Can Christians disagree?
By Karen McNary, Director of Global Cultural Engagement and Community
Several years ago, I came across a saying:
“To live above with saints we love, oh that would be glory. To live below with saints we know, well that’s another story.”
Living with the saints can be hard. Selfishness. Pride. Division. Even believers struggle to find common ground with one another.
Conflict among God’s people is not isolated to one culture or even one historical era. Jesus himself was born into an extremely complex culture. Israel was under Roman rule, overburdened by taxes and restricted in religious liberties. Some Israelites, including the Zealots, expected a military-style Messiah to restore Israel’s autonomy by force. As politics divided God’s people, religious leaders varied in their interpretation of God’s Word.
But instead of just stepping into the fray, Christ invited people to rise above it. At the core of His ministry, He intentionally called 12 men with radically different backgrounds and temperaments. Instead of fitting into the world around Him, Jesus built a new community based on God’s Word and His ministry. And He called it the Kingdom of God.
In this community, the disciples were invited to learn together and participate with Him in sharing the good news of the gospel. They were united in their call to follow Jesus, but not always from the same perspective, as we’ll see in our upcoming Matthew study.
The same can be true for believers today. We answer the call to follow Jesus the same way – by grace through faith. Like the disciples, we bring our personalities, experiences, and worldviews into gospel community. We will likely find ourselves studying and serving in community with people who are very different from one another. And if we are honest, that community is not always comfortable.
Through Jesus’ relationship with the disciples, we learn some key practices in loving one another amid our differences.
In the cultural chaos of His day, Jesus spoke life-changing truths.
How can we respond when we disagree?
In Jesus’ time, as today, some teachings were just hard to understand. For instance, what did Jesus really mean when He said, “Follow me; and let the dead bury their own dead?” Some people read this literally, others figuratively.
Or how about Jesus’ lessons in Matthew 13? These simple stories with deep spiritual truths prompted the disciples to ask, “Why do you speak to the people in parables?” Like the disciples, we are free to bring our questions before the Lord.
Jesus’ response to their question in Matthew 13:11 is eye-opening. “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.”
Jesus tells us that truth is revealed to each of us at different times and in different seasons. With this in mind, we can meet our brothers and sisters in Christ with grace as we trust the Lord to reveal truth in His time. There is room for differences of opinion when Christ is our foundation. We don’t have to carry the burden of argument or debate. Instead, we can pray, discuss and enjoy one another as God completes His unique work in His people.
What can we do with confusion or disappointment?
We each enter Christian community with expectations. We expect others to act, think, speak, and relate to us in a certain way. When our expectations aren’t met, it can lead to disappointment, discouragement, even doubt. We may question if we’re in the right place with the right people.
In Matthew 11, we learn a valuable lesson from John the Baptist. While imprisoned, John sent word asking Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?” I’m sure neither he nor his followers expected a prison stay for John the Baptist. In fact, they probably expected Jesus to release him miraculously.
Like John, we, too, can bring our questions and disappointments to Jesus. But we are called to hold our expectations loosely. God often answers in unexpected ways. When we humble our hearts before the Lord, we must be willing to listen to how He answers, whether He meets our expectations or not.
What does Jesus expect of us?
The Sermon on the Mount, which contains “the Beatitudes,” details how gospel community should work. Here we learn that Jesus is more concerned about heart transformation than He is about behavior modification, like when Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Ultimately, through Christ’s forgiveness on the cross, we have the power to forgive one another. Conflict is inevitable. Opinions will differ. But when we are rooted in the gospel, we are united in purpose.
In His final words to the disciples in Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said, “Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Through these words, Christ built His Church when 12 men set aside their differences to pursue a common call. Think about that: God changed the course of human history through 12 people who humbly united around His plan and will.
As you study Matthew in community, will you take time to pray for your new BSF group? Like the disciples who were called to follow Christ, each member of your group has responded to God’s prompting to study His Word within BSF this year. If we commit to learn from our differences and unite in our common call, we can expect God’s Word to change our hearts and grow our obedience. While it won’t always be easy, we have one another. Most importantly, we have His presence. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus promised, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Karen McNary
BSF Director of Global Cultural Engagement and Community
Karen served as a Children’s Leader, Substitute Teaching Leader, Teaching Leader, Area Personnel and most recently as a Skills Coach for BSF prior to joining the staff in April 2021. Sheis originally from Louisville, Ky. and for the past 20 years has called Charlotte, NC home. She has been married to her husband, Keith, for 27 years, and together they parent three three young adult sons who attended the BSF School Program for many years.
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Thank you, Karen, for your encouraging and insightful comments. God’s grace encourages us to carry on within the family of faith and extend much grace to others.
Hello brethren! Do you have articles/posts about Ephesians 4 which is also about unity?
Thank you in advance for your reply and keep safe!
Hi Lydia, we don’t! But I’m adding that to our list of possible blog posts. Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad I took the time to read this article.
“Opinions will differ. But when we are rooted in the gospel, we are united in purpose.” Love this outlook! Thank you
“Jesus tells us that truth is revealed to each of us at different times and in different seasons. With this in mind, we can meet our brothers and sisters in Christ with grace as we trust the Lord to reveal truth in His time.”
Love it!!! 🤗💜 Thank you 🙏🏼
This was a good overview of Mathews Gospel and insightful, many thanks
This Blog is a great Intro to our Study of Matthew. Thanks so much
thank you for this blog. I am recovering from covid and am grateful for God’s answer to my many friends prayers. God is good. I am looking forward to this study.
I left a question below. My leader claims she has texted me several times, but I only have one where she thanked me for giving her my cell phone #. I had my husband look he found nothing. I asked my leader on week 2 lesson 1to please call me because I had something to share but I wanted her to call me so I could tell her first. She NEVER BOTHERED TO CALL ME. WHAT I had to say was about an answer in lesson 2. I have never experienced this type of people in BSF. I have been going since REVELATIONS.
Hi Loy, I am so sorry to hear about the lack of communication you’ve received in your group. We are praying for any misunderstandings that have occurred with your leader. I encourage you to reach out both to your leader and class administrator to go over this situation. If you are not sure who your class administrator is, use our “Find a Group” feature on bsfinternational.org, find your class by typing in your location and time, and click “Contact.” https://www.bsfinternational.org/find-a-group
So timely!♥️♥️♥️
Dear Karen, thank you for assuring me that I can bring our questions and disappointments to Jesus. I must have been doing that quite often. You are right that God sometimes answers our prayers in unexpected ways – in ways that we don’t like, and often it is after many years that we know His plan was a perfect one. But there was the blaming and anguish in between.
I always ask in my BSF group that I envy the “wrestling with God” and I want God to speak to me in my dream. some members said that could have happened to me without me realising it. I want to have a closer encounter with God.
Thank you Kitty for sharing your ♥️
Thank you.
Thanks so much – this is the very topic I’ve been wrestling with!
This was such a helpful presentation; a needed reminder that we need to not be so quick to judge -other Christians. Give our expectations to God and show grace. Thanks you!
This was just what I needed to hear and be reminded of! Thank you!
Thank you Karen for this timely message. Blessings to you.
Thank you! Such a great reminder to love, to pray, to trust GOD. He placed this person in my path for a reason, and for me it’s usually to grow and change me. He always reminds me to settle on our common ground in Him alone.
Good point Karen. There’s always more than what we see.
Thank you Karen. You reminded us that, “nothing is new under the sun”, conflicts and challenges may look different throughout time, but it’s the heart, our hearts, that need to be addressed.
Sandy,
You quoted one of my favorite passages.
So good to remember!
Thank you for addressing this very real conflict in many of our lives. Some of us feel very convicted in certain areas and others do not. Yet, we all claim to follow Christ. It can be confusing, but we must act in love and forgiveness. Thanks for your encouragement and words of advise.
Thank you for these thoughts Karen. The examples you site in Matthew of people in Jesus’ time having questions and differences of opinion are helpful for us to think about when engaging with fellow followers now. Blessings to you.
Such a timely blog. Our news sources are clogged with very differing opinions on politics, medical issues and religious concerns. As Christians it is sometimes better to put your hand over your mouth than to get embroiled in a discussion or argument that nobody wins and can cause strife between believers. There is not much teaching about personal rights in the Scriptures, but a lot of teaching about taking responsibility for neighbors and brothers and sisters in the Lord.
Thank you for this blog!
You’re so right Meredith…
Is there any BSF group in my area?
Hi Carol! We’d love to have you join BSF! You can use the “Find a Group” feature to locate groups in your area. If there are not any in-person classes near you, you can also use this same feature to locate an online group. https://www.bsfinternational.org/find-a-group
Wonderful piece. So relevant to our struggling world today. As I see prophecy unfold, it is so important to focus on what unites us, which is the gospel. We must not cling to the expectation of others but rather the promises of God. Thank you for sharing this truthful insight.
That was a terrific blog. We can unify and make community alive through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you.
Carol,
Thank you for your encouragement as i begin a study in Matthew. Learning to disagree with a God- like response I think is not only expected by our Lord but attainable with support, growth in His Word, as I learn to be submissive to His Word, obedient, and humble as He guides me.
Karen your article was inspiring, I loved the saying you shared because it is so true and it made me laugh. BSF is the best Bible Study I have ever taken part in and no matter what you think you know there is always more to learn.
Such encouraging words for our year ahead. “God changed the course of human history through 12 people who humbly united around His plan and will.” May we be open and submit to God’s plan for us through our study in Matthew.
Thanks for this article, it’s always wise to remember that we are all one in Christ and that there are differing opinions because we all have different walks and none of us are growing in our faith at the same rate!
That’s right Gayle. We all grow differently and we must extend the same grace Jesus extends to us.
Thank you for sending me the message and please continue to send the lecture content for me. I would like to participate to the online lecture course I find difficulty in participating the venue lecture.
Hi Irene!
Are you looking to join a BSF online group? If so, you can use this site to find a group/time that works for you! https://www.bsfonline.org/
First, I say that I am grateful to be able to participate in this online lesson this season. I am a believer that accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Savior and after Baptism I grew up telling others to learn more. I still can learn more and that is my goal as this season is present. I look forward to the classes to understand, grow and share. May we all be safe, grounded and following Christ’s examples.
Hi Karen,
Thank you so much for this blog about Can Christian’s disagree?
Jesus showed up in an unexpected way for me through this blog. Thank you for your encouragement and help. Praise God!
This year I expect God to change my heart and to grow my obedience. The reading of this blog gives me insight in how to better frame my prayers for the BSF Group that I belong to and BSF as a whole. This blog blessed my heart. May God richly bless you.
thank you so much, Ienjoyed reading.
Thanks so much for sharing God’s truth from your heart. This particularly resonates for me as a ne OGL this year. I am leading some new ladies, and some I was in a group with.
Thank you Karen for the thought provoking blog. The tips and tools you provided will help me in my walk with the Lord and how to build community with fellow Christians. We are all different and unique, but we have one common call to build God’s kingdom on earth through us who call him Lord.
Thank you Karen. Continue your wonderful spirit lead teaching ability.
May God richly bless you.
The part about our expectations really hit me. “Hold them loosely.” This is so good, Karen. Thanks for sharing.
My love of God’s word brings me to BSF every year. My study of Matthew will give me many invites into the life and death of Jesus. He suffered so much to save us from sin. I cry every time I read about it.
Wonderful explanation.I should be looking and asking The Holy Spirit, Wonderful Counsellor, to help me search my heart if there be any hardness that He can help me resolve.
Renew my life Lord Jesus Christ
Amen
Excellent article!!!
Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed what you had to say. God bless you.
Thank you so much, Karen for your blog. I enjoyed it so much👏🏽🙏🏽❤️☮️
Karen, your words are very clear. I’m looking forward to understanding more deeply
EXCELLENT blog Karen! Thank you so very much. You have really given me something to think about and USE. In fact, your blog has already helped me with a little nuisance that has been nagging me in my BSF leadership. God is SOOOO wonderful! I pray that I can truly imprint what you have shared on my heart and use it for all times. I have been praying and asking God to help me to be more hospitable. Your blog has given me a step toward improving on my fruit of long suffering and gentleness. I need help in these areas so much. Again, thank you.
I’m so glad God used this blog. He will honor your desire to exhibit long suffering and gentleness.
Beautiful and inspiring synopsis of Matthew and our current world at large. Very thought provoking and it propeled my continuing Christian and child of God self-introspection. Thank you!
What an encouragement. Thank you for your words, they challenge me to stay focused on Him, not the diference of opinion there are, especially in todays climate.
I greatly appreciate your insightful and encouraging words of wisdom.
I’m looking forward to much growth, fellowship, and inspiration this year
studying Matthew with my BSF ladies.
Thanks for your post Karen.
So excellent. Thank you for the encouragement, and for such good words to use in my life.
Thank you Karen! Can I translate for Portuguese speakers?
Dear Alexandre, we would love for you to share Karen’s post! This is such great wisdom for all of us
Thank you Karen! Your blog is very intersting and encouraging! Glory to God!
Thank you Karen for your inspiring blog containing words of wisdom re learning to live with differences in expectations re study fellowship groups. Christ teaches us to be humble & to love one another.
Thank you for these Spirit led words of encouragement. Especially as we find ourselves in a new conflict involving vaccinations! I wrote your words in my journal just now. “When we are rooted in the Gospel, we will be united in purpose.” AMEN!
As I was reading this blog I was reminded of a conversation that I just had this morning with a dear friend regarding vaccines. And I too appreciated these encouraging words. I will send along this blog to my friend who is also in need of support.
Blessings
The Word of the Lord thru you – humbles me as I endeavor to lead in this study – those of my Family given to me, from past Seasons and those introduced this Season. May I shepherd/lead/exemplify, walking in “not my will, but God’s Way be followed.”
Great message. I was blessed by what you wrote.
Girl! Loved your blog. How happy I was to scroll down and see your picture. It made me laugh out loud in joy/ for you are my sister in Christ. Remember me/ Ginnie Oswald/ group facilitator/ Salisbury evening group/ now in Winston. Blessings
Hey Ginnie! I do remember you and I’m thankful you’re still connected with BSF.
Your love for the Body of Christ is clearly evident my sister! He has made you a nurturer to ensure the spiritual health of His chosen. You are appreciated. Leon
Hello Karen! thank you for this excellent blog post! I am especially taken by the line “We are called to hold our expectations loosely” So good and so hard!
I also love the line that “Jesus is more interested about heart transformation than behavior modification” It is so easy to focus on looking good, rather than the painful looking inward to our deep thoughts that come out of our heart and never make it to the surface, letting Christ transform our heart, and acting in community from that place.
That was so well said , Karen
Thank you for your insight into relationships and how Jesus related to others , all of whom he loved .
This was very refreshing to read. With so much division among family and friends because of differences of opinions about political, global and health safety issues, it is nice to be reminded that we can love each other, live as examples of Christ and have a different opinion about things. The world is watching us. Let us represent Christ in ALL that we do and say. Keep the main thing the main thing! Be blessed.
Loved the blog!!!
Thank you Karen for this wonderful blog and the inspiring messages they hold for us.
The word of God is new everyday.My favorite verses is Matthew 11:28-30 where Jesus is calling me who is calling the heavy burdens for His yoke which is easy.
Trusting God in my daily moments of life and my concerns.
Thank you and remain blessed
I like this wisdom…’ hold your expectations loosely..’ I am looking forward to the unexpected ways that the Lord is going to answer my questions as I start this study and particularly the wisdom to navigate conflict. Thank you for your post.
We give God all the glory and honour for everything. We thank him for sacrificing his son for all of us regardless of the race or anything. May he help and show us the purpose he created each of us for. God bless you so much for the encouragement through the Word.
I am sharing with my family and extended family… thank you!!! Praying for our classes everywhere!!
Thank you for this Blog and the blessings of clarity on agree to disagree when it comes to studying the Bible.
I found it very helpful as a reminder to me as I study the book of Matthew. My sole purpose this year to study and model behaviors that Matthew preached with my BSF sisters in Christ.
Hi Karen. I particularly liked your statement that “We don’t have to carry the burden of argument or debate.” It reminded my that the Lord may be teaching us each something different and so whether we agree with someone or not is not the point. Thank you
United in purpose, I feel should be all Christians ultimate goal! I love that.
I am looking forward to growing in my faith and this has been a great start! Thank you for the opportunities BSF has to offer!
In Christ,
Holly
Loved this blog. Despite our differences and disagreements, when we are rooted in the gospel, we are united in purpose. Something to remember.
Thank you for the encouragement theough Jesus’ eyes!
Karen, thank you for your thoughtful & wise blog concerning coming to terms with differences of thought, behavior & acceptance of other believers. A wonderful start to studying & learning together.
Thank you for this blog, Karen. The message is anointed, as always. I’m so thankful for your service to BSF. Keep writing.
As we start a new year at BSF many of us are going virtual we are put into a class of 1618 people many who are strangers to us but I have one, goal to learn more about Jesus in the study Matthew what does challenge that can be for individuals not known by each other to come and melt together in the love of Christ praise be to God
When you bring God into relationships they truely different! Thank you Lord for a heart transformation.
Awesome insights
Thank you! Your blog is spot on. For some reason I often tend to think all believers think alike … boy, am I wrong. In reality together we provide a wonderful tapestry of God’s magnificent creation, with each person seeking God their own way using God’s Word, fellowship with believers and prayer.
Bob, it’s easy to forget we don’t all think alike…but we can handle those differences with the power of the Holy Spirit…
With the love of God, I thank you Woman of God Karen McNary for this four important topics which I will use as a guide in my Christian journey.
I am happy to see more diversity represented in our leadership. About 70 years ago my grandmother taught me that “red and yellow, black and white ALL are precious in His sight”. AMEN!
I thank God for this encouraging message. It answers some of my questions.
I can do nothing apart from our Lord Jesus.
Your writings are straight and good in my way of thinking and understanding. They have been a blessing for me to read.
Thank you for this opening blog.
It has helped open my heart to received God’s message through his word.
I pray that as I join BSF in a new city that God may truly reveal his will. May God bless the BSF international leadership and world wide members.
Thank you Karen for this wonderful blog. I had a bad experience with one of my group members and I didn’t know how to respond. Prayer is the answer.
GOD bless you Karen! Glad you are onboard to keep our ship steady and in the right direction to the Kingdom of God. By GOD’s grace through faith in CHRIST we trust the LORD to reveal His truth in His time. PTL
As citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven, we must worship neither the god of the Red, nor the Blue. As subjects of our Lord Jesus, we must lay our agendas for power down, lay down our rights, and take up His cross, and His cause: that of loving His Father first, best, and most, and of loving our neighbors as ourselves.
I’m going to be praying daily to ask God to help me love those with whom I disagree, for the sake of His Kingdom.
Susan,
I’m confident God will answer your prayer… He wants nothing more than us to love Him, and our neighbors…
A timely message indeed. I just do not know how to respond to a group I have belonged to for 30 years, but who refuses to follow the health mandates for our county and state. I am stuck worshipping online from home while the church as a whole enjoys their home-schooler, anti-vaxxer, mask refusers, anti medical establishment, essential oils, world-wide conspiracy theorists get-togethers. Their common culture obscures the Christian message, IMO. I do enjoy being able to view the worship services of my home church, all my children’s churches, as well as other excellent sermons, but while I can recommend these sites to others, I cannot endorse anyone visiting my church’s larger, indoor meetings! Indeed, one new, younger Christian died as a result of these exposures. Thank God he came to know the Truth and died a Believer, but how much better if he would have had opportunity to lead his children into the Truth as well. All I can do is pray.
Among my group of friends at church, we represent both sides of just about every issue, and yet we still love each other and can see each other beyond our politics and Covid views. It takes humility and love, but through all my research on everything Covid, I can see each side of the issue and understand why people see it differently. They aren’t ignorant or conspiracy theorists just because they don’t agree with me. I also love that we can all humbly explain why we chose one way over another. I know that at BSF we stay away from discussions that are controversial, but we do see whether people are wearing masks or not. That doesn’t mean we can tell if they got the vaccine or not. People can have a combination of views and behaviors. These are very complex issues and times we live in. I try not to judge but rather to understand that people do not need to agree with me to be right. In fact, the more I read and study, the more I understand. God bless us all in this challenging journey as we follow Christ and love each other well.
I bless you, Nanci, in the Name of our Lord Jesus. I pray that you will once again feel free to worship with your family – the family of God. Hebrews admonishes us not to neglect meeting together, especially as we see the Day approaching. It seems that you have chosen to be stuck – I’m very sorry for that. But Nanci, Jesus came to set us free – & Galatians tells us to stay free – not to go back again to slavery.
This nation was conceived in the idea of liberty & justice for all. It is a nation under covenant with God from the time of our forefathers – to be free to worship God as we chose! It is a nation of the people, for the people & by the people such that no powerful tyrannical group will take us away from our freedom to worship or to rule ourselves under God.
As His people, we must choose to follow Jesus. His Church – the Body of Christ – IS essential & some are telling us we are not, while others who have an agenda of destruction are essential. Such leadership is taking us to a place of slavery by instilling fear & promotion of division among us.
May you find Him sufficient, for we all believe that He is, no matter the circumstance that comes against us. We are family & so I end with LOVE, in His holy Name.
excellent blog Thank you for reminding us that God is in charge.
Thank you, Karen, for your encouraging perspective and gracious words.
If I don’t learn one more thing in BSF this year (this is my first year in BSF), what I just learned in Ms. McNary’s blog is absolutely WONDERFUL and eye opening and heart opening….. thank you! and may Ms. McNary be as blessed as she’s just blessed me….
Thank you for such an encouraging message. 🙏🙏🌷
I really enjoyed the addition of the BSF Blog! I hope it will continue.
Wow. This is powerful. My husband and I were just talking about this very same thing, prior to reading this spirit-lead article. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this rich message. I have been encouraged. God bless you.
Thank you for your devotion to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Thank you Karen. You truly blessed me with this blog. Sometimes the enemy can make situations appear more challenging than what they really are. May God continue to bless and use you. To God be the Glory!!
Thank you Karen . Very well stated. Esp. With ALL the chaos in the world which has totally uprooted our childhood beliefs – what was right -is now wrong, what was wrong is now right. I believe the word is “woke” . And if we/the church is now careful it will divide us. But if we follow Jesus , as you have stated. We can find peace and unity through Him / HS. Thank you for sharing. I’m CA and so blessed to be apart of our group and BSF International.
Karen … Great thoughts … Doctrinally the Bible is most clear, example, Free Will vs. Sovereign Grace … Most Christians will say ”all people have a choice to be eternally saved” vs. Grace teaching ”God elects, Christ saved in 70a.d. and Spirit awakens only God’s elect … This is basic teaching by the 12, O.T. prophets, and Jesus … One cannot water down Sovereign Grace and be Biblical … As far as this vaccine thing in 2020-2021, all people should have their own opinions and choices {freedom} … But when people disagree bc of Dem and Repub things get dicey and unbiblical … Vaccines cannot be mandated of a ‘have to thing’ {not Biblical at all}…. YES, we do disagree on some things in the Bible, grey areas it is called, BUT doctrine is not a grey area, example ‘world’ is explained in 4 different ways–P.A.S.E.–John 17 n Luke 2:1 … We disagree on clothes we wear, hair styles, glasses style, etc., BUT the Bible of full of dogmatism in doctrinal areas, but not so much in life decisions … By brother sent me your site today, he is in BSF now in MN – my sister in law has been in BSF for many years … Thanks Karen for your words. timely, needed. must be addressed … God bless Ron …
I loved Karen’s topic, “Can Christians disagree?”. How we disagree , as Christians, is the challenge. We need to continue to love one another and still stay connected. Wise words to live by. Thank you Karen McNary. Gwen
This post has particular relevance to my this very day. Thank you Lord Jesus, sovereign over all things, seen and unseen.
So very helpful in understanding that our purpose is BIGGER than any of our differences…and to keep THAT as our focus as we serve.
1 Corinthians 2:2 “All I know is Jesus Christ and Him crucified.”
–the Apostle Paul even kept his message clear.
I need to as well, stay focused. The Word, He, Jesus.
Awesome word, it’s amazing how reading this article produces so much insight into the word of God. It causes you to be still and meditate on what Karen is saying to us. Looking forward to my study of Matthew.
In our church we are reminded each time we meet, that we are an imperfect people pursuing a Perfect God. This connects me in mind to the twelve disciples as they were also imperfect and Jesus was the Perfect son of God. We have more in common than we realize and if we accept our differences as God accepts them then we will have less differences. God unites us. Thank you for your dedication to the Truth and to each of us.
Well said Sally! God made differences and we can choose not to make them divisions.
I am in a new group on line. You are speaking to me directly and I thank you! I am scared for this year and yet I look forward with great expectations. I wanted a mixed group because I have been doing BSF for eight years and it’s always a very homogeneous group. Pray for me, please
Praying that God would meet you in a special way through your online group.
Thank you for your words! Helps me get in the right frame of mind!
Enjoyed the Blog, yes we are different, not only our ethnicity, our beliefs can be quite different. Happy to see someone that resembles me.
Such great thoughts to ponder as we meet with our new group members this year!! Thanks!!
Encouraging article. What you have stated is important. But, we must remember Gods truths are not changing… and we shouldn’t be United just for the sake of unity. Jesus brought them together to know His truth, His gospel, not just their opinions. 😊 So, if someone is in error, we should love them enough to point to the truth of God’s word. God did this for us!
Nikki,
You’re so right… We should speak truth in love and continue to love them as we trust Jesus to make His truth clear.
Wow what wise words. Thank you. God has revealed to me through you, how my group this year can change the world too and bring others into the kingdom.
Thank you, Mrs. McNary, for the courage, wisdom and faith it took to touch upon this most sensitive, often avoided subject. For many of us, it couldn’t been given at a more appropriate time.
Thank you, I needed reminding today to rise above and set aside those things that so easily tries to set me back.
I look forward to our study in Matthew. It amazes me how I think I know a scripture and then discover a new and different meaning when God reveals it to me.
I love studying his word. BSF is a good way to be held accountable for my study of the Bible.
Wow. This is so helpful. Brings tears to my eyes.
Karen’s blog provides us, I think, with a good framework for our focus as together we dive into our Matthew study
Very excited about this bible study .
This was so good to hear and such a good reminder that God has all of us who love Him! I hope my relationship with my close Christian sister can survive all of our differences during these challenging times! Thank you for the encouragement and reminder of God’s love and that we are all in different seasons with Him!
I like the reality of your blog: “Conflict is inevitable…but when we’re rooted in the gospel, we’re United in purpose.” I like it because we do disagree and it’s important to recognize it and talk about it. And remember to stay rooted in the gospel so we can remain United. Thank you.
I am so looking forward to this study.
Reading this Blog is a great Reward to me , has been a Revelation to questions I have had deep down in my soul—- Thank you so very much Karen . God bless you.
Shalom. Dear ones we really need to stand in the gap and pray for our selves and children of God world wide. Truly speaking there is a lot of disagreement but if we unite iearn Gods word deeply and put it in to practice. Then all shall run to the light. I Sarah 60:3
Thanks so much for sharing the blog. N blessings to all enjoy the new BFS year.
Thank you, Karen…….
And God bless you. !
It was a real blessing to be together to study God’s word together! Last year was harder to get to know the women there with us in class. I was so glad they have open classes instead of just Zoom this year, but I will say that zoom was better then no study at all!!
I’m looking forward to being together this year! Enjoyed our first class last Wednesday getting acquainted!
I remember the year we were CL’s together. It was a hard year for me but God has not stopped working on me. You go girl and thanks for giving to the Lord. Your blog reminded me God still Loves me.
In HtS love and mine
Hey Emmalee,
I have found memories of our time serving together, and play dates with my youngest and your grandson.
Thank you for challenging me
Thanks Karen for your encouragement. Am still learning. In our Philippines Women’s Group we are still on Lesson 4 ” The Temptation of Jesus” So far we have no disagreement or disappointment with each othwr. I hope the situation will continue up the end of Matthew book. Praying to the Holy Spirit to always enlighten us. Th enthusiasm of the participants is soo amazing with Group Leader guiding us.
There are many challenges about the church people , diversity of traditions and culture . These leads to different interpretations of the Bible at times. Sometimes I feel left out not being understood. I pray that through this BSF, I will learn how to deal with everyone who look at things in a different way.
Thanks for your honesty Grace… we want classes be placed where all feel a sense of belonging despite our culture and traditions. Our differences don’t have to divide us.. we can trust them to Jesus.
Our leader closed her prayer last night without acknowledging “in Jesus name” we pray or a likeness thereof. Is that acceptable? I was always taught “no one goes to the Father except by me” She simply stated Amen at the end of her prayer.’
Dear Lorraine, thank you for asking! This sounds like a great discussion to have with your leader or Teaching Leader. So thankful for your heart honor God’s Word and His Name in all circumstances.
The reminder that Jesus changed the world with 12 people united around one cause shows the power of walking in God’s purpose individually and collectively.
Am I a member of this group? Can I order all the lessons ahead of time? I am new to the Denver area. I was in a BSF group in CA and learned so much from the scriptural lessons and from the discussions on our group. I look forward to continuing that experience here. Is there a leader of this group?
Hi Cynthia!
We would love for you to find a new BSF class in your area! Please use the “Find a Group” feature on our website to locate classes near you! https://www.bsfinternational.org/find-a-group
Wonderful and satisfying food for thought; but I believe that while there are many world views, Christianity itself is a worldview to be held and lived all the time.
Your blog is so timely, with our study in BSF, and in life in general. Thanks so much for this reminder of commonality!
Thank you Karen, I love the way you explained how we need to see one another as God sees us, we are all His children!
Thank you for the overview of Mathew so that I can more easily approach, on a weekly basis ,with my group and have the confidence to grow with them through this new year.
Blessings for all you do.
I really did enjoy reading this article by Ms. McNary ! It encourages me to study and read more in my preparation as a BSF person to be closer to God and follow His Commands.!!
What a wonderful reminder Thank you.
This will be my 3rd year in BSF, studying the lessons writing my answers, when I Ge to class, we have different answers for the same question, none are wrong, we have different interpretations BUT all from the word of God. I thank God we are able to discuss and see another point of view.
I enjoyed the subject of the twelve disciples differences. Varity of teachings are good because it allows you to think about the way each person thinks and at the same time, their teachings are really somewhat in agreement.
“In necessariis unitas, in non-necessariis (or, dubiis) libertas, in utrisque (or, omnibus) caritas.”
“IN ESSENTIALS UNITY, IN NON-ESSENTIALS LIBERTY, IN ALL THINGS CHARITY.”
An old saying from the 17th century period after the Reformation. while Christians can and do disagree, there are some core beliefs and doctrines that cannot be disagreed upon.
And the essentials are remarkably simple and not plentiful, and the core of which would be
a) the existence of the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent, Eternal and Sovereign Trinitarian Creator God;
b) the divinity and humanity of Jesus the Messiah that He came in the flesh; the Second Person of the Trinity;
c) the fact and purpose of His death and work on the Cross; salvation by grace through faith as foretold in the Scriptures ;
d) the infallibility of the Word of God revealed by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to chosen but fallible men who put them into words in the Scriptures.
And above all, in all things, love – the humility to admit that we simply don’t know and that God has chosen not to clearly reveal them because it’s simply not essential. Just as it was not essential for Adam and Eve to have the knowledge of good and evil in the Garden. What is essential was the untainted love relationship they had with God – the love that always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor 13:7)
Forgot His resurrection from the dead in (c)
I have studied Matthew 4times in BSF but I don’t remember that we should pray for others and those who persecute you. I’m thankful for another opportunity to study this great book.
Thank you, your words are wise. We live in such a divisive time. Jesus loves us all.
Thank you Karen for the reminder that I have a part in the Kingdom of God. I forget that too often. I need to know this everyday in my ordinary life although life not quite so ordinary with Jesus.
I commit to specifically pray for my BSF group as we study Matthew in community in 2021. I wanted to also say thank to all the leaders who have faithfully served in BSF. You have made growing with God with women across the nations, an incredible life giving journey. I can not imagine BSF not being part of my life. God weaves His story with ours and it blows my mind how gracious and kind and timely the Lord is in our groups in BSF. So many answered prayers, so much encouragement and so much love without any condemnation. May BSF continue to thrive in Jesus name and continue to bring people closer to our Lord.
Great points and very well said!
What a good reminder to “learn from our differences and unite to the common call”! I also like what is really a prayer to “change our hearts and grow our obedience”. Thank you!
Thanks for that reminder, Karen. Of all the disciples, in the current day in which we live, I seem to relate most to Simon the zealot. We don’t hear much about him in scripture, do we?! Just sayin’ ……. 🙂
Powerful
So true! I was just talking with Hollie about him this past week. There’s room in the Kingdom because Jesus smoothes our edges.
I hope this year to learn more about Jesus. And to learn how to depend on wholly. Learn to learn those who mistreat me.
And to become a better christians thorough the study of Gods word.
Karen,
Thank you for reminding us that we are all different and unique individuals, yet we are one in Christ. We can all learn from each other and grow in the body of Christ. I am looking forward to this study and how it will impact lives.
Karen’s article hit me where I needed it. I was challenged to make changes in my attitudes. Thank you!
Peggy,
Glad to hear it! The Lord knows just what we need when we need it!
I’m thanking my God daily for this group of wonderful ladies! I am excited to see and hear what my Jesus has in store for us.
Stay encouraged!!!
Very helpful. A lot to ponder and pray about. Thank you.
Very interesting, if 12 people can put away their differences so can we , This is my first time with BSF and am praying that we will be able to focus and understand as we learn more on Mathew.
Thank you Karen for the wise words.
“But when we are rooted in the gospel, we are united in purpose.”
As I called my ladies today, I focused on how God Almighty called us to study His Word together as a unified group. We truly see His hand in gathering us together to grow and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.
And then I read your blog – how wonderful, such confirmation!
Be blessed sister!
A very interesting artical, give us lots to think about while studying the gospels and bible.
So timely. I needed to read this as it has helped me a great deal Welcome to your new position.
Dorothy
What a wonderful outline of Matthew and how this relates to us right here, right now.
Many thanks, Karen
Thank you for reminding me that we are ALL different and we are ALL the same! There will be times when we, as believers don’t agree. However, we are called to Love ONE Another. In JESUS’S name I pray AMEN.
We must be willing to listen to Him
Wonderful challenge: heart transformation vs behavior modification
Thru Christ’s forgiveness/cross, we have pow’r to forgive each other
12 men set aside their differences to pursue a common call. that God used to change the course of history. hmmmm….what does. God want me to set aside for such a call as this!
What encouraging and excellent word for today!
Thank you!
This was so wonderful to start my week of-lesson one of Matthew. Thank you so much for sending this out. Did it go to the leaders only or to the members too? It was such a reminder that we are united, all one in Christ and yet different too.
I hope we get one of these encouragements each week.Hope that isn’t to much to ask.
Hi Dixie, this was sent to leaders and to members. If you know a member who didn’t receive the email, you can contact your CA or re-subscribe on the blog homepage: bsfblog.org.
And one day all the hard work of relationships will be a thing of the past when we are home with Jesus! At age 71 and many years of BSF Bible Study and trials, temptations, failings, and learnings, I can firmly say I am still learning! Keep going! It’s worthwhile and WILL be worth it all when we see Jesus! Thank you for your words of wisdom!
I’m so glad you’re still with us. The elder teach the younger! Keep sharing your wisdom..
Beautiful timely, thought provoking, life changing, thank you heaps Karen. God bless u
There’s so much to learn from the Bible and every study is of tremendous value to our spiritual lives. We thank God for opening BSF doors on the international level where we can meet and study together with people all over the world for one common purpose, to glorify God and share his word with others.
Thank you for sharing this. Jesus said we are to love one another as He loved and that by this action, people would know we are His disciples. It has been discouraging at times to see how angry believers are with each other because of political and medical differences. Your words were an encouragement to me and reminded me to stay focus on what is important to God which is sharing His love, grace and truth to everyone that they would be saved, even to the point of giving up my rights and denying self.
So true Evelyn. And 1 Cor 13 tells us what love looks like.. we can’t love that way without Jesus.. but what a witness to the world when we do.
Wonderful reminder of who we are and how we are to be more like HIM.
Thank you!
What a wonderful and very timely word. So much truth here! I especially love the reminder that God reveals His truth to us at different times. This awareness should keep is humble in moments of disagreement instead of assuming we hold the truth and the other person is in error. Instead, we should go back to place/point where we agree. We will likely find there is strong agreement in the things that matter most.
Karen, thank you for your timely words of truth and encouragement about the community of believers.
Jesus and the twelve, pioneers of kingdom community sure is a vivid example of life in the real and now for the church! Gotta wonder if of those 12 who had a wife, or another relative, peer or neighbor who weighed in on the Rabbi they followed. I’m so grateful they heard God’s voice above all others regardless of how well meaning or demeaning the voices were.
Father, in our generation, within each of us, within our families, our churches, our BSF groups give us intense hunger to hear Your voice above all others and live in unity and community as You’ve ordained. John 17
Thank you.
This is good wisdom dealing with today’s Christian at a time where we believe in our own rights and that our opinions matter. We must see the bigger picture and submit to one another in love for unity to fulfill God’s purpose.May the Lord bless you for your commitment to Him.
This past year has had too much national and community conflict and division. As Christians we have the shared value in the life of Jesus as we begin to study the gospel of Matthew together. I truly appreciate these encouraging words and perspective!
What a wonderful opening post for our study of Matthew. I pray for myself and all of us to have a open heart for this study. That we may embrace our differences and by putting God first join together. Thank you again for this study!
This issue is more important than ever in this religious world of today.
As the Apostle John put it in 1 John, ‘if we say that we love God and hate our brother, we are liars and the truth is not in us’.
The basis for fellowship with the Father and each other is confession of our sin…and if we say that we have no sin, we are told that we are a liar and the truth is not in us.
The bottom line is not what others are doing or saying, but who I am in Christ and how I love and forgive others.
Amen Patricia. The only person I can control is me with the help of the Holy Spirit.
Loved this! And for such a time as this! Wonderful truth and kind reminder very encouraging.
Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Philippians 4:5 💞
Such timely encouragement in a country so divided on every issue. A reminder that 12 very different men with divergent views were united by Jesus to focus on His mission and put their trust in Him and obey. We constantly need reminders to Look up and keep our eyes on Him
Thanks for the commentary regarding “Can Christian’s Disagree.” Just reading the blog has lifted my spirit. You see, I am currently dealing with a feeling of frustration spiritually. I consistently pray for guidance, knowing fully well that prayer changes things!! The commentary in this blog was enlighten and I feel GOD’S answer to my issues. PTL.
It is through the sharing of differing opinions that we grow. It stretches our minds and causes us to look at things with a different perspective.
Thanks Karen: A message needed for all of us. Jesus asks us to live above our world in order to live in His world. It is difficult and presents challenges, but it is what we signed up to do! Encouraging messages like this will keep our focus on Him.
“Jesus is more concerned about heart transformation than He is about behavior modification” Oh, this is such a good reminder to me. Your message in this blog is just what I needed right now. It brought a measure of peace to my soul when surrounded by so much disagreement.
As Christians, we are to serve, not judge. We are to accept not reject. Whether we agree or disagree, we need to treat each other with kindness and respect. This helped me with a friend who needed help making a decision and her perspective is very different from mine. I only told how I felt, gave honest information, and we prayed to God to give us both His Wisdom as she and her family made their decision. When she walked away, we hugged. Later her family made a good choice that I easily supported, BUT I would have supported them no matter what they had decided.
I am excitedly expecting great >insight in this learning fellowship, I am so please to join the BSF Community. By God’s grace I will hear and share lots wit you as the Lord lead all efforts. It is my prayer to learn share and be enabled the teach and preach the Word of God to others. As the Spirit of GOD will lead.
This was very beneficial for me, How to respond when you disagree gave me the insight that was much needed. The disagreements was should we continue to ask for forgiveness or repent since Christ has paid the price at Calvary. My understanding is that we are still sinful, so Yes we need to continue to acknowledge and repent. Thank you.
I really needed to hear this today as Covid continues its rampage in my community and I just found out my church is returning to requiring masks. I am feeling conflicted and discouraged between the fear of catching it and my desire to love and serve with my faith community and BSF. This article has given my some clearness. Thank you!
I don’t understand why blogs have to be so long. It’s disrespectful to mothers with small children. The comments are helpful but much too wordy.
Sorry just had to express what I saw.
Tanya, thanks for the feedback! Have you explored our social media posts? They are much shorter. As a mom to four little ones I completely understand that struggle! Thankful for your persistence in BSF!
What a wonderfully balanced and Biblical approach to differerences.
Thank you so much for these words of wisdom so needed in these challenging times – with division seemingly at every level – political, racial, religious differences & it seems to impact everything. Sadly, I’ve never seen such division between Christians when we share the same mandate: To do justice, loving kindness, forgiveness and walking closely with our God. Powerful, impactful words to guide our interactions with each other moving forward. This guidance is just what we need now to share love for our fellow Christians and non-Christians alike. May this wisdom fill our hearts and minds as we walk together in God’s Kingdom. Amen. May it be so.
As I read this blog I couldn’t help but see the parallel with today. Jesus was born in a complex culture; overburdened with taxes and restricted religious liberties; politics divides God’s people; religious leaders varied in their interpretation of God’s word. Wow! Do we see all this today? How do we respond when we disagree? What do we do with confusion? And what does Jesus expect from us? This is a great blog and Karen’s message is right on target. I am so anxious to dig into our lessons for this year. I know they will bring insight, encouragement and peace of mind. BSF is a blessing and such an anchor of hope, truth and leadership.
Betty, I loved that parallel too! So amazing how Karen highlighted that none of this is new to Jesus.
Thank you! This is encouraging as we begin our study of Matthew and everything I am experiencing right now. Thank you Karen!❤️
This is a very encouraging reminder that though we are all different in culture, gender, age, etc; our commonality with Christ should enable us to come together as the body of Christ, pursuing His truths, even in our diversity’s.
Always relying on His lead.
For me also very timely. I realize the command to community and to worship on Sundays, but I have such a struggle with people in church leadership being the most prideful, judgmental, arrogant and exclusive. I have tried so hard to stay with a church, to be active and to get past this but have not had success. I do think my expectations are too high, I realize I am far from perfect, and disappoint God frequently. I believe I want congregations to be safe, but realize that we are all just people with our faults. I just get more frustrated when I see no growth just increased pride. This year God told me to leave the noise and concentrate on Him, He gave me these words: Pray-Listen-Trust-Obey. I am going to attend a church this Sunday, but in another community, I have not been led to a church in mine. Maybe this is God’s way to bring me back to community worship but too far away to get too involved in the “business” of churches.
I do attend 2-3 Bible studies a week,one with a previous pastor, one with BSF, one with a local group of women. Please pray for me to be in obedience and to listen for God’s direction.
Alexis, praying! You are not alone in feeling let down by people. Asking God to reveal new direction for your church home. Also thankful for your heart to pursue grace and humility. We all need that desperately
Recently, we had a conflict in our church about something. This message confirms to me that these conflicts will always be there but as a united body of Christ we can still move on together if we put our differences a side and extend grace to one another. Thank you Karen
I appreciate this. As I am dealing with conflict in my life right now.
we recently moved and I need fellowship
Praying that you soon experience the warmth of a loving community overflowing from God’s love. Enjoy the study😂
Thank you Karen. Thank you for your service to BSF and sharing. This is beautiful and so on time for Such A Time As This. We serve an Awesome God!! BSF is such a Blessing!!
Thank you word of insight and encouragement. I needed it.
Very timely. As we begin to meet with others whom the Holy Spirit is also teaching His message for them regarding our study of the same materials. It is a time of learning, growing for all. As others are patient with us, we must be patient with them and we will all enjoy the experience of the width and depth of Gods word.
Thank You Karen, and Blessings from God.
Thank you Karen for your timely words! Your emphasis on the common call is so apropos and applicable to our BSF group study, but also the culture we live in.
Thank you for reminding me of the beauty of differences in people. I have been in prayer for over a year concerning this topic. Your words have lead me to a path of healing.
I have never experienced so much Christian tribalism as there is right now. Love, mercy, forgiveness and grace are not the words I would use to describe “the church” right now. We seem to follow Christianity more than we follow Christ. I’m praying BSF follows Christ more than a specific tribe of Christianity
Thank you for your wonderful writings that prepare us for the ‘unexpected’ ways that God works, and how Jesus embraced unexpected people. I’m looking forward to the Matthew study very much!
Thank you Karen for your blog. The timing to read this was perfect for me. God always reveals to us what we need to hear at the right time. Every year as a leader in BSF & my church, I have to remind myself that everyone is different. The ladies come w-a host of different personalities, beliefs & life experiences. I try to remember to celebrate our differences🙌🏼
Thank you Karen for sharing these words of encouragement. So excited to begin new year and watch our growth in Jesus.
And glad to hear from you again.
Thank you Karen for this word. For me it is a word in season. Conflict and difference of opinion is bound to happen among believers. But I love what you said, that “There is room for differences of opinion when Christ is our foundation.” I pray for the grace to rememberand apply this principle always.
Amen and amen. My sister in Christ, Karen, thank you for the words given to you by the Holy Spirit. It is so refreshing to hear that the distractions and opinions of this world or the personalities of people are superseded by the power of the Holy Spirit and we are united in the Gospel. Praise God for His power and the filling of the Holy Spirit that transforms our hearts that give us the love and compassion for His created people, that’s everyone.
Unified in the love of Christ……
Thank you for your great, wise words
I loved this. It made me realize that I must add praying more for those I don’t agree with or who have different expectations than I have. Some of the godliest people I know drive me crazy and I thought just keeping my mouth shut was enough! It is just the start! Like you said “ . Conflict is inevitable. Opinions will differ. But when we are rooted in the gospel, we are united in purpose.” Thank you so much!
Mask or no mask? Vaccine or no vaccine?
Would like to know if everyone has prayed on these issues and if so, what conclusion has God given you and were you led to any particular scripture verse?
This blog came along at just the right time. We are having disagreements about how our society is teaching so many subjects leading many away from the teachings of Jesus with our adult Christian children. Knowing that “God will reveal to us truth in different times and different seasons” was such a great reminder and comfort. Thank you for the truth that you revealed to me today regarding this difficult subject.
This was a powerful message and a good reminder that we do not all think alike and need to learn from our differences. We need to be willing to listen to the promptings from the Spirit. I am excited about this year’s study of Matthew.
Excellent reminder Karen! We, as Christians, have one united goal, learning and sharing the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. I remember learning in BSF that there are disputable and nondisputable items in the Bible. If it is something that does not pertain to your salvation or the doctrine of our Lord, just let it go. Loving our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ is what is important.
Thank you and blessings. The call to work with one another despite the differences even in a family set up is so timely for me. We shall endeavor to execute God’s plan trusting in Him. Shalom
Your posting is appropriate for the issues we face today. As a Christian I am very conservative but I am faced with different ideals daily and it can wear on my soul. Praying for change is much better than getting upset and angry with those who have different views and ideals. Thank you for the encouragement.
Jesus’s most unique (and difficult) teaching is “Love your enemies.” This requires a change of heart. Only when we get this teaching right, can we rightly follow Jesus’s command to make disciples.
I am looking forward to learning from each other, as we pursue one purpose.
So very poignant and relevant in today’s world.
This blog blessed 🙌 my heart ❤ today.
I am grateful 🙏 to be reminded that diversity is not new and that I need to focus more and appreciate 🙏 my calling as I continue to be a witness.
Love and kindness.
I’m in disagreement with the cultural practices that are no longer sin and accepted by my church. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God, certainly, but sin is sin and that is when what anyone does places human rights over God’s word. It’s none of my business to judge, for i am a great sinner saved by Jesus Christ, redeemed, but it is hard to worship when i see what is sin in same sex relationships celebrated. Again, none of my business but it is rejection of who God created people to be, man and woman, not man to woman change or marriage of same sex. I need to trust God in this, for how do they see us as different following Christ? I have sought two different pastors on this who see a “committed relationship” as ok. So, how do I “set aside personal differences?”
Pamela, this is such a struggle! I love that Christ never passive or vengeful in His approach to others. Praying that God will reveal His unique approach for you to take in these circumstances! He is not a God of confusion, praying for clarity!
God have mercy and forgiveness on all of us – Please grant us/ me your peace and joy. I pray the Holy Spirit will empower me to live the Christian life as I know I can’t do that on my own power.Thank you Jesus for loving and forgiving me .
Oh my, the best encouragement for our troubled times. Cannot thank you enough!
Excellent Words of Truth! Its relevance for any culture, any community of faith, and for any season of life is vital. Thank you for reminding us that we reveal the glory of God through our love for one another!
This is great, and we all need to unite for the last days. I do have a question, If the person who you have a disagreement with is not a Christian, and you have tried to share the gospel, just continues to create problems for you, what does God want us to do with that, A toxic and negative behavior. I don’t want it to affect my Christian walk. Cece
Cece, this could be a great question for your group leader or even in your group! Praying God will give you answers through Matthew! And please share what you learn! This is an excellent question
What a wonderful encouraging read ~ Thank you Karen for allowing God to use you to give us the bigger picture about how we CAN be unified in Christ with a higher purpose! Loved your honesty too—sometimes it IS hard–I know some have experienced that feeling you mentioned “am I in the right place with the right people” when disagreements occur, but such a good reminder how God used the 12 disciples who were very different to accomplish His purposes when they surrendered to His will! Loved this article! : D
Love this blog. Thank you so much💞💞💞
Great reminder of the diversity that exists in the members of my group. It will help me towards open minded resolution should division arise. Thanks for taking the time to write this.
Very timely. I am dealing with a conflict in my church right now and needed to hear this.
Thank You Karen, This is very encouraging as our world is struggling with people who are different and
how the Lord reminds us to look at the heart .
Blessings,
Marilyn
Karen, Truly enjoyed and reflected on your perspective as we begin “Matthew.” Particularly on our willingness to be uncomfortable at times and the reminder that God wants our Hearts first! Thank you
Love learning about the BSF organization and their stories! Great writing!
Thanks for the tips.
We just need to remember that we all serve one God
Thank you, Karen. We need to be reminded to learn from our differences, as we are living in a very divisive time.
Blessings of peace, Sandy
You’re so right Sandy. But it’s so comforting to know that division from differences isn’t new, and the Holy Spirit gives each of us what we need to persevere.
Yes, we can agree to disagree with compassion and love at the forefront. Each believer is in a different stage of growth, and only God knows hearts and intentions. As long as we agree on the truth, the Bible, God’s words written through and for mankind . We can learn to live together, as believers, in unity.
I definitely will be using these principles to pray unity over our group!
The conflicts mentioned among disciples seem originated from their ignorance even Jesus was with them. But after Jesus’ ascension and the indwelling of The Holy Spirit, the conflicts in The Acts of The Apostles seemed to have been less and easily settled by The Council.
So today if we are humble enough before The Lord, many conflicts can be avoided. We can see the truth when we dig deep into His Word.
Praise The Lord.
Kin Sun, that is a wonderful insight. Thank you for sharing!
This blogpost is wonderful! It lays the groundwork for studying God’s word in unity midst very divisive times. I know this is an intentional topic and timing, but praise be to God for His beautiful provision.
Oh, my – this is exactly the conversation I had with a Christian friend yesterday – it was a tough conversation about same-sex relationships, marriage, and how they are now ministers of the church. And her woman pastor preached how God’s word, the Bible, can not be taken literally. Wow. Such interesting differences of opinion. I had to bite my tongue and praise the Lord I did. I finished with the Unity of the Love of God – we are all sinners and we are accountable. This is not heaven but while down here, called to LOVE…God first, our neighbors as ourselves. Not to judge. This we did agree on. Amen
Thank you for your words. Beautiful
Carolyn, what an amazing testimony! Praying we all find wisdom in when to speak and when to listen. So tough
I have been blessed to call both Christian and gay people my friends. We all share a belief that love comes from God and that monogamous marriage is healthy for gay & straight people. I pray that all marriages are blessed with the peace of the Holy Spirit and God’s guidance in all things. All of us need to be aware of our sinful thoughts, and in confession, receive the divine gift of repentence which pivots our next best steps towards Jesus. I have to confess daily about my judgemental thoughts. I used to think that being gay was shocking, until I became friends with people who are gay.
I am very thankful and count it a privilege to be studying the Bible at Bible Study Fellowship.
Looking forward to what God’s Word
teaches me and grow me in obedience and see the UNEXPECTED!
Thankful already Karen McNary for these very encouraging words!
Thank you BSF for yet another means of connection, community and continuity for our Christian walk.
Thank god at this time I needed this message
Thank you for the reminders that it is God’s mission we have been called into and when we walk humbly in it we can trust HIS timing and work in both ourselves and others. I especially resonated with the statement that “Jesus is more concerned with heart transformation than he is behavior modification.” I am praying for unexpected transformation in the lives of my class members and myself.
Enjoyed the comments. Would like to know if these comments are distributed only to leaders or the entire bsf enrollment. Thank you.
Dear Jean, all of BSF can see these comments. We are grateful for a place for members worldwide to share and encourage one another!
Very good reminder!!!! Thank you!!!!
Thanks for your encouragement at a time when many church leaders disagree. We know we can find common ground through our link with Christ, and we can move forward to carry out His great commission.
I agree Angela. He does it… only sometimes His timing isn’t ours…:)
Thank You and Praise God. That blog was what I needed
This is helping me deal with the various divisions in my community and church.
“Through these words, Christ built His Church when 12 men set aside their differences to pursue a common call. Think about that: God changed the course of human history through 12 people who humbly united around His plan and will. ” That is miraculous !! Bur 12? or 11????
Nancy, we had the same discussion at HQ! Counting the 12 with Judas’ replacement, Matthias. Love that you caught that 🙂 So thankful that we are invited to join that same call, God is infinately gracious!
Very helpful thoughts.
Thank you, Karen, for this blog to prepare us for the study of Matthew. Looking forward to meet my Monday group at 8p.m. because I learned so many new things about God and Jesus Christ in my Genesis study. Thank you also for the insights of those who commented here. God bless us all.
I would like to be an effective fisherman.
Foo Siew Lee,
God will honor your request…
Thank you for this beautiful blog. It really touched my heart with a message of loving each other, of forgiving each other of being unified and above all to be totally committed to our precious saviour the Lord Jesus Christ and to bring glory to him forever.
I started learning the Bible through the Bsf, now I find it a treasure house which I cannot have enough of!
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ
Reading the comments, it is quite remarkable that there are no ” disagreements” to the author’s blog which in itself is excellent. I am not sure if BSF participants are a different lot of Christians or they found “remarkable unity in disagreement”. To be sure, I read a lot of passages in the bible of disagreement amongst leaders, followers, and apostles. Yet, the singular message is to focus on above, on what is eternal. This is going to be an interesting season.
Thank you
A beautiful preparation for the study of Mathew . It is in and through our differences we grow in our knowledge of God for what should bind us together is not our similarities but the power and live of practising Jesus’ teachings in Mathew
Certainly looking forward to the book of Matthew. I am making a comeback to BSF after many years. Thank you for setting the theme and tone to help us prepare for this study,
I am new to BSF but I read the Bible anyway, relying on my own understanding . Thanks for now to have me enrolled Bible Study. As insights of others would help me understand better the word of God. Am excited to learn Matthew. 🙏 Praise God. 🙏🙏🙏
Dear Adelaida,
So excited for you to join our study this year! Praying God will deepen your understanding of His Word!!
Thank You Jesus for modelling for us how to build a community based on God’s Word and His ministry. That’s focus.
Thank you sister Karen for the timely call for us all to rise above differences to UNITE for the common call and the Great Commission for such time as this!
Thank you BSF for our next study, the book of Matthew. I feel so blessed to be able to join with my BSF group and study the word of the Lord during COVID.
Thank you for the support given to the world BSF family and may we grow closer to our Lord and grow in His ways through this study.
Praise the Lord for the book of Matthew. Looking foward to my study of his words.
Thank you for your message. It’s great to get together with a group of people with different views but with a common goal – to study God’s Word.
I do so very much want God’s word to change my heart and help me to grow in obedience. I want to grow spiritually and grow closer to Him and thereby try and help others to do so too.
Timely reminder as we get started on the book of Matthew. Good to continuously encourage one another through this study and looking forward!
The statement that Jesus is more concerned about our heart transformation rather than behavior modification really strikes a chord to identify all true believers as those who are transformed from the inside out by the Holy Spirit rather than reformed by the control of their will with superficial compliance to external disciplines.
I look forward to the study of Matthew. I have studied it before and yet every time I learn something new. I am fortunate to be able to study BSF and it has changed me to become a humble person and to have consideration for others. With this pandemic, I am evermore thankful that I am a Christian and can live every day going forward with a smile on my face. The Lord has taught me that hardship, struggle and tragedy can make me understand to love all the more.
Welcome to BSF staff. Thank you for reminding the body of Christ on how to deal with differences. Indeed 12 ordinary men with heart set on obeying Jesus impacted their time as well as ours. Looking forward to studying Matthew to see Jesus, the king, revealed.
Amen for the encouraging words. And it’s a privilege for me to be part of this Matthew study. Thank you BSF!
I was reading 1st Corinthians 12 verses 12 to 26 .unity in diversity. Jesus Christ prayed that we all may be one. The oneness in the Trinity is awesome. How can I first start thinking about it and then with GOD’S heip , put it to practice. My challenge as I begin to study the Gospel of Matthew.
Excellent, timely message for today’s confused world.
Amen well said sis
Amen Maam Kar, thank you for reminding that we should pray for one another..praying for our BSF new group with our differences. So, exciting to study the Book of Matthew. Thank you so much and God bless you.
Thanks for this blog. I find the comments on bridging our differences through Jesus and waiting on God’s timing relevant & highly applicable.
I stand reminded that I am different from my brothers in BSF and also in the Christian community. But that is because God has created and allowed me to have experiences unique from others that I may use these to enrich the community in which God has placed me.
So true. God created differences. Man created divisions from those differences… Unity doesn’t have to mean uniformity.
I thank God for this privilege the Lord provided me to learn and attend from BSF Book study. Praying for our new BSF group and may His word transform us daily and be like in the image of Jesus Christ.
Love the message Karen! Great reminder for us to pray for to the ladies with differences in the group as we prepare for the study of the Book of Matthew!Thanks so much for encouraging message!
Thank you for the reminder, WE ARE UNITED FOR ONE PURPOSE, TO FOLLOW JESUS – this will always resonate in my mind and by His grace, will inspire me to intentionally share the gospel and let its power transform hearts.
Praise the Lord for the book of Matthew. A reminder for us in our spiritual journey with the Lord how to love our enemies. I love the statements : Conflicts are inevitable. Opinions will differ. But when we are rooted in the gospel, we are united in purpose. Lets remind ourselves God is still teaching and moulding us into Christlikeness and into spiritual maturity. Thank God for the teaching of the book of Matthew once again thru BSF,
I am excited on this new journey and study..I believe God has something to tell me on this series of study..I am blessed already with this messages…
Thank you Karen for your important message: How can we respond when we disagree?
Only GOD sUPERNATURAL uNEXPECTED uNITY IN DISAGREEMENT!
Praise God. Jesus is Lord!!
Blessings Jill
That’s my passion… How to respond. There will always be areas of disagreement, but we don’t have to treat each other as enemies… We can trust the Holy Spirit do His work in our hearts and those with whom we disagree.
Indeed looking forward to my first in-depth study on Matthew. Like other books, BSF never fails to unlock spiritual treasures that transform hearts. God Bless you for committing your lives to this work. Such a Blessing indeed.❤️
Indeed looking forward to learn more about this part especially which is not easily achieved in real life when one is being hurt by others – “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Ultimately, through Christ’s forgiveness on the cross, we have the power to forgive one another. Conflict is inevitable. Opinions will differ. But when we are rooted in the gospel, we are united in purpose.
I never considered how difficult it must have been for Jesus stand aside while his cousin John was imprisoned. Jesus would have known the outcome because he spent so much time with his Father in prayer. He truly suffered in every way when he lived on earth. One can never plumb the depths of the love of God but we can be assured it is complete, unconditional, and eternal.
“Excellent encouragement to our beloved sisters and brothers in Christ”