Dangers of Denominationalism
Categories: Sermon Outlines, Topical Sermon OutlinesIntroduction:
1. The religious world around us has arranged itself into denominations (distinct parts of the whole).
2. Originally there were a few (Lutheran, Church of England, Presbyterian, Catholic, etc.). Now there are more than a thousand.
3. We must comment on this situation because this idea is nowhere found in the doctrine of Christ. Denominations have no right to exist because they are not found in scripture.
4. The will of Christ is ONE CHURCH, BODY, KINGDOM. (Matthew 16:18; Ephesians 4:4; John 3:5)
5. The denominations argue that the totality of the denominations is the one church.
1) The New Testament, however, fails to use the word “church” in that sense.
2) There is the “church universal” (Matthew 16:18) and “church local” (Romans 16:16).
6. Many in the brotherhood are seeking to make the churches of Christ into a denomination. (There are even documented statements that the church is a denomination.)
1) by compromising doctrine.
2) by changing the worship.
3) by changing the leadership.
4) So we see the seriousness of the problem.
7. This hour we’re going to notice 3 Dangers of Denominationalism
1) We need to be warned about it creeping in.
2) We need to note that it is divisive.
3) We need to see that it distracts the world from the truth.
4) We need to recognize that it appeals to the pride of men.
Discussion:
I. Denominationalism is Divisive.
1. A denomination, by nature, distinguishes itself from another:
1) By name (They tell us a name is not important when we point out scriptural names for the church yet they divide themselves from others by name.).
2) By peculiar doctrine. (Seed principle.)
a. Nicolaitans. Divided by name and doctrine. Rev. 2:6.
b. Gnostics.
2. One cannot become a Baptist without accepting Baptist doctrine and taking the Baptist name – thus dividing from others.
3. For much of the history of denominations they were exclusive. “We’re the only ones saved.” “Must be one of us.”
4. Today most denominations claim that they are not divisive because they “fellowship” all others that “believe in Jesus.”
5. This only serves to divide them from those who will not fellowship on these terms.
6. The Bible teaches against this division.
1) John 17:20-21. Jesus prayed for unity.
2) 1 Corinthians 1:10ff. Paul taught it. Philippians 1:27; 2:2.
3) How is it possible to have the same mind?
a. Colossians 3:17 (Acts 4:7). Do all in his name.
b. 1 Corinthians 4:6. Don’t go beyond what is written.
c. 2 John 9. Don’t go outside the doctrine of Christ.
II. Denominationalism Distracts the World from the Truth.
1. By definition denominationalism departs from the Scripture. No departure – no denomination.
2. While the denomination is teaching its peculiar doctrine the people want for the truth.
1) The creation of a denomination in Israel was for the purpose of distracting the people from true worship. 1 Kings 12:25ff.
2) The spread of another had indeed distracted the Galatian brethren from the truth. Gal. 1:6-9.
3. There are many that are hell-bound this hour trusting in their denominational conversions. The Galatian brethren trusted in their denominational righteousness. Gal. 5:4.
4. Many teach that “faith only” is sufficient – that baptism adds one to the denomination. Hebrews 5:8-9; Mark 16:15-16; 1 Peter 3:21
5. Many teach that the works of their church save. 1 Tim. 4:1-4 sounds eerily familiar.
6. Jesus taught the uselessness of the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9
7. Matthew 21:25. This question will assist us in cutting through the distraction. Is it from heaven (true, authorized) of from men (vain, distracting, denominational).
8. A warning from the Old Testament. Proverbs 14:12; Jeremiah 10:23
9. Many will be lost because of the distraction of denominationalism.
III. Denominationalism appeals to pride.
1. Pride is a destructive evil. Proverbs 16:18.
2. Many take pride in size of their denomination. (“That many can’t be wrong.”) However, the majority were on the outside of the ark.
3. Many take pride in the age of their denomination. However
Baal worship was older than the worship of Jehovah under the law of Moses. 1 Kings 18:20ff, esp. v. 39
4. Some take pride in being in the minority. The take pride in persecution for their peculiar views.
5. At the Judgment pride in peculiar views will end.
1) The doctrines of men will not be referred to at the Judgment.
2) The words of Christ spoken by Christ and His apostles will be referred to. John 12:48; 14:26; 17:8; 1 Corinthians 14:37
6. Heed the warning of the Lord. Matthew 7:21-23; 7:13-14.
Conclusion:
1. There may be some here who trust in a denominational gospel for salvation. The time to obey the truth is now.
2. There may be those who thought of denominations as acceptable to God and have taught that members of denominations are brethren. Time to repent of that and realize the urgency to teach them the truth unto salvation.
3. There may be those who, because of denominational teaching in the past, need to get back to the Bible. Renew your commitment to study, believe and obey the truth.
4. And what of pride? Our pride is to be in Christ – the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2).