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 _________________.

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 ____________________.

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

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

3. Neither is right in and of itself. Christianity is a ______ & ______ 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 “___________.” AND Eph. 4:3-6 – 7 “__________.”

C. Some have become _____________ in their _________________ of the truth.

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

D. Some are persistently _________________________.

1. Balance is necessary! Rom. 12:9

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

II. Some are “drawn” to denominationalism.

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

B. Some denominations are more inclusive in their __________________.

1. The ever present mindset of __________________ and tolerance.

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

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

C. Some denominations are more ________________ 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 “______________________” 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 _______________ _________________.

E. Some denominations are more _____________________ in their worship.

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

2. John 4:23-24 – to be done in ______________ and ___________.

Conclusion:

A. As members of the church we are to be a people of conviction and compassion.

1. 1 Cor. 16:13. _________________ is set forth in these words.

2. 1 Cor. 16:14 – __________________ is set forth in this verse.

B. Our bible based convictions will not appeal to some.

C. We need to never __________________ 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 _________________. 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 ____________________. 1. Some congregations more “______________” in their approach w/an emphasis on being “__________________.” 2. Some congregations more “________________” in their approach w/an emphasis on being more “___________________.” 3. Neither is right in and of itself. Christianity is a ______ & ______ 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 “___________.” AND Eph. 4:3-6 – 7 “__________.” C. Some have become _____________ in their _________________ of the truth. 1. Have we been less than _________________ & cautious in the way we present the truth? 1 Pet. 3:15; Col. 4:6; 2 Tim. 2:24-26 D. Some are persistently _________________________. 1. Balance is necessary! Rom. 12:9 2. Have we talked about the ________ as the ________? (1 Thess. 5:21-22) II. Some are “drawn” to denominationalism. A. 2 Tim. 4:3-4 - Appealing because they offer people what they ___________. B. Some denominations are more inclusive in their __________________. 1. The ever present mindset of __________________ and tolerance. 2. What does scripture say? 2 Tim. 2:10 – salvation ________ in Christ. a) Gal. 3:27 – entrance into Christ through ________________. C. Some denominations are more ________________ 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 “______________________” 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 _______________ _________________. E. Some denominations are more _____________________ in their worship. 1. Worship is specifically designed to please __________ – 1 Pet. 2:5 2. John 4:23-24 – to be done in ______________ and ___________. Conclusion: A. As members of the church we are to be a people of conviction and compassion. 1. 1 Cor. 16:13. _________________ is set forth in these words. 2. 1 Cor. 16:14 – __________________ is set forth in this verse. B. Our bible based convictions will not appeal to some. C. We need to never __________________ for the truth! D. If you’re interested in undenominational Christianity, we’re here for you.