Division in the church stands in stark contrast to the unity that Christ died to establish. It is sown by the adversary as part of a divide and conquer strategy, manifesting as factions among God's people. Such schisms are the result of carnality at work within the church, emerging where members are not fully committed to living God's way of life and deny Him His rightful place as Sovereign Ruler of their lives. A lack of unity in a congregation reflects a proportional lack of repentance among its members. Quarreling serves as a manifestation of the unity-dissolving friction or competition, further highlighting the presence of human nature. Divisions or sectarian thinking are listed among the works of the flesh, and listening to false teachers can lead to such consequences. Unity and division are as irreconcilable as day and night, with division connoting randomness, chaos, disorder, and confusion, in opposition to the order and harmony of unity. Personifying division is satan, while God embodies unity. Yet, there exists a form of division inspired and executed by God, stemming from His judgment, which differs from the carnal divisions driven by human nature.

The church of God, once unified at its founding by Jesus Christ on Pentecost, has faced a unique and challenging situation with numerous divisions among the greater churches of God. These various groups, many claiming to be part of the true church, trace historical and theological roots to shared origins, yet some assert exclusivity as the sole body of Christ, dismissing others as deceived or fallen away. This scattered condition, seen as God's doing, serves as a test to reveal where His people stand—whether they align with His teachings or pursue their own ways, whether they submit to the truth of His Word or cling to personal ideas. This environment of division fosters constant friction due to human nature, manifesting in cultural, doctrinal, governmental, and interpersonal conflicts. The wide array of choices in affiliation, or even complete independence, creates a spiritually dangerous mix, tempting individuals to follow deceitful hearts and justify actions that seem right in their own eyes. Such a situation enables those with unresolved issues to move from one group to another, spreading wrong ideas and attitudes, thus perpetuating division without addressing underlying problems. This avoidance hinders personal growth and the pursuit of Christ-like character, as individuals fail to repent and instead seek new environments to escape confrontation with their flaws. God's scattering of the church, akin to the exile of Israel and Judah, is a response to sin and rebellion, intended to spur spiritual repentance and a return to righteousness. However, the church has contributed to its own disunity, still grappling with the repercussions of past apostasy and the resulting distrust among members and ministers. Despite God's willingness to foster unity, it remains elusive, indicating that the church is not yet ready to overcome the existing problems. Jesus Christ, as Head of the church, desires oneness among His Body, longing for a unified spiritual body of elect servants who think, speak, and act in harmony and godly love for one another, as expressed in His prayer for unity. The high point of church unity, seen at its inception in Acts with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, overcame diverse backgrounds and personal differences, molding disparate individuals into a cohesive whole. This oneness, though short-lived due to human nature, remains God's desire and expectation for His people. Christ's work has broken down walls of separation, uniting all in Him as one new man, reconciled to each other and to God, with past differences rendered irrelevant. Yet, the church often fails to maintain this environment of peace, succumbing to human nature and ongoing conflicts. Individual responsibility is paramount in promoting unity within the church. Each must strive to live worthy of their calling, developing humble and loving attitudes, acting with gentleness, forbearing with others' weaknesses, and prioritizing others' needs above their own through selflessness, submission, and service. Every godly, selfless act fosters oneness, building understanding and encouraging others to follow suit, creating a ripple effect of unity. The ministry also plays a crucial role in promoting the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, guiding members toward maturity and equipping them to make decisions that align with Christ's teachings, ultimately knitting the body together for growth toward perfection. Practical steps to achieve unity include living by Christ's example, avoiding worldly behaviors, and embracing righteousness and holiness in all actions. Sins of the mouth, such as lying and corrupt communication, must be replaced with encouraging and helpful words. Diligence in work, kindness, and forgiveness toward others are essential, reflecting God's character. True unity in the body of Christ will only be realized when its individual members possess and actively use the mind of Christ, striving daily to embody His image and contribute

The church has undergone a severe division, a condition that has worsened over time. It is evident that the church is not in the same state it once was, and its current state is far from good. Years ago, warnings were issued about the church being in mortal danger, and now it is scattered and badly divided, with the division continuing to deepen. This fragmentation did not occur due to external persecution but from internal issues—matters of the heart, belief, doctrine, policies, and attitude. The church imploded before it exploded, weakened by years of poor spiritual nourishment, self-righteousness, and neglectful application. As a body, it lost its first love, fell asleep, and became self-concerned, drifting away from God. God is sovereign over His creation and His church, and nothing happens without His express will permitting it. He is the Creator, leading and shaping events, not merely reacting to them. It was God who blew the church apart, seeing from afar where it was drifting. Like with Job, He may have commissioned satan to act, but it was under His control, with limits set to ensure the test is not too great. The purpose of this trial is to drive the church back to seeing God, to awaken it from slumber, and to purify it through testing. God is right in the middle of these events, delivering and guiding, expecting a response of faith and strength from His people. When the foundations are destroyed, as they have been in the church, the whole structure is at risk. Faith is the foundation, the substance that supports the spiritual building. If faith is undermined or altered, as seen in changes to core beliefs, the entire structure is affected. The church's scattering is a result of such foundational damage, and the shepherd's first responsibility is to re-gather the sheep and address the root causes of their dispersal—whether it be internal weaknesses, broken boundaries, or corrupting influences within the flock. A change in direction and focus is necessary to heal and rebuild before the church can effectively fulfill its broader mission. God's warnings are never hollow; the deterioration of the church, despite past efforts, shows His displeasure and calls for a shift to prepare it to offer an acceptable sacrifice in the right attitude.

The Church of God, as the spiritual wife of Christ, does not naturally attract carnal people, lacking the outward appeal that draws attention. In contrast, the Outcome-Based religions or New Paradigm churches exhibit rapid membership growth, huge congregations, and significant media coverage, making them highly attractive to many. Their emphasis on unity, often termed as community, is prioritized over truth, leading to a deliberate casting aside of Christ's doctrines that might disrupt their desired outcome. This rejection of doctrine is not due to weakness but is a calculated move to preserve their brand of unity, revealing a failure to sanctify Christ as Lord in their hearts. These organizations elevate fellowship above truth, accepting individuals and their beliefs without reservation, regardless of the source of those beliefs. Their concept of tolerance means accepting others without requiring repentance or adherence to biblical standards, fostering a unity that does not demand a central core of truths as the Bible insists. This approach results in a modern form of polytheism under the guise of Christianity, promoting a deceptive confusion that undermines the true foundation of faith. The leadership of these Outcome-Based religions knows that true doctrine divides, and thus they avoid it to prevent alienation and maintain their community. By teaching tolerance as acceptance without correction, they create an environment where diverse beliefs coexist without challenge, further departing from sanctifying Christ as Lord. This deliberate choice to prioritize unity over doctrinal purity stands in stark contrast to the biblical call for unity through humble submission to God's standard.