1. An study of church history –
Why
So Many
Different
Kinds of
Churches
Today?
An study of church history –
A WORK OF RESTORATION To restore means to put something back into its original condition. Thus we restore antique cars and furniture. Works of art are restored to their original beauty. Things only need restoration if they have been changed, become worn, tarnished or damaged. When Christ established his church on this earth it was the perfection of glory. You can read about it in the Book of Acts and the epistles of the New Testament. Those who should have been friends and protectors of the church, soon set about to change the church to meet their own ideas of religion. So numerous have been the changes that there is very little resemblance between most modern churches and the church revealed in Scripture. Near the beginning of the 19th century a movement arose in America to go back to the Bible and restore Christianity as it was in the beginning. The movement was spontaneous and arose among several denominational bodies at the same general time. Abner Jones and Elias Smith sought to restore the church among the Baptists of New England. James O'Kelly led a similar movement among the Methodists of Virginia and the Carolinas. Barton Stone began restoration effort among the Presbyterians of Kentucky and Tennessee. Thomas and Alexander Campbell led a similar effort among the Presbyterians and Baptists of Pennsylvania and Virginia. None of these men sought to establish a new church. They were seeking for the old church of the Bible. They called on their neighbors to "Go back to the Bible and be Christians only." Their goal was to rid the church of the accumulation of man-made teachings and practices that had attached to it over the centuries and to revive and restore those things that had been lost by neglect or willful exclusion. The concept was accepted by a great multitude and the movement to restore New Testament Christianity spread like wildfire across the young nation. Having a common goal, members of these various movements gradually coalesced. Because Satan never quits trying to corrupt the Lord's church, the work of restoration is never completed. Churches of Christ are heirs of those early pioneers and we continue the work of restoration. Our watch word is expressed by Jeremiah the prophet, "Stand ye in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way; and walk therein..." (Jeremiah 6:16).
The establishment of the church . . .
The apostasy . . .
Attempt at reformation . . .
Our effort to restore . . .

2. Jesus – Scriptural concepts . . . The church universal -
the head –
Ep 1:22
The church universal -
The Body of Christ: Eph 1:22,23
All Those IN Christ – Ep. 1:10, 2:16; 1 Cor. 12:12,13
Saved Individuals – Acts 2:47; Rom. 12:5; Ep. 3:6; 5:23

3. Jesus – Scriptural concepts . . . The church local -
the head –
Ep 1:22
The church local -
Christians in the same area joining together to do the Lord’s work - Ep. 1:1; Phili 1:1; 1 Cor 1:2
Submitting to the head in organization, work & worship - Eph. 4:11; 1 Thes 1:8; 2:13,14; Col 3:16,17; John 4:24

4. Unscriptural concepts . . .
Denominational Concept of The Body of Christ
SO . . .
Catholic (606)
Lutheran (1517)
Presbyterian (1560)
Baptist (1608)
Methodist (1740)
Mormon (1830)
Pentecostal (1898)
10 Pennies
3 Dimes
2 Nickels
2 Quarters
Denominational Organization
A. Headquarters
Catholicism - Vatican; Mormonism - Salt Lake City or St. Louis;
B. Composition
a league of local churches banded together by one general oversight and treasury
C. Leadership
Pope; One man pastorates; Boards of Directors; General Conventions
D. Names
1. Some names are taken from Biblical ideas or persons, and many are from well known men
Baptist (from John the Baptizer)
Presbyterian (from the biblical 'presbuteros' signifying the leadership style of the denomination)
Lutheran (Martin Luther)
Methodist (from a set of general rules or methods of ideal conduct drawn up by John Wesley)
Catholic (the word itself means 'universal', hence they conceive to be the universal church)
2. Individuals in these churches are called (obviously so):
Baptists
Presbyterians
Lutherans
Methodists
Catholics
The church of Christ

5. Unscriptural Unscriptural concepts . . .
Denominational Concept of The Body of Christ
Unscriptural
Catholic (606)
Lutheran (1517)
Presbyterian (1560)
Baptist (1608)
Methodist (1740)
Mormon (1830)
Pentecostal (1898)
Smaller
than the
universal
church, but
larger than
the local
church
The church of Christ

6. Denominationalism necessitates different seeds!
Why so many different churches today?
“The seed is the Word of God” (Luke 8:11)
The Bible Alone
Christian
Bible + Methodist Discipline
Methodist
Bible + Baptist Manual
Baptist
Bible + Book of Mormon
Mormon
Denominationalism necessitates different seeds!
Answer:
Men have interfere with the seed!!

7. Death, Burial & Resurrection – 29-30 AD
In The Beginning . . .
Jesus Promised To Build His Church
Birth of Christ 3-4 BC
Earthly Ministry –26-27 AD
Death, Burial & Resurrection – AD
(3 Years)
18“And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 19“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” (Matthew 16:18)

8. Death, Burial & Resurrection – 29-30 AD Ascension of Christ –Acts 1
In The Beginning . . .
The Establishment of The Church
Death, Burial & Resurrection – AD
Ascension of Christ –Acts 1
Day of Pentecost Acts 2
(40 Days)
(10 Days)
First gospel sermon – Acts 2:14-39
Saved added to the church – Acts 2:41,47
They continued steadfastly Acts 2:42

9. The Growth of The Church
In The Beginning . . .
The Growth of The Church
The day of Pentecost
Acts 2
Ethiopian Nobleman
Acts 8:26-39
Cornelius & his household
Acts 10,11
Etc.
Acts 17 – Thessalonica, Berea
Acts 18 – Corinth
Acts 19 - Ephesus
1 Corinthians 4:17
From a small beginning, (Mat 13:31,32) the church quickly grew into a large multitude
3,000 – first day (Acts 2:41) – then 5,000 (Acts 4:4) – then “a multitude” – (Acts 5:14) – that number then multiplied – (Act 6:1)
Within 30 years – the gospel had been preached to every creature – (Col 1:23)
The
Samaritans
Acts 8:4-13
Saul of
Tarsus
Acts 9:1-18; 22:16
Philippians Lydia & Jailor
Acts 16

10. The church to be subject to Christ –
In The Beginning . . .
The Discipline of The Church
Jesus commissioned & equipped the apostles: Mat 28:18,19; John 16:13;
The apostles then revealed all truth –Acts 20:27; Eph 3:3-5
The church was, (and is) to be governed by the Word of God – Luke 8:11; Eph 4:11-16; Jude 1:3; 2 Tim 3:16,17; Col 3:17
The church to be subject to Christ –
Eph 1:22,23
The church to be subject to Christ – Mat 28:18,19; Eph 1:22,23

11. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The Falling Away
No congregation can long be stronger than its pulpit.  As the old proverb has it, "it is like preacher like people." Somehow, somewhere, there has been a serious failure in the indoctrinating and training of a generation of ministers. They make speeches but do not preach the soul-saving, church-building gospel (Mk. 16:15).  They stay busy, but not in doing the work of an evangelist (II Tim. 4:5).  If we do not come to grips with this problem, dark and difficult days lay ahead for the kingdom of God. May God raise up a band of faithful men to stand in the gap while we rebuild the crumbling walls of Zion (Ezek. 22:30).  May we learn the lessons of our history so we will not repeat those awful  mistakes of the past.
Adam & Eve – Gen 3
From Adam to Noah – Gen 6:7,12
Those delivered from Egypt – Num 14:1-4, Heb 3:16-19
The nation of Israel –
Divided – 928 BC.
Northern 10 tribes fall –722 BC.
Judah falls – 589 BC.
The restoration – 535– 439 BC.
Biblical History:

12. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The Falling Away
Jesus warned of false teachers – Mat 7:15; 24:5,11,13,23-26
Paul warned that an apostasy was going to take place – Acts 20:28-32; 1 Tim 4:1-5; 2 Tim 4:1-4; 2 Thes 2:1-12
Peter mentioned the reality of false teachers – 2 Peter 2:1-3
As did John – 1 John 2:18; 4:1
Biblical History:
The warnings:

13. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The Falling Away
The presence of false teaching – Acts 15; Gal 5:1-4; Col 2
Division was condemned in the church at Corinth – 1 Cor 1:10-17;
There were those who possessed the “spirit of preeminence” - 3 John 9,10
Five of the seven churches of Asia had begun to travel the road of apostasy. – Rev 2,3
Biblical History:
The warnings:
The signs:

14. A gradual departure from God’s Word Post Biblical History:
Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The Falling Away
I. Introduction
With this lesson the student of church history embarks upon a study of that long, dark process of apostasy which eventually culminated in the Roman Catholic Church. This apostasy unfolded very gradually.
II. The Rise of the Monarchical Episcopate
The first step which apostasy took in the church was in the corruption of its organization.
Presiding Elders
Elder – Bishop distinction
Metropolitan Bishops –
Diocesan Bishop -
Arch Bishops – (Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, & Rome)
The Pope – (606 AD.)
A gradual departure from God’s Word
Biblical History:
The warnings:
The signs:
Post Biblical History:

15. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
A gradual departure from God’s Word
The Falling Away
I. Introduction
With this lesson the student of church history embarks upon a study of that long, dark process of apostasy which eventually culminated in the Roman Catholic Church. This apostasy unfolded very gradually.
II. The Rise of the Monarchical Episcopate
The first step which apostasy took in the church was in the corruption of its organization.
Presiding Elders – one elder had preeminence over the others -
Elder – Bishop distinction – The word bishop came to have reference to a different office – having greater authority -
Metropolitan Bishops – Bishop’s in larger cities oversaw rose to more preeminent status than did those in smaller locations
Diocesan Bishop – Churches within a particular region was grouped together in what came to be known as a diocese – One of the metropolitan bishops were chosen to oversee that diocese (all churches in that region)
Arch Bishops – (Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, & Rome) – eventually – the Christian world was made up of five regions – the five men who oversaw these regions were known as Arch Bishops -
The Pope – (606 AD.) Boniface the 3rd – was the first recognized universal bishop – or pope.
John
Step #5
Arch Bishops –
Step #6
POPE –
Boniface III
606 AD
Step #4
Diocesan Bishop -
Step #3
Metropolitan Bishops –
Step #2
Elder – Bishop distinction
Step #1
Presiding elder
Elders
Elders
Elders
Elders
Elders
Elders
Elders
Elders
Original

16. Post Biblical History:
Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
The Falling Away
Council of Nicea (325 A.D.)
Latin Mass (394 A.D.)
Purgatory (593 A.D.)
Transubstantiation (1000 A.D.)
Celibacy of Priest (1015 A.D.)
Indulgences – (1192 A.D.)
Auricular Confession (1215 A.D.)
Sprinkling (1311 A.D.)
Biblical History:
The warnings:
The signs:
Post Biblical History:

17. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Attempt At Reformation
October 31, 1517 nailed his 95 theses to the door of the “All Saints Church” in Whittenberg
His goal was to “Change” the traditions of the Catholic church.
“Whatever is not against scripture is for scripture, and scripture for it”
[Handbook of Denominations, pg. 132]
Martin Luther

18. “What the Bible does not command we may not do,”
Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Attempt At Reformation
“What the Bible does not command we may not do,”
Gave up images, crosses, indulgences, observing the mass, and the practice of celibacy, and the use of organs in the church.
In 1522, mounted a protest against the fast at Lent, a standard Catholic practice.
Ulrich Zwingli

19. Over 3,000 mainline churches
Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Attempt At Reformation
Between 1000 and 1400 different groups arose as internal and external forces attempted to purify religion
Albigenses – rejected authority of the pope and that the New Testament was the only real standard In 1208 a Catholic church crusade set out to wipe them out. The Inquisition was finally successful in the 14th century.
The Waldenses – a Puritan movement – was wiped out by another Inquisition.
Peter Du Bruys – (France) – opposed several Catholic doctrines – was burned at the stake –
John Wycliff – ( ) – was excommunicated because he taught that the NT was to be ones only authority in religion and not the pope – denied transubstantiation – extreme unction – auricular confession – indulgences – among other things unscripturally practiced by the CC.
Although he was not executed by the CC – after his death, pope Martin V had his bones dug up and burned. His ashes were thrown into the River Swift.
John Huss – ( ) – Bohemia – “I am attracted to his writings (of John Wycliff), for all his efforts are to lead men back to the Law of Christ.”
Was sentenced to die the death of a heretic – on his birthday, July 6, 1415, John Huss was burned to death along with his books As the flames rose about him – he sang a hymn and cried out – Jesus Christ, thou Son of God. Have mercy on me.”
His ashes were thrown into the Rhine River.
Martin Luther – (1517)
Church of England
(1534)
John Smyth
Baptist
(1608)
Joseph Smith Mormon
(1830)
Over 3,000 mainline churches
TODAY
Augsburg Confession
(1530)
John Calvin
Presbyterian
(1560)
John Wesley Methodist
(1737)
Ellen G. White
Adventism
(1844)

20. But what can be done about it?
Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Attempt At Restoration
Three Proposed ways to obtain unity:
Catholicism – Accept the authority of the Roman Catholic Church – even though there is very little resemblance to what we find in the NT.
Interdenominationalism – Unity in the absence of following a divine pattern of organization, doctrine, and worship.
Restoration – Returning to the divine pattern revealed in the NT – in organization, doctrine, and worship.
Most everyone is in agreement that such a state of division is not good!
But what can be done about it?

21. Why so many different churches today?
“The seed is the Word of God” (Luke 8:11)
The Bible Alone
Christian
Bible + Methodist Discipline
Methodist
Bible + Baptist Manual
Baptist
Bible + Book of Mormon
Mormon
Denominationalism necessitates different seeds!
Answer:
Men have tampered with the seed!!

22. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Conclusion
Division exist contrary to the prayer and teaching of Jesus Christ – (John 17:20,21; 1 Cor. 1:10-13)
Men departed from the scriptures - and brought into existence Catholicism –
Men tried to reform the apostate church - which resulted in denominationalism –
Division is not good – but how can we go about restoring the unity for which Jesus prayed for and demands?

23. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Conclusion
Our plea is for a complete return to the pattern revealed in the New Testament:
Book Chapter & Verse
Everything the scriptures teach
Nothing the scriptures do not authorize
Call Bible things by Bible names
Do Bible things in Bible ways
Back to the Bible

24. Why So Many Different Kinds of Churches Today?
Matthew 4:1-10 (NKJV)
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. [2] And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. [3] Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread." [4] But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.' " [5] Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, [6] and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: 'He shall give His angels charge over you,‘ and, 'In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone.' " [7] Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.' " [8] Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. [9] And he said to Him, "All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me." [10] Then Jesus said to him, "Away with you, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.' "
James 1:13-16 (NKJV)
Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. [14] But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. [15] Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. [16] Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
1 John 2:15-17 (NKJV)
Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. [16] For all that is in the world--the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life--is not of the Father but is of the world. [17] And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.
Conclusion
You can be a member of the Lord’s church!
Not by submitting to the Pope -
Not by submitting to the doctrines & commandments of men -
But by submitting to the Lord Jesus Christ – Mark 16:16