We at the Rice Road Church of Christ earnestly desire unity with our brethren. This is easily said, but how should Christians appoach religious unity? One particular verse serves as a Divine benchmark:

"Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1 Cor 1:10

Does this sound like the modern non-biblical catch phrase "unity in diversity?" Consider that we are to be "perfectly joined together" in the "same mind" and the "same judgment." God wants Christians to think in doctrinal lockstep with each other, perfectly unified as one devout body of believers.

How can Christians achieve such a great task?

Unity can be obtained through adherence to the principle of speaking as the "oracles of God." (1 Peter 4:11) Or as has been succinctly stated--we should "speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent." Christians should keep the doctrine of Christ and the ordinances of the church as they were delivered to men through the inspired word of God with no changes, no alterations, and no adjustments. No church council, no church board of laymen, no creed should be interposed between the Christian and the scripture.

But what about 'liberty'? Liberty in Christ is liberty from sin and from the Mosiac law, not freedom to alter the institutions and ordinances of the Lord as we see fit. All servants of the Lord should carefully consider their dedication to the wonderful and precious church of Jesus Christ. Are your motivations pure in the sight of God? Or have you willfully adjusted God's plan to more adequately represent your own?

Please take time to study the materials presented on the studies page or contact one of the brethren if you have additional questions.