The Appeal of Denominationalism
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Topic # 1646 (Denominationalism)
Introduction:
A. Why do some find man-made religion more attractive than the Lord’s Church?
1. Eph. 3:8-12 – How many churches were in God’s scheme of redemption?
2. Isa 2:1-3 – How many churches were prophesied about?
3. Mt. 16:18-19 – How many churches did Jesus plan and promise?
4. Acts 20:28 – How many churches did Jesus purchase w/His Blood?
5. Why then do so many turn to the churches of men?
B. Why can denominationalism be so appealing?
1. Very simply stated, it often comes down to 2 reasons:
2. some are “driven” to denominationalism
3. some are “drawn” to denominationalism
I. Could we be partially responsible the appeal of denominationalism?
A. Have those w/in the COC made it unattractive?
1. Yes and no. Not a blanket indictment.
2. But…some have been less than careful in the way they have presented the Lord’s church to others. How?
B. Some have publicly turned the brotherhood into a battlefield.
1. Some are critical/suspicious of anything/anyone different; new – fearing error at every turn.
2. Others rebel against what they perceive as traditionalism – and have become cynical.
3. How can we interest people in the gospel if others see us at war w/ourselves? Don’t think they don’t see or notice!
4. How can we interest people who see a mutilated body of Christ? John 17:20-23
C. Some have become abrasive.
1. Do we come across as pompous know-it-alls? Apply logic only? Eliminate emotion?
2. Those who speak of their desire for more emotion in religion – branded as going down pathway to error.
3. Some congregations have divided because of this.
a) Some congregations more “doctrinal” in their approach w/an emphasis on being “sound.”
b) Some congregations more “devotional” in their approach w/an emphasis on being more “spiritual.”
4. Neither is right in and of itself.
a) Christianity is a head & heart religion.
b) Rom. 10:1-3 – zeal & knowledge must fuse into 1 for us to be what God intends.
5. The unity of the spirit rests upon:
a) Eph. 4:1-3 – 7 “dispositions.”
b) Eph. 4:3-6 – 7 “positions.”
c) Neither is more important than the other.
D. Some have become offensive in their defense of the truth.
1. Ever heard: You people think you’re the only ones going to heaven.
2. It’s true. Eph. 5:23 – must be part of Lord’s church if saved.
3. But….why aren’t people in the world asking:
a) Why are you people so excited to be going to heaven?
b) Where can I get that peace you enjoy?
4. Why are we more known for why we don’t use IM than as a people who believe in the joy of singing praises to God? (Eph. 5:19)
5. Why are we more known as a people who “don’t believe in the OT” than a people who are encouraged by using the OT in the way God teaches? (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11)
6. Have we been less than balanced & cautious in the way we present the truth?
7. 1 Pet. 3:15; Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:24-26
E. Some are persistently negative.
1. Charge: In the COC, you tell people what they can’t do. We tell folks what they can do.
2. In some places this may be the case.
a) Have we made ourselves unattractive by telling the world what is wrong to the neglect of telling them what is marvelous?
3. Balance is necessary! Rom. 12:9
a) Have we talked about the good as the bad?
b) Neither should be discounted. (1 Thess. 5:21-22)
II. Some are “drawn” to denominationalism.
A. 2 Tim. 4:3-4
1. Denominationalism can be appealing because they offer people what they want.
2. e.g.,
B. Some denominations are more inclusive in their fellowship.
1. Consider the denominational plan of salvation.
a) admit need; turn from sin; believe
b) Pray & invite Jesus as personal savior.
2. The ever present mindset of diversity and tolerance.
a) Divided we stand; united we fall.
b) Isn’t that the mindset everywhere? Embrace diversity?
c) As long as people believe in Jesus – we are members of God’s family – so we are told.
3. What does scripture say?
a) 2 Tim. 2:10 – salvation ONLY in Christ.
b) Gal. 3:27 – entrance into Christ through baptism.
c) Rom. 6:3-4 – that baptism in water, complete immersion FOR the remission of sin.
d) Mk: 16:16; Acts 8:37; Acts 2:38 – all of this predicated on belief and repentance.
4. Denominations are not as exclusive & thus more appealing.
C. Some denominations are more permissive in their approach to life.
1. Calvinism has had great impact in denominationalism. Some teach once saved always saved.
2. Spiritual sword article (1)
3. What does the Bible say?
a) Titus 2:11-12; 1 Tim. 4:7-8
b) Many denominations are less restrictive – thus more appealing.
D. Some denominations are “subjective” in their emphasis.
1. Live in a society of relativism. Promotes idea of:
2. Spiritual Sword Article (2)
3. Everyone has the right to believe what he wants to believe.
a) Every view as valid as another. Doctrine minimized; tolerance embraced.
4. Lord’s church:
a) Psa. 119:160; John 8:32; 17:17; 2 Tim. 2:25 – word of God is absolute truth.
E. Some denominations are more expressive in their worship.
1. Spiritual sword article (3)
2. worship is specifically designed to please God – 1 Pet. 2:5
3. John 4:23-24 – to be done in spirit and truth.
4. Many denominations cater to an entertainment crazed society. Very appealing.
Conclusion:
A. As members of the church we are to be a people of conviction and compassion.
1. 1 Cor. 16:13. Conviction is set forth in these words.
2. 1 Cor. 16:14 – compassion is set forth in this verse.
B. Our bible based convictions will not appeal to some.
1. No matter what we say/how we say it some will be drawn to denominationalism because of what they find there.
C. We need to never apologize for the truth!
1. We must make certain our bible based convictions are seasoned with bible based compassion.
2. Otherwise, we may drive people from the church and the truth she upholds.
D. If you’re interested in undenominational Christianity, we’re here for you.
E. I N V I T A T I O N
