Striving For Biblical Unity Church of Christ

 A denominational view of the church sees no problem with doctrinal disunity and contradiction between various denominations – provided each denomination holds a belief in Jesus Christ as the Son of God.  Denominations champion a view that we are all going to heaven, just on different paths.

 Some claim to be non- denominational, but are really multi-denominational.  A true non-denominational view holds that the body of Christ cannot be and should not be denominated.

 Ecumenical Evangelicalism  Ecumenical = universal  Evangelicalism = based upon the gospel  A false unity based only on belief in Jesus but not on unity in doctrine or practice.

 Philippians 2:2 -- …make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

 “I do not ask on behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me.

 “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.

 “Now I urge you, brethren, keep your eye on those who cause dissensions and hindrances contrary to the teaching which you learned, and turn away from them.”

 Matthew 16:18 – “I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.”  It is Christ’s church.

 Acts 20:28 -- Be on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.

 Acts 2:47 – “…praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.”  Added by the Lord

 “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  Through Baptism

 “For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you where were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”  Clothed with Christ

 Acts 11:22 – “The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch.”  The church had EARS. It is people, not a building.

 EK = Out of  KLESIS – to call  The church is those called out of the world to be Holy to God.

 “…but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

 “To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours….”  It is the congregation of the cleansed

 “…knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.”

 Nobody else – regardless of sincerity, claim or confidence!