Denominations: O.K. For Money, But What About Religion? –Notes/Study Sheet

(I Cor. 1:10-13)

1. Introduction: Denominations

* “Denominate” means “to give a name to, to designate.”

* Flaws of denominationalism:

- result of division

- allows for various “churches” w/wide doctrinal differences

- focuses more on tradition than scripture

- promotes rivalry, not cooperation

- encourages freedom to differ as healthy

2. Division

* Unity is good and pleasant (Ps. 133).

* Jeroboam’s sin – his “denomination” (I Kings 12:33 & 14:16).

* Jesus prayed for unity (Jn. 17:20-21).

* Paul condemned division (I Cor. 1:10-16; Rom. 16:17; Gal. 5:19 & following).

* Phil 2:2 -

3. Multiple Bodies (nonexistent)

* Coming of Christ’s kingdom prophesied

- Isa. 2:2-4 –

- Ezek. 37:22 - Ezek. 34:23 -

- Dan. 2:44 –

* “House,” “kingdom,” and “nation” all singular!

* Caiaphas – Jn. 11:52 –

* Early church was one (Acts 4:32)

* Church at Ephesus – One body (4:4)

* Christ head of the body (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:22 & following; Col. 1:18)

4. Tradition – “instruction that has been handed down.”

* May be of divine origin (I Cor. 11:2; II Thes. 2:15)

* May be of human origin. When added to/replaces scripture, we are sinning (Mt. 15:3; Col. 2:8; II Cor. 4:6 II Jn. 9)

5. Rivalry or cooperation?

* Members of the same body don’t compete, they cooperate (I Cor. 12:12 & following).

* Concept is seen in Acts (Acts 2:42-47; 4:32-35; 5:12-16).

* Romans 15 -

6. Freedom to differ.

* “If God is truth and Father of Christianity, then why so many contradictory doctrines?” Good question! Answer: God

is responsible for only one and is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33).

* We may differ only in matters of opinion and preference (Acts 15:36 & following), not in doctrinal matters.

* Col. 2:14 -

7. Conclusion

* More and more once-solid congregations are beginning to drift into sinful denominationalism.

* Church is not a democracy, it’s a kingdom subject to Christ’s law (I Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2).

Salvation is at stake! Throw off the chains of manmade denominations and become a member of the Lord’s church today.

R.W. McAlister 2/1/09 a.m.