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TITLE: Are We a Denomination?

PROPOSITION: Denominations are not authorized by God.

Introduction:

  1. There are several hundred denominations in the US.

  2. There are also many independent religious groups.

  3. Many will ask, “What denomination are you?”

Questions to Consider:

  1. Are churches of Christ a denomination?

  2. Should we attend worship services at denominations?

  3. What attitude should we have toward denominations?

  4. Should we use a “C” in the name Church of Christ?

    1. NO – if naming the church (universal)

    2. YES – if naming a specific congregation

    3. YES – if at the beginning of a sentence

 

Bible Answers:

Define: Denomination - to name, to identify parts of a larger whole

  1. Part of a larger whole - to divide into segments

  2. In religion: a group governed by separate rules

  3. Dictionary - "A name or designation, esp. one for a class of things; founded, sponsored, or controlled by a particular religious denomination or sect"

Denominational view of denominations.

  1. 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. 6If 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.

  2. Jesus = primary source (tree trunk and roots)

  3. Denominations = branches, limbs, twigs

  4. Large Pizza - each slice = a different denomination

  5. NOTE: Each “branch” is not a denomination, but an individual

Attitude toward any religious error should be:

  1. Refute the error - Philippians 1:17

  2. Urge people to obey the truth - Galatians 1:8-9

  3. Do not support or encourage error - 2 John 9-11

  4. Stop the false teaching - Titus 1:9-11

  5. Do not fellowship work of darkness – Ephesians 4:11

Jesus built one church.

  1. Matthew 16:18 "I will build my church" (singular)

  2. Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body"

  3. Ephesians 1:22-23 "The church, which is his body"

  4. 1 Corinthians 12:20 "We are many members, yet but one body"

Are we a denomination?

  1. Are we a part of a larger whole?

  2. Are we governed by separate rules?

  3. Are we one of the branches?



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