1. Please
Turn To:
John 17:20,21

2. A Critical Distinction
Not merely a number of congregations that resemble one another
Romans 16:16
Congregations that participate in some organization through which they act as a unit

3. Difference Between “Plural” & “Collective”
Ships=plurality of boats
Fleet=collective of boats
1 Peter 4:16
Plurality of Christians- no functional ties
Collectivity = local church
Acts 11:26

4. Church = a Single Congregation of Christians
Churches = two or More Completely Independent Congregations
1 Corinthians 4:17
1 Corinthians 7:17
Galatians 1:2
Revelation 1:4

5. Scriptural Independence & Autonomy Are Violated
When a person, persons, congregation or organization assumes decision-making oversight of a work that a plurality of congregations is involved in

6. Voluntarily Giving Up Scriptural Autonomy Worsens the Matter
We may Not Scripturally “Denominate” Any Organization Larger than the Local church but Smaller than the church universal

7. Matthew 16:18 “My church” Philippians 1:1
The New Testament is silent about any organization in between the local church and the universal church.

8. Are Not the “Churches of Christ” Merely Another Denomination?
Acts 24:5,14
Acts 28:22

9. Jesus Prayed For Unity Among His People John 17:20,21
Denominationalism Itself is Something The Lord Has “Not Commanded.”
Leviticus 10:1,2