Why People Believe in Denominationalism - Acts 17:16


  1. They are TAUGHT it.
    1. Deut 6:6-9; 18:9 - ERROR can be taught as easily as TRUTH
    2. Acts 17:21 - they like the excitement of things that are NEW
    3. Acts 19:19 - many times, it provides ENTERTAINMENT
    4. Eze 44:23 - unable to DISCERN between truth & error
      1. Malachi 3:18
      2. Hebrews 5:14
    5. Ex. - flat earth, geocentric universe, communism; socialism


  2. They have FAMILY TIES in it.
    1. 1 Kings 11:1-4 - marriages with unbelievers
    2. Nehemiah 13:24-25 - CHILDREN of religiously mixed marriages
    3. Matthew 10:34-37


  3. The TITLES and POSITIONS to be found in it.
    1. 1 Corinthians 1:26
    2. People do not want to give up areas of RESPONSIBILITY or AUTHORITY, especially if MONEY is involved.
      1. Henry Thurmond's friend - Christian Church preacher
      2. Christian in FL offered deaconship to return to denomination


  4. They respect the THEOLOGIANS in denominations.
    1. Acts 17:18
    2. They respect their formal LEARNING - 2 Timothy 3:7-8
    3. They regard their LIFESTYLE - Colossians 2:18-23
    4. They relish their LANGUAGE - Romans 16:17-18


  5. They would have to change their TYPE of life.
    1. Denominationalism is a system of CONVENIENCE
      1. The false docrine of FAITH ONLY
      2. The false doctrine of ONCE saved, ALWAYS saved
    2. Denominationalism encourages the fulfilment of the LUSTS of the FLESH


  6. Conclusion
    1. 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
    2. There still exist some good and honest hearts who will believe and obey the truth if they are taught it. But we must first live it before them to prepare them to be taught.