1. What the Bible Teaches Concerning Denominationalism
What Is True Worship?

2. What Does The Bible Teach about it?
Nothing at all.
The Bible is silent.
So why is it wrong?
There is no authority for it.
We could end the sermon now because enough has been said, but you are entitled to hear the rest of the story.

3. Denominationalism "Is the word in the Bible?" Of course not.
This is one of those subjects of which the Bible does not speak.
All the more reason that we should get to the truth of this subject.

4. Denominationalism
The modern religious world is divided into hundreds of religious organizations called denominations, all existing separate and apart from each other, possessing distinctive names, doctrines, and practices, and each claiming to faithfully follow Jesus Christ.
How does this compare with the New Testament plan given to us by God?

5. What Does The Bible Teach?
1 Corinthians 1:10 (NKJV) Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Romans 15:5-6 (NKJV) Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, {6} that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:1-2 (NIV) If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, {2} then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.

6. Our Purpose
It is the basic purpose of this study to examine what the Bible teaches on this subject.
The Word of God will serve as the guide.
We will examine the reasons and causes of denominationalism.
We will look at the attempts of justification by their members and examine why they are not as concerned about their spiritual situation as they should be.
We will look at some seemingly valid arguments to the thoughts expressed in this study, but give bible answers that will disprove their arguments.

7. Our Desire
By and large, most in the denominational world are really un-concerned with the divided state of so-called Christendom.
They have accepted the status-quo of their denominational affiliations as being acceptable to God.
Hence, they have never even considered the necessity to question their individual faith or the professed faith of those in theirs or others churches.
We sincerely hope that all who claim to be spiritual will examine our argument, in light of what the Bible teaches.

8. Our Desire
We pray that apathy can be placed aside to consider the tragedy of religious division, and the obvious danger of judgment that will fall upon those who do not serve and seek God properly.
We also present the hope that people will see the error of division and consecrate themselves in the sight of God and turn to New Testament Christianity separated from human denominations.

9. Our Goal
Most people are willing and ready to defend their own actions, whether they are right or wrong.
Many people get defensive when their character or faith is challenged.
We will notice that some will hold to friendships and relationships.
Even if they know it is wrong, they convince themselves into believing a lie so that their conscience is not violated.
Please do not be offended, but open your hearts to study God's Word.
Be as the faithful Bereans of Acts 17:11 and study the scriptures daily.
If you treasure God and His Word, then you must come to some conclusions from this study. Let us get started by looking at what true worship is.

10. True Worship
John 4:23-24 (NKJV) "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. {24} "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth."
For anyone to worship God, it must be in "...spirit and truth."
We will notice that many will place more emphasis on the word spirit than the word truth.
We will see that truth is equally as important as spirit in matters of worshipping God.

11. True Worship
Many would like to let the spirit aspect overrule the worship aspect of service to God.
Instead of limiting actions to the truth, they let their feelings determine what they think is acceptable to God.
When all of these ideas are expressed and expanded, then we see that everyone has their own religion, their own faith.
To try to establish standards based upon these feelings gives one multiple standards to follow and thus causes confusion.

12. True Worship
1 Corinthians 14:33 (NKJV) For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.
We are going to notice that this religious division is not from God, but is the result of sin.
We will notice how and why people view their various doctrines as being right with God.
It has been pointed that the very center of the word SIN is the concept of "I".
I want, I need, I don't care. I, my, me, myself are all factors that are involved in sin.
It is not until we humble ourselves and subject ourselves to another's will, that we can be rid of sin.

13. True Worship
Notice what James says is the cause of division in the church.
James 3:14-16 (NKJV) But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. {15} This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. {16} For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
The Bible says that all division is caused by self-seeking interest.
The Bible also teaches how to overcome this human wisdom.

14. True Worship
John 17:17 (NKJV) "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.
The Bible is the Word of God.
The Bible is the Law of God.
The Bible teaches that the Law is Perfect (Psalm 19:7).
Only through the Bible can we know the Will of God.
We must give the Bible the respect due It.
We must learn to base our beliefs upon the precepts of God's Holy Word.
We would call this using Bible authority in doctrine and faith.

15. True Worship
Romans 12:2 (NASB) And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.
It is quite obvious that the Bible is opposed to this division and it should be that all who are spiritually minded should be opposed to these divisions.
How are we to show ourselves spiritual?
Certainly it cannot be in the false religions.
Each must in their individual way and character demonstrate that their faith is in Christ and God, and not in a human doctrine.
The only way to be in conformity to that which is perfect is by following the good and acceptable standard of righteousness given in scripture.

16. True Worship We must begin this study by finding the right authority.
The Bible teaches that authority is the standard by which all are subject to it's laws.
We must know that if a difference of doctrine or opinion arises, that the ultimate authority to determine whether it is right or wrong is God Himself.
God delegated all authority to Jesus Christ, and to The Holy Spirit.
John 14:10 (NKJV) "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I do not speak on My own authority; but the Father who dwells in Me does the works.
Jesus taught the will of God that He was commanded to teach.

17. True Worship John 14:15 (NKJV) "If you love Me, keep My commandments.
We demonstrate our love to Christ by obedience and not lip-service.
In order to please our Lord, we must keep His commandments.
John 14:21 (NKJV) "He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."
If we keep the Lord's commands out of love, then God will in turn love us.
It was God who first loved us that He gave us His Son.

18. True Worship
John 14:23 (NKJV) Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.
What does it mean to "..keep My word;"?
We cannot make any adjustments, additions, or subtractions.
As God declared in the beginning as well as the end of His Holy Bible, nothing is to be added to His word.
Nothing is to be left out.
Nothing is to be changed without consequences.

19. True Worship
John 6:38 (NKJV) "For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.
Oh, that all would have this attitude.
Consider what the world would be like if all were intent on serving God and others as we should.
Notice also in the previous verses that the authority Jesus was executing, was not His own, but that it was the will of The Father above.

20. True Worship Many people would question the Deity of Jesus.
Jesus on earth did the will of His Father.
As we recognize who our Heavenly Father is, so we also try to do His will.
Even if Jesus were not Deity, as He is, He was only doing what God had told Him to do and only spoke what God had told Him to say.
So every thing that Jesus spoke or did, was the will of God.
We are still subject to God no matter who declares it to us.

21. True Worship
John 10:27 (NKJV) "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.
Of all these religious people who are in their various denominations, it is God who will decide who is acceptable to Him.
Man can make rules, regulations, and laws that will promise salvation if conformed to, but it is God who is our final perfect Judge.
Living right by any system or government not originated or approved by God will not produce salvation from God; only the temporary earthly conscience soothing feeling of personal salvation, but this will end when we die and face our true judgment.

22. Conclusion There is much more to talk about concerning True Worship.
We will cover this in two, three, or four lessons.
Then we will look at some claims to support this type of system, and we will respond with Bible verses to rebut them.
When we are done, we will know the truth.