1. Denominations You Can Read About in the Bible Matthew 16:18; 1 Cor. 4:17; Eph. 4:5

2. “Sect” = “Denomination” There were sects of the Jewish religion: –Sadducees (Acts 5:17) –Pharisees (Acts 15:5; 26:5) –Christians were considered a sect of Judaism by the Jews (Acts 24:5,14) The term "sect" in scripture has a negative connotation. –The Greek word translated "sect" is hairesis –We get the English word “heresy” from this word –Translated either “heresies” or “sect” in KJV –“Sects" or "heresies" are works of the flesh. (Gal. 5:20)

3. “Sect” = “Denomination” Definitions: Vine’s Dictionary defines the Greek word as “an opinion, especially a self willed opinion, which is substituted for submission to the power of truth, and leads to division and the formation of sects..." Webster’s defines the word "sect" as, "A body, or number of persons, united in tenets, chiefly in philosophy or religion, but constituting a distinct party, by holding sentiments different from other men." Random House Dictionary says “a body of persons adhering to a particular religious faith; denomination.” -- Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010

4. Jewish Sects or Denominations Pharisees Sadducees Essenes Herodians

5. So-called Christian Denominations Lutheran Baptist Methodist Catholic Pentecostal Episcopalian Mormon

6. Denominational doctrines and practices mentioned and condemned in Scripture: Forbidding marriage. (1 Timothy 4:1-3) Forbidding certain foods. (1 Timothy 4:3) Leaders who act as God. (2 Thess. 2:4) Denying the virgin birth of Christ. (1 John 4:1-3, 15) The doctrine that the Christian cannot so sin as to be lost. (1 John 3:7-8) Fake miracles. (1 Corinthians 13:8; 2 Thessalonians 2:9-10; Mark 13:22).