A Lesson by Mike Smith comparing denominations with Christ's church.

1. Denominationalism
Contradicts the Bible
• A serious minded person will look into the
Bible and want to see if what they believe,
think, teach, and practice is found
authorized by God’s inspired Word.
2 Timothy 3:15-17; Acts 6:7
• If they see that any of these things do not
meet God’s instruction, then, they will
change to make it follow what God has
commanded. 1 Peter 4:11; Mt. 28:20;
Heb. 8:5; Rom. 6:17-18

2. Denominationalism Teaches The Bible Teaches
There are many bodies or
churches
Churches founded by men
Human heads of the church
Human creeds
Wear human names
Follows men
Multiplicity of churches (kinds)
One body/church
1 Cor. 12:20; Eph. 4:4
Church founded by Christ
Mt. 16:18
Christ is the Head
Ephesians 1:22-23
The Bible is the only guide
2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1 Cor. 4:6
Glorify God as a Christian
1 Peter 4:16
Condemns following men
1 Corinthians 1:10-13
One church Romans 16:16

3. Denominationalism Teaches The Bible Teaches
Membership not essential
Preach many gospels
Claim doctrine unimportant
Walk by different rules
Saved added to the church
Acts 2:47
Only one gospel
Galatians 1:6-9
Doctrine is important
1 Tim. 4:16; 2 Jn. 9
Walk by the same rule
Phil. 3:16
Only one baptism
Eph. 4:5
Claim to be branches in the vine Branches are individuals not
churches John 15:1-6
Many faiths
One faith Eph. 4:5
Many baptisms

4. Get Right!
1 Timothy 3:15
• Denominationalism’s lack of obedience is the
difference between life and death.
John 12:48; Rev. 22:18-19; John 5:28-29
• If we are to have it God’s way, we had better
make sure that everything that we do is
authorized by Jesus or else don’t do it.
Col. 3:17; Mt. 7:21; 17:5
• You can be saved Acts 16:31 if you hear and
believe Rom.10:17; Repent Acts 3:19; Confess
Ac. 8:37 & are Baptized into Jesus Acts 22:16