There are many denominations. Do you think it was God's intention to have these, or do you think he had one church in mind? Lets go to the Bible and see what we can find out.
In 1st Corinthians 1:2 Paul is addressing the church of Corinth:
1CO 1:2 To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ--their Lord and ours: 1:3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
First thing Paul tells us, is that he is not just talking to that local church, but that he is talking to believers everywhere. In other words what we are about to read applies to everyone.
Lets see what Paul says:
1CO 1:4 I always thank God for you because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. 5 For in him you have been enriched in every way--in all your speaking and in all your knowledge-- 6 because our testimony about Christ was confirmed in you. 7 Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed. 8 He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
This is what Paul meant:
Jesus in your lives was confirmed by the way you live. In other words people could see that they where believers.
Since you live that way, God gives you what you need. You have everything you need to get the job done, you don't lack any spiritual gifts. God will keep you strong till the end.
The God that has called you is faithful, in other words his promises are guaranteed.
Lets see how Paul goes on:
1CO 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ."
Paul appeals to them that they should be united, that there should be no divisions. He talks about that he heard they where arguing about who is following who. He asks them a question:
1CO 1:13 Is Christ divided?
In other words: How many Jesus' are there? Who are you following?
That is an interesting question. Who do we follow? Do we follow a Denomination or do we follow Jesus Christ? That is a good question.
With what we have just looked at, do you think it was God's plan to follow a Denomination?
I truly believe just by looking at the above scriptures, it is plain to see that God does not like division. So where does that leave us?
We all know there are Denominations that think they are "it". There are Denominations that won't associate with other denominations. There are people that think their way is the only way. What do we do with that?
There is nothing wrong with different denominations, but there is something wrong with division. What do i mean by that? Not all of us like to worship the same way the next person likes to worship. I think that there is room for different styles of worship. I believe we can have a difference in opinion on non-essential issues. There is a problem however with not agreeing on essential issues, we need to be united on those.
So how do I know if I can visit a denomination or not?
It is real basic. Does this church believe in the essentials?
For example:
The Bible is the word of God and is the final authority.
There is one God revealed in 3 persons. Father, Son, HS
Because of sin this is a fallen world that needed a savior.
God redeemed the world by sending his Son as a sacrifice, because of Jesus being perfect, he was the only one that could be this sacrifice.
This makes it possible for us to receive forgiveness for the wrong we do. All we have to do is receive this gift.
These are some of the essentials I am talking about, I am not talking about what is there format, how do they sing, do they stand or sit, do they believe in the gifts of the Spirit, do they...., do they...
We could go on and on with non-essentials, I think you can probably get my meaning.
Basically what Paul said was: You have shown you walk the walk, you have the gifts and God is on your side. Why are you dividing over insignificant stuff? If this applied to then, it also applies to now.
Lets remember this when we see different denominations or if you are wondering if you can visit other churches.
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