Denominationalism A broad history of denominationalism, compared to the Lord’s church.

What is a denomination? Denomination: “the act of naming or designating a person or thing” (dictionary.com) Denomination: “A large group of religious congregations united under a common faith and name and organized under a single administrative and legal hierarchy” (American Heritage Dictionary) Nondenominational: “Not restricted to or associated with a religious denomination” (American Heritage Dictionary)

Why are some considered cults? Cult: “A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist or false, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader” (American Heritage Dictionary) Examples Seventh-day Adventist Jehovah’s Witness Christian Scientists Mormon FLDS Church Inter. Church of Christ

Broad History: Denominationalism Pentecost: church began, not denom. Middle 1 st century: Corinth, denom. Paul foretold apostasy: Ephesus Catholic: Roman / Orthodox Reformation: reform Catholicism Adventist Movement: end of world Pentecostal Movement: miracles Restoration: denominations back to 1 st century church Community Church Movement: ecumenical, “Postmodern Christianity”

Three Components of a Denomination Name: wear man-made names founder: Lutheran, Wesleyan doctrine: Baptist, Methodist Organization: multiple congregation united under single administrative head Doctrine: man-made religious documents creeds, articles of faith confession of faith catechism

Lord’s Church Not a Denomination Name: wear authorized name, Scripture 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:3-4 denominationalism forbidden

Lord’s Church Not a Denomination Name: wear authorized name, Scripture 1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:3-4 denominationalism forbidden Some Names Identifying The Church My (Christ’s) church (Matt. 16:18) church of the Lord, God (Acts 20:28; 1 Cor. 1:2) church of Christ (Rom. 16:16) the body, the church (Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:22-23) household (house) of God (Eph. 2:19; 1 Tim. 3:15) church of the firstborn (Heb. 12:23) God’s field, God’s building (1 Cor. 3:9) the flock (1 Pet. 5:3; Acts 20:28)

Lord’s Church Not a Denomination Name: wear authorized name, Scripture Organization: autonomous Eph. 1:22-23 Jesus, head 1 Pet. 5:1, 4 elders, Jesus Chief Shepherd

Lord’s Church Not a Denomination Name: wear authorized name, Scripture Organization: autonomous Doctrine: obey Jesus 2 Jn. 1:9 abide teaching Christ 1 Tim. 6:3-4 not advocate different doctrine

Denominationalism A broad history of denominationalism, compared to the Lord’s church.