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ever read a reference to the Lutheran church in scripture? Did Peter preach at St. Mark's Catholic church in Caesarea? Did Barnabas exhort the Mt. Zion Methodist church in Antioch? Certainly, Luke recorded a reference to the local Christian Science church in Corinth; didn't he? Well, again, none of these different denominations even existed at that time, and certainly none of them are alluded to in scripture. We do however, see that the Lord's church is called by several different names: "His body" (Eph. 1:22-23); "The kingdom of God" (Jn. 3:3, 5); "The church of God" (Acts 20:28); "The house of God" (1 Tim. 3:15); "The church of the firstborn" (Heb. 12:23); and referring to several local congregations of Christians -- "The churches of Christ" (Rom. 16:16). These are all scriptural designations for Christ's church -- the church of Christ. Why would we want to wear a name other than that which is found in scripture? Membership: What are the requirements that must be fulfilled in order to become a member of one of the many denominations in the world today? We might be hard-pressed to know just how to get into some of these groups. Yet, the terms of membership to become a part of the N.T. church are easily found within the pages of God's Book; and they are easily followed. Notice what sinners were told to do in order to be saved, and become a member of Christ's body (Acts 2:37-47): vs. 37 -- "Now when they heard this," (that is, the Jews who crucified Christ, after they heard the gospel preached) they were cut to the heart (they most definitely believed what they heard) and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?" (Well, what shall we do about what? -- their sick camel? -- their lost dog? -- no, about their sinful condition.) vs. 38 -- "Then Peter said to them, “Repent, (of their sinful lives) and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ (for what? -- in order to join a denomination? -- to let everyone know that they had already been saved when they accepted Jesus into their hearts by saying the sinner's prayer? -- Notice:) for the remission of sins (yes, to get their sins forgiven); and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Look at vs. 40 -- "And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation." (wait a minute…since they had believed, why didn't he just say that they had been saved already? Isn't faith all that's required? -- not according to all of the scriptures [Mk. 16:16; Col. 2:11- 12; Acts 22:16]). vs. 41 -- "Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them." (Added to whom? -- the Catholics? -- the Baptists? -- It says to 'them' -- the only church that existed, Christ's church. Notice, how they were not 'added' to the saved until after their baptism.) vs. 42 And they continued steadfastly in (the Methodist discipline? -- the Baptist manual? -- the Presbyterian Confessional? -- some other denominational creed? No, the apostle's doctrine, which they had received from Jesus by Holy Spirit inspiration [Jn. 14:25-26].) the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers." vs. 47 -- (they were) "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church (the local denomination? -- the church of their choice? -- No, to the only church that existed for several hundred years, until man devised his own plans) daily those who were being saved." So, why is it that today all of the various denominations have made up their own different terms of entrance into membership? Some vote, have secret trials, induct babies by the consent of a parent, lay hands on the prospective member, or allegedly have a miraculous event take place. Where do we ever read of these things in scripture? My friend, the only way to be added to the Lord's One true Church is to follow the plan set forth in God's Book. Organization: How many of today's denominations are scripturally arranged and organized? Do we read of Arch-Bishops, Cardinals, Lay-Clergy, Music or Entertainment Ministers, etc. in the Bible? I challenge you to open the Holy Scriptures and put your finger on the passage that describes or even remotely mentions these positions. You see, these are just another innovation of men. Let's look at what the Bible describes as the normal positions within a church: In Phil. 1:1, Paul said "Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:". Let us notice unto whom it was that Paul referred. First of all, he mentions saints. These were Christians (Acts 9:13, 32, 41; Rom. 15:25-26), the members of that local church who were added to God's people after faith, repentance, and baptism (just as we learned in the previous section). 'Saint' comes from the Greek 'Hagios': "In the plural, as used of believers, it designates all such and is not applied merely to persons of exceptional holiness, or to those who, having died, were characterized by exceptional acts of saintliness." (Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words). Secondly, he mentions bishops. A 'bishop' from 'episkopos' is an overseer. It is found in Acts 20:28; Phil. 1: 1; 1 Tim. 3:2; Tit. 1:7; and 1 Pet. 2:25. These verses specify their scriptural qualifications and their job description. "'Presbuteros', an elder, is another term for the same person as bishop or overseer. See Acts 20: 17 with verse 28. The term “elder” indicates the mature spiritual experience and understanding of those so described; the term “bishop,” or “overseer,” indicates the character of the work undertaken." (Vine's). Also, a 'pastor' from 'poimen', is a shepherd, one who tends herds or flocks (not merely one who feeds them), and refers to the office of these elders or bishops. Pastors guide as well as feed the flock; cp. Acts 20:28, which, with ver. 17, indicates that this was the service committed to elders (overseers or bishops); so also in 1 Pet. 5: 1-2, “tend the flock … exercising the oversight,". Not every local congregation may have men qualified for this position. Also, any use other than the Bible's use of the designations 'pastor', 'elder', or 'bishop' are unscriptural, and therefore sinful. And third, Paul mentions deacons. The scriptural qualifications of a deacon are found in 1 Tim. 3:8-13. 'Deacon' comes from 'diakonos', and means a servant. The men who fit these qualifications would serve the church in the capacity that was deemed necessary by the elders of the congregation. Besides these specific terms found in Phil. 1:1, we find 'teachers' and 'evangelists' being mentioned (Eph. 4: 11). They are men who are teachers or proclaimers of the gospel (2 Tim. 4:5). An evangelist may or may not be present in every local church (as the elders are to be able to teach and exhort the flock). Also, apostles (ones sent forth) and prophets (ones who speak forth) from the same text in Ephesians, will not be found in local churches today, as they were special men sent by the Lord with Holy Spirit guidance. Eph. 4:13 and 1 Cor. 13:8-12 show that these special offices have ceased. If any man claims to be an apostle (in the sense that the 13, and Paul were), let him come forth and immediately show us the signs of an apostle (2 Cor. 12: 12). If any man claims to be a prophet, in the sense that these were mentioned in scripture, let him come forth and immediately prove his ability to prophesy (Deut. 18:20-22). These are the official offices and titles that are found in scripture. Any other titles, offices, designations, or usages of the above are simply unscriptural; they have been invented by men. Doctrine: Doctrine from 'didaskalia' means "instruction" or "that which is taught" (Strong's Greek Lexicon). When it comes to what is being taught by various denominations, one can find a plethora of different teachings. Denominations teach from creeds, catechisms, manuals, disciplines, latter-day revelations, and even their own pet versions and so-called translations -- all of which contradict, add to, or take away from scripture. Because they teach the doctrines of men in place of the Word of God, Jesus declares that their worship is empty and useless (Mt. 15:8-9). The Bible shows us that only God's inspired word was taught to the N.T. church. It is what was given to the apostles and teachers who taught in the churches (congregations) of God's people in every city (1 Cor. 4:17). It was sufficient (2 Tim. 3:16-17), complete (2 Pet. 1:3; Jude 3), and had to be strictly followed (2 Jn. 9). Any changes, perversions, or modifications were condemned and warranted the curse of God (Gal. 1:6-9). If the church where you attend uses anything but the Bible, then it is not the New Testament church. Practice: If you were to ask ten people from ten different denominations about their religious practice in worship, the answers would be staggering. But, the N.T. church clearly agreed in these simple things: preaching and teaching (Acts 20:20; 2 Tim. 4:2), praying prev | next |