Conquering Division with Devotion
Introduction:
A. Religious division is one of the greatest hindrances to the cause of
Christ and has become a blight upon the cause of Christianity.
B. Some have tried to minimize division by saying:
1. The differences are not so great
2. Religious diversity is good
C. One of the primary reasons for division is men are seeking to please
themselves rather than God
D. Rom. 8:16,17
I. The Unified Nature of the Lord’s Church
A. Eph. 4:1-6 It is ONE
B. 1 Cor. 3:3-8 Not divided by names
1. Disciples called Christians (Acts 11:26)
2. Acts 4:12
Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name
under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
3. Read excerpts from Luther, etc. (below)
II. Why is Denominationalism Wrong?
A. It is without scriptural support
1. If we are to be the church of the N.T. we must pattern after it
2. Our organization must have authority from N.T.
3. The idea of denominationalism is not in the Bible
B. It violates the autonomy of the church
1. Elders oversee local church
a. 1 Peter 5:12 The elders oversee with God given authority
b. Acts 20:17, 28 The congregation at Ephesus was overseen by an eldership
D. The apostles authority is with us in the scriptures
E. We must discard all man-made authorities:
popes, priests, synods, associations, councils, “pastors”
F. Denominationalism violates 1 Cor. 1:10-13
III. Division Within the Body
A. Christ prayed we might be ONE John 17
B. Paul wrote “that there be no divisions among you” (1 Cor. 1:10)
C. Eph. 4:1-3 Gives formula for unity
D. Phil. 2:1-4 Esteem others better
E. 1 Cor. 8:9-12 Take care with liberties
F. Rom. 12:1-5 Many members, one body
UNDERSTANDING THAT DENOMINATIONALISM IS WRONG HAS LED TO THESE INTERESTING STATEMENTS...
From Martin Luther, the leader of the Reformation Movement:
"I ask that men make no reference to my name, and call themselves not Lutherans, but Christians. What is Luther? My doctrine, I am sure, is not mine, nor have I been crucified for any one. St. Paul, in I Cor. 3, would not allow Christians to call themselves Pauline or Petrine, but Christian. How then should I, poor, foul carcass that I am, come to have men give to the children of Christ a name derived from my worthless name? No, no, my dear friends; let us abolish all party names, and call ourselves Christians after Him Whose doctrine we have." - Hugh Thomason Kerr, A Compend of Luther's Theology (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1943, p. 135)
From John Wesley, another great reformation leader, among whose followers are Methodists, Wesleyans, etc.:
1'Would to God that all party names, and unscriptural phrases and forms which have divided the Christian world, were forgot and that the very name [Methodist] might never be mentioned more, but be buried in eternal oblivion." - John Wesley, Universal Knowledge, A Dictionary and Encyclopedia of Arts, Science, History, Biography, Law, Literature, Religions, Nations, Races, Customs, and Institutions, Vol. 9, Edward A. Pace, Editor (New York: Universal Knowledge Foundation, 1927, p. 540)
From Charles Spurgeon, one of the greatest Baptist preachers who ever lived:
"I look forward with pleasure 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." - Spurgeon Memorial Library, Vol. I., p. 168