The Appeal of Denominationalism

The Appeal of Denominationalism

Why do some find man-made religion more attractive than the Lord’s Church? Why do so many turn to the churches of men? Why can denominationalism be so appealing? Very simply stated, it often comes down to 2 reasons: some are “driven” to denominationalism and some are “drawn” to denominationalism.

I. Could we be partially responsible the appeal of denominationalism?

A. Some have publicly turned the brotherhood into a battlefield.

1. How can we interest people in the gospel if others see us at war w/ourselves? John 17:20-23

B. Some have become abrasive.

1. Some congregations more “doctrinal” in their approach w/an emphasis on being “sound.”

2. Some congregations more “devotional” in their approach w/an emphasis on being more “spiritual.”

3. Neither is right in and of itself. Christianity is a head & heart religion.

a) Rom. 10:1-3 – zeal & knowledge must fuse into 1.

4. The unity of the spirit rests upon:

a) Eph. 4:1-3 – 7 “dispositions.” AND Eph. 4:3-6 – 7 “positions.”

C. Some have become offensive in their defense of the truth.

1. Have we been less than balanced & cautious in the way we present the truth? 1 Pet. 3:15; Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:24-26

D. Some are persistently negative.

1. Balance is necessary! Rom. 12:9

2. Have we talked about the good as the bad? (1 Thess. 5:21-22)

II. Some are “drawn” to denominationalism.

A. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 - Appealing because they offer people what they want.

B. Some denominations are more inclusive in their fellowship.

1. The ever present mindset of diversity and tolerance.

2. What does scripture say? 2 Tim. 2:10 – salvation ONLY in Christ.

a) Gal. 3:27 – entrance into Christ through baptism.

C. Some denominations are more permissive in their approach to life.

1. Some teach once saved always saved.

2. What does the Bible say? Titus 2:11-12; 1 Tim. 4:7-8

D. Some denominations are “subjective” in their emphasis.

1. Everyone has the right to believe what he wants to believe.

2. 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. Worship is specifically designed to please God – 1 Pet. 2:5

2. John 4:23-24 – to be done in spirit and truth.

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.

C. We need to never apologize for the truth!

D. If you’re interested in undenominational Christianity, we’re here for you.



The Appeal of Denominationalism Why do some find man-made religion more attractive than the Lord’s Church? Why do so many turn to the churches of men? Why can denominationalism be so appealing? Very simply stated, it often comes down to 2 reasons: some are “driven” to denominationalism and some are “drawn” to denominationalism. I. Could we be partially responsible the appeal of denominationalism? A. Some have publicly turned the brotherhood into a battlefield. 1. How can we interest people in the gospel if others see us at war w/ourselves? John 17:20-23 B. Some have become abrasive. 1. Some congregations more “doctrinal” in their approach w/an emphasis on being “sound.” 2. Some congregations more “devotional” in their approach w/an emphasis on being more “spiritual.” 3. Neither is right in and of itself. Christianity is a head & heart religion. a) Rom. 10:1-3 – zeal & knowledge must fuse into 1. 4. The unity of the spirit rests upon: a) Eph. 4:1-3 – 7 “dispositions.” AND Eph. 4:3-6 – 7 “positions.” C. Some have become offensive in their defense of the truth. 1. Have we been less than balanced & cautious in the way we present the truth? 1 Pet. 3:15; Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:24-26 D. Some are persistently negative. 1. Balance is necessary! Rom. 12:9 2. Have we talked about the good as the bad? (1 Thess. 5:21-22) II. Some are “drawn” to denominationalism. A. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 - Appealing because they offer people what they want. B. Some denominations are more inclusive in their fellowship. 1. The ever present mindset of diversity and tolerance. 2. What does scripture say? 2 Tim. 2:10 – salvation ONLY in Christ. a) Gal. 3:27 – entrance into Christ through baptism. C. Some denominations are more permissive in their approach to life. 1. Some teach once saved always saved. 2. What does the Bible say? Titus 2:11-12; 1 Tim. 4:7-8 D. Some denominations are “subjective” in their emphasis. 1. Everyone has the right to believe what he wants to believe. 2. 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. Worship is specifically designed to please God – 1 Pet. 2:5 2. John 4:23-24 – to be done in spirit and truth. 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. C. We need to never apologize for the truth! D. If you’re interested in undenominational Christianity, we’re here for you.