Denominationalism

Denominationalism
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

Religiously speaking, a “denomination” is one particular branch of a larger body of religious people. Many people have the idea that the universal church of Christ is composed of such denominations. Consequently, the members of these various denominational churches accept the religious people of all other “denominations.” How is this done? Doctrinal and moral differences are ignored or dismissed in order to maintain denominational “unity.”

Sadly, many people believe that religious diversity is a good thing. They reason that more and different churches provide people with greater opportunity of choice. Billy Graham and others have taught millions of people to join the church of their choice. This suggests that one church is as good as another. The reality is that some churches are not “as good as” other churches, for they do not respect or follow God’s word. Two misconceptions need to be considered:

1. “Denominationalism” is not good, for it constitutes division. To say that denominationalism is good is to say that division is good. The Bible condemns division (1 Cor. 1:10). The apostle Paul classified division as a work of the flesh. As such, it will keep people out of heaven (Galatians 5:20, 21). Religious division is produced by one or more parties deviating from the Bible standard. The interesting thing about the denominational mindset is that it allows people to maintain fellowship with one another while disagreeing over moral and doctrinal issues. This brings us to our next point:

2. True unity is not established upon moral and doctrinal compromise. It is established upon the infallible standard of God’s word. Bible unity is accomplished by “speaking the same thing” (1 Cor. 1:10), and the “thing” that we are to speak is “the word of God” (1 Pet. 4:11). Paul tells us that these words are contained in “Scripture” (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus prayed for people to be “one” (John 17:20, 21) It is comforting to be able to get along with others, but the basis and bounds of fellowship have been determined by God (Philippians 3:16; 2 John 9-11).

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.

Some Thoughts on "Organized Religion"

Some Thoughts On “Organized Religion”
Tim Haile, for the Parkway church of Christ

People often excuse their lack of religious affiliation on the basis that they are not comfortable with “organized” or “formal” religion. Some of these people claim to believe in God and in the Bible. They take comfort in their personal beliefs and individual practices. What does the Bible say about “organized” religion?

It is true that the Scriptures emphasize the importance of individuality in service to God. Jesus said, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me” (Luke 9:23). And it is individuals that will stand before the judgment seat of Christ where “each one” will be judged according to “his deeds” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

It is also true that some levels and types of “organization” are unscriptural and wrong. For example, the gospel of Christ does not authorize any organizational connections between local churches. Each local church is to have its own “elders” (Acts 14:23). These elders, also called “pastors” and “bishops” (see Acts 20:17 and 28), are to superintend the flock that is “among them” (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:2). No scriptural authority exists for them to rule over the members of other churches where they are not members. Furthermore, no scriptural authority exists to form any organization larger than the local church.

Having said these things, Christ is the Savior of the church (Ephesians 5:23) Baptized believers are added by God to the universal church (Acts 2:38, 47; 5:11, 14). Once saved, these saints join together in their respective communities in a local church for the purpose of collective function (Acts 9:26; Ephesians 4:12-16). As noted above, each local church is to be ruled by qualified elders, and individual saints are to submit to their rule in the local church (Hebrews 13:17). God commands Christians to “assemble” (Hebrews 10:25), and the New Testament gives the reasons for these assemblies (Acts 2:42; 20:7…etc). So, even though it is good to reject some types of “organized” religion, one must be careful not to shirk his God-given responsibility to the local church.

View past articles at http://parkwayarticles.blogspot.com. Please join us for worship and Bible study at our building located at 125 Hilltopper Ave, Bowling Green, KY 42101. We meet each Sunday at 10:00AM and 6:00PM for worship, and Sundays at 9:00AM and Wednesdays at 7:00PM for Bible study. Our radio program is aired each Sunday morning at 8:00AM on the WKCT 930AM band. Phone: (270) 842-2049 – Email: timhaile@mac.com. Visit www.parkwaychurchofchrist.com.