Faith Facts

• Romans 16:16 calls believers to greet one another with a holy kiss while identifying congregations as churches of Christ.
• Acts 15:39 records the sharp disagreement between Paul and Barnabas that led them to part company over John Mark.
• 2 Timothy 4:11 shows that John Mark later earned Paul’s trust and respect by the end of his life.

Churches of Christ carry many labels today. Conservative mainstream. Moderate mainstream. Non-institutional. Progressive. Instrumental. One cup. Little c. Big C. Doctrinally sound. Yet believers across these groups share one common sentiment.

They do not like labels. Most prefer simply to be called the church or the Lord’s church.

Congregations remain autonomous. They take their name from the second part of Romans 16:16, which states, “All the churches of Christ send greetings.”

Common beliefs exist. Differences remain over women’s roles, the number of communion cups, and hand clapping in worship. These divisions echo patterns seen throughout church history.

Social media now makes it easier for believers to stay inside smaller circles of like-minded Christians. Algorithms filter out opposing voices. This trend mirrors divisions in the wider culture.

Fellow believers can disagree. Scripture records the heated discussion between Paul and Barnabas about whether to take John Mark on their second missionary journey. “They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company” (Acts 15:39).

John Mark had left early during the first journey. He was young. Barnabas believed in second chances. Paul later reconciled with Mark, as shown in 2 Timothy 4:11.

Both teams advanced the gospel. Paul and Silas demonstrated the Lord powerfully in Acts 16-18. Barnabas and John Mark did likewise.

“Can we disagree on such matters and find a way to move forward together? Or should we be content to labor separate and apart from each other?”

A disagreement over travel companions differs from disagreements over instruments in worship. Yet the principle remains the same.

Reporting for the “Who Are We?” series reveals a shared desire to proclaim the Kingdom. Brothers and sisters across the right, left, and center of the fellowship express the same hope.

“I wish we could get past all this and concentrate on seeking and saving the lost.”

Perhaps this shared mission offers a starting point for unity. The holy kiss may take more time.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Over 130,000 citizens have signed a petition calling on the United States to protect the biblical definition of gender as male and female in international law.
• The petition warns that a proposed United Nations convention could criminalize traditional pro-life and pro-family positions held by millions of American Christians.
• Supporters say the effort is rooted in the scriptural truth that God created humankind as male and female, a foundation of both faith and constitutional liberty.

A growing coalition of American believers is urging U.S. diplomats to stand firm against efforts to embed gender ideology into binding international agreements. The petition, which has now surpassed 130,000 signatures, calls on American negotiators to ensure that any clarification of the term “gender” in international law continues to reflect the biological reality of two sexes.

Organizers argue that removing this biological definition from treaties would open the door to punishing citizens who uphold the sanctity of life and the traditional family. They warn that such changes could criminalize speech, public policy, and even personal beliefs long protected by the First Amendment.

“The United Nations convention will be used to criminalize legitimate pro-life and pro-family beliefs, speech, or public policy.”

Christian leaders across the country are framing the petition drive as a defense of both religious liberty and national sovereignty. They point to Scripture’s clear teaching that God created male and female as the foundation for marriage, family, and human dignity.

The effort comes at a time when many conservative Americans see international bodies attempting to override domestic values on life, marriage, and parental rights. Petition supporters say the United States must reject any agreement that elevates ideological language above biological truth.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Faith Facts

• Hundreds of individuals are publicly professing their faith through mass baptisms at beaches and lakes across the United Kingdom.
• Christian leaders are emphasizing that unity among churches is essential for visible spiritual renewal.
• These baptisms are being viewed as a direct answer to prayer and a demonstration of traditional Christian witness.

Baptisms are making headlines again in Britain as hundreds of believers are being immersed in the waters of beaches and lakes. The sight of large groups openly declaring their faith has drawn both public attention and widespread media coverage.

Sam Hailes points out that the true story lies not merely in a quiet revival, but in the deliberate decision of churches to set aside differences and work together for the sake of the Gospel.

“The real story isn’t quiet revival – it’s the power of churches choosing to work together.”

Local congregations across the UK have been coming together to plan and carry out these baptisms, sharing resources and testimony. Pastors and lay leaders alike report a renewed sense of purpose when they focus on the common mission of reaching souls rather than competing for attendance.

Parents are bringing children, friends are inviting friends, and entire families are stepping into the water together. These public acts of obedience serve as a bold witness in a culture that often marginalizes Christian conviction.

Christian observers note that such unity reflects the biblical call to be one body in Christ. When churches cooperate, the message of salvation is presented with greater clarity and strength.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.