Category: Denominationalism
Subject: Denominationalism
The Patternists: The Way of the Fool
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who heeds counsel is wise” (Proverbs 12:15).
Perhaps we live in a foolish culture, but it is typical of the religious individual today to do what “is right in his own eyes.” We have been told time and again of the confidence the fool has that “God is pleased with what I do.”
Men justify immodesty because “God created me this way, and there is nothing wrong with celebrating the beauty of our bodies.” This despite the fact that the Holy Spirit reveals that to “uncover the thigh” constitutes a nakedness that is shameful to expose (cf. Isaiah 47:2-3).
Men justify willful worship, because “God gave me this gift, and so it is pleasing to Him for me to use it.” This despite the fact that the Lord said that such worship is vain and iniquitous (cf. Matthew 7:21-23; 15:9).
Men justify the existence of denominations (division) because “God doesn’t care which church you are a member of, or what they teach, so long as you love Him.” This despite the fact that Jesus prayed to His Father, “that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me” (John 17:21; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10).
We could go on and on with examples of such foolishness. Truly the wise man “heeds counsel” especially the Divine counsel of God’s word.
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Baptists Fire Football Coach!
Baylor University, (a university associated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas), is the largest Baptist University in the world. The university football team competes in the Big 12 conference, and finished last season with the 13th ranked team in the nation.
On Thursday, a scandal broke, when reporters uncovered institutional efforts to squelch the investigation of sexual assault claims made against players on the football team. Art Briles, the head coach of the football team, was allegedly aware of the cover-up, and was summarily dismissed from his position.
The Patternists: The Undenominational Church
Recently I came across the phrase, “congregations of the Churches of Christ.” I am sad to say that it was not a member of some religious denomination, but a baptized believer who used the words. There is so much talk about offensive speech in our day. Well let me tell you that those words offended me.
First, I am offended by the ignorance. The phrase is redundant. The phrase “churches of Christ” is used only once in the New Testament, in Romans 16:16, “Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you.” In that verse, the word “churches” has reference to congregations. So, in the offensive phrase above, it could be rendered, “congregations of the congregations of Christ.” Such silliness is similar to the popular phrase “born again Christian.” By definition a Christian is one who is born again. There is no such thing as a Christian who has not been born again. So, the phrase is redundant, “a born again born again person.” But, I digress.
The second, and most offensive aspect of the phrase “congregations of the Churches of Christ” is that it indicates a denominational concept of Christianity. In other words, it differentiates between congregations of the “Churches of Christ” denomination, as contrasted with congregations of say, the Baptist denomination, or congregations of the Methodist denomination. This denominational concept of Christianity is clearly condemned in scripture (John 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 1:10-13).
Scripture reveals that there is only one church, established by Jesus Christ, (Matthew 16:18). That church is made up of those INDIVIDUALS who are saved, (Acts 2:47). That church is organized in one way, and one way only, into local congregations, (1 Corinthians 1:1-3). If your concept of the church is different, then you are part of a big problem.
Denominationalism (Many churches instead of one) is abhorrent to the One who founded His church. I refuse to be a part of any denomination, or to describe the Lord’s church using any denominational terms. Words mean things, and it is offensive for Christ’s church to be referred to in such an obviously unscriptural way. It may be simple ignorance, or it may be a willful departure from God’s pattern that fosters these words. Regardless, our Lord deserves more respect.
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Sermon: Antipathy Towards Autonomy
A recent petition that circulated online addressing members of the church of Christ contains language that is so sectarian it clearly indicates the impact institutionalism has had upon God’s people.
This sermon examines the language and sentiments used in that petition, contrasting them with God’s word.
Sermon: “He shall build a house for my name”
Sermon 2 of 9 by Carl Allen.
Nathan prophesied 1,000 years before the event (2 Samuel 7:12-13), the establishment of the church of God. Denominations are not the Lord’s churches. His church was established centuries before on Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.
Sermon: Anatomy of Institutional Apostasy
Many denominations have departed from any semblance of Biblical faithfulness. From Heresy to Sectarianism to Denominationalism to full blown Humanism, the process of the institutional apostsy is explained.
Those who are faithful must learn from history, and heed the warnings to remain faithful to the standard, God’s word.
Mining the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13
With this text, Paul gives his first of many admonitions to the church at Corinth. The Corinthians were acting carnally (cf. 3:1-4) in that they were fomenting strife within the congregation.
Division is an unacceptable condition among those who name the name of Christ. Those who cause it are to be quickly rejected by godly men (cf. Titus 3:10). Interestingly, in this situation, the Corinthians were dividing over men who themselves were godly and unified. The exaltation of men over truth is a common problem, causing division even today.
The present denominational view of unity is not advocated by Paul. While those today call for compromise, the abandonment of doctrine and an “agreement to disagree”, Paul calls upon the Corinthians to “all speak the same thing” and to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Christian unity must aspire to the same standard practiced by the Son and the Father (cf. John 17:20-23). Nothing less will do!
Invitation: The churches of Christ greet you – Invitation
Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox
This short talk emphasizes what the Bible teaches a true non-denominational truly to be.
From the Preacher’s Pen: Truth Does Not Divide!
It is a fundamental concept worthy of constant affirmation: “Truth does not divide!” It is common for people today to count the Lord’s church among the many denominations that populate the religious landscape. They make no distinction, other than to charge God’s people as being sectarian simply because we seek to differentiate between truth and error!
It is error that brings division between seekers of Christ. In contrast, Jesus said, “And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The claim we make of being simply followers of the Word of God, unwilling to deviate to the left or the right, is one worthy of examination. When it is put to the test, if it is found to be a false claim, then we acknowledge that we are no better than any other religious person who seeks to teach “as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). However, if our claim is true, then all should seek to be part of that which “came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12).
Religious people clamor for diversity, freedom and change. In contrast we offer unity, bondservice to the Lord, and “the faith once for all delivered to the saints” (cf. Jude 3). The appeal may not be popular, but it is the basis of our standing with God. Remember the words of the Lord, “If you love me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).
From the Preacher’s Pen: A Presumptuous Invitation
This past week we received in the mail an invitation to join with other churches in the area in an effort to increase evangelism in our community. The invitation was from a human organization whose purpose was to teach our members how to evangelize, and to explain to churches how the work could be done most effectively. It was suggested that we send an “Advanced coordinator,” an “Event coordinator”, and a “Youth coordinator”, but emphasized the need for every church to at least send a contact person to the seminar they would be holding.
The absurdity of this request is evident. How can a human organization instruct the God created institution in how to do the work God gave it to do? The fact that such an organization did not exist in the first century, and that such designations as the above “coordinators” is unknown to scripture shows just how truly misguided is this invitation. It is eminently unscriptural, and without Divine approval.
That doesn’t mean, however, that as a congregation of God’s people we are sufficiently active and effective in sharing the gospel message with our community. It takes diligent effort and a sharpening of the Spirit’s sword to accomplish the work God has given for US to do in this town. If we don’t do it, it will not be done. God has granted to us a “great and effective door” (cf. 1 Corinthians 16:9). Will you do your part by walking through, and teaching others about the Christ?
The Seed Principle
There is a simple, natural principle that has been used numerous times by the Holy Spirit to illustrate truth. We may call it the seed principle, and it was used (for example) by Paul when he wrote to the Galatians, “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life” (Galatians 6:7-8). You reap what you sow — a sublime idea that has awesome implications regarding spiritual truths.
The idea holds with regard to amount, kind and the nature of the soil upon which the seed is sown. For example, Paul used the principle in exhorting the Corinthians to liberality in their giving. “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully” (2 Corinthians 9:6). Jesus, in His parable of the sower, indicated the importance of planting the seed (the word) upon good soil (the honest heart), referring to the honest man as one “who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matthew 13:23). The seed principle even can be used to show God’s glory in the redemption of man. Paul deflected any personal glory in his work in preaching, saying to the Corinthians, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase” (1 Corinthians 6:7-8). All of these points can be illustrated equally by this simple, agronomic analogy.
Sermon: Are Those in the Church the Only Ones Saved?
The lesson discusses the true identity of the church, the sin of denominationalism, and answers scripturally the question asked in two ways…
1) Are those in the church the only ones saved?
or, more commonly
2) Do you think that only those who are members of the church of Christ going to heaven?
Audio (Part 1)
Audio (Part 2)
Sermon: Misconceptions of the New Testament Position
Spring Meeting 2014: Kyle Campbell
The lesson deals with common misconceptions people have about the Lord’s church due to the denominational error that is present in our day.
FAQ Sheet: Church of Christ
FAQ’s. The acronym is well known with the advent of the internet. Frequently asked questions. Here are some simple answers to frequently asked questions about the church of Christ. Feel free to share with others:
Sermon: Divergent Views of Baptism
The conversion of Lydia and her household (Acts 16) is contrasted with a modern, evangelical example of Baptism.
