The Bible Says...
                    First Century Christians
                       Practiced Interfaith
                    & Avoided Sectarianism

  First century Christians worshipped with Jews.
    Jesus customarily participated in Synagogue Services.
    (Luke 4:16-28)

    Jesus attended Hannukah festival at Jerusalem Temple.
    (John 10:22)

    Christians consider Jews as brothers.
    (Acts 2:29; 2:37; 3:17; 7:2; 22:1)

    Paul prayed in Jerusalem Temple.
    (Acts 22:17)

    Paul offers sacrifices and participates in purification rites at Jerusalem
    Temple.
    (Acts 21:26; 24:11; 24:17)

    James and elders in Jerusalem approve of Paul’s purification at Temple.
    (Acts 21:18, 24)

    First Century Christians remained part of synagogue community.

    Jews refused to worship with Christians, not vis-a-versa.
    (Acts 21:28)

    Jews kick Christians out of synagogues. Christians did not separate
    themselves, or create a division.
    (Acts 17:5; 22:4,5)

    Sectarian splits within Christ’s followers to be avoided.
    (Galatians 5:20; Titus 3:10)

    Christians not to divide into “true” and “false” groups. Wheat and weeds to
    grow together.
    (Matthew 13:28-30)

    Gold, silver, wood, and earthenware vessels all co-exist in same spiritual
    household.
    (2 Timothy 2:20)

         Christians not to judge the faith of others.
    (Matthew 7:1; Romans 14:4)

    Christians not to be masters over the faith of others.
    (2 Corinthians 1:24)

    Differences in belief and practice not listed as grounds for disfellowshipping.
    (1 Corinthians 5:9-13)

    Differences in belief and practice allowable in Christian congregations.
    (Romans 14:3, 5; Philipians 3:16)

    No one can rightly claim full light. All struggle to find God’s truth.
    “For now we all see through a mirror dimly.” (1 Corinthians 13:12)

    “If anyone thinks he had acquired knowledge of something, he does not yet
    know it just as he ought to know it. But if anyone loves God, this one is known
    by him. (1 Corinthians 8:2-3)

    Forgiveness essential.
    “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive
    you, whereas if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your
    Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

    God, not man or any earthly organization of men, will sort things out.
    “Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he
    stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand for Jehovah can make him
    stand.”(Romans 14:4)