How about denominationalism (part 2)?
Introduction. In part 1, we learned that the Lord established one church, his church (Matt. 16:18). We saw some characteristics, if you please, of his church. We observed she did not and does not go by human creeds (Mk. 7:6-11). We considered the independence of each local church (Acts 14:23, 1 Pet. 5:1,2), and that local churches were designated by God-given terms (cf. Rom. 16:16). My friend, consider what denominationalism – many different churches teaching many different doctrines – does to Christ.
Denominationalism promotes unbelief. We saw Jesus' prayer last week in which he petitioned the father for the unity of his followers (John 17:20,21). We also saw the reason for Jesus' request, "that the world my believe that thou hast sent me." Beloved, the reversal is: Religious division causes people not to believe!
Denominationalism makes Christ a contradictory Lord. Some teach babies are born sinners (or in sin): others affirm their innocence. Some say, "once saved, always saved" while others contend one can fall from grace. Some advocate salvation by faith only: others maintain different degrees of "obedience" is required, etc. Beloved, how could the Lord have taught or authorized such?
Denominationalism would make Christ the author of confusion. Many years ago your author began to study the scriptures and compare them to extant beliefs. At first, it was overwhelmingly confusing. For example, each church I attended taught a different plan of salvation. "for God is not the author of confusion..." Paul emphatically enunciated (1 Cor. 14:33).
Conclusion. Denominationalism is wrong because it promotes infidelity, in effect would make Christ contradict himself, and presents the Lord as the source of confusion.
Denominationalism promotes unbelief. We saw Jesus' prayer last week in which he petitioned the father for the unity of his followers (John 17:20,21). We also saw the reason for Jesus' request, "that the world my believe that thou hast sent me." Beloved, the reversal is: Religious division causes people not to believe!
Denominationalism makes Christ a contradictory Lord. Some teach babies are born sinners (or in sin): others affirm their innocence. Some say, "once saved, always saved" while others contend one can fall from grace. Some advocate salvation by faith only: others maintain different degrees of "obedience" is required, etc. Beloved, how could the Lord have taught or authorized such?
Denominationalism would make Christ the author of confusion. Many years ago your author began to study the scriptures and compare them to extant beliefs. At first, it was overwhelmingly confusing. For example, each church I attended taught a different plan of salvation. "for God is not the author of confusion..." Paul emphatically enunciated (1 Cor. 14:33).
Conclusion. Denominationalism is wrong because it promotes infidelity, in effect would make Christ contradict himself, and presents the Lord as the source of confusion.