[an error occurred while processing this directive] Why I Am a Member of the Church of Christ  Lesson 13 LESSON 13

Why I am a Member of the Church of Christ

"BECAUSE IT IS UNDENOMINATIONAL"

by: Bill Cantrell

Introduction:
The Development of Catholicism and Denominationalism.
Our Lord was Anti-Denominational and Undenominational thus, the Church must be so.
Reasons why the Church of Christ is not a Denomination.
Contrast Between Denominationalism and Undenominational Christianity.
Conclusion.

INTRODUCTION:
1.  Denomination: "A particular religious sect or body, with a specific name,
     organization, etc".  

      Sect:

A. A religious denomination, esp. a small group that has broken away from an established church.

B. Any group of people having common leadership, set of opinions, philosophical doctrine, political principles, etc. specif., a faction of a larger group.

2.  N.B. Hardeman defined a denomination as follows, it is a religious organization larger than the local church, smaller than the redeemed in the aggregate. Therefore, it comes in between, separate and distinct from the church of the Bible at both ends of the line. How is the church used? It is either a local congregation or it embraces all Christians. Now a denomination stands between these, and, therefore, it is a thing unheard of and unknown in the Bible; and I say that cautiously, respectfully, and yet firmly". (Hardeman's tabernacle sermons, 1922, pages 226,227)

3. The Church of Christ is undenominational in that it is not a denomination and stands opposed to denominationalism.

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I. THE DEVELOPMENT OF CATHOLICISM AND DENOMINATIONALISM.

A. The Church of Christ began in Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after the resurrection of Christ between A.D. 30-33. For a time the Church remained pure and uncorrupted, but then the predicted prophecy began to unfold.

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (KJV)

2Thess 2:1 Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him,  2   That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.   3  Let no man deceive you by any means:  for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;  4   Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God. (KJV)

2Tim 4:1   I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;  2  Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.        3  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; (KJV)

The gradual acceptance of the inventions and commandments of men led to the development of what became known as Roman Catholicism.

B. As time progressed, Catholicism perversion became more and more apparent, until men began to try to reform the Catholic Church. Their efforts were unsuccessful and as a result of their efforts denominationalism with its divers and contradictory doctrines. 

C. After the failure to reform Catholicism and the emerging of denominationalism with its divisiveness and conflicting doctrines, there began to be a plea to go back to the Bible and restore undenominational, New Testament Christianity. Men such as James O'Kelly, Abner Jones, Walter Scott, Barton W. Stone, Chester Bullard, John Smith, Thomas and Alexander Campbell were key figures in this movement.

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II. OUR LORD WAS ANTI-DENOMINATIONAL AND UNDENOMINATIONAL THUS, THE CHURCH MUST BE SO.

A. The Lord did not align himself with division and fraction. There were four major factions among the Jews; Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and Essenes.  Though all these groups taught some truth the Lord refused to identify with any of them. 

B. The Lord's prayer for unity.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (KJV)

C. The price paid for unity.

Eph 2:16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (KJV)

D. The plea for unity.

1Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (KJV)

E. The plan for unity.

Eph 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,   2   With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;                3   Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.   4   There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;          5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,   6  One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. (KJV)

Denominationalism is contrary to all of the above, thus the church must be undenominational and anti-denominational.

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III. REASONS WHY THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS NOT A DENOMINATION.

A. God hates the sin of Denominationalism.  

Prov 6:16 These six things doth the LORD hate:   yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  17  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,      18  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,   19  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren. (KJV)

B. Denominationalism is contrary to the Lord's prayer.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (KJV)

C. Denominationalism is a contributing factor to infidelity.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (KJV)

D. Denominationalism is a sign of carnality, not spirituality.

1Cor 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.  2  I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.  3  For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? (KJV)

E. Denominationalism is contrary to Christ because Christ is not divided.

1Cor 1:11 For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.   12  Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  13  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (KJV)

F. Denominationalism is wrong because the church is one, not many.

Rom 12:4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:  5  So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (KJV)

1Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.  14 For the body is not one member, but many.   15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  16  And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?  17  If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?  18  But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.  19  And if they were all one member, where were the body?  20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. (KJV)

Eph 4:4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;  (KJV)

G. Denominationalism is foreign to the purpose of Calvary.

Eph 2:15 Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace;  16 And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: (KJV)

H. Denominationalism is a vain attempt to serve God.

Matt 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.  (KJV)

I. Denominationalism divides homes, when God wants them united.

Gen 18:19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. (KJV)

Josh 24:15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD. (KJV)

Amos 3:3 Can two walk together, except they be agreed? (KJV)

J. Denominationalism is opposed to Paul's plea for unity.

1Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (KJV)

K. Denominationalism is contrary to the apostles doctrine.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.        18  For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (KJV)

L. Denominationalism is synonymous with sectarianism, a sin condemned in the Bible.

Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,                21   Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. (KJV)

2Peter 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (KJV)

Heresies is rendered sect.

Acts 5:17 Then the high priest rose up, and all they that were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation, (KJV)

M. Denominationalism makes truth appear relative and contradictory.

John 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (KJV)

Eph 3:4 Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (KJV)

Eph 5:17 Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.  (KJV)

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. (KJV)

John 7:17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. (KJV)

N. Denominationalism is admittedly nonessential to the individuals salvation, however the membership in the Lord's church is essential to salvation.

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.   (KJV)

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church:  and he is the saviour of the body. (KJV)

Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. (KJV)

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IV. CONTRAST BETWEEN DENOMINATIONALISM AND UNDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIANITY.

1. Many bodies or churches/One body or church.   

Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV)

1Cor 12:20 But now are they many members, yet but one body. (KJV)

2. Founded by men/Founded by Christ.

Matt 16:18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. (KJV)

3. Human heads/Christ the head.

Eph 1:22 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,   23  Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all. (KJV)

4. Human creeds/Bible as only creed.

2Tim 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:   17  That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.  (KJV)

5. Wear human names/Glorify God in the name Christian.

1Peter 4:16 Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf. (KJV)

6. Follow men/following men is condemned.

1Cor 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.   11  For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you.  12   Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.  13  Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? (KJV)

7. A multiplicity of churches unknown to the Bible/Mentioned in the Bible.

Rom 16:16 Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you. (KJV)

8. Membership in denominations is not essential to salvation/Membership in Christ's church is essential to salvation.

Eph 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body. (KJV)

9. Preach many gospels/If a man preach any other gospel, he is condemned.

Gal 1:8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.  9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.  

10. Rewrite creeds every few years/Bible remains the same.

Matt 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. (KJV)

11. Many faiths/"One faith".

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (KJV)

12. Many baptisms/"One baptism".

Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism, (KJV)

13. Join churches/God adds to "the church".

Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.    (KJV)

14. Claims to be abiding in branches of the church/Jesus said, "Abide in me" the true vine. 

John 15:1   I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.   2  Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.   3  Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.  4  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.  5  I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.  6  If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. (KJV)

15. Walk by different rules/walk by the same rule.

Phil 3:16 Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (KJV)

16. Thank God in their prayers for so many churches/Jesus prayed for oneness.

John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;  21  That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. (KJV)

17. Claim doctrine is inconsequential/Take heed unto doctrine to save self and others.

1Tim 4:16 Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (KJV)

(The above was taken from "Why I am A Member of The Church of Christ, by Leroy Brownlow)

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CONCLUSION.

1. We must stand opposed to denominationalism and exalt the Church of Jesus Christ.

2. Let us have our Lord's attitude.

A. He loved the church and gave himself for it.

Eph 5:25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; (KJV)

B. He hates division.

Prov 6:16  These six things doth the LORD hate:  yea, seven are an abomination unto him:  17  A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,  18  An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,  19  A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.  (KJV)


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