Rev. Steve Hofmeister

Did you realize there are over 30,000 plus Christian denominations in the world? And that is a conservative number. These denominations have many differences and different perspectives on biblical doctrine, but there is one thing they all undeniably share, that’s Jesus Christ.

If you have ever heard me speak about my ministry here in my home State of Maryland in the United States, or have visited our website you might know that we are very big on the Kingdom mindset. But what makes a kingdom? A kingdom is one governed monarchy made up of smaller villages that share an allegiance to the same King. Throughout the Old and New Testaments there are all sorts of scriptures referencing God’s kingdom, but the best teacher other than Jesus himself of course when it came to the kingdom mindset and the need for Christians to operate as one united kingdom was the Apostle Paul. Paul mentions the unity of the church several times in the many letters he authored to the churches He and his cohorts help plant. Let me read a few here,

I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.

For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. They will reject the truth and chase after myths.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.

2 Timothy 4:1-5 (NLT)

I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.

1 Corinthians 1:10 (NLT)

He makes the whole body (The Church) fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love.

Ephesians 4:16 (NLT)

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church.

Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

Don’t give offense to Jews or Gentiles or the church of God. I, too, try to please everyone in everything I do. I don’t just do what is best for me; I do what is best for others so that many may be saved.

And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:32 – 11:1 (NLT)

Satan loves division. He will do everything He can to confuse, disorient, and bring heated disagreement between believers.

But even though as separate villages in Christ’s kingdom we need to acknowledge our differences. We don’t always have to agree on everything, but as long as we can agree that Jesus Christ is our Lord, and that He is coming back to rule his Kingdom, and we can take up defense of our united front against evil and function as one despite our denominational differences, Satan’s influence takes a heavy blow. In these end times, If we can stay strong and unite as one church body, one functional kingdom of villages then Satan’s influence of division will be powerless to detract us from spreading the glory of God. We can not be taken away from God! Satan will make us think we have been separated or are unworthy, but the fact remains we are all God’s children, even when we might fall short. Jesus Said,

for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand. The Father and I are one.”

John 10:29-30 (NLT)

Paul wrote in his letter to the Romans

No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39 (NLT)

Satan can only make us think by deceiving us, and feeding us lies that we are his and unworthy of God. The same goes for Christ’s Church. Only Satan can bring the deception that we are different and unable to work as one because of our denominational differences.

I like this new anchor platform we are using for our podcast because it allows me to integrate music, the downside is you have to be a subscriber to Spotify to hear the entire song. If you enjoy this podcast, I encourage you to consider subscribing because as we get settled into this new platform we will be incorporating music more and more. So let’s take a moment now to listen to a song that fits this narrative,

(SONG) Avalon/Russ Taff – We Will Stand

I believe that as long as you believe that Jesus Christ was born into this world as the Son of God by immaculate conception, taught and performed his miracles as a sinless man, and died on the cross sacrificing himself for our sins only to rise from the grave into his spiritual body, and will return to rule his kingdom then you are my brothers and sisters. I don’t care what your denominational brand may be, nor do I care to argue about our petty doctrinal differences. You are my Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Part of the same kingdom I belong to. Just today as before I prepared to record this episode I went to watch my dear brother in Christ Rick preach at a pentecostal church. If you have never been to a pentecostal church they are a very vocal and animated group of people during worship and encourage speaking in tongues. Even though this practice is foreign to my early baptist upbringing I had no problem with it because I felt the spirit in this church, and my friend delivered an awesome spirit-filled message on prophecy and the Holy Spirit.

So, in the closing of today’s episode, I encourage you to connect with your Christian Brothers and Sisters regardless of denomination differences and discuss what you can do together to glorify Jesus Christ and share him in your communities.

I’m Pastor Steve Hofmeister, and I thank you for joining me today for this episode. Please join me next time and please don’t forget to subscribe. God Bless.

“Pastor Steve”

Pastor Steve serves as the Senior Pastor & President of Diakonos Independent Ministries of Maryland in Abingdon, Maryland.

Pastor Steve is also the host of the Quick Points with Pastor Steve Podcast on Spotify, and writes articles regularly on multiple websites. He is involved in many community oriented projects ranging from public school reform issues to general community support and outreach.