In late October 2024, my husband and I went to Manila, Philippines to attend a Christian conference. The conference consisted of two days of intense teaching about the oneness of the Body of Christ. Jesus said that he and the Father are one (John 10:30). And right before going to the cross, he prayed his followers would all be one in God as well (John 17:21).
The first day began with clarifying what the gospel is. Defining what is the faith that saves us and makes a person a member of the body of Christ. This happens by believing: 1.) Jesus Christ being the Son of God became man. 2.) Jesus was the sinless God-Man who died for the sins of the world. 3.) He resurrected on the third day and ascended to be the Lord of Lords. 4.) He has poured out his Spirit and He is indwelling all who believe and receive him, thus making them the children of God. Believing this is how one becomes a Christian and thus able to be one with one another.
As the presenter, Henry Hon, states in his book “One Truth”: “A person who is established in the truth will not be drawn into divisive arguments over so many contentious Christian doctrines and practices; rather, this person will seek for ways to bring others into truth and minister life through speaking truth.”
Another topic Mr. Hon spoke about was circumcision, which caused a huge divide in the early church. This divide was rectified in a decision by the apostles that gentiles should not be required to be circumcised and although Jews are free to continue the practice, it is not a requirement for salvation. Mr. Hon likened circumcision to anything we might add to faith in Jesus Christ alone. This is usually something that helped us in our journey of faith. We then try to convince other believers to join us in the doctrine or practice that helped us. For instance: doctrines of once saved always saved, or you can lose your salvation, or speaking in tongues, methods of baptism or anything that might take our focus off of Jesus Christ and cause division. (This reminded me of my experience with others who spoke in tongues many years ago. I remember questioning whether those with this gift were sincere. The Lord helped me to see I should not worry about these things. He can handle it all.)
The Philippine people were very warm and welcoming. But it was also evident on day one that there is a divide among them between what some call “Christians and Catholics”. At tables for smaller break out discussion groups an outspoken brother had major concerns about how he could be one with ‘idol-worshiping’ Catholics (as he called them). And also ‘sinners’ who claim to be Christians. One soft-spoken brother at the table countered that many evangelical Christians can be ‘idol-worshipers’ as well by being driven by materialism.
By day two it became obvious that there was a small group of catholic women present who happened to be seated in the center of the room. One woman from this little group acted as their spokesperson. She asked very pointed questions. The first was an objection to Mr. Hon calling believers saints. She said some denominations have a problem with that label being given to common believers who are still living. Mr. Hon gently recommended they go to the scriptures in the New Testament which address believers as saints. Sanctified believers are set apart for holy use by God, and so, called saints.
Another question posed by this spokesperson was the topic of communion. She said some denominations see the communion bread and wine as sacred and not to be taken in a common way. Mr. Hon explained that the celebration of the Lord’s Supper is symbolic of our daily communion with the Lord, moment by moment. But ultimately he encouraged them that if they aren’t comfortable partaking of the elements of communion in certain situations, to refrain from participating. The bottom line is this should not keep us from enjoying fellowship together and remembering the Lord together and acknowledging that we are all members together in the one body of Christ through our common faith.
In the afternoon of the second day it became very obvious that the Spirit of Christ was working through the message, as these catholic believers began to testify themselves, no longer depending on their spokesperson. They spoke from their heart how touched they were by the message of unity and oneness in the body of Christ. They were excited about the reality of the message and looked forward to walking in and sharing this wonderful truth.
This was a very profound experience for me to witness these believers receive and rejoice in this message of peace between divided believers. And also to realize that believers in the room who were somewhat hostile to catholic believers were also hearing their testimony. I couldn’t help but think and hope that their hearts were softened by the message as well. Especially after hearing their testimony.
I am full of hope after witnessing this powerful testimony and spending time with the Philippine brothers and sisters at this conference. I pray that God will continue to use us all to spread this message of peace and reconciliation throughout the body of Christ.