1. Are There Faithful Christians in Denominations? Matthew 7:21-23

2. Introductory Thoughts We have people believing this due to the fact that we are not convinced the denominational world is lost There was a time when we would say that we are not a denomination or that we are non- denominational The world says to attend the church of your choice

3. Introductory Thoughts Is God pleased with this attitude? Let’s examine three questions this morning that give insight to whether God is pleased or not How does God feel about the church? How does God feel about denominationalism? Can one leave the doctrine of Christ and return to false religion and be saved?

4. How Does God Feel About the Church? It belongs to Christ Matthew 16:16-18 – Acts 20:28 Take note of Paul’s writing in Ephesians 1:3 – 1:4 – 1:13-14 – 1:19-22 – 1:22-23 2:16 – 2:20 – 3:10-11 God is glorified in the Church through Jesus Christ – This is the message Paul presents all throughout Ephesians God has given Christ the Authority to be the head Colossians 1:2 – Colossians 1:18 – Colossians 3:15

5. How Does God Feel About Denominationalism? Denominationalism is a work of the flesh Galatians 5:19-22 Only the body of Christ will be saved Ephesians 5:23 God feels no differently today than He did about false religion and worship in the Old Testament Exodus 20:3-4 – Exodus 32:1-10 1 Kings 12:26-33 – 1 Kings 13:1-6

6. How Does God Feel About Denominationalism? Are Christians today trying to worship and serve the creation more than the creator Romans 1:25 Following men – Taking liberties with God’s word Taking unscriptural positions – Compromise Lack of respect for the truth of God’s word When you hear this statement, How do you respond? He says this, He says that and I say this Our response should be; What does the Bible say?

7. Can One Leave the Doctrine of Christ and Return to False Religion and Be Saved? A look at the book of Hebrews offers great insight The Setting of the book The writer explains why they cannot leave Christianity and return to Judaism Warnings in Hebrews are appropriate to Christians today Hebrews 6:4-6 – Hebrews 10:26-31 The exhortations are profound Hebrews 4:14 – Hebrews 6:10-20 – Hebrews 10:35

8. Closing Admonitions When you think about leaving the faith, wake up and realize that you are just like Esau, selling your birthright Hebrews 12:12-17 Do not be carried away by strange doctrine Hebrews 13:9 We face the same question that the early church faced If a God given, yet repealed and revoked law could not save man, then how can man today be saved by a man made doctrine?