The Talk Show

© Jeffrey M Pearce 2023

Followers of Jesus almost cover the globe. But the global body of more than 2 billion Christians is separated into thousands of denominations. Anglican, Episcopalian, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, Apostolic, Methodist, etc., — the list goes on and on. Estimations show there are more than 200 Christian denominations in the U.S. and a staggering 45,000 or more globally, according to the Center for the Study of Global Christianity. So why does Christianity have so many branches?

A cursory look shows that differences in belief, power grabs and corruption all had a part to play.

But overall, personal ideas, beliefs, understandings and desires to push our own “theologies” and differing doctrines have been the making of Christianity since the earliest days of the Gospel (i.e. from approximately 27AD and onwards.) There was a “united” Christianity, up until approximately 120 or 130AD, but by referring to the Acts of the Apostles, and also Revelation chapters 2 and 3 we can see that The Gospel quickly changed in some details from location to location. The Apostle Paul certainly had problems helping various individuals and churches keep to the Gospel as he understood it.

Early splits

The early church, spanning from the start of Jesus' ministry, in A.D. 27, to about A.D. 320-330, was divided primarily based on geography. Worship and understandings of Jesus' teachings varied based on regional cultures and customs.

But there were also major breaks, or schisms, over Christian theology during this time. One of the most notable early schisms, the Arian controversy in the early fourth century, divided the church on Jesus' relationship with God. Arius, a priest from Alexandria, Egypt, claimed that because Jesus was "begotten", conceived, or brought about by God, he was a lesser divinity than God. But Athanasius, an Alexandrian theologian, claimed that Jesus was God incarnate.

This brought about major discontinuity in the Roman Empire. It drove a wedge through the Christians in the Roman Empire. The Council of Nicaea ultimately sided against Arius. But despite the Council’s official view, Christians were continually to be divided on the subject for over a century.

Then, in 1054, the Eastern Orthodox Christians split from the Western Roman Catholics in what's known as the Great Schism. The two groups disagreed on the taking of the sacraments — religious symbols believed to transmit divine grace to the believer. Furthermore, the Eastern Orthodox Christians disagreed with the Roman beliefs that priests should remain celibate and that the Roman pope had authority over the head of the Eastern church, according to Encyclopedia Britannica.

The Catholic Church successfully suppressed other potential Christian offshoots partly by sustained persecution of enquiries into people's beliefs, called inquisitions. With the backing of secular rulers, heretics might be burned at the stake or forced into denying their beliefs.

Denominations explode

But after the Protestant Reformation in 1517, the number of denominations really began to multiply.

The Reformation — instigated by a number of events, most notably Martin Luther's 95 Theses — emphasized a personal faith. This movement was in reaction to the fact that interpretations of the Bible, grace (spontaneously given love and mercy from God [the Encyclopaedia Britannica of 1771 says that God’s Grace is “the work of the Spirit, renewing the soul after the image of God, and continually guiding and strengthening the believer to obey His will, to resist and mortify sin, and to overcome it.”]), the absolution of sins and entry into heaven were all mediated through priests in Catholicism. Luther and his followers understood that the Bible, not a church hierarchy, was the ultimate authority over all people, including priests and the pope. They even believed that several ecclesiastical practices, such as granting indulgences (paying the church, i.e. the pope, money to be freed of sins), were corrupt.

To begin with, there were just a few major Protestant groups, but ultimately, the Reformation ushered in more Christian offshoots. By the 17th century, the word "denomination" began to be used to describe religious divisions of the Church. Protestants had used scripture to criticise the Roman Catholic Church, claiming that any believer could read scripture and have a close personal relationship with God. But then the obvious problem emerged: Whose interpretation of scripture was the correct one? As believers debated the scriptures and sacraments, churches formed and split based on a multitude of biblical interpretations, etc. From these debates, denominations such as the Presbyterians, Mennonites, Baptists and Quakers, and many others, came into being.

Other Protestant denominations were formed out of a play for power, such as when Henry VIII started the Church of England in 1534. He saw the need to establish the political independence of England, and his way of doing that was to gain religious independence from Rome. He also wanted a divorce from his catholic wife, which the Catholic church would not grant.

However, after the Reformation challenged papal authority, townspeople and even down-and-outs could question religious authority about questionable and corrupt practices, as well as disputed verses from the Bible.

There will be more denominational splits and forming to come in the future. The Church as a whole will most likely not change its form of operation from what it has been like for the last 2,000 years or so. Jesus himself said: Ye shall know them by their fruits" (Matthew 7:16). That is, you can learn about them by what and how they do, what and how they speak, and what and how they behave. That's an excellent test.

So what has all this to do with The Talk Show? Firstly, all the preceding historical notes and activities proceeded from the mouths of people who spoke their beliefs, doctrines etc., so others could either accept or reject those beliefs and/or doctrines. They were talked about, discussed, and a choice decided and made as to what and who to believe. Its like choosing what translation of the Bible we will read. How many versions of the Bible are there? There are currently over 3,030 versions in over 2,011 languages available digitally on bible.com, and printed versions in nearly 1,900 languages . © 2023 Google.

Of these 3,030 Bibles, which is the most accurate by word and biblical idea or meaning?>

Translation word-for-word, subject-for-subject and idea for-idea?

What is the most accurate Bible translation?

The New American Standard Bible is considered by some sources as the most literally translated of major 20th-century English Bible translations. According to the NASB's preface, the translators had a "Fourfold Aim" in this work: These publications shall be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, Latin and Greek.© 2023 Google.

Is the NKJV an accurate translation? The New King James Version is described by Thomas Nelson as being "scrupulously faithful to the original, yet truly updated to enhance its clarity and readability." © 2023 Google.

Jesus said the following words, and we all need to take notice of not only WHAT He says, but WHAT HE MEANS in the ORIGINAL TEXT! This also must apply to any verse or text in the Holy Bible.

The Final Judgment

Matthew 25:31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:

Mat 25:32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:

Mat 25:33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Mat 25:34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Mat 25:35 For I was an hungred [without Godly knowledge], and ye gave me meat [God’s wisdom and truth]: I was thirsty [without spiritual water], and ye gave me drink [that which I craved for]: I was a stranger [destitute, unknown, and lost], and ye took me in [welcoming me in to your kingdom or place of dwelling]:

Mat 25:36 Naked [without the truth], and ye clothed me [a robe to wear, a ring on my finger, sandals on my feet, and oil on my head, terms of acceptance]: I was sick [spiritually depressed and downtrodden], and ye visited me [came to me and met my needs as each one was able]: I was in prison [tied up with bonds of evil and iniquity], and ye came unto me [serving and encouraging me with Godly benevolence and goodwill].

Mat 25:37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?

Mat 25:38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?

Mat 25:39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? [Lord, we do not remember doing any of these things!]

Mat 25:40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren [brothers and sisters], ye have done it unto me.

Mat 25:41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

Mat 25:42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:

Mat 25:43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.

Mat 25:44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? [Why are you accusing us of these things?]

Mat 25:45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these [my brothers and sisters], ye did it not to me.

Mat 25:46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment [reserved for the devil and his angels]: but the righteous into life eternal [set aside for the reward of God’s true saints, those who know Him and have been obedient to His Will].

Jesus consistently uses the parables of meat and drink as hearing, saying, and understanding words of truth, whether it be the word of God, or words regarding others. In Luke 6:20 it is written “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor [in spirit, in understanding God and His truths]: for yours is the kingdom of God [in all its fullness].

Luk 6:21 Blessed are ye that hunger [for the Truth] now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now [for Righteousness]: for ye shall laugh [abundantly].

Luk 6:22 Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you [wanting to despise and kill you], and when they shall separate [reject] you from their company, and shall reproach you [express one’s disapproval or disappointment], and cast out your name as evil [meaning devilish or satanic], for the Son of man's sake.

Luk 6:23 Rejoice ye in that day [sing songs of praise and happiness], and leap for joy [with great exuberance]: for, behold, your reward is great [without measure] in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the [godly] prophets.”

I was in Auckland, North Island, New Zealand for 6 years or so, and was working to raise money, live, and also doing unpaid pastoral work in a small house church in the suburb of Henderson. I would work till I had adequate funds to go to the South Pacific to do missionary work. Once I had run out of money I would return to NZ, get another job, continue with the unpaid Pastoral work, and do the same thing over and over. This went on for about 6 years. One of the jobs I worked at was with a Tool Makers Engineering Works in Henderson (North Island). I was a bit perplexed because the Manager and his immediate subordinate would not talk to me or address me, but would talk to all the other workers. However the Leading-hand was quite voluminous with his jolly talk plus personal questions to me.

One day he wanted to know how and why I was earning all this money that was coming to me from the overtime etc. So I told him about the missionary work I did in the Islands. He was nonplussed. He could not understand my wanting to spend what to him was considerable earnings on “low-class islanders”, and I must have a separate means of income.

I told him the “islanders” were very precious to me.

Him: “Yes but where does all the money come from?”

Me: “My father is very rich”

Him: “Really?”

Me: “Yes. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and the wealth in every mine”. (A Sunday School song based on Psalm 50). Him: “Oh sh**t, I walked into that”.

I found out later he had been talking behind my back to the bosses, and after this conversation just written, the 2 bosses started talking to me in a quite reasonable manner. I’m not sure what made the difference.

Unfortunately it has been my experience over more than 50 years of living as a born-again Christian, that this practice of “back-stabbing” appears to be quite normal among “Christian adherents”, those who claim to be Christian, but who do not obey the commands of Christ, nor are obedient to His will. Matthew 25:4 and 25:45 can be easily shown to apply to the various members who are born-again, or not!

This “back-stabbing” seems to be an every-day occurrence among some so-called “Christians”. Perhaps they think they have power over others, in that they are able to put others down, while lifting themselves up to a higher position of grandeur, power and authority. Perhaps they believe that they are elevated to a position of the quality or state of being great (as in size, skill, achievement, or power). I really don’t understand this, because all I can see is that the “back-stabber” demeans him/her self, tells unprovable and indiscriminate lies, and in general allows him/her self to be used by others in authority to further their own position while the “back-stabber” just drops themselves in a position where many people will eventually wake up to their conniving and lack of telling truth and being honest.

The verse we saw in Matthew 25:40 is a real encouragement to me, because it tells us all that if we look after our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, then we are actually looking after our Lord Jesus Christ himself.

Turn to Matthew 25:45 and I have the opposite reaction. I am absolutely terrified for anyone who does the opposite of 25:40. To believe we are doing the right thing by God, but in fact be doing the wrong thing, is tantamount to spiritual suicide. To me it seems to be that serious!

Lets suppose a couple of possibilities.

If we encourage other Christians, speaking words of kindness, wisdom, correct instruction and help them in whatever way we are able to, then we will in fact be helping Jesus Himself.

BUT if we do the opposite and “back stab” our fellow Christians, then we are actually doing the same to our Lord Jesus.

Do you want to be in the first or second position? As written earlier, a person is known by their fruit. And their inner thoughts and determinations will govern the fruit they produce. This question must be answered by ourselves with all the intent of our hearts. Do we really love Jesus? Do we really want to serve Him by serving His brothers and sisters? Will we truly speak honest good words to and regarding His brethren?

Let’s talk honestly, truthfully, in a trustworthy manner, without hypocrisy, with resolute candour, and peace toward all. Let us have a “Talk Show” with our relatives and neighbours, with others we come in contact with, and as a general rule, those who God puts in our way. Share the good news of Jesus Christ, not the indiscriminate words of hate and destruction that we so easily give out to our detriment!

Finally, should Christians be above reproach?

In Proverbs 14:34, we read, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” In this simple verse, we see established a rule, or standard, composed of two alternatives. There is no middle ground. There are two causes, each with its own effect. © 2023 Google.

Colossians 3 teaches that the great hope and comfort of every Christian is that God himself will one day “present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him” (Colossians 1:22). Every Christian is to be and to live above reproach.

What is reproach? the expression of disapproval or disappointment.

Do you want Almighty God to disapprove of your thoughts, words or actions? Do you want Jesus to be really disappointed with all your thoughts, words and actions?

If you really want to please God then listen to what Jesus says are the two most important groups of words in the whole of the Bible.

Mat 22:37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. [with every fibre of your being].

Mat 22:38 This is the first and great commandment. [i.e. the greatest command].

Mat 22:39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour [as much] as [you benevolently love] thyself. Mat 22:40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.