And These Three Remain
Using Faith, Hope and Love to promote unity throughout the Body of Christ

"8Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. 11When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. 12Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 13And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." -- 1 Corinthians 13:8-13



Issue 06-04: 4 July 2006

In This Issue:
  1. Personal Thoughts
  2. Speak Ye The Same Thing
  3. Update From Nepal (Churches Network)
  4. Bit 'O Humor
Personal Thoughts


Over 230 years ago, an intrepid group of men met together to show the British crown that the American colonies were united in addressing grievances they had against the way they were being treated by the British Parliament. While independence from the crown was not their motive originally, events soon pushed them in that direction so that 230 years ago today they ratified the Declaration of Independence. This declaration was signed on 2 August and paved the way for the Articles of Confederation and later, the Constitution of the United States.

Individually, these colonies were powerless against the behemoth that was Great Britain. However, when united they possessed the courage, strength and gallantry necessary to shed the yoke that had been cast upon them. Together, they ran an army and fought a foe much larger, better equipped and better trained than they were. Together, they were successful. It is through their cooperation and success that you and I are able to have and enjoy the freedoms we possess today.

Perhaps it is no small amount of irony that of all weekends, it is this forth of July weekend that I received official word from the United States Navy that I am being recalled to Active Duty. After a bit of training in Newport, RI and Dahlgren, VA, I am being sent to a forward deployed ship in Yokosuka, Japan. That tour will last for three years. I will be fortunate enough to have my family with me each step of the way.

There will, of course, be some big changes coming to One Body Ministries. Some will be immediate and some more gradual. Eventually, I will be stepping down as director. Currently, we have a new webmaster and our forums have been closed. Newsletters will switch to a bimonthly issue starting in August and will be written by good strong Christian men and women. This month's issue was written by Al Maxey for his 26 May issue of REFLECTIONS, and is reprinted here with his permission. Other changes to the ministry will be announced as they occur. Please allow me to solicit your prayers for my family and I, as well as the ministry as we all undergo these exciting changes.

Yours in Christ,
Todd Uebele

Speak Ye The Same Thing
 A Challenging Apostolic Exhortation
By Al Maxey

I recently received an email from a reader in the beautiful state of California who informed me that he was teaching a class at his congregation on Biblical Hermeneutics. Having taught this myself in my last three congregations, I can testify to the fact that it can be a rather controversial topic. Part of the reason for this is because it tends to spotlight the fact that few disciples of Christ ever fully agree in their interpretations of the text. Most often these differing interpretations among members of a congregation are simply never mentioned so as to promote a sense (at least on the surface) of oneness of mind. This glosses over the fact of our differing perspectives and perceptions, however, and borders on an atmosphere of denial, which can be very unhealthy in the life and development of a group. The stark reality is: we differ. Always have; always will. We don't think the same; we don't speak the same; we don't act the same; we don't look the same. We are as diverse as day and night. Yet, in the face of such diversity, we are nevertheless One Body. We are Family.

Some disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ have an extremely hard time reconciling this! How can we be one when we differ so dramatically from one another? How can there be unity in diversity (a phrase some regard as "heresy")? Their minds have difficulty grasping this concept. Therefore, they tend to promote uniformity over unity, very often confusing the former with the latter. In an effort to justify such a rigid theology, several passages of Scripture are typically tendered as proof-texts, chief among them being 1 Corinthians 1:10. The above-mentioned reader from California wrote, "One elderly brother pointed out to me that 1 Corinthians 1:10 was justification that we all have to agree on every issue, and if we don't then we are divided and in violation of the apostle Paul's command that there be no divisions among us. His position was that we must agree, else one of us is wrong and in jeopardy of losing his or her soul." This brother petitioned me to please do an in-depth study of Paul's actual meaning in this admittedly rather difficult passage. This present issue of my weekly Reflections will be an effort on my part to respond to that plea.

Diversity of Translation

Let's begin by noticing the text itself (1 Cor. 1:10). Paul starts by saying, "Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ..." (KJV). Other translations use the term "exhort" or "appeal" or "beg" or "urge." The Greek word employed is parakaleo, which "can have the note of appeal as in 'exhort' or 'encourage,' or the stronger emphasis of 'implore' or 'entreat.' It is this latter idea that best fits the context here" (The Expositor's Bible Commentary, vol. 10, p. 192). Paul's appeal to these brethren is also through the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ; he speaks for Him. "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were entreating through us" (2 Cor. 5:20). Thus, the appeal made by the apostle Paul is in actuality an appeal to these disciples from the Lord Himself. "Whoever speaks, let him speak, as it were, the utterances of God" (1 Peter 4:11). Yet, Paul does so with very gentle hands and artful finesse, although he still makes his point boldly and firmly. Regarding the above Greek term: "This word is tactful and brotherly" (R. C. H. Lenski, Interpretation of First Corinthians, p. 38). And what exactly is the nature of his appeal to these brethren?

Misuse of the Passage

Prior to examining the authorial intent of the passage, it might be informative to the reader to see some examples of just how this passage is wrested from its context and misused by some ultra-legalistic disciples today. As noted earlier, this passage is frequently employed as textual proof that conformity of thought, uniformity of practice, and singleness of speech is essential to fellowship and salvation. Unless we are all in absolute agreement -- speaking the same things, thinking the same things, and practicing the same things -- then souls are in jeopardy, and indeed the non-conformists are to be cast from the midst of the "faithful." Of course, the question is: Who gets to decide what everyone must think, speak and practice? Each faction has its own patternistic list (which they will never provide, if you should ask for it ... but they know the specifics of it), and all others are judged either saved or lost by how well they comply. There are scores upon scores of such schisms among siblings in the Family of God, each demanding all others "speak the same things" THEY DO. The result, of course, is the sad reality of a grossly dismembered Body, instead of a unified, functional whole. To demand of diverse disciples of Christ that ALL of them must fully agree in thought, speech and practice with the most vocal and narrow-minded among us is a guaranteed formula for factionalism! We see it all around us, and it is shameful.

Bro. Homer L. King (1892-1983), the former editor of the Old Paths Advocate, which is a publication of the One Cup, Non-Sunday School schism of the Churches of Christ (and to which I subscribe), and his son Don King, who took over that publication, frequently appealed to 1 Cor. 1:10 as justification that all must adhere to their brand of orthodoxy or be regarded as apostates. In an article titled "Can't We Agree On Something?" [Old Paths Advocate, November 1, 1983), Homer King wrote, "Where in the New Testament do we read about Bible college, instrumental music in the worship, the Sunday school with its human literature, classes, the modern pastorate, the multiplied societies to do the work of the church, and a plurality of drinking cups? Are not these the major things over which we are divided? Did the church in the first century have these things?" King then declared that all who differed with their abstention from such were in violation of 1 Cor. 1:10.

However, 1 Cor. 1:10 is not just the private property of the One Cup, Non-Sunday School wing of the Churches of Christ. Virtually every other legalistic, patternistic segment of this faith-heritage has also adopted it as their personal proof-text. Time and space would fail us if we were to quote the countless times it has been dragged out by the Non-Institutional brethren in their various publications and Internet "discussion" groups, or the ultra-conservatives who write for the Spiritual Sword and Contending For The Faith and other such religiously restrictive publications. The sad reality is: this passage is frequently misused and abused by just about every faction within the Family of God. Perhaps Dr. Leroy Garrett has gone to the heart of this matter better than anyone, writing, "Does this passage enjoin believers to see everything in the Bible alike? Does it teach that we must see eye to eye on all points of doctrine, that there can be no honest differences of opinion?" ["That You All Speak The Same Thing," Restoration Review, May, 1976]. Sadly, too many disciples believe the answer to these questions is YES! Bro. Garrett continues, "The truth is that 1 Cor. 1:10, as abused in this manner, never has been, is not now, nor will it ever be consistently practiced by any believer. The reason is simple: it is impossible" [ibid].

The Problem in Corinth

God never designed His chosen children to be mindless, regurgitating, goose-stepping robots! Had this been His intent, He could have created an "original," and then just cloned the rest from that perfect model. This He did not do. He gave us minds with which to think, free will with which to act, and individual personalities to motivate us in our Christian journey. That all men and women in the church must of necessity think, speak and act exactly alike is contrary to our divine design. We are created to be different in countless ways, even in our perceptions and preferences, and this divinely designed diversity is, in fact, the very KEY to the successful functioning of the universal One Body of our Lord Jesus Christ. After all, "If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. And if they were all one member, where would the body be?" (1 Cor. 12:17-19).

Those who have read all 16 chapters of 1 Corinthians -- and if you haven't, stop now and do so! -- are well aware that there was significant diversity among the members of the church in that city. Indeed, that diversity was applauded and celebrated by Paul. The problem in Corinth, however, was that the members were becoming so focused on their differences, rather than rejoicing in that which they shared in common, that they were beginning to separate from one another into feuding factions. "For I have been informed concerning you, my brethren, by Chloe's people, that there are quarrels among you" (1 Cor. 1:11). The Greek word for "quarrels" is eris, meaning "strife, disputes; a contentious disposition." In 1 Cor. 3:3 it is declared to be a disposition of the fleshly nature [see: Gal. 5:20].

They were contending with one another over personal preferences. "Now I mean this, that each one of you is saying, 'I am of Paul,' and 'I am of Apollos,' and 'I am of Cephas,' and 'I am of Christ'" (vs. 12). The party spirit was raising its ugly head in the church in Corinth. Disciples were beginning to rally to the side of mere men; elevating one ministerial mission over another; taking human ideas and promoting them to divine precepts. This can only result in "schisms" in the church (the very term used in 1 Cor. 1:10), which is the Greek word schisma, meaning "a splitting apart." The Pulpit Commentary makes the following observation: "Their 'contentions' are defined to be equivalent to 'religious partisanships' ... none of them were wise enough and spiritually-minded enough to hold aloof from parties altogether. They prided themselves on being 'party men'" (vol. 19, p. 5). Paul mentions four "splits" in the church at Corinth at this time:

  1. The Paul Party -- Perhaps in addition to favoring Paul personally, they may have additionally sought to give far greater emphasis to the evangelization of the Gentiles. Some feel they may also have been advocating God's grace and liberty in Christ over detailed adherence to law, which certainly would not have been well-received by those still favoring a more Jewish expression of their faith [see: Acts 21:17ff --- I would refer the reader to my in-depth exposition of that passage in Reflections #166]. "The Paul party consisted of those who adhered to his views about Gentile freedom, and who liked the simple spirituality of his teaching. Paul rose above the temptation of considering that a 'party spirit' is excusable in our own partisans. He reproves factiousness even in the party of freedom" (Pulpit Commentary, vol. 19, p. 5).

  2. The Cephas Party -- "The use of the Aramaic name for Peter perhaps shows that these Petrinists were Judaizers. They personally disliked Paul, and questioned his apostolical authority. Perhaps the extravagances of 'speaking with tongues' arose in this party, who recalled the effects of the outpouring of the Spirit after Peter's great sermon on the day of Pentecost" (Pulpit Commentary, vol. 19, p. 5). These partyists may also have favored a much greater evangelistic outreach to the Jews than to the Gentiles.

  3. The Apollos Party -- Those within this party were undoubtedly impressed with the great learning and eloquence of this man from Alexandria (Acts 18:24; 19:1). "Apollos personally was absolutely loyal and honorable, but his visit to Corinth had done mischief. His impassioned oratory, his Alexandrian refinements, his allegorizing exegesis, the culture and polish of his style, had charmed the fickle Corinthians. The Apollonians were the party of culture. ... Apollos, as we see by his noble refusal to visit the city of Corinth under present circumstances (1 Cor. 16:12), was as indignant as Paul himself at the perversion of his name into an engine of party warfare. Nothing further is known respecting him, but he is the almost undoubted author of the Epistle to the Hebrews" (Pulpit Commentary, vol. 19, p. 5). With this stated conclusion as to the authorship of Hebrews I concur completely --- see: Reflections #128.

  4. The Christ Party -- Yes, even those who simply seek to follow Jesus can, and often do, devolve into little more than another fragment of the whole. Paul may have had this group in mind when he wrote, "If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he" (2 Cor. 10:7). Such partyists can quickly become arrogant (see: 2 Cor. 10:12), elevating themselves above others. "We're the only Christians; the only ones going to heaven!" Sound familiar?! Yes, the "Christ party" is still around today, preaching Jesus out of a spirit of rivalry (Philp. 1:15) with others who are also preaching Jesus (but who are not "in our party" -- see: Mark 9:38-41; Luke 9:49-50). It is the party of prideful exclusivity -- WE are His "one true church," YOU are not! It is perhaps the most despicable of the four here named by Paul.

But, it wasn't just diversity of preference with regard to personalities. There was also a tremendous amount of diversity of understanding among the Corinthian brethren as well. For example, much of this epistle deals with questions that were sent to Paul for resolution. "Now concerning the things about which you wrote..." (1 Cor. 7:1). Paul then talks about marriage and divorce issues, idols, spiritual gifts, the resurrection, the collection for the saints, and the like. There were problems associated with the Lord's Supper, and there was a case of immorality in their midst that would have made a pagan blush! Even when discipline was finally practiced by the congregation, it was not done with unanimous agreement ("...this punishment which was inflicted by the majority" -- 2 Cor. 2:6). With regard to the practice of spiritual gifts, not all had the same gifts, but each exercised what gift he or she had. We do not have to be identical twins to be brethren! Perfect agreement on all things is not only unrealistic, it is unachievable. Not only that ... it is undesirable! But, perfect agreement in all things is NOT what Paul was calling for in 1 Cor. 1:10.

Speak the Same Thing

So, what was Paul calling for in this passage? Let's examine it in more detail. The first statement he makes is: "Now, I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing..." (KJV). The problem in the city of Corinth was that the disciples there were making some rather divisive declarations -- "I am of Paul ... I am of Cephas ... I am of Apollos," etc. A sectarian spirit was taking control not only of the hearts and minds of these brethren, but of their tongues as well. "This expression is used here because the Corinthians were saying different things (1 Corinthians 1:12), and Paul seeks the abandonment of such party slogans" so that there might be no divisions among them (Dr. C. K. Barrett, A Commentary on the First Epistle to the Corinthians, p. 42). B. W. Johnson, in The People's New Testament with Notes, states that this expression simply means the Corinthians were to have "no distinctive party declarations," and that the concept of being one in speech is "violated in the modern sectarian symbols and confessions."

When disciples of Christ are so focused on proclaiming and declaring their own party positions and patterns, their declarations are devoid of that "one heart and one voice" of which Paul speaks. There is one family! One Lord! One Father! One common hope of a common destiny! We are a people of a shared Savior ... shouldn't we all be voicing this, instead of our countless sectarian shibboleths?! Paul longed to hear of his fellow brethren "standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel" (Philp. 1:27). There is indeed something that binds us together, but it is not our personal perceptions, preferences or patternistic practices. It is the glorious good news of God's grace poured out upon us in the life and sacrifice of His Son Jesus Christ. What is the key to understanding 1 Cor. 1:10? It is 1 Cor. 1:9 --- "You were called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord." That which binds us together as one, which elicits from our hearts the praise of a united voice, is JESUS! When we cease proclaiming HIM, we cease "speaking the same thing," and begin proclaiming OURSELVES! "I am of Paul ... I am of Cephas." I am One Cup ... I am Non-Institutional ... I am Non-Instrumental ... I am Non-Sunday School. Brethren, it is time for our voices to unite in a common declaration: "We are one in Christ Jesus!" "We are in fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ OUR Lord."

Same Mind -- Same Judgment

"It is evident that, while the Corinthians had not separated into various churches, they had formed several parties within the church" (B. W. Johnson, The People's New Testament with Notes). Bro. David Lipscomb, in his commentary on this epistle, wrote, "The divisions which existed in Corinth were not of the nature of hostile sects refusing communion with each other, but such as may exist in the bosom of the same congregation, consisting in alienation of feeling and party strife" (p. 26). Therefore, Paul urges these brethren, "be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment" (NASB). There is something lacking that needs to be made complete -- their oneness IN CHRIST JESUS. The aged apostle John indicated that his joy would "be made complete" when all enjoyed sweet fellowship with one another, "and our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ" (1 John 1:3-4). This, again, takes us right back to 1 Cor. 1:9 -- we are all "called into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ OUR Lord." Our fellowship is not based on our agreement with one another, but upon our union with Him.

"Mere harmony and agreement is not Paul's ideal, but a unity of right understanding and of judgment" (R. C. H. Lenski, Interpretation of First Corinthians, p. 40). Lenski also points out that Paul was not really thinking "about doctrinal unity" when he urged that the Corinthians be made more mature in mind and judgment. The Corinthians needed to come together in unity of purpose, rather than being split apart by a host of party preferences. Paul wrote to the saints in Philippi, "make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose" (Philp. 2:2). We need a common focus as the people of God; a common love; a common purpose. When each disciple is intent upon promoting his own agenda, schisms form. However, a genuine harmony and oneness is enjoyed when we set aside such party preferences and focus together on simply sharing Jesus with those who do not know Him. Our views and opinions about Jesus are not redemptive; it is when HE is lifted up that men truly find healing and cleansing.

On one occasion, Jesus turned to Peter and said, "You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's" (Matt. 16:23). Being of the same mind is simply setting our collective mind upon GOD'S interests. "For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit" (Rom. 8:5). We are told that the "enemies of the cross of Christ" are all those "who set their minds on earthly things" (Philp. 3:19). We, as disciples of Christ Jesus, are to set our minds on the things which are above, and not on the things of this present age (Col. 3:1-2). The disciples in Corinth were setting their minds on the things below, and it was causing strife. Their unity, harmony and oneness were being quickly eroded. Paul feared he would find "strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slanders, gossip, arrogance and disturbances" (2 Cor. 12:20) when he came to visit them. Therefore, he urged them, "be made complete ... be like-minded, live in peace!" (2 Cor. 13:11).

The phrase "be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment" was not unique to Paul. "This expression was used in political circles to urge groups to compose their differences. This, most likely, is the sense in which it is to be taken here" (Dr. T. R. Applebury, Studies in First Corinthians, p. 20). There were differences in the church in Corinth. Paul urges them to settle those differences and make his joy complete. Differences are "settled" NOT by one side defeating the other, or by compromise, but by accepting one another in love. As clearly seen in the teaching of Romans 14, Paul is not advocating a forced uniformity (which is the "solution" of the party spirit), but rather unity in diversity, which is attainable IN HIM. True unity will never be found in uniformity of compliance to legalistic tenets or patternistic practices or party perceptions; genuine unity is only to be found in loving acceptance of all those in union with Jesus Christ. We are called into fellowship WITH HIM, a by-product of which is our fellowship WITH ONE ANOTHER.

Update From Nepal (Churches Network)

Dear Brother Todd and all the praying friends in One Body Ministries My source of strength and mystery of success of my ministry is from your prayer. Your suggestion advice and encouragement to me are the only guidelines of my ministry. I rejoice over your offering, abiding and contribution and, that proves and I too understand that you are with me in the great field of our dear Lord.

In this update, I would like to introduce my leaders to whom I am supporting financially as the Lord enables to. Five Pastors, 1 Student and 1 Child. Please remember them in your prayer. Purna Kumar Rai (Who is also my father) Pastors a new church in remote areas of Eastern Nepal. He does house to house village evangelism, sharing the gospel to hundreds of countrymen, healing the sick and bringing salvation to many household. Their needs are the musical equipment for evangelism program. Please pray for him.

Shivraj Dhimalv (Who is also my father in-law) Pastors in nearly 110 members Jewan Church in eastern Nepal. He oversees 12 house churches in his region with one central church. He is a man always envisioning House church planting, filled with passion for salvation of his tribal people, Dhimal. They are praying for piece of land for building a church and training center. Please lift this man of God in your prayer.

Jaikant and Rebecca Chepang Pastors a church in remote areas in central region. They gave birth to three of their child, unfortunately all of them dead in their child age. He planted 6 churches among the Chepang, who were until recent years abode in Jungles and survived with jungles food, and provides fatherhood to 12 Chepang orphans in his house. We recently assisted this man of God with monetery assistance for the admission of the children in the School and with some warm cloths. They do not have further support and we give them is not matching their needs. Please pray, for this man, to God that God may send some one who would love and care them.

Bikash Magar assists me in the church in Kathmandu. He is my first fruit in Churches Network Ministry. He is called to serve the lord in Church and is looking for God's time to fully step in Ministry. Please pray for this family.

Tirtha Rai Pastors Upadesh Church. He is a new member in our fellowship. He is a man filled with passion, especially, to reach sporting world with massage of the gospel. Through many ministry facets, he is capable of contributing much in the kingdom of God.

Bisnu Dhimal is a student of Tribhuwan University in Kathmandu. He is here for his further study. He is from minority community of Dhimal Tribe. He is one of student to reach in high level from his tribe. Please remember him for his education.

Ashmita Lama is a 5 years old child, she was with her mum, forsaken by her father just because her mother chose to follow Jesus Christ. Her father abandoned both and married to another woman. They survive in care of our church and wages mother earns is not enough to feed back themselves. We help little kid to go to school.

About me: You know about me because I have been communicating most of the time with you. I am looking for an opportunity to take the gospel to Tibet, Bhutan and Myanmar, which are hostile country for the gospel and for Jesus Christ our Lord. I am still praying for sufficient fund to purchase a motorbike and Computer so that I can gear up my ministry quick and easy. Rita and I both work and earn money to help ourselves in ministry. Please remember those leaders and people we are supporting, and also remember us in your prayer.

Your Brother in Nepal.
Reuben Rita Rosanna and Reuel

Bit 'O Humor
Courtesy of Clean Joke of the Day

When Jack came home, he found his wife was crying. "Your mother insulted me," she sobbed.

"My mother? How could she do that when she is on vacation on the other side of the world?" Jack asked.

"This morning a letter addressed to you arrived. I opened it because I was curious."

"And?"

"At the end of the letter she had written: P.S. Dear Diane, when you have finished reading this letter, don't forget to give it to my son."
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But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.

And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; and that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you. -1 Thessalonians 4:9

If you would like to be removed from or added to this mailing list,
contact me (director@onebodyministries.com) and I will immediately
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