WHAT COULD DENOMINATIONALISM NEVER DO?
Roger D. Campbell

Few devices of the devil have been as successful in blinding the eyes of men and women as denominationalism has.

        Denominationalism, as it is generally presented in our society, is the concept that the spiritual body of the Lord Jesus is made up of a number of different religious groups/churches, with those different groups having different identities and different organizational structures, believing different and contradictory doctrines, teaching different and contradictory doctrines, following different and contradictory doctrines, and worshipping in different ways. Each denominational group is counted as one slice of the whole "pie," with the general agreement being that no denomination has the right to count itself as the exclusive church of the Bible. This divide-em-up slicing of the "pie" into distinct, no-two-alike pieces, is supposed to constitute God’s church and be His idea of unity in Jesus. 
        Denominationalism has been a part of the United States of America since our nation’s official inception in 1776. Denominationalism’s history in Europe goes back hundreds of years before that, with Roman Catholicism having its beginning in the early part of the 7th century A.D. Some would suggest that it started much earlier. 
        All Americans grow up hearing about and observing denominationalism in action. I was raised in a denominational environment. I observed it, endorsed it, and was sprinkled into it. As far as religion was concerned, it was all that I knew at the time. Later, like many of you, I was blessed to have people teach me what the Bible says about the church of the living God and His way of salvation. The New Testament’s teaching about His church is as far removed from modern denominationalism as night is from day. 
        There are some things that denominationalism could never do. 
        ONE, denominationalism could never find Bible authority for its existence. There is no denying the fact that denominationalism exists. The question that must be faced honestly is this one: Is denominationalism “from heaven, or of men” (Matt. 21:25)? If it truly is from heaven, then it is from God. If it is from God, you know what that means, right? It means we can read about it in the Bible. The truth is, the Bible knows no such thing as denominationalism! There is no Bible verse that commands it, gives an example of it, or implies that it is part of God’s will. Friends, there is no Bible authority for denominationalism to exist. It is a man-made arrangement — always has been and always will be. Denominations exist because men want them to exist! In contrast to that, the Bible teaches that God’s Son has all authority, and He charges us to do all things by His commands (Matt. 28:18,20). 
        TWO, denominationalism could never trace its existence back to the first century. The Lord Jesus promised to build His church (Matt. 16:18). He bought that church with His blood (Acts 20:28), and it was founded in the first century with Him as its Head (Eph. 5:23). In the Book of Acts, we read about the beginning of Jesus’ church in the first half of the first century. In contrast to the Lord’s church, denominationalism was never promised by Jesus, He did not pay for it with His blood, He did not have one iota to do with its establishment, He is not its Head, and we do not read about it anywhere in the New Testament. Yes, as we have already noted, denominationalism has been on the scene for a long time — but not long enough, since it was not around when the church of the Christ began way back in the first century. 
        THREE, denominationalism could never prove that it is the body of the Christ about which we read in the New Testament. “But I have always heard that the one universal body of Christ is made up of all the different denominations, with each different denomination being a member of that body, like 1 Corinthians 12 says.” In 1 Corinthians 12:20 it is written, “But now are they many members, yet but one body.” Who or what are the “members” about which Paul wrote? Was he speaking about denominations or disciples? He could not have been saying that the first-century body of the Christ was made up of different denominations, because there were none that existed then! In verse 27 we read, “Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually” (NKJV). By the Spirit, Paul told some people that they were “members” of the body. To whom was the Book of First Corinthians originally addressed? Answer: “Unto the church of God which is at Corinth” (I Cor. 1:2). So, not different denominations, but the individual members of God’s church, they are the ones that made up the Lord’s body. 
        What do we expect to see in a human? Is it not one head with one body, and one body with one head? Remember, the Lord’s body is His church (Eph. 1:22,23). God’s arrangement is for Jesus to serve as the one Head of His one church/body (Eph. 5:23). Denominationalism may try to claim Jesus as its head, but no human being from the past, present, or future could ever prove from the New Testament that Jesus has any connection to the man-made and divisive setup known as denominationalism. 
        FOUR, denominationalism could never rightfully claim that it helps people become saved and get prepared for heaven. Denominations are active. Through their teaching and benevolent programs, they influence multitudes. Some of them raise large sums of money and draw huge crowds. We believe that the Bible teaches that the Lord wants His people to be active, teaching, and benevolent. He does not mind His church raising big amounts of money and having large crowds, as long as it is all done in a scriptural fashion. 
        But, it is God’s truth that can set men free from sin (John 8:32), not the commandments of men that turn people from the truth (Titus 1:14). In order to be saved from past sins, a lost person must believe in Jesus as the Son of God, repent of his sins, confess faith in Jesus, and be baptized for the remission of sins. That is a far cry from “pray the Sinner’s Prayer,” which is the traditional denominational answer to the question, “What must I do to be saved?” Advocates of denominationalism encourage people to “Join the church of your choice.” The Bible teaches no such thing. The Bible’s message is that God has made His choice: salvation is available in the blood-purchased church of His Son (Col. 1:13,14). 
        Denominationalism propagates and supports man-made messages, none of which are of eternal spiritual benefit to any human being. Hearing, accepting, and obeying the teaching of brand X denomination will make a person a member of brand X denomination. On the other hand, when one hears, believes, and “obeys the gospel” unto the salvation of his/her soul (II Thess. 1:7-9), God adds such a saved person to His church (Acts 2:47), of which Jesus is the Savior (Eph. 5:23). 
        Few devices of the devil have been as successful in blinding the eyes of men and women as denominationalism has. I hate abortion. I abhor the ideas of homosexuality and same-sex marriages. In the same way and at least to the same degree, though I love the precious people that are caught up in its error, I detest denominationalism and all of its evil consequences. 
        Biblically speaking, there are many things that denominationalism could never do. We have observed a few of them in this article. Denominationalism, because it is not of God, is from Satan. It is appropriate to point out the pitfalls of all forms of spiritual darkness, including denominationalism. However, in addition to showing from the Bible what is amiss in the religious world, we must also make a diligent effort to present positively the Light of the world and His gospel of light (II Cor. 4:4). 
        The apostle Paul was prepared to teach God’s soul-saving Gospel (Rom. 1:15,16). Are we ready to do the same? 

The Late Mr. Common Sense

Mike Riley

There’s a trend found not only in the secular world, but in the Lord’s church as well regarding the lack of good old common horse sense. Many of the problems found in the church today would simply disappear if we would properly use the intellect and reasoning capabilities that God has given each one of us (Isaiah 1:18; cf. Acts 17:2; Acts 17:17; Acts 18:4; Acts 18:19; Acts 24:25).

With the above thoughts in mind, the following selected article from a recent issue of The Sword and Staffpublication is provided for our consideration: 

Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape.

He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as:

• Knowing when to come in out of the rain;
• Why the early bird gets the worm;
• Life isn’t always fair;
• Maybe it was myfault.

Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies:

• Don’t spend more than you can earn.

And reliable strategies:

• Adults, not children, are in charge.

His health began to deteriorate when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer Tylenol, sun lotion or a band-aid to a student, but could not inform parents if a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.

Common Sense lost the will to live as the Ten Commandments become contraband, churches became businesses and criminals received better treatment than their victims. He began to lose ground rapidly when well-intentioned, but overbearing regulations were set in place — reports of a 6-year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate; teens suspended from school for using mouthwash (alcohol) after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, just to name a few.

His condition only worsened when it became not only punishable for you to defend yourself from a burglar in your own home, but opening the door for the burglar to sue you for assault.

Finally, there was no hope for Common Sense, after a woman failed to realize that steaming cup of coffee was actually hot. After spilling a little in her lap, she was promptly awarded a huge settlement.

Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion and his children, Responsibility and Reason.

He is survived by his 3 stepbrothers; I Know My Rights, Someone Else Is To Blame, and I’m a Victim.

Not many attended the funeral because so few realized he was gone.

JESUS, THE DESPISED TEACHER
Douglas Hoff

        In the final week leading up to the crucifixion, Jesus’ teaching infuriated those whose hearts were not right. The Scriptures affirm the Lord never sinned (Heb. 4:15; 1 Peter 2:22). Thus, we can be sure He always acted properly and with love even for those who were enemies of the truth (Luke 6:27,35; Eph. 4:15). Sadly, the same cannot be said regarding the Pharisees, the chief priests, the scribes and the elders (Luke 20:1). During Jesus’ kingly approach to the city of Jerusalem, the disciples began to say, “Blessed be the King that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest”(Luke 19:38). This upset the Pharisees, so they told the Lord “Master, rebuke thy disciples.”
        Jesus showed His love for lost souls when He wept over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44). He knew that within 40 years the Roman army would utterly destroy the city and the temple. The Lord’s teaching included these statements: “For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side, And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another; because thou knewest not the time of thy visitation”(Luke 19:43-44). A little while later He also said, “when ye shall see Jerusalem compassed with armies, then know that the desolation thereof is nigh. Then let them which are in Judaea flee to the mountains; and let them which are in the midst of it depart out; and let not them that are in the countries enter thereinto. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled”(Luke 21:20-22). The love of the Lord prompted Him to teach these unpleasant truths in hope that some would take heed to the warning and save their souls. 
        His love also moved Jesus to do some things that were upsetting to many. When He went into the temple and saw those who were buying and selling, He began to drive them out (Luke 19:45). Even though righteous indignation caused Jesus to act, the chief priests, the scribes, and the leaders of the people sought to destroy Him (Luke 19:47). The only reason they were not able to carry out their evil scheme was the popularity Jesus had among the multitude (Luke 19:48; 20:6;19). 
        The enemies of truth are not easily dissuaded though. They came to Jesus and demanded to know, “by what authority doest thou these things”(Luke 20:2)? The Lord then asked them about the authority behind the baptism of John, was it from heaven or from men. Their refusal to answer showed their moral cowardice (Luke 20:4-7). They hated the Lord without a cause (Psa. 109:3-5). 
        An attempt was made to catch Jesus in His words in hopes He could be delivered to the governor for judgment. Thus, the chief priests and scribes sent spies asking Jesus, “Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the person of any, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Caesar, or no”(Luke 20:21-22)? To this, the great Teacher said, “Shew me a penny. Whose image and superscription hath it? They answered and said, Caesar’s. And he said unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which be Caesar’s, and unto God the things which be God’s”(Luke 20:24-25). The Scripture says “And they could not take hold of his words before the people: and they marvelled at his answer, and held their peace”(Luke 20:26). 
        However, those sons of the devil (John 8:44; Acts 13:10) kept working to destroy Jesus. Within a few days they were able to stir up the crowds to cry out, “crucify him!”(Mark 15:13-14)! Pilate knew “that the chief priests had delivered him for envy”(Mark 15:10). 

Even though Jesus always loved people, many did not love Him in return. To the contrary, they despised the one who gave them the opportunity to be saved. Truly, His is amazing love!

Any modern-day person, family, or nation that thinks they can reject God’s mercy and message of truth, all the while despising and mocking His faithful messengers, is foolish to the nth degree. No human has a clue about how much longer our nation and this world will continue to exist. Rather than wasting our time trying to calculate the time when the end of either shall come, we would be a lot better off making each day the best day possible in serving God. 
        May God help us to have a humble spirit before Him, one that will cause us to turn to His word for guidance, and if we see that we in some way have strayed from the straight and narrow way, have the courage to recognize our fault and turn to the great I AM for His remedy.

NON-BORING WORSHIP DESIGNED TO PLEASE
Marvin L. Weir 

Where are the Scriptures for theatrical dramas, inspirational concerts, and dancing, shouting, and swaying to the beat instrumental music? 

        The Saturday, February 15, 2003 Dallas Morning News featured an article by Berta Delgado in the “Religious” section entitled “Lights, camera, worship.” The caption noted that “high- tech wizardry is as expected at these churches as pipe organs are at others.” The article notes that “many houses of worship now have somewhat the look and feel of performing arts centers,” and then gives the following information regarding the Fellowship Church in Grapevine. 

        The church, which draws 16,000 people or more, has a sanctuary with comfortable, theater-style seating. The stage can be changed, even moved around to suit any message the Rev. Ed Young, Jr., senior pastor, is delivering. (Once, while preaching about God’s armor, he sat in an Army tank). The stage also has a ramp, so Mr. Young can walk down among the congregation while preaching... “Most people think church is boring, that it’s something they have to suffer through and don’t really want to be a part of,” said the Rev. Rob Johnson, Fellowship’s worship pastor. “We’re trying to tell them we’re excited that we live in our faith. God is the author of all creativity. He gives us all these wonderful things, so use them” ... “Media Ministry” members, working in a control room decked out with $800,000 worth of electronic equipment, also roll video onto the giant screens. 
        Craig Janssen, co-founder of Addison-based Acoustic Dimensions, called the technology trend in the church “a steamroller.” His company says a basic system runs around $500,000. A system to accommodate concerts and other productions costs about $1 million. But many churches spend was beyond that. “It’s not a luxury anymore, it’s expected,” he said. 

        It is obvious that modern, man-made worship is designed to appeal to one’s emotions and feelings rather than one’s reasoning and intellect. The statement that “most people think church is boring, that it’s something they have to suffer through and don’t really want to be a part of” is indicative of man’s distorted view of worship. 
        The Bible makes it clear that God is to be the object of one’s worship. The Scriptures declare, “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matt. 4:10). What is sad it that denominational ideals and innovations have more influence over men than the Holy Scriptures! 
        Brethren, it is not whether I am pleased with worship, but whether God is pleased with worship! God is only pleased when one worships “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). Christ has made clear His disdain for those who give lip-worship while their heart is far from Him. He says, “But in vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men” (Matt. 15:8-9). 
        Most people today believe that if they are happy with their worship that God is happy with their worship. Not so! The Creator has the right to demand how His creatures worship Him. Scriptural worship will never be “boring” to those who truly love and appreciate God. 
        Mr. Johnson stated, “He [God] gives us all these wonderful things, so use them.” Thus, folks who possess certain objects and have certain talents convince themselves that these objects and talents should be used in worship to God. By whose authority is anything and everything to be used in worship to God? Only the Bible tells us how we are to worship God! There is Scripture for preaching and teaching (Acts 2:42; 20:7), praying (Acts 2:42), the Lord’s supper (Acts 2:42; 1 Cor. 11:20ff) and giving as we have prospered (1 Cor. 16:1-2). Where are the Scriptures for theatrical dramas, inspirational concerts, and dancing, shouting, and swaying to the beat instrumental music? 
        In the same paper’s religious section, Kristen Holland titled her article, “Place of Worship — Greenville Avenue Church of Christ.” She declares that the junior high students of this congregation in Allen spend a great deal of their time “clowning around.” The article states: 

In the past year, the G. O. Clowns have performed at church events, birthday parties and hospitals...and also assisted My Guardian Angels in the 2002 Allen Christmas parade. For a donation of $25 and two week’s notice, the ensemble will schedule a “drive-by clowning,” with less-than-stellar singing and colorful balloons...The program is still in its formative stages, but church leaders (emph. MLW) say it’s full smiles ahead for the innovative ministry. “We know that the kids enjoy it,” said Galon Jones, minister of congregational care. 

You will notice that this “program” belongs to the Greenville Oaks church of Christ and the congregation’s leaders admit it is only in its “formative stages.” “Minister of congregational care (emph. MLW) is a misnomer if this is an example of their “caring” for the congregation. Wonder if the chief concern of Paul and the apostles was “non-boring worship” and “innovative ministries?” I think not!

THE REALITY OF HELL
Douglas Hoff 

        The concept of some kind of universal judgment is common to every major religion. The Bible teaches God will judge every person according to how they lived. Jesus Christ warned his followers that the majority of mankind will choose the easy road of sin. He described this path as the broad way that leads to destruction. Only a small number will make the right choice of following the narrow way that leads to eternal life (Matt. 7:13-14). 
        Most people do not like to think about what may await them beyond the grave. As a result, it becomes fashionable either to deny the reality of hell or redefine it in less upsetting terms. Years ago a well known British philosopher, Bertrand Russell, wrote an essay entitled, “Why I Am Not A Christian.” One of the reasons he cited was that Jesus taught eternal punishment for the wicked. 
        Americans are also rejecting the Biblical concept of hell. Nine years ago the cover of U.S. News & World Report carried a drawing depicting hell as a place of flames. However, the title proclaimed “Hell: A New Vision Of The Netherworld.” For the Bible believer, there is something terribly wrong with the picture. Instead of being the domain of the damned writhing in torment, it shows the “lost” as though they were at a beach party. Smiles abound. The “wicked” are relaxing on lounge chairs while a demon serves drinks to the scantily clad. 
        Our enlightened age sees no need for archaic notions like a lake that burns with fire and brimstone designed to torment day and night forever (Rev. 14:11; 21:8). Many American churches of the twentieth century largely ignored the Biblical teaching of hell as a real place where unforgiven sinners will receive the penalty for their deeds. Though the majority of Americans polled claim to believe in hell, almost no one thinks he will go there. Some people I have known admitted their lives were far from righteous but the idea of going to hell did not bother them. Some jokingly said they did not want to go to heaven because all their friends were going to hell! This attitude reveals a tragic ignorance about punishment in hell. Perhaps we should not be too surprised by this carefree spirit in a society where blatant criminal offenses are excused or barely punished. 
        People who believe the Bible must accept the reality of hell. Jesus spoke plainly and often about hell but scoffers tell us his words do not mean what they say. Instead, they say Jesus was only speaking figuratively. Others would have us accept the view that hell is merely being separated from God. It is just a state of mind, not a real place, they say. Still others try to convince us that, yes, hell is real and, yes, there are flames there, but the suffering is only temporary. They argue that sinners could not possibly suffer eternally since they are in flames. After only a brief period of punishment, they are consumed by the fire. This is the false doctrine of annihilation. Some reason that since God is love, he could never punish anyone eternally. One “theologian” even went so far as to say that inflicting everlasting torment sounds more like Satan’s nature than God’s! Ignorance or rejection of the Scriptures is never a good thing (Hosea 4:6; 2 Thess. 2:10). 
        So, what does the Bible say about this vital subject? Here are some basic facts gleaned from various passages. First, hell is real. It exists and is not some mythical place created by man to scare others into submission. The Bible speaks of it in a literal sense. It is just as real as heaven is real (Mark 9:47). In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus spoke about some who would go away into everlasting punishment while others would be rewarded by entering into eternal life. Clearly, we are to understand that if heaven is real and eternal, then hell also is real and eternal (everlasting). 
        Sometimes, people get confused because hell will not be a physical place. They wrongly conclude that if it is not physical, it cannot be real. However, let’s apply the same thinking to heaven. Will heaven be a physical place? Of course not! If in doubt, read 1 Corinthians 15:50-54. Does that make heaven any less real? No. At the end of this age, physical things (including the earth and the present heavens) will be done away (2 Peter 3:10-12). From that time forward, we shall exist in our eternal and spiritual forms in a spiritual place called heaven. 
        Second, hell is a place of continual torment and agony. The book of Revelation describes it as a “lake of fire” (Rev. 20:14-15). Jesus warned his followers to fear God since He is able to “destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matt. 10:28). Once again, people sometimes get confused on this point. Some wonder how the torment can go on for ever and ever if they have been destroyed. Remember that the body which shall be destroyed will not have a physical form. Like the saints who ascended to heaven, those souls that are cast into the lake of fire will have had their bodies changed in the twinkling of an eye (John 5:28-29; cf. 1 Cor. 15:51-52). 
        The destruction will not be done in a physical sense. In 2 Peter 3:7 the Bible speaks of the perdition of ungodly men on the day of judgment. Perdition literally means complete and irreparable loss or ruin. Souls in hell will indeed suffer eternal loss since they will be cut off from every good thing (2 Thess. 1:9). “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul” (Matt. 16:26)? This loss of the soul includes punishment for the evil done in this life. Paul said every soul shall be repaid for the things done in the body [i.e., the earthly life] (2 Cor. 5:10). When Jesus comes again with his mighty angels, He will begin this repayment (2 Thess. 1:6-9). 
        Third, hell will be inhabited by wicked and horrible inhabitants of all the ages. Who will be there? Jesus said hell was prepared for the Devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). However, when man chooses sin and refuses to repent, he has consigned himself to the devil’s abode. Some have the mistaken notion that Satan will have charge of hell and that he will be the one to inflict torment on the lost. According to the book of Revelation, this is false (Rev. 20:10). God will cast the devil into the lake of fire and will torment him. All who deserve to be punished will be there including sinners of all time (Rom. 2:8-9). Sadly, this will also include unfaithful members of the Lord’s church (2 Peter 2:20-22). 
        Fourth, hell is a place of absolute justice minus any mercy (Matt. 18:34-35; cf. Heb. 10:28-29). There will be no second chances to escape the wrath of God once a soul is in this awful place (Luke 16:26). Everyone needs to be warned of the horrors of this terrible place in hopes that they will choose to avoid that destiny. Unfortunately, the majority of mankind is on the broad path that leads straight to hell (Matt. 7:13-14). 
        God has good reasons for having a place called hell. If hell were not real, sinners would go unpunished. Who would want to go to heaven that was populated with the wicked? Though most will go to hell, they want to believe otherwise. Some exclaim, “My life is hell.” This is not true since life will be over one day, then comes judgment (Heb. 9:27). Paul wrote, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men...” (2 Cor. 5:10-11a).