Some try to claim that we are just another denomination. Are we? Are we a denomination? Some try to claim that we are just another denomination. Are we?

Denominations There are several hundred denominations in the USA There are several thousand independent religious groups / ministries / congregations. Why should we resist the idea that we are also a denomination?

Denominations Denomination – (religious) – a group separated by distinct beliefs, rules, worship, organization or creed “A religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity.” (From Wikipedia) “Denominationalism, the division of one religion into separate groups, sects, schools of thought” (From Wikipedia)

Think Pizza – 500 slices General idea taught by many denominations There is ONE church – (universal) Each denomination is a section, segment of the larger whole Picture a pizza with 500 slices – each slice is a part of the same pizza Dictionary - “A name or designation, esp. one for a class of things; founded, sponsored, or controlled by a particular religious denominaiton or sect”

Questions to Consider Are churches of Christ a denomination? Should we seek to fellowship with denominations? Should we use “C” in the name – Church of Christ – or church of Christ? “C” - if naming a specific congregation “c” - if you mention the church (universal) “C” - if at the beginning of a sentence

John 15:5-6 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. Jesus = trunk and roots of the tree Denominations = the many branches

Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. Philippians 1:17

Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. Romans 16:17

Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it Urge people to obey the truth 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Galatians 1:8

Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it Urge people to obey the truth Do not support error 10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; 11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds. 2 John 1:10-11

Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it Urge people to obey the truth Do not support error Stop false teaching 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict. Titus 1:9

Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it Urge people to obey the truth Do not support error Stop false teaching 10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain. Titus 1:10-11

Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it Urge people to obey the truth Do not support error Stop false teaching Do not fellowship works of darkness And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. Ephesians 5:11

Jesus Built ONE Church Matthew 16:18 – I will build my church (singular) Ephesians 4:4 – There is one body Ephesians 1:22-23 – The church, which is His body 1 Corinthians 12:20 – Many member, yet but one body

Are we a denomination? We are not small part of a larger whole. We are not governed by separate rules. We are not one of the branches on the vine of Christ.