(this post by Dutch Sheets excerpted from GiveHim15, January 4, 2024)
“I do not pray for these alone [it is not for their sake only that I make this request], but also for [all] those who [will ever] believe and trust in Me through their message, that they all may be one; just as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, so that the world may believe[without any doubt] that You sent Me.” -Jesus (John 17:20-21 AMP)
“Sadly, religion is one of the most dividing forces on earth. It crucified Jesus! And I’m not just referring to people being divided over different faiths, as in Christianity and Islam. People within the same faiths argue and oppose brothers and sisters over doctrines and interpretations of Scripture. This is sad but rampant. And the problem is not as bad with believers in general as it is with leaders!
“Jesus’ prayer in John 17 should have tipped us off that this might be a problem. He said His followers becoming one would be the biggest thing in convincing the world of His message (John 17: 20-23).
“People in the church fight over eschatology, the structure of worship services, what type of songs to sing, the role of elders and deacons, their interpretations of the five grace gifts/ministries Christ gave the church, the gifts of the Spirit, which Bible translation can be used, what women can and can’t do, numerous doctrines, and how we should pray.
“You would think all true believers would be excited that 30 to 100 million prayers of agreement are offered on Give Him 15 every year. But some believers, including many leaders, don’t like the way we pray, so they attack instead.
- They don’t like our interpretation of the Ekklesia.
- Or they don’t like that we believe in all five ministry gifts of Christ; some who do believe in them don’t like our particular interpretation.
- Some don’t like that we make decrees.
- Others don’t like binding and loosing.
- They don’t like our prayers for government, the seven mountains of society, and influencing them with kingdom principles.
- They don’t like our teachings on authority.
- Many don’t like my love for America, some don’t like the Appeal to Heaven flag.
“If you can believe it, I read an article recently criticizing our belief in a billion-soul harvest. Nor do they like our talk about revival and reformation. I’ve heard those things before, by the way. I’ve asked some of them, “But you do hope I’m right and you’re wrong on this one, don’t you? You’ll rejoice if I’m right, won’t you?” I haven’t received a yes answer yet.
“The sad truth is that some people are just contentious. Others believe they are called to police, judge, and correct the rest of the body of Christ. And they would rather criticize and tear down than love and build up. Heaven must weep.
“Don’t participate in this nonsense. If you can’t speak well of true brothers or sisters, the way they pray or worship, some of their beliefs, etc., then don’t say anything about them at all. Better still would be to love and affirm them in any way you can.
“Pray with me:
Father, these are challenging times; yet we were born for such a time as this. We’ve put our hands to the plow and will not turn back. You have called and equipped us to preach the gospel of Your Kingdom to all, be lights in every arena, and speak truth to all of society. You have called us to represent You – not just Your love but also Your authority and victory…Your Kingdom. We will not waver.
We pray against division and strife, and bind demons causing this. Thwart their plans. Convict believers who partner with them. Motivate Your people to love one another unconditionally, to disagree with one another in kindness and humility, to stop cursing one another and partnering with satan, the accuser of the brethren.
And move us fully into the great harvest You have planned. Surely, this is cause enough to stand together. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.“