Denominationalism

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DENOMINATIONALISM

I. Unity Sought                 I Corinthians 1:10-13

   1. Speak the same thing
                a. Not: all sermons or classes are identical
                b. We must all talk "God's" language
                c. Rom. 12:16
                d. Rom. 15:5-6
                e. Talk: church, Jesus, souls, salvation, praise
        2. No divisions
                a. Differences? Yes!
                b. Divisions? No!
                        Prov. 6:19 God hates one who sows discord
                        Ps. 133:1 "Brethren dwell together in unity"
        3. Joined together
                a. Eph. 4:11-16
                b. Col. 2:18-19
        4. Same mind
                a. Phil 2:5-8
                b. Gen. 11:1, 6-9
                c. Phil. 4:8
                d. Phil. 3:15-16
        5. Same judgment
                a. Not: same decisions -
                        If all agreed with every decision - there
                        would be no "decision" to make!
                b. Not: same methods -
                        teaching a class, organize a program
                        conduct a meeting, preach a sermon
                c. But: same direction, agree with the direction
                d. But: same purpose or aim

II. Division is Wrong

   1. I Cor. 1:11 contentions among you
        2. Rom. 16:17 mark them that cause divisions
        3. I Cor. 3:3; 11:18
        4. I Cor. 12:25 should be no schism in the body
        5. I Tim. 6:3-5 from such withdraw thyself

III. Which "church" is right?

   1. We often do not find the right answer because we have asked the wrong question.
        2. Real Issue:
                a. NOT: Who is right?
                b. BUT: What is right?
        3. If we do WHAT is right, then we will be right?
                a. When someone asks, "What do you think?"
                b. Respond, "I believe the same thing you do."
                        "You do believe the Bible, don't you?"
                c. If you debate WHO is right you will:
                        not win many arguments
                        lose many friends

IV. Unity Expected

   1. Jesus prayed for unity                John 17:20-21
                a. That all may be "ONE"
                b. That world may believe
        2. Paul's platform                                Eph. 4:1-6
                a. One Body - Church
                b. One Spirit - Revealer and Guide into Truth
                c. One Hope = Desire and Expectation
                d. One Lord = Jesus Christ
                e. One Faith - Jude 3, II Tim. 4:6-8
                f. One Baptism - Acts 2:38
                g. One God and Father of all

V. Restoration Movement
   1. Plea of Campbell

                a. "Back to the Bible"
                b. In matters of faith - Unity
                 In matters of opinion - Liberty
                 In all things - Love
        2. Do not start another denomination.
                a. "How to Start a Brand New Denomination"
                b. Invent a new doctrine, practice or structure
                c. Change worship, salvation
        3. Draw a picture from:
                a. baseball of 1900
                b. "restore" a Model T Ford
        3. Joined together
                a. Eph. 4:11-16
                b. Col. 2:18-19
        4. Same mind