1. Some try to claim that we are just another denomination. Are we?
Are we a denomination?
Some try to claim that we are just another denomination.
Are we?

2. Denominations There are several hundred denominations in the USA
There are several thousand independent religious groups / ministries / congregations.
Why should we resist the idea that we are also a denomination?

3. Denominations
Denomination – (religious) – a group separated by distinct beliefs, rules, worship, organization or creed
“A religious denomination is a subgroup within a religion that operates under a common name, tradition, and identity.” (From Wikipedia)
“Denominationalism, the division of one religion into separate groups, sects, schools of thought” (From Wikipedia)

4. Think Pizza – 500 slices General idea taught by many denominations
There is ONE church – (universal)
Each denomination is a section, segment of the larger whole
Picture a pizza with 500 slices – each slice is a part of the same pizza
Dictionary - “A name or designation, esp. one for a class of things; founded, sponsored, or controlled by a particular religious denominaiton or sect”

5. Questions to Consider Are churches of Christ a denomination?
Should we seek to fellowship with denominations?
Should we use “C” in the name – Church of Christ – or church of Christ?
“C” - if naming a specific congregation
“c” - if you mention the church (universal)
“C” - if at the beginning of a sentence

6. John 15:5-6
5 I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.
Jesus = trunk and roots of the tree
Denominations = the many branches

7. Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it
but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel.
Philippians 1:17

8. Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it
Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.
Romans 16:17

9. Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it
Urge people to obey the truth
8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8

10. Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it
Urge people to obey the truth
Do not support error
10 If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him;
11 for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.
2 John 1:10-11

11. Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it
Urge people to obey the truth
Do not support error
Stop false teaching
9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict.
Titus 1:9

12. Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it
Urge people to obey the truth
Do not support error
Stop false teaching
10 For there are many insubordinate, both idle talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole households, teaching things which they ought not, for the sake of dishonest gain.
Titus 1:10-11

13. Biblical View We must refute error, not embrace it
Urge people to obey the truth
Do not support error
Stop false teaching
Do not fellowship works of darkness
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them.
Ephesians 5:11

14. Jesus Built ONE Church
Matthew 16:18 – I will build my church (singular)
Ephesians 4:4 – There is one body
Ephesians 1:22-23 – The church, which is His body
1 Corinthians 12:20 – Many member, yet but one body

15. Are we a denomination? We are not small part of a larger whole.
We are not governed by separate rules.
We are not one of the branches on the vine of Christ.