Hi Brian! The word for this week is "schism". It's found in only one place in the Bible! 1 Corinthians 12:25: 25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. KJV
This is the Greek word "schisma". Strong's Concordance says: a split or gap. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: a cleft, rent, division, dissension. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says: discord. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: division, the contrary condition to that which God has designed for a local church in "tempering the body together". The Amplified Bible says this: 25 So that there should be no division or discord or lack of adaptation [of the parts of the body to each other], but the members all alike should have a mutual interest in and care for one another. AMP
THIS is how JESUS intends for us to operate as His body in the earth! The church has never really had this great unity, as is evidenced by the plethora of different denominations and divisions. Even in the days of the early church they had arguments and divisions among them because of differences of opinion on what the TRUTH was. I do truly believe, though, that we are seeing a greater unity among born again believers than ever before, mainly because of the current attacks against the church and the very fundamentals of the Word that this nation was actually founded on! Ephesians 5:27 tells us that the Lord Himself is preparing us and will present us to Himself in great form! 27 That He might present the church to Himself in glorious splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such things [that she might be holy and faultless]. AMP 1 Corinthians 12:27 says this: 27 Now you [collectively] are Christ's body and [individually] you are members of it, each part severally and distinct [each with his own place and function] AMP When we each do our own part, always loving, respecting and supporting each other, HE is able to work through each and every one of us to show Himself strong! Here is Darlene Zschech (formerly of Hillsong) with "One Hope":
