Denominational Tendencies This subject presents certain dangers of misunderstanding or misinterpretation. Our purpose isn’t to attack the church for which Jesus died, but to encourage us to work to be that which He intended and instructed. We often talk of the error of a denominational system – but are we sometimes denominational, or may we be perceived by others as being denominational? Let us evaluate these thoughts for our benefit.

Definition This word has two thoughts: – We might remember a lesson from math class. A fraction is composed of two parts, the numerator, or top number and the denominator, the bottom number. When we write a fraction, what we’re really saying is that the numerator is divided by the denominator, ¼ is 1 divided by 4, etc. or 4 parts. The first thought suggested by the word is simply division/parts. – Second is from Webster’s Dictionary. “Denominate” is “to give a name”. With these two thoughts in mind we should have a clearer understanding of the denominational process. We see a division, and then it is made permanent as each side takes a distinctive name. One the process is completed (it may take years) everything is crystallized into a permanent, convenient form.

Danger #1 Paul warns of a danger, 1 Cor Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. 13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? It seems that Paul’s warning stopped, or at least postponed this denominational process, and now the people could get on with becoming the “new man” not “new men” who walks by faith. BUT let’s not just yet leave this problem in 1 Cor. 1. In this 4 part division, could not at least one part be glad that they had chosen the right side? After all, they were “of Christ”, and Paul said it was Christ who had died for them, and that they were baptized into His name. I believe that one point the apostle makes here is that it’s inappropriate even to follow Jesus as a faction, and not demand the whole. Jesus didn’t die just to save the “of Christ” faction. He lived and died to save all men, though this sacrifice is only of benefit to those who obey Him, Heb. 2:9; 5:9. The factional attitude, too often, leads others to think that we don’t want them as part of “Our group”. As the Son of God came to seek and save the lost, let us remember that we to are charged with preaching the gospel to all creation and welcoming into the Lord’s fold all who will submit to Him in obedience.

Danger #2 In the denominational concept there is also the danger of convenience. To divide and name is a shortcut for knowledge which produces faith, Rom 10: 17. The character Sopwell in the “tumbleweeds” comic strip once described himself as a “First Latter Seventh-day Roman Baptist.” – That’s all there was to say. The name answered all questions about what he believed. The point for us is that we may know what we are and not even be curious as to why. Why do we believe in baptism? Why don’t “we” have a piano? Someone once asked what we believe about Premillenialism? I could tell him what I believed the Bible taught, but he should know what he believed or else it is not belief! If He doesn’t have a “belief” because he hasn’t yet studied what the Scriptures teach, then he should know that too! Honestly, ignorance is better than a second-hand opinion. At least one wouldn’t be deluded by the thought that he was well grounded in the Scriptures. The Lord once commanded through Peter that we be ready to “give answer for the hope that is within you (us)”, 1 Pet. 3:!5. Now the Lord knew that we all wouldn’t be scholars, and that a good teacher is a helpful too, Acts 8:31, but He still says we should know what we believe and why. If we can’t give answer, then on what is our hope founded? Faith comes by hearing, and it can’t grow stronger while depending on someone else’s knowledge. Let’s not hide behind party names. I’m not just a non-institutional, non- instrumental, conservative member of the church of Christ, as were my parents and grandparents before me. I’m a student of the Word and Will of my Lord, ever learning and hopefully ever maturing. That’s what Peter meant for us to be when he told us to “grow in grace and knowledge”.

How Do YOU Find Yourself? Do you find yourself relying on “church affiliation” to answer questions about your hope? – If asked, “What do you believe about once saved, always saved?”, would you respond: “Well, I’m a member of the church of Christ, and I believe what they believe.” The only real difference in relying on a conference or synod decision and relying on the preacher’s opinion is the number of people voting. Remember the name “Christian” identifies not just someone who was baptized, but someone who is following Jesus as the “light of life.” May we all strive to maintain the unity of faith based on knowledge of God’s Word and Will.