Why do we reject denominations? We are NOT a denomination and reject the idea of becoming one.

Define: denomination A general name for a category A religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practices A segment, a division, a part of a larger whole A religious group governed by separate rules, teachings and practice

Defenses of denominations 1 – John 15 – Jesus is vine; denominations are separate branches "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.  2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. (John 15:1-2)

Defenses of denominations 1 – John 15 – Jesus is vine; denominations are separate branches – wrong application "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.  (John 15:5-6)

Defenses of denominations 1 – John 15 – Jesus is vine; denominations are separate branches – wrong application 2 – Just different paths to reach heaven Thomas said to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?"  6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.  (John 14:5-6)

Defenses of denominations 1 – John 15 – Jesus is vine; denominations are separate branches – wrong application 2 – Just different paths to reach heaven 3 – All denominations teach some truth D-Con = 98% good food; 2% poison

Defenses of denominations 1 – John 15 – Jesus is vine; denominations are separate branches – wrong application 2 – Just different paths to reach heaven 3 – All denominations teach some truth 4 – One church is as good an another Many say it – NOBODY BELIEVES IT!

Why do we reject denominations? 1 – Condemned in the New Testament "I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;  21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me.  (John 17:20-21)

Why do we reject denominations? 1 – Condemned in the New Testament Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1Corinthians 1:10)

Why do we reject denominations? 1 – Condemned in the New Testament 2 – Condemned by their fruit Therefore by their fruits you will know them. (Matthew 7:20) Confusion - For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1Corinthians 14:33)

Why do we reject denominations? 1 – Condemned in the New Testament 2 – Condemned by their fruit 3 – Condemned by those who are a part of it Here are some statements made by those who are part of some denomination.

Martin luther – Lutheran church I pray you to leave my name alone, and call not yourselves “Lutherans,” but Christians. Who is Luther? My doctrine is not mine. I have not been crucified for anyone. Cease, my dear friends, to cling to these party names and distinctions; away with them all; let us call ourselves only Christians.

Charles spurgeon – Baptist church I look forward with pleasure to the day when there will not be a Baptist living. I hope they will soon be gone. I hope the “Baptist” name will soon perish, but let Christ’s name last forever.

Charles Wesley – Methodist church Would to God that all party names and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world were forgot; that we might all agree to sit down together as humble, loving disciples at the feet of the common Master, the hear His word, to imbibe His spirit, and to transcribe his life into our own.

Albert barnes - presbyterian The existence of sects, and denominations, and contentions may be traced to the following causes: (1) The love of power. (2) Showing more respect to religious teachers than to Christ. (3) The multiplication of tests, and the enlargement of creeds and confessions of faith. (4) The passions of men – their pride, and ambition, and bigotry, and unenlightened zeal.

Why do we reject denominations? 1. They are not taught or supported in the New Testament. 2. The New Testament condemns division. 3. The fruits of denominations – division and confusion are wrong. 4. Even prominent men in denominations condemn denominations.