The Root of Denominationalism

Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? 1 Cor 1:13

The church in Corinth offers today’s believer many important lessons on how not to run the Christian race. While on one hand, it was so endowed with the grace and gifts of God that Paul testifying of them said; “in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge— even as the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift.” Still, the same church was so full of conflict, that Paul described them as carnal and babes.

The divisiveness in this church showed up in the way that rather than the gifts of the Holy Spirit being used to edify the body; they were used for show off, and to slight other brethren. The height of the divisiveness was however in the forming of cliques around favourite leaders until those leaders became so magnified, that Christ appeared to be no more than just another favourite leader, for the people began to say, “I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.” 1 Cor 1:12

The same queuing behind and around favourite Christian leaders is rife today. There are apparently too few leaders nowadays who like John the Baptist would say, “he must increase and I must decrease.”

The divisiveness in this church showed up in the way that rather than the gifts of the Holy Spirit being used to edify the body; they were used for show off, and to slight other brethren

This projecting of self and specific ministries (denominationalism) above Christ himself is in fact idolatry. It also goes against everything that the Lord taught and instructed.

It is easy to become carried away with what God is doing through us, and to start to allow men to give us high-sounding titles. Hear this, the Lord said, “Let no man call you rabbi.” And Paul the apostle admonishes that if we are to walk worthy of our calling, we are to do so “with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Eph 4:2-6

There is just one church, and it is all under one God.

It is easy to become carried away with what God is doing through us, and to start to allow men to give us high-sounding titles.

Prayer

Lord, help me to walk humbly and in love towards brethren who are not of my own congregation.