(Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, p. 22) ONE BODY Ephesians 4:4 “It is most likely that in the Apostolic age when there was but ‘one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,’ and no differing denominations existed, the baptism of a convert by that very act constituted him a member of the church… Now it is different” (Standard Manual for Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, p. 22)

Is It Possible To Be Just A Christian?

Is it possible to be a Christian without being a member of any man made religious group? “Repent and be baptized for the remission of sins” Acts 2:38 3,000 believed, were baptized, added by the Lord to the church- Acts 2:47

Is it possible to be a Christian without being a member of any man made religious group? Disciples in Antioch called Christians – Acts 11:26 Just “Christians” Suffer as a Christian and proudly wear the name – 1 Peter 4:16

Is it possible to be a Christian without being a member of any man made religious group? In the First Century a generation of Christians served God, spread the gospel over the Roman Empire and pleased God without being a member of any denomination– Colossians 1:23

Is it possible to be a Christian without being a member of any man made religious group? Should I be more than a Christian? a Catholic-Christian? a Protestant - Christian? a Baptist or Methodist- Christian?

Follow Jesus & Obey His Teachings Matthew 7:21 “does the will of My Father in heaven” Many professed believers in last day who He never knew – Matthew 7:22,23 “Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in Your name… ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness!”

Early Church Faced People Who Said One Needed To Be A Christian & Something Else Acts 15:5 – A Christian must observe the Law of Moses Colossians 2:4 – “lest anyone deceive you with persuasive words” Colossians 2:8 – Philosophy, man-made traditions Colossians 2:18 - angel worship Colossians 2:20-23 - austerity

DENOMINATIONS: TOO SMALL TOO BIG “Church” used two different ways in the Bible: God’s people Everywhere on the planet – Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22,23 Local Congregation – 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 14:23

Doctrinal Unity Expected 1 Corinthians 1:10 “speak the same thing…perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgement.” Based on godly attitudes – Ephesians 4:1-3 Correct doctrine – Ephesians 4:4-6

Terms of agreement include: Church discipline – 1 Corinthians 5 Correct view of right & wrong – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 Marriage, divorce & remarriage – 1 Corinthians 7 Meat sacrificed to idols – 1 Corinthians 9,10 Lord’s Supper – 1 Corinthians 11:20-34 Purpose, proper use & duration of spiritual gifts- 1 Corinthians 12-14 Correct teaching of the resurrection- 1 Corinthians 15

Doctrinal Unity Is Commanded 2 John 9 “whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God” Acts 15:25 “It seemed good to us, having become of one mind”

Citing Human Failure Not The Same As Citing Scripture Gospel the Power of God unto Salvation – Romans 1:16 God has not failed – some do not love the truth – 2 Peter 3:16

THE PATH TO UNITY John 17:20,21 “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You” Revealed by the Holy Spirit through the Apostles – John 16:13

View Of Differing Groups Judaizing Teachers – Acts 15:1 Deny the Resurrection – 1 Corinthians 15:12 Resurrection Already Happened – 2 Timothy 2:17,18 Gnostics – 1 John 4:3 Nicolaitans – Revelation 2:15

Are Partial Churches Acceptable? “They teach some truth.” 2 Corinthians 12:20,21 “many who have sinned before and have not repented” Galatians 5:4 “you have fallen from grace” Revelation 2:4,14,20 “a few things against you”

The Path Is Always Open Simply a Christian, worship with a local congregation, follow God, and not be part of any denominational organization Seed that produced Christians and the church that Jesus established (Luke 8:11) still exists (1 Peter 1:23-25). Still baptized into Christ and Only wear the name CHRISTIAN