1. Speak God’s word, 1 Pet. 4:11Speak God’s word, 1 Pet. 4:11 Abide in doctrine, 2 Jno. 9-11Abide in doctrine, 2 Jno. 9-11 Test all things, 1 Ths. 5:21-22Test all things, 1 Ths. 5:21-22 All things not of God will be uprooted! Matthew 15:13-14 Follow men, Gal. 1:6-11 We Must We Must Not 1

2. WISDOM OF… MAN OFFERS DenominationsDenominations Join the church of your choiceJoin the church of your choice GOD OFFERS Unity in ChristUnity in Christ Based on word Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3Based on word Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10; Eph. 4:3 2

3. Denominationalism Recognizes… Many bodiesMany bodies Many teachingsMany teachings Many pathsMany paths Doctrinal and moral diversityDoctrinal and moral diversity Only produces more division!Only produces more division! – Amos 3:3 – 1 John 1:6-7 – Matthew 7:21-23 3

4. The result of division To denominate: “The act of naming; a class or kind having a specific name, a religious sect” (Webster) “To distinguish by a name” A part, party; segment Denominationalism is division into distinct groups of churches “Denomination”“Denomination” 4

5. “Denominations are associations of congregations, though sometimes it might be said that congregations are localized subdivisions of denominations, that have a common heritage. Moreover, a true denomination does not claim to be the only legitimate expression of the church.” -D G Tinder, Elwell Evangelical Dictionary http://mb-soft.com/believe/text/denomina.htm- 5 “Denomination”“Denomination”

6. Work of the flesh, Galatians 5:20, 21Work of the flesh, Galatians 5:20, 21 –Factions, divisions, parties –Oneness in Christ, not many, Ephesians 4:4 Denominations start out of divisionDenominations start out of division Perpetuated by separating from other believersPerpetuated by separating from other believers Nature of Denominationalism 7

7. John 15:1-8 Vine and Branches CHRISTCHRIST 8 CHURCHCHURCH

8. Promotes division, 1 Cor. 1:10-13Promotes division, 1 Cor. 1:10-13 –Separating of churches –Denomination is larger than the local church and smaller than the universal church –Church is composed of Christians, not churches, Acts 2:47 9 Denominationalism …

9. Redefines the churchRedefines the church –Ignores singular uniqueness of the church, Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:4 –Ignores the church’s relationship with Christ, Eph. 5:23-24 11 Denominationalism …

10. Denies the value of the churchDenies the value of the church –Bought by blood, Acts 20:28 –Body of Christ, Ephesians 1:22-23 –Reconciled, Ephesians 2:16 –Eternal purpose, Ephesians 3:10-11 –Saved, Ephesians 5:23 –Bride, Ephesians 5:32 12 Denominationalism …

11. Man’s choice over God’s willMan’s choice over God’s will –“Join the church of your choice” –Wrong thinking, Jer. 10:23; Prov. 16:25; Isaiah 55:8 Naaman, 2 Kings 5:11-12Naaman, 2 Kings 5:11-12 Jeroboam’s religion, 1 Kings 12:26-30Jeroboam’s religion, 1 Kings 12:26-30 –Choose the river…the God…the church of your choice? 14 Denominationalism …

12. Built on sincerity but not truthBuilt on sincerity but not truth –Sincerity is not enough to please God, Acts 23:1; 26:9 –Must abide in truth to be saved, John 8:31-32 15 Denominationalism…

13. Rejects divine standard of unityRejects divine standard of unity –Word of God, John 17:17, 20-21 “We all read from the same Bible and are all going to the same place!”“We all read from the same Bible and are all going to the same place!” –Spiritual deception, Matthew 7:21-23 16 Denominationalism …

14. Approves man-made laws for the churchApproves man-made laws for the church –Creeds vs. Inspired Scriptures, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Salvation: Faith only? Salvation: Faith only? Sin: By nature or by choice? Sin: By nature or by choice? Baptism: Sprinkling? Infants? Baptism: Sprinkling? Infants? 17 Denominationalism …

15. Elevates human will above God’s stated willElevates human will above God’s stated will –Man or God? Matthew 21:23-25 –Jesus Christ has greater authority than any man, Matthew 28:18 18 Denominationalism …