TITLE: Are We a Denomination?
PROPOSITION: Denominations are not authorized by God.
Introduction:
There are several hundred denominations in the US.
There are also many independent religious groups.
Many will ask, “What denomination are you?”
Questions to Consider:
Are churches of Christ a denomination?
Should we attend worship services at denominations?
What attitude should we have toward denominations?
Should we use a “C” in the name Church of Christ?
NO – if naming the church (universal)
YES – if naming a specific congregation
YES – if at the beginning of a sentence
Bible Answers:
Define: Denomination - to name, to identify parts of a larger whole
Part of a larger whole - to divide into segments
In religion: a group governed by separate rules
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.
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.
Jesus = primary source (tree trunk and roots)
Denominations = branches, limbs, twigs
Large Pizza - each slice = a different denomination
NOTE: Each “branch” is not a denomination, but an individual
Attitude toward any religious error should be:
Refute the error - Philippians 1:17
Urge people to obey the truth - Galatians 1:8-9
Do not support or encourage error - 2 John 9-11
Stop the false teaching - Titus 1:9-11
Do not fellowship work of darkness – Ephesians 4:11
Jesus built one church.
Matthew 16:18 "I will build my church" (singular)
Ephesians 4:4 "There is one body"
Ephesians 1:22-23 "The church, which is his body"
1 Corinthians 12:20 "We are many members, yet but one body"
Are we a denomination?
Are we a part of a larger whole?
Are we governed by separate rules?
Are we one of the branches?