The New Testament Church

Matt. 7:21-27

Introduction:

1. When I open a phone book or look in the newspaper at a listing of churches, I find it most different from what one may read in the New Testament

a. Can you imagine first century Jerusalem or Antioch having the wide variety of sects and denominations we see in Williamson Co.?

b. Jesus prayed for the unity of his followers (John 17:20-23)

c. I wonder if Jesus is not now grieved at so many different churches

2. The concept of denominationalism is one which has arisen in the last 500 years. It is foreign to the Bible.

a. denominationalism finds its foundation not in unity but in division.

b. denominationalism names various groups within Christianity after things foreign to the Scriptures.

c. denominationalism points to man-led religious groups, that separate from each other on the basis of name, beliefs and practices.

d. denominationalism exalts the idea of sincerity but it places little value on truth, suggesting that what we believe is of little importance.

3. The word “denomination” is used in different ways:

a. a denomination is a “brand” name for a certain group of Christians.

b. “inter-denominational” a group of people made from a variety of denominations

c. “non-denominational” means a group that is not aligned with any denomination but not necessarily opposed to denominations.

d. “undenominational” refers to the belief that the whole system of denominationalism is foreign to the Scriptures.

I. Is Everyone Who Calls Himself a Follower of Jesus Approved By Jesus?

1. Matt. 7:21-27 this is one criteria Jesus uses to distinguish his followers from people who claim to follow him.

a. do they do the will of the Father?

b. do they hear the words of Jesus and do them?

2. John 8:31,32 the real disciples abide in Jesus’ words

3. We have asked, “What Would Jesus Do?” in matters moral. Perhaps we should also ask: “What Does Jesus Want?” in matters of practice and doctrine.

4. Heb. 5:8,9 obedience matters to Jesus

Applying this Principle:

Does My Words

Baptism by Immersion (Acts 8)

Baptizing of Penitent Believers

Men and Women (Acts 8:12)

Baptism So that sins might be forgiven (Acts 2:38; 22:16)

One Gospel—plan of salvation

(Gal. 1:6-9)

Autonomous congregations (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet. 5:1-4)

Elders and Deacons (Phil. 1:1)

No Titles (Matt. 23:7ff.)

Singing in Worship (Eph. 5:19)

Men to Lead in Worship (1 Tim. 2:8ff.)

Congregational Worship (Eph. 5:19)

Bible as Authority (2 Tim. 3:16,17)

Not My Words

Baptism by Sprinkling, Pouring

Baptism of Infants

Baptism Because Sins Have Already been forgiven

Many Gospels—plans of salvation

Denominational Headquarters

Archbishops, popes, presidents, councils, synods or priests

Titles: “Reverend” or “Father”

Instruments of Music in Worship

Women preachers

Choirs and Entertainment Format

Creeds, Manuals

Conclusion:

1. The question “What Pleases Jesus?” or “What Does Jesus Want?” is an extremely spiritual one.

2. John 8:29

3. Col. 1: 9-18

4. Do you please the Lord?