Reasons Why… #2 1 Corinthians 1:13

1 Corinthians 1:13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?

Reasons Why…

Which One Would You Join? 1. Methodist denominations include: The Methodist Episcopal Church, The Methodist Episcopal Church South & The Methodist Protestant. a. The “Handbook of Denominations” states “There are 22 separate Methodist bodies in the United States.

I cannot join the Methodist church because of it’s foundation being a man. John Wesley founded the Methodist church. The term “Methodist” comes from John Wesley who was in pursuit of a more “spiritual” method of worship. Sadly, there is nothing more “spiritual” about these methods.

I cannot join the Methodist church because of it’s foundation being a man. Following the death of John Wesley groups met in “societies” while following the “General Rules” drawn up by Wesley. They later became the “Methodist Episcopal Church”.

I cannot join because of the doctrines of men in the Methodist church 1. It’s doctrine includes writings called “The Apostles’ Creed” (inherited by the Episcopal Church from the Catholic Church) was also brought into the Methodist form of worship. a. Today Methodist follow what is called “The Methodist discipline”.

I cannot join because of the doctrines of men in the Methodist church 2. Some of it’s membership is known not to accept the virgin birth of Christ and are still counted as Methodist.

I cannot join because of the teaching on salvation. Following the teachings of the Methodist causes confusion about what is required for salvation. Article 9 of “The Articles of Religion” in “The Methodist Discipline” states “Wherefore, that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doctrine and very full of comfort” (pg.29).

I cannot join because of the teaching on salvation. Following the teachings of the Methodist causes confusion about what is required for salvation. However, salvation by “faith only” is not what the scriptures teach

I cannot join because of the teaching on salvation. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Consider the Ethiopian Eunuch of Acts 8:26-39

I cannot join because of the teaching on salvation. ii. The Methodist faith also practices infant baptism (as we discussed in a previous lesson). iii. The Methodist church administers baptism in three ways: immersion, sprinkling or pouring.

I cannot join because of the teaching on salvation. 1. “The Discipline” says “Let every adult person and the parents of every child be baptized, have the choice of sprinkling, pouring, or immersion” (Pg. 545) 2. However as discussed previously we know that baptism is a burial (Col 2:12, Rom 6:1-6).

I cannot join because of the corrupt worship in the Methodist church Worship in the Methodist church includes a choir & mechanical instruments. i. One requirement of a member of the Methodist choir is that they were robes. ii. Such practices are not supported in scripture

I cannot join because of the corrupt worship in the Methodist church Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16

I cannot join because of the corrupt worship in the Methodist church iii. The use of women “preachers” is in complete opposition to the word of God. 11 Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence. 1 Tim 2:11-12

Lessons for us Today

The Methodist denomination cannot be pleasing to God because of it’s many errors. 1. A group of people who claim to be Christians must worship, praise, believe & teach the New Testament law, the law of Christ. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 2 John 1:9

The Methodist denomination cannot be pleasing to God because of it’s many errors. If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions,

The Methodist denomination cannot be pleasing to God because of it’s many errors. 5 useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. 1 Tim 6:3-5

The Methodist denomination cannot be pleasing to God because of it’s many errors. B. Those who are a part of this denomination cannot be pleasing to God. 1. They give support of false teaching & damnable doctrines.

Conclusion A. We must use wisdom when deciding where to attend. B. We must examine the scriptures. C. Failure to do so puts one at risk of not being pleasing to God.