I.
Denominationalism mocks Jesus’ fervent
prayer for unity (John
17:20-23).
II.
Denominationalism represents a lack of faith in God
and in His revealed will.
A.
It
is an expression of unbelief.
B.
It
represents disrespect for the word of God.
III.
Denominationalism also produces or causes
unbelief (John
17:20-21).
IV.
Denominationalism
makes Jesus Christ contradict Himself.
A.
Conflicting
teachings of Denominationalism:
1.
Babies
born in sin vs. Babies born innocent
2.
Babies
must be baptized vs. Babies don’t have to be baptized
3.
Sprinkling
or pouring is o.k. for baptism vs. Baptism must be by immersion only
4.
Baptism
isn’t necessary to be saved vs. Baptism is absolutely essential
for salvation
5.
Piano
in worship is o.k. vs. Piano in worship is not o.k.
6.
Some
predestined to be saved or lost vs. No one is predestined to be
saved or lost
B.
Therefore
I exhort you, be imitators of me.
For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my
beloved and faithful child in the Lord, and he will remind you of
my ways which are in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every
church. (1
Corinthians 4:16-17)
V.
Denominationalism
makes Jesus Christ a hypocrite in His teaching.
A.
Would Jesus teach conflicting doctrines?
1.
People are saved by faith only vs. People are saved by
faith coupled with works of obedience
2.
Divorce is permitted for any reason vs. Divorce [and
remarriage] is only permitted on the basis of fornication
B.
Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I
say? (Luke
6:46)
VI.
Denominationalism
sets forth Jesus as unfair and unjust.
A.
Opening his mouth, Peter said: “I most certainly
understand that God is not one to show partiality, But in every
nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to
Him.” (Acts
10:34-35)
VII. Denominationalism
makes Jesus an incompetent Lord.
VIII.
Denominationalism
makes Jesus Christ the author of confusion.
A.
“Would
to God that all party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms
which have divided the Christian world, were forgot… that the
very name (Methodist mr) might never be mentioned more, but be
buried in eternal oblivion.” John Wesley, Universal Knowledge,
Vol. 9, p.540
B.
“ I look forward to the day when there will
not be a Baptist living! I
hope that the Baptist name will soon perish, but let Christ’s
name last forever.” Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon’s Memorial
Library, Vol. 1, p. 168
C.
“Let us abolish all party names and call
ourselves Christians, after him whose teaching we hold… I hold,
together with the universal church, the one universal teaching of
Christ, who is our only Master.” Martin Luther, 1522
(www.mb-soft.com)
Conclusion:
What
does denominationalism do to Christ?
1.
It mocks Jesus’ prayer for unity
2.
It is an expression of unbelief
3.
It produces unbelief in Christ
4.
Makes Jesus contradict Himself
5.
Makes Jesus a hypocrite
6.
Sets forth Jesus as unfair & unjust
7.
Makes Jesus an incompetent Lord
8.
Makes Jesus the author of confusion
Glory
to God in the church by Christ Jesus
Franklin
Church of Christ
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