1. Denominationalism Denominational View of God’s Church
Different:
Names
Organizational Structures
Doctrines
Plans of Salvation
Worship
Denominational View
of God’s Church
Episcopal
Baptist
Pentecostal
Catholic
Methodist
Each group counted a slice of the whole pie!
No two pieces alike!
Accepted view by most people.

2. What Denominationalism Can Never Do
Find Bible Authority For Its Existence
Question all denominationalists should ask:
The baptism of John—where was it from? From heaven or from men? (Matt. 21:25).
The Baptist Church—where was it from? From heaven or from men?
Denominationalism
Denominations have the responsibility to prove they have a right to exist (1 Thess. 5:21).

3. What Denominationalism Can Never Do
Trace Its Existence Back to the 1st Century
Christ promised to build his church (Matt. 16:18).
Jesus bought that church with his blood (Acts 20:28).
The church existed in the 1st century with Christ as Head (Eph. 5:23).
Contrast this with denominationalism:
Denominationalism never promised by Christ.
Christ did not purchase it with his blood.
Christ is not its head (1 Cor. 14:33).

4. What Denominationalism Can Never Do
Prove It’s the Body of Christ
Claim to be individual members of the body of Christ like the Corinthians (1 Cor. 12:20).
But now indeed there are many members, yet one body.
Claim “members” = “denominations”
Who or what are the “members” about which Paul wrote—denominations or disciples?
Could not be denominations—none existed!
Saved people are members of the body of Christ.
Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it (1 Cor. 12:27).
Letter written to church of God at Corinth (1 Cor. 1:2).

5. Bible Picture of Christ’s Body
One Head
Christ
Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body (Eph. 5:23).
Church
One Body
…and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body… (Eph. 1:22-23).

6. Denominational Picture of Christ’s Body
Many Bodies One Head
One Body – Two Heads
Christ
Pope
Christ
Denominational
Catholic

7. What Denominationalism Can Never Do
Rightfully claim to help people become saved
Denominations are active, influence many people, and raise large sums of money.
Jesus wants his people to be:
Active (Tit. 2:14)
Influential (Matt. 5:16)
Benevolent (2 Cor. 9:6-7)
This isn’t what saves people!
This isn’t evidence that people are saved!

8. Denominationalism Cannot Help People Become Saved
Truth sets men free from sin (Jn. 8:32).
Commandments of men turn people from the truth & make worship vain (Tit. 1:14; Mt. 15:9).
Truth teaches: Believe in Jesus as God’s Son, Repent of sins, Confess faith in Christ, and be Baptized for the remission of sins (Mk. 16:16; Lk. 13:3; Rom. 10:10; Acts 2:38).
Denominations teach: Say Sinner’s Prayer and join the church of your choice.
SCRIPTURE