Why we need church denominations
I have heard it said a number of times over the years, 鈥淲hy are there denominations?鈥� Why can鈥檛 there just be one church instead of all this division and differences?
It蘑菇视频 easy to ask easy questions or make simple pronouncements 鈥� especially if you鈥檙e trying to sound unifying or spiritual.
Admittedly, there are people who are sincere in expressing that query, because they do want to see a greater oneness in the body of Christ.
1 Cor 12:12-20, 27 informs us that in the body of Christ are, 鈥淢any parts, not made up of one part,鈥� and that, 鈥淕od has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.鈥�
This coincides with people asking as Christians, 鈥淲hat is my part, role, or function? What does God want me to do?鈥� Body parts prove one thing: Uniqueness of function. But body parts must be connected to its lifeline to be able to 鈥渇unction,鈥� or serve, or exist.
Remember that a branch needs connected to the vine.
Some would argue that denominations/fellowships simply add a label to our Christianity 鈥� as if labels are inherently bad. What if we removed all labels from all products? It would make purchasing a logistical nightmare! What is the expiration date on the milk? How do I wash and dry these clothes? What are the cholesterol, fat, salt, or sugar contents? How many miles per gallon does this car get? What are the prices so I can compare?
But as it concerns body parts, what does a finger relate to the most? Another finger! Or at least the hand. They identify with one another. That likeness or familiarity creates a bond.
In Numbers 2:1-2, it says, 鈥淓ach man (each part) under his own standard, with the banners of his family.鈥�
The family banner thing was their label, their identity. Showing or proving their bond and familiarity, their 鈥渂elonginess鈥� (my word).
Numbers 2 is about the arrangements of the tribal camps, where God placed them as a nation, or body. Just like 1 Cor 12:18, God has arranged the parts on the body.
As the finger as a body part has a place of attachment, so also should Christians. Where is your point of attachment? What standard, banner, doctrines, beliefs, practices, church government, and ecclesiastical authority do you identify with the most?
God has raised up denominations, fellowships and churches in order to fit in all the different body parts.
What camp do you identify the most with? That point of connection, that place of attachment, that church is where you have your label or identity. Fulfill your role or function there.
And we all need one another. Even though we have differences, as in Numbers 2, all the tribes gathered at the tent of meeting, there was, and is, centralization.
As Christians, we are all related by the blood of Christ. We find common ground at the foot of the cross and divine grace. All body parts are connected and find their life, in Christ.
Get connected to Christ and a local church.