes, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction. My brothers, some from Chloe’s household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. What I mean is this: Individuals among you are saying, 'I follow Paul,' 'I follow Apollos,' 'I follow Cephas,' or 'I follow Christ.' Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?" 2. Galatian Church: In Galatians 5:19-21 , Paul lists "dissensions" as one of the works of the flesh, warning that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. He urges believers to live by the Spirit, which produces unity and peace. 3. Philippian Church: Paul also addresses potential discord in the Philippian church, urging Euodia and Syntyche to agree in the Lord (Philippians 4:2-3). He emphasizes the importance of unity and encourages the church to support these women in resolving their differences. 4. Romans: In Romans 16:17-18 , Paul warns the Roman church to "watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." Guidance for Resolution 1. Pursuit of Unity: Ephesians 4:3 exhorts believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." Unity is a central theme in Paul's letters, emphasizing that the church is one body in Christ. 2. Role of Love: Love is the foundation for resolving conflicts. In 1 Peter 4:8 , it is written, "Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." Love fosters forgiveness and reconciliation. 3. Church Discipline: Matthew 18:15-17 outlines a process for addressing sin within the church, emphasizing the goal of restoration. If a brother sins, one should first address him privately. If he does not listen, take one or two others along, and if he still refuses to listen, tell it to the church. 4. Avoidance of Quarrels: In 2 Timothy 2:23-24 , Paul advises, "But reject foolish and ignorant speculation, for you know that it breeds quarreling. And a servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome, but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, and forbearing." Historical Context Throughout church history, dissensions have led to significant schisms, such as the Great Schism of 1054 and the Protestant Reformation. These events underscore the importance of addressing divisions with biblical wisdom and a spirit of reconciliation. Practical Application Church leaders and members are called to be vigilant against the seeds of dissension, fostering an environment of open communication, mutual respect, and adherence to sound doctrine. By prioritizing the teachings of Scripture and the example of Christ, the church can navigate conflicts and maintain its witness to the world. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 1:11-13For it has been declared to me of you, my brothers, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. Nave's Topical Index 1 Corinthians 3:3,4 1 Corinthians 11:18,19 2 Corinthians 12:20,21 Library Further Dissensions among the Arians at Constantinople. The ... Causes of the Deposition of Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem. Mutual ... That the Catholic Faith May be Confirmed Even by the Dissensions ... On Reconciling Religious Dissensions among Christians The Apostles did in all Cases Teach the Whole Truth to the Whole ... Since These Ills Existed in the Church, Secular Affairs Also Fell ... Blessed Martyrs Designate, -- Along with the Provision which Our ... Adjusting the Local Church to the Community About the Discord of Philosophic Opinion, and the Concord of the ... But This, they Say, is the Very Thing which Disquiets Us... Resources What are appropriate reasons for missing church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the church? | GotQuestions.org What is meant by High Church and Low Church? | GotQuestions.org Church: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Church and State: Attempted Usurpation of Ecclesiastical Functions by Civil Authorities, Reproved Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Appoints Kings Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Directs Administration Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Reproves Rulers Church and State: Ecclesiastical Power Superior to Civil: Withdraws Support and Anoints a Successor Church and State: Manasseh, in Subverting, and Afterward Restoring, the True Religion Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Ahaz, in Transforming the Altars Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Hezekiah, in Reorganizing Temple Service Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jehoash, in Supervising the Repairs of the Temple Church and State: State Superior to Religion: Jeroboam, in Subverting the Jewish Religion Church is Clothed in Righteousness Church of Israel in Covenant With God Church of Israel was Relatively Holy Church of Israel: A Type of the Church of Christ Church of Israel: Admission Into, by Circumcision Church of Israel: All Israelites Members of Church of Israel: Attachment of the Jews To Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of Israel Church of Israel: Called The: Congregation of the Lord Church of Israel: Established by God Church of Israel: Had: A Spiritual Church Within It Church of Israel: Had: An Appointed Place of Worship Church of Israel: Had: An Ordained Ministry Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Feasts Church of Israel: Had: Appointed Ordinances Church of Israel: Had: The Divine Presence Manifested in It Church of Israel: Members of Excommunicated for Heavy Offenses Church of Israel: Members of Required to Attend Its Worship Church of Israel: Members of Required to Keeps Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Required to Know Its Statutes Church of Israel: Members of Separated From, While Unclean Church of Israel: Persons Excluded From Church of Israel: Privileges of Church of Israel: Proselytes Admitted Into Church of Israel: Supported by the People Church of Israel: The Depository of Holy Writ Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Praise Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Prayer Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Preaching Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Reading God's Word Church of Israel: Worship of, Consisted in Sacrifice Church: Assembly of the Saints Church: Assembly of the Upright Church: Baptized (Immersed) Into by One Spirit Church: Believers Continually Added To, by the Lord Church: Branch of God's Planting Church: Called the Congregation in the O. 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