The Venn Diagram

Addemf, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Like a Venn diagram, it is quite possible for different individuals or groups to agree on some points, but not all points.  It is what allows people of certain opposing views to work together, at least at those points where they are in agreement.

4.21.24

It is important to recognize where we are fighting similar battles and join together where possible rather than attempt to separate on doctrinal and other points.

Romans 12:18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

The Pharisees were particularly focused on the minutiae.  They complained when Jesus healed on the sabbath rather than being glad that someone got healed (Luke 13:11-17).   They focused on the details of the law and traditions they had built up and missed the fact that their Messiah, that they had waited for, longed for, and their own prophets had said was coming, was standing in front of them.  Jesus basically told them that, but he spoke in parables.

Matthew 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.

3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?

4  A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.

For those who are unfamiliar the story of Jonas (Jonah), it was a type and shadow of the three days during which Jesus finished up what was necessary to be accomplished in the legal steps of redemption, taking the keys of death and hell (Revelation 1:18), taking his blood shed as an atonement for sin to the mercy seat in heaven (Hebrews 9), and resurrecting on the third day (Matthew 28:5-7).  Jesus basically told them why he was there and they missed the point and actually were part of scenario bringing about his crucifixion.

Recognizing that there are eschatalogical differences and belief systems, can we simplify things down to “thy kingdom come, thy will be done”?   As the angels said, God’s kingdom is “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Luke 2:14)  There are some things we know are not part of kingdom activity such as abuse of children, transgenderism, pedophilia, blackmail, bribery, corruption, covenantbreaking and more.  Can we oppose that which we understand and  know and seek to bring in a cleaner world?

James 2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.