Denominationalism Different Names Organizational Structures Doctrines Plans of

Denominationalism Different: Names Organizational Structures Doctrines Plans of Salvation Methodist Worship Each group counted a slice of the whole pie! Catholic Pentecostal Accepted view by most people. Denominational View of God’s Church Episcopal Baptist No two pieces alike!

What Denominationalism Can Never Do • Find Bible Authority For Its Existence • Question all denominationalists should ask: Denominationalism The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men? (Matt. 21: 25). The Baptist Church—where was it from? From heaven or from men? Denominations have the responsibility to prove they have a right to exist (1 Thess. 5: 21).

What Denominationalism Can Never Do • Trace Its Existence Back to the 1 st Century – Christ promised to build his church (Matt. 16: 18). – Jesus bought that church with his blood (Acts 20: 28). – The church existed in the 1 st century with Christ as Head (Eph. 5: 23). • Contrast this with denominationalism: – Denominationalism never promised by Christ. – Christ did not purchase it with his blood. – Christ is not its head (1 Cor. 14: 33).

What Denominationalism Can Never Do • Prove It’s the Body of Christ – Claim to be individual members of the body of Christ like the Corinthians (1 Cor. 12: 20). • But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. – Claim “members” = “denominations” • Who or what are the “members” about which Paul wrote—denominations or disciples? – Could not be denominations—none existed! – Saved people are members of the body of Christ. • Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it (1 Cor. 12: 27). • Letter written to church of God at Corinth (1 Cor. 1: 2).

Bible Picture of Christ’s Body One Head Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body (Eph. 5: 23). Ch urc h Christ One Body …and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body… (Eph. 1: 22 -23).

Denominational Picture of Christ’s Body Many Bodies One Head Christ Denominational One Body – Two Heads Christ Pope Catholic

What Denominationalism Can Never Do • Rightfully claim to help people become saved • Denominations are active, influence many people, and raise large sums of money. • Jesus wants his people to be: – Active (Tit. 2: 14) – Influential (Matt. 5: 16) – Benevolent (2 Cor. 9: 6 -7) • This isn’t what saves people! • This isn’t evidence that people are saved!

Denominationalism Cannot Help People Become Saved • Truth sets men free from sin (Jn. 8: 32). • Commandments of men turn people from the truth & make worship vain (Tit. 1: 14; Mt. 15: 9). • Truth teaches: Believe in Jesus as God’s Son, Repent of sins, Confess faith in Christ, and be Baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16: 16; Lk. 13: 3; Rom. 10: 10; Acts 2: 38). • Denominations teach: Say Sinner’s Prayer and join the church of your choice. SCRIPTURE