Churches and churches

 

So many churches!

Yesterday I was asked, by a man from Asia, why are there so many different churches? – good question.

It has two answers:

1st – Many churches are linked to nationality. Examples – the church of England (Anglican) is English, Lutheran is linked to Germany, Roman Catholic to Italy and more. Greek Orthodox is linked to Greece, Presbyterian to Scotland, Churches of Christ to USA, Baptist to UK, Methodist to UK and more. There has been a renaming of some to remove the nationality factor and some don’t even reflect ‘Christian’ !.

But now in Toowoomba, this being a preferred destination for many migrants, there are new churches springing up. Congolese, Sudanese, Fijian, Solomon Islanders, Chinese, Nepalese, etc

And much the same is true for the Muslims. From Bangladesh most are Sunni, from Iran are Shite , from Saudi Arabia, Salafism  etc.  It is a challenge for me to know which trail of Islam I am responding to, when I talk with them.

2^nd. Another cause of church variations is due to differing beliefs. This is a big topic,  but let me identify some differing features of beliefs. Many churches hold common belief about Jesus Christ, Christian living and the eternal future.

Roman Catholic is under the authority of the Pope in Italy. They have sacraments considered essential for pleasing God.

Church of England (Anglican) operates under the King with variations from Catholic traditions to others who major on salvation by faith alone.

Baptist churches insist on salvation to God by faith in Jesus Christ, to be followed by baptism, meaning immersion in water.

Churches of Christ are similar with this variation – they hold communion every week. They are relatively independent.

Presbyterian churches have strong links to the teaching of John Calvin of Geneva. They insist on salvation to God by grace and have a very strong structure of church government including presbyters and ministers.

Lutherans follow the teachings of Martin Luther, who brought to the public the forgiveness of sins, not by good works or payment, but forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This is a common thread in protestant (non Catholic) churches.

Uniting church has combined the Methodist and Congregational people and now has a focus on social work in society.

Assemblies of God churches have many variations, with emphasis on supernatural experiences such as other tongue speaking, healings, prophecies etc .

 And there are many more groups, especially in Toowoomba.

So when I meet people at the market, from all over the world – what do I say?

Churches have value, but most important it is to know Jesus Christ as the Son of God. 

To trust Him, that by His sacrifice He saves us, and to live with Him, the risen Jesus, as our Lord. 

He has a very big family, people from every nation, language and tribe. God’s Holy Spirit unites all genuine Christians .