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Presented January 28, 2007
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DIFFERENT CHURCHES? (8)
Where are we now?
Today we want to conclude our study in which we have addressed why there are so many different churches. We have shown how since the establishment of the New Testament church, we have arrived at the numerous different denominations that exist (and the Catholic and Orthodox Churches) because men deviated from the pattern we find in the New Testament for the work, worship and organization of the church. We have spent the past two lessons addressing the restoration movement which was a movement by men to put away all the creeds of men and return to the Bible to establish the ONE true pattern that we know will please God. Yet we noted also that even among those who sought to restore the New Testament church, it was not long before division and innovations were again introduced.
Last week we talked about the American Christian Missionary Society established in 1849, and the introduction of instrumental music around that same time. Following the Civil War we also mentioned divisions among churches of Christ which included premillenialism in the first half of the 20th century, and then after WWII, the major division over the work of the church which we describe as institutionalism. )
I. Some Observations: A few “loose ends” concerning the restoration movement up to this point
a. NOTE: The Civil War began in 1861 and halted some of the debate over these issues, while preachers focused on the issues of the war and slavery. It is interesting to note though that in conjunction with the Civil War, brethren took sides on some of these issues. That is why in the South, churches of Christ are more predominant and in the Northeast, Christian Churches/Disciples of Christ are more prevalent.
b.
NOTE: Another interesting observation about these
divisions is that with most of them [with the possible exception of
premillenialism] the majority of brethren went with the more progressive view.
And that is consistent with ALL of religious history. Those who stood for the
truth are almost ALWAYS the minority.
During the days of Israel, when the prophets condemned their ungodly behavior
and offered hope, they often spoke of a remnant (a small group) who would return
and be righteous. It was a remnant who refused to bow to Baal along with
Elijah. They numbered 7000 in a nation of millions.(1 Kings 19:18). Isaiah
10:22-23 says, “For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea,
A remnant of them will return; The destruction decreed shall overflow with
righteousness. For the Lord GOD of hosts Will make a determined end in the
midst of all the land.”
c.
ANOTHER point: While history does not record it,
because of the nature of the church, it is probable that somewhere and maybe in
many places throughout the world, there has ALWAYS been a remnant in existence
through the centuries that stood for the truth and could be considered the true
church of Christ. The reason they are not predominant or perhaps even
mentioned, is because:
1) Their stands would have been contrary to Catholic Church or popular beliefs
and therefore silenced. It was not until the printing press, invented by Johann
Gutenberg in the 1440’s that works could be published on a wider scale and thus
made more easily available to the general population. This in turn would make
it more difficult to destroy all copies of documents in opposition to a huge
entity, (like the Catholic Church). Thus reformation leaders had a better
chance of preserving their studies AND receiving copies of the Bible so that
they COULD study. While we have some history prior to the printing press, it is
not as extensive.
2) The nature of the church has always been autonomous and independent
congregations. As such, local congregations would probably not keep detailed
records the way denominations and the Catholic Church did. Thus as they stood
for the truth, it was not recorded or records would have been kept locally and
probably destroyed (consider the capability of the Catholic Church as you note
the Crusades, inquisitions, etc.) or deeply buried and not yet found.
d. Where such churches existed, obviously, there would be no need for reformation. I am the first to tell you that when it is needed, we ought to adapt to current times. But any changes we make must STILL be authorized. We must NEVER compromise the whole counsel of God’s word and that includes His pattern for His church. If you look at what we have examined in this entire study, the churches of men have always started because they were not satisfied with God’s pattern.
II. Where are we now?
a. The Catholic Church continues to change and develop. We continue to read of corruption within the priesthood and the church’s attempts to cover it up. The church also adapts by considering changes in doctrine to suit the times.
b. Protestant denominations are growing bigger and more ecumenical. Many denominations (or sects within a particular denomination) are growing more and more liberal, often questioning the inspiration or relevance of the Bible today. Various denominations continue to splinter and divide as well.
c.
The
Disciples of Christ – according to
www.wikipedia.com , an online encyclopedia, the following are some of the
doctrines of the Disciples of Christ today:
They believe in baptism by immersion, but they accept the baptism of other
faiths. But they no longer believe it is necessary for salvation. They believe
in “faith only”
They do NOT believe that any one denomination (including their own) is the ONE
true church.
Their organization – while each of their nearly 3800 congregation
is self-governing and “calls its own pastor”, they have a general assembly each
year where they meet to discuss their work. The Disciples of Christ are
members of the World Council of Churches an organization designed to unite
denominations, churches and church fellowships from all over the world. [In
North America alone, this organization (WCC) includes in addition to the
Disciples of Christ, AME churches, Lutherans, the National Baptist Convention,
Presbyterian churches, United Methodist churches and the United Church of Christ
(denomination – we are NOT affiliated with them).
http://www.oikoumene.org/en/home.html ]
Their current president and general minister is “Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins.”
http://www.disciples.org/watkins/
d. The Christian Church – is another name of the Disciples of Christ, though there are some congregations that denounce the denominational title, and in parts of the country there is considerable difference with the Christian Church holding more conservative views than the Disciples. In some of these churches, differences between churches of Christ amount to the use of instrumental music and support of institutions such as the Missionary society.
e.
Institutional Churches of Christ –
as stated last week, this movement gained prominence after WWII and severely
divided the church over what is its purpose and how can churches cooperate and
use their money. Since that time, the churches have divided again with some
churches maintaining that you must respect the inspiration of scripture but
believing you can do certain things which are not specifically forbidden, such
as sponsoring churches, building certain institutions to do good works, engaging
in general benevolence, fellowship halls, etc.
Others have sought identity with the denominational world. It is
seen in the progressive attitude in worship, work and seeking an ecumenical
spirit (promoting Christian unity without addressing our differences). One such
example of this is the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. You may not of
heard of that church but you have probably heard of its “senior pastor” Max
Lucado. But up until a few years ago, they were known as the “Oak Hills Church
of Christ.” Also up until a couple of years ago, they did not use instrumental
music, but now it has been introduced. Concerning baptism, while they require
baptism to be a part of Oak Hills, they state it does not matter where you are
baptized, provided it is by immersion and based upon faith. They then state
that there are exceptions with which one can be saved WITHOUT baptism.
http://www.oakhillschurchsa.org/about/beliefs/baptism.dod.pdf
More conservative minded institutional brethren and churches have opposed
these innovations with great concern. And an interesting fact is that
they are using many of the same arguments that were used in the 1950’s & 60’s to
point out what they were doing was without authority.
f. Non-institutional Churches of Christ – even we continue to become more and more divided!
i. Even among the few churches that have survived or been established without being influenced by these divisions we have discussed, there are many factions – some that have been around for years and others that are now gaining more prevalence.
ii. Non-institutional brethren have splintered over many different issues throughout the years – whether or not we can have Bible classes; Can women teach children?; One cup vs. multiple containers when serving the Lord’s Supper; variations concerning the offering of Sunday Evening communion; Should women wear head coverings in worship services?; Can churches hire a local preacher?; Whether or not institutions such as Florida College and the Guardian of Truth Foundation (institutions operated by Christians, but not the church) have the right to exist; Was the world created in six literal days?; etc. NOTE: These are important issues that need to be discussed – and many of them affect our ability to assemble together.
iii. In a scholarly discourse presented on May 1, 1998, Ferrell Jenkins of Temple Terrace Florida, presented a lecture at Pepperdine University entitled, “Please Don’t Call Us ‘Anti’” in which he very accurately described who we are. He noted a number of issues among us that serve as a starting point to identify that we continue to splinter. These issues included: The Grace-Unity-Movement which advocates a broader understanding of grace and fellowship with those who are teaching and practicing error; The examiner – also known as the Charles Holt movement objected to Biblical concept of elders and located preachers; The nature of Jesus – did He surrender His deity when He came to this earth?; Marriage-Divorce-Remarriage continues to be a hotly debate and divisive issue. The problem deals with interpretation of passages such as Matthew 19:9, etc.; The issue of fellowship – how do we deal with a false teacher? Does it matter whether or not he is sincere? This issue largely centers on what Romans 14 actually teaches. Also this brings up the question of recognizing other congregations who either teach error on some of these issues and/or accept those who do.
iv. In addition to this we have to contend with weak or agenda driven preaching (both overly positive or overly critical), less scripture and more stories & philosophies in sermons, indifference, the softening of moral issues and just plain worldliness.
v. My point in mentioning these things is to show that there is ALWAYS something that will test our faith in God and His word. Errors abound, even among so-called brethren and we need to “test the spirits, whether they are of God.” (1 John 4:1). It also emphasizes the importance of Bible study (2 Timothy 2:15).
III. What does the future hold?
a.
I suspect that if the Lord permits this world to last
much longer, that we will see more of the same. And without claiming to be a
prophet, we can already see where we are headed by looking at history. Israel
didn’t become corrupt overnight. The Catholic Church did not form overnight.
Neither did the ecumenical concept of Denominationalism. And within the
restoration movement, divisions occurred over time.
I contend that given enough time, IF WE DON’T STOP the digression BEFORE it
begins, we will see more Super churches with headquarters run by men.
b. We need a distinctive sound. Paul while speaking about the gift of speaking in tongues noted the importance of understanding the sound. He said, “Even things without life, whether flute or harp, when they make a sound, unless they make a distinction in the sounds, how will it be known what is piped or played? For if the trumpet makes an uncertain sound, who will prepare for battle?” 1 Corinthians 14:7-9
c. Are we drifting? Hebrews 2:1finds this warning, “Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.” The danger of drifting is found in the fact that it happens gradually.
d. Ultimately, the answer to the question is – IT IS UP TO US!
Thus we conclude this study of the history of the digression of the religion of Christ. Brethren it’s NOT just about tolerating some supposedly small matter (usually with a good cause). It is about AUTHORITY and where we draw the line! Are we willing to risk our souls on “I think the Lord would allow this”? I conclude this study with a quote from our Lord. Luke 18:8 says, “…Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”