Unity and Denominationalism What is Wrong With Denominationalism

Unity and Denominationalism What is Wrong With Denominationalism?

What is Denominationalism? • The word is NOT found in scripture! • NOR is the concept!

What is Denominationalism? • Denomination, “ 1. A large group of religions congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy. ” American Heritage Dictionary

What is Denominationalism? • Religious denomination, “ a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity. ” (Wikipedia)

What is Denominationalism? • Denominationalism, “ 1. The tendency to separate into religious denominations. 2. Advocacy of separation into religious denominations. ” American Heritage Dictionary

What is Denominationalism? • The general consensus is that each denomination is a part of the universal body of Christ.

What is Denominationalism? 10 Pennies 3 Dimes 2 Nickels 2 Quarters From: 65 th Street Church of Christ, Little Rock, AR, w 65 stchurchofchrist. org • • Catholic (606) Lutheran (1517) Presbyterian (1560) Baptist (1608) Methodist (1740) Mormon (1830) Pentecostal (1898)

What is Denominationalism? Earthly Headquarters Baptist (1608) Earthly Headquarters Methodist (1740) Earthly Headquarters Bound together by distinct beliefs Presbyterian (1560) Earthly Headquarters Pentecostal (1898) From: 65 th Street Church of Christ, Little Rock, AR, w 65 stchurchofchrist. org

What is Denominationalism? • Those who teach this might appeal to 1 Corinthians 12: 12 -27 or John Is this the pattern the 15: 18 Bible teaches about the (NOTE: A study of context deals church? clearly with individuals) • “We’re all going. NO! to heaven, but by different routes” “Attend the church of your choice”

Why is Denominationalism Wrong? • It is Unscriptural • NT churches were autonomous and independent. They. WHERE taught the thingis in same the Bible • Denominations appeal to earthly such organization found? bodies larger than the local is NOT there! church IT (bound together by HQ, creeds, councils, conventions, “satellite campuses”, etc. )

Why is Denominationalism Wrong? • It violates Biblical unity • John 17: 20 -21 “that they all may be one, As You, Father, are in Me, and I in You…” • 1 Corinthians 1: 10 -13 – no divisions 1 Cor. 3: 3 -4 • Ephesians 2: 14 -16 – He broke down the wall of separation

Why is Denominationalism Wrong? • It perverts the teaching of God’s word • God’s word is truth – John 17: 17, 8: 31 -32 We can understand it – Eph. 5: 17, 1 Cor. 14: 33 • 1 Peter 1: 22 -23 • Denominationalism implies that God’s word cannot be absolutely understood • Will we be judged by different standards? John 12: 48

Why is Denominationalism Wrong? • It elevates traditions of men over teachings of God • Tradition – 1 Cor. 2: 1 -5, Matt. 15: 8 -9 • The church of the Bible is NOT a denomination! Every denomination has its origin with some man and his teachings

Why is Denominationalism Wrong? • It voids the exactness of God’s word • Biblical authority – 1 Cor. 4: 6, 2 John 9 -11, cf. Rev. 22: 18 -19 • Many deal with generalities and ignore the specified details • Division is the result of NOT respecting God’s boundaries • Fellowshipping error – Eph. 5: 11, Gal. 1: 6 -9, 2 John 9 -11

Why is Denominationalism Wrong? • It hinders the cause of Christ • John 17: 21, “that the world may believe that You sent Me. ” • John 13: 34 -35, the world knows us by our love and unity • Religious division turns people away from the truth. It causes doubt, ridicule, etc. It minimizes the importance of Bible accuracy!

Why is Denominationalism Wrong? • It hinders true Christianity • With denominationalism, one is free to find a church on his terms instead of God’s terms. • Community churches have capitalized on this and claim to be “non-denominational”. In reality they are INTER-denominational. • 2 Timothy 2: 15, Matt. 28: 20

Let us strive to be the church of Christ’s choice!