1. GOD’S PLAN FOR REDEEMING MAN God’s Eternal Plan for Us As Revealed in the Word Lesson 8: The Sects and the Denominations

2. SECTS AND DENOMINATIONS NOT IN GOD’S PLAN FOR SAVING MAN! Before the foundation of the world, God had a plan to choose a people of His own, a people who should be holy and blameless before Him. Before the foundation of the world, God had a plan to choose a people of His own, a people who should be holy and blameless before Him. EPHESIANS 1:3-4. EPHESIANS 1:3-4. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, 4 even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.”

3. Then His Son came and said He would build His church. Then His Son came and said He would build His church. MATTHEW 16:16-19. MATTHEW 16:16-19. “Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ 17 And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.” “Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ 17 And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jona! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it.”

4. The church is God’s people whom He washed, justified and sanctified in Christ. The church is God’s people whom He washed, justified and sanctified in Christ. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11. 1 CORINTHIANS 6:11. “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” “But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.”

5. Since the church is now that people, a people who have been washed, justified and sanctified, it follows that the church has been a part of God’s plan for the ages. Since the church is now that people, a people who have been washed, justified and sanctified, it follows that the church has been a part of God’s plan for the ages.

6. The church was the institution which God purchased with His own blood. The church was the institution which God purchased with His own blood. ACTS 20:28. ACTS 20:28. “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.” This means that the crucifixion and death of Jesus has been a part of God’s plan to choose a people of His own. This means that the crucifixion and death of Jesus has been a part of God’s plan to choose a people of His own.

7. Through the supervision of the Holy Spirit who was sent by the Father and the Son (JOHN 14:26; 15:26; LUKE 24:49), the house of God—the church—was built in the city of Jerusalem on that first Pentecost day after Jesus rose from the dead. Through the supervision of the Holy Spirit who was sent by the Father and the Son (JOHN 14:26; 15:26; LUKE 24:49), the house of God—the church—was built in the city of Jerusalem on that first Pentecost day after Jesus rose from the dead.

8. Preaching the Good News of His death, burial and resurrection, persuading those who believe to repent and be baptized in order for their sins to be remitted—these are all included in God’s plan. Preaching the Good News of His death, burial and resurrection, persuading those who believe to repent and be baptized in order for their sins to be remitted—these are all included in God’s plan. LUKE 24:44-47. LUKE 24:44-47. “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. “And he said unto them, These are the words which I spoke to you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.

9. “45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” “45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, 46 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

10. Three thousand souls were baptized on that Pentecost day. Three thousand souls were baptized on that Pentecost day. Then was fulfilled God’s purpose to choose a people, a kingdom, a church of His own. Then was fulfilled God’s purpose to choose a people, a kingdom, a church of His own. The church that began in AD 30 has continued to flourish in our time, ever-multiplying, ever- conquering, marching victoriously on to the beat of the Divine Drummer. And this is the church we are members of. The church that began in AD 30 has continued to flourish in our time, ever-multiplying, ever- conquering, marching victoriously on to the beat of the Divine Drummer. And this is the church we are members of.

11. The church of the Lord came before there ever were sects and denominations in the world. The church of the Lord came before there ever were sects and denominations in the world. If God was able to save a people, justify them, and sanctify them, without starting a sect or a denomination, what then is the need for these human institutions? If God was able to save a people, justify them, and sanctify them, without starting a sect or a denomination, what then is the need for these human institutions?

12. PSALM 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” PSALM 127:1 says, “Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” The house of God is the church of the living God (1 TIM. 3:15). “Except the Lord builds the church, they labor in vain who build it.” The house of God is the church of the living God (1 TIM. 3:15). “Except the Lord builds the church, they labor in vain who build it.”

13. SECTARIAN SPIRIT THE CAUSE OF RELIGIOUS DIVISION! Jesus prayed for all believers to be one. Jesus prayed for all believers to be one. JOHN 17:20-21. JOHN 17:20-21. “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” “I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

14. The rise of the sects is contrary to God’s plan. Our plea to achieve religious unity is for all believers to go back to the Bible as the basis of our teaching and practice. The rise of the sects is contrary to God’s plan. Our plea to achieve religious unity is for all believers to go back to the Bible as the basis of our teaching and practice. Sectarianism divides, as illustrated in the religious system we now know as Catholicism: Sectarianism divides, as illustrated in the religious system we now know as Catholicism:

15. The Catholics in the East (under the patriarch of Constantinople) and the Catholics in the West (under the bishop of Rome) had divided over the filioque issue, anathematizing each other, and finally separating in AD 1054. The Catholics in the East (under the patriarch of Constantinople) and the Catholics in the West (under the bishop of Rome) had divided over the filioque issue, anathematizing each other, and finally separating in AD 1054. (1) Eastern Catholics became the “ORTHODOX CHURCH.” (1) Eastern Catholics became the “ORTHODOX CHURCH.” (2) Those in the West became the “ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.” (2) Those in the West became the “ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.”

16. (3) Martin Luther’s protest over the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church led to his group’s separation from the main Catholic body, and the founding of the “LUTHERAN CHURCH” in 1530. (3) Martin Luther’s protest over the abuses of the Roman Catholic Church led to his group’s separation from the main Catholic body, and the founding of the “LUTHERAN CHURCH” in 1530. The Lutherans also call themselves German Catholics. The Lutherans also call themselves German Catholics.

17. (4) Because the pope would not let him divorce his Catholic wife, Henry VIII split from Rome in 1534 and became the head of the English Catholic church, or the CHURCH OF ENGLAND. (4) Because the pope would not let him divorce his Catholic wife, Henry VIII split from Rome in 1534 and became the head of the English Catholic church, or the CHURCH OF ENGLAND.

18. (5) Half a million German Catholics, led by the theologian Johann Joseph Ignaz von Dollinger, separated from the main Roman Catholic body over the disagreement on papal infallibility, in 1871, and became what is now known as “OLD CATHOLICS.” (5) Half a million German Catholics, led by the theologian Johann Joseph Ignaz von Dollinger, separated from the main Roman Catholic body over the disagreement on papal infallibility, in 1871, and became what is now known as “OLD CATHOLICS.”

19. (6) Filipino Catholics, led by Gregorio Aglipay, separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1902 and formed the “PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH.” (6) Filipino Catholics, led by Gregorio Aglipay, separated from the Roman Catholic Church in 1902 and formed the “PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH.”

20. Sectarianism divides, and divides again. Sectarianism divides, and divides again. If we all agree to speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent, then we may put an end to this blight in Christendom. If we all agree to speak where the Bible speaks, be silent where the Bible is silent, then we may put an end to this blight in Christendom.

21. LIST OF SOME SECTS FOUNDED BY MEN (1) ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH (1) ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH Also known as the Western Church. Also known as the Western Church. Head: The “Pope” of Rome Head: The “Pope” of Rome First “pope”: Boniface VI (607 AD) First “pope”: Boniface VI (607 AD) Headquarters: Rome, Italy Headquarters: Rome, Italy

22. The Roman Catholic Church fulfills this prophecy of Paul. The Roman Catholic Church fulfills this prophecy of Paul. 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-3. 1 TIMOTHY 4:1-3. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.” “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; 2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; 3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.”

23. (2) GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH (2) GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH Also known as the Eastern Church Orthodox Church Also known as the Eastern Church Orthodox Church Head: Patriarch of Istanbul Head: Patriarch of Istanbul Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey Year: 1054. Year: 1054. Cause of separation from the Western Church: The filioque issue. Cause of separation from the Western Church: The filioque issue. For additional info on the sect, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church For additional info on the sect, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Orthodox_Church

24. (3) LUTHERAN CHURCH (3) LUTHERAN CHURCH Founder: Martin Luther, a former Agustinian monk Founder: Martin Luther, a former Agustinian monk Place: Germany Place: Germany Year: 1517 was the start of Luther’s controversy with Rome. His followers began calling themselves “Lutherans” in 1530. Year: 1517 was the start of Luther’s controversy with Rome. His followers began calling themselves “Lutherans” in 1530. Cause of separation: The abuses of the Roman Catholic Church. Cause of separation: The abuses of the Roman Catholic Church. For additional info, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheranism For additional info, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheranism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lutheranism

25. (4) CHURCH OF ENGLAND (4) CHURCH OF ENGLAND Founder: King Henry VIII of England Founder: King Henry VIII of England Head: King or Queen of England Head: King or Queen of England Place: England Place: England Year: 1534 Year: 1534 Cause of separation from the Roman Church: Because the “pope” would not allow him to divorce his wife and marry another. Cause of separation from the Roman Church: Because the “pope” would not allow him to divorce his wife and marry another. For additional info, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_England For additional info, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_England http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_England

26. (5) PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (5) PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Founder: John Calvin Founder: John Calvin Year: 1535 Year: 1535 Place: Geneva Place: Geneva Please visit this site for additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterianism Please visit this site for additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterianism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presbyterianism

27. (6) CHURCH OF SCOTLAND (6) CHURCH OF SCOTLAND Founder: John Knox Founder: John Knox Year: 1560 Year: 1560 Place: Scotland Place: Scotland Please visit this site for additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Scotland Please visit this site for additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Scotland http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Scotland

28. (7) BAPTIST CHURCH (7) BAPTIST CHURCH Founder: John Smith Founder: John Smith Year: 1609 Year: 1609 Place: Amsterdam, Holland Place: Amsterdam, Holland For additional info, please visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist_Church For additional info, please visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist_Church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist_Church

29. (8) QUAKERS (8) QUAKERS Founder: George Fox Founder: George Fox Year: 1647 Year: 1647 Place: England Place: England For additional info, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quakers For additional info, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quakers http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quakers

30. (9) METHODIST CHURCH (9) METHODIST CHURCH Founder: John Wesley Founder: John Wesley Year: 1729 Year: 1729 Place: England Place: England For additional info, visit this site: For additional info, visit this site: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodist

31. (10) MORMON CHURCH (10) MORMON CHURCH Founder: Joseph Smith Founder: Joseph Smith Year: 1830 Year: 1830 Place: New York Place: New York Visit this site for additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism Visit this site for additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mormonism

32. (11) SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH (11) SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH Founder: William Miller Founder: William Miller Year: 1844 Year: 1844 Place: New York Place: New York Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh- day_Adventist_Church Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh- day_Adventist_Church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh- day_Adventist_Church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seventh- day_Adventist_Church

33. (12) SALVATION ARMY (12) SALVATION ARMY Founder: William Booth Founder: William Booth Year: 1865 Year: 1865 Place: England Place: England Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation_Army Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation_Army http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvation_Army

34. (13) JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES (13) JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES Founder: Charles T. Russell and J. F. Rutherford Founder: Charles T. Russell and J. F. Rutherford Year: 1872 Year: 1872 Place: Pennsylvania Place: Pennsylvania Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah's_Witnesses Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah's_Witnesses http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah's_Witnesses

35. (14) CHURCH OF CHRIST-SCIENTIST (14) CHURCH OF CHRIST-SCIENTIST Founder: Mary B. Eddy Founder: Mary B. Eddy Year: 1879 Year: 1879 Place: Massachusetts Place: Massachusetts Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Christ,_Scientist Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Christ,_Scientist http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_Christ,_Scientist

36. (15) CHURCH OF GOD (15) CHURCH OF GOD Founder: Richard Spurling Founder: Richard Spurling Year: 1886 Year: 1886 Place: Tennessee Place: Tennessee Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_(Cleveland, _Tennessee) Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_(Cleveland, _Tennessee) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_(Cleveland, _Tennessee) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_(Cleveland, _Tennessee)

37. (16) THE NAZARENE CHURCH (16) THE NAZARENE CHURCH Founders: Bresee & Widney Founders: Bresee & Widney Year: 1895 Year: 1895 Place: California Place: California Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarene_Church Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarene_Church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazarene_Church

38. (17) CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST (17) CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST Founders: Jones & Mason Founders: Jones & Mason Year: 1897. Some say 1907. Year: 1897. Some say 1907. Place: Tennessee Place: Tennessee Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_in_ Christ Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_in_ Christ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_in_ Christ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_God_in_ Christ

39. (18) PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH (Aglipayans) (18) PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENT CATHOLIC CHURCH (Aglipayans) Founder: Gregorio Aglipay Founder: Gregorio Aglipay Year: 1902 Year: 1902 Place: Philippines Place: Philippines Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aglipayan Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aglipayan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aglipayan

40. (19) PENTECOSTAL CHURCH (19) PENTECOSTAL CHURCH Outgrowth of Azusa Street Church Outgrowth of Azusa Street Church Year: 1906 Year: 1906 Place: California Place: California Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peniel_Mission#Azusa_Stree t_and_the_Rise_of_Pentecostalism Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peniel_Mission#Azusa_Stree t_and_the_Rise_of_Pentecostalism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peniel_Mission#Azusa_Stree t_and_the_Rise_of_Pentecostalism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peniel_Mission#Azusa_Stree t_and_the_Rise_of_Pentecostalism

41. (20) IGLESIA NI CRISTO - 1914 (20) IGLESIA NI CRISTO - 1914 Founder: Felix Y. Manalo Founder: Felix Y. Manalo Year: 1914 Year: 1914 Place: Taguig, Philippines Place: Taguig, Philippines Felix Manalo first became a member of the Church of Christ (instrumental group). Leaving the group, he became an Adventist. Leaving the Adventist he established his own church, first in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila. Felix Manalo first became a member of the Church of Christ (instrumental group). Leaving the group, he became an Adventist. Leaving the Adventist he established his own church, first in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila. Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_ni_Cristo Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_ni_Cristo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iglesia_ni_Cristo

42. (21) ASSEMBLIES OF GOD (21) ASSEMBLIES OF GOD Founders: Group of Ministers Founders: Group of Ministers Year: 1914 Year: 1914 Place: Arkansas Place: Arkansas Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblies_of_God _USA Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblies_of_God _USA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblies_of_God _USA http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assemblies_of_God _USA

43. (22) MONCADISTA (22) MONCADISTA Founder: Hilario Moncado Founder: Hilario Moncado Year: 1927 Year: 1927 Place: Philippines Place: Philippines Some info may be gleaned here: http://commentary.mindanao.com/2007/0 2/i-finally-satisfied-my-curiosity/ Some info may be gleaned here: http://commentary.mindanao.com/2007/0 2/i-finally-satisfied-my-curiosity/ http://commentary.mindanao.com/2007/0 2/i-finally-satisfied-my-curiosity/ http://commentary.mindanao.com/2007/0 2/i-finally-satisfied-my-curiosity/

44. (23) UNIFICATION CHURCH (23) UNIFICATION CHURCH Founder: Sun Myung Moon Founder: Sun Myung Moon Year: 1946 Year: 1946 Place: South Korea Place: South Korea Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_church Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_church

45. (24) UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE PHILIPPINES (UCCP) (24) UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE PHILIPPINES (UCCP) Founders: Group of Ministers Founders: Group of Ministers Year: 1948 Year: 1948 Place: Philippines Place: Philippines Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_C hrist_in_the_Philippines Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_C hrist_in_the_Philippines http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_C hrist_in_the_Philippines http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Church_of_C hrist_in_the_Philippines

46. (25) PHILIPPINE BENEVOLENT MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION (PBMA) (25) PHILIPPINE BENEVOLENT MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION (PBMA) Founder: Ruben Ecleo, Sr. Founder: Ruben Ecleo, Sr. Year: 1965 Year: 1965 Place: Dinagat Island, Philippines Place: Dinagat Island, Philippines

47. (26) “CHILDREN OF GOD” (26) “CHILDREN OF GOD” Founder: David Berg Founder: David Berg Year: 1968 Year: 1968 Place: California Place: California Additional info may be had here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_church Additional info may be had here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_church http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unification_church

48. (27) “ANG DATING DAAN” (CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL) (27) “ANG DATING DAAN” (CHURCH OF GOD INTERNATIONAL) Founder: Eliseo Soriano Founder: Eliseo Soriano Year: 1977 Year: 1977 Place: Philippines Place: Philippines Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang_dating_daan Additional info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang_dating_daan http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ang_dating_daan

49. END OF LESSON SERIES