What is Wrong with Denominationalism? Unity (3) What is Wrong with Denominationalism? http://churchofchristarticles.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/denomination-direction.jpg The New Testament Church 2017-18

Denomination 1. A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name, usually organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy 2. One of a series of kinds, values, or sizes (e.g. currency) 3. A name or designation, especially a class or group American Heritage Dictionary Online, (Denomination, 2/2/2018)

Denominationalism The tendency to separate into denominations In this lesson, a group of congregations joined together under some governing body. Typically, they acknowledge that this body is only PART of the whole body of Christ. Usually it is advocated that may denominations make up the body of Christ. American Heritage Dictionary Online, (Denomination, 2/2/2018)

Why Denominationalism is Wrong It is unbiblical – not found in the Bible It is NOT the pattern of the NT church we read about. Denominationalism confuses God’s pattern and redefines what the church is. It strikes at the very core of autonomy and independence It makes what we do and who we are arbitrary

Why Denominationalism is Wrong It is unbiblical – not found in the Bible It is NOT the Biblical pattern of unity in the New Testament John 17:20-21 1 Corinthians 1:10 Philippians 2:1-2 1 Corinthians 4:6, 17, etc.

Why Denominationalism is Wrong It is unbiblical – not found in the Bible It is NOT the Biblical pattern of TRUTH in the New Testament John 17:17 John 14:6 Matthew 7:21-23 – not enough to say you believe in Him

Why Denominationalism is Wrong Denominations are the products of men God has never been pleased with men’s religions Exodus 32:1-10 – Israel’s golden calf 1 Kings 12:26-33 – Jeroboam’s substitute religion for Israel Galatians 1:6-9 – another gospel 2 John 9-11 – one not bringing the doctrine of Christ

Why Denominationalism is Wrong Denominations are the products of men Warnings about false teachers and false teaching 2 Peter 2:1-3 – false teachers who will bring in destructive heresies Acts 20:28-31– wolves would enter in, not sparing the flock Typically, denominations trace their origin back to mean teaching specific doctrines or systems of belief.

Why Denominationalism is Wrong It is Divisive by its very definition 1 Corinthians 1:10-13 – let there be no divisions among you. Note how some sided with men Ephesians 2:14-16 – Christ died to break down the wall of separation (between Jews and Gentiles). He introduced a unifying message Denominations either build walls or ignore their divisions.

Why Denominationalism is Wrong Implies we cannot understand God’s pattern Ephesians 3:3-4 – Paul wrote so that we may understand Ephesians 5:17 – we CAN understand what the will of the Lord is It promotes ignorance – Acts 17:30-31. Many will not challenge their beliefs

Why Denominationalism is Wrong Implies we cannot understand God’s pattern It can lead to confusion 1 Corinthians 14:33 God is not the author of confusion. Many are frustrated asking, “How do I know which church is right?” Others use it to reject following God all together! Recall John 13:34-35, John 17:21 – the world can judge us by our unity & love

Why Denominationalism is Wrong It makes the church about what I want instead of what God wants It is man centered. “Join the church of your choice” Often emotion driven (what I feel) rather than if it is right Proverbs 14:12, Isaiah 55:8-9 Romans 10:1-3 Paul’s Jewish brethren

Why Denominationalism is Wrong It makes the church about what I want instead of what God wants Look at where we are today, because of ecumenicalism! More progressive, dismissive of the Biblical pattern and morality, etc.

There is NOTHING in the New Testament similar to the denominational concept of faith They lead further away from proper respect for God and His word Some even advocate or defend persecuting those who take a stand contrary to their progressive views

Are we striving for the unity God wants us to have?