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Why Are There So Many Christian Denominations? Examining Prophecy and Scripture
Fulfilled Prophecy and the Emergence of Denominations
The existence of numerous Christian denominations is not only a historical phenomenon but also a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. Jesus Himself foretold the rise of false prophets and divisions within the Christian community. In Matthew 24:24, He warned, “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will show great signs and wonders, so as to mislead, if possible, even the elect.” The apostle Paul also anticipated divisions, as seen in his address to the Ephesian elders: “I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock; and from among your own selves men will arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after them” (Acts 20:29-30).
Historical records show that within a few decades of the apostles’ deaths, schisms were already evident. Second-century critic Celsus observed that Christians were “split up into ever so many factions, each individual desiring to have his own party.” By 187 C.E., Irenaeus documented twenty varieties of Christianity, and by 384 C.E., Epiphanius counted eighty. This fragmentation has continued, resulting in over 41,000 denominations today, each with different beliefs and practices.
Are All Christian Denominations Acceptable to God?
The proliferation of denominations raises the question of whether all are acceptable to God. Romans 10:2-3 addresses this concern: “For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge. For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” This passage highlights that zeal alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by correct knowledge and submission to God’s righteousness.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of adhering to sound doctrine. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” This admonition underscores that not all teachings and practices within the various denominations align with biblical truth.
Is There Good in All Religions?
The notion that there is good in all religions is a common belief, but it is not supported by Scripture. Paul addresses this in 2 Corinthians 11:14-15: “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.” This passage warns that appearances can be deceiving and that false teachings can masquerade as truth.
Moreover, 2 Timothy 3:2-5 describes the characteristics of people in the last days, including those who “hold to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power.” This indicates that mere outward expressions of religion are insufficient without genuine adherence to God’s truth. The Bible consistently calls for discernment and warns against being misled by false teachings, even if they appear to contain some elements of good.
The Bible’s Viewpoint on Interfaith
The Bible strongly opposes interfaith practices that compromise the truth of God’s Word. Jesus made it clear that true discipleship involves exclusive loyalty to Him: “Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded forth and have come from God, for I have not even come on my own initiative, but he sent me. Why do you not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot hear my word. You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father'” (John 8:42-44). This underscores the incompatibility of true Christianity with beliefs that deny Christ’s divine mission and teachings.
Paul further elaborates on the danger of interfaith associations in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17: “Do not be bound together with unbelievers; for what partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? Or what harmony has Christ with Belial, or what has a believer in common with an unbeliever?” This passage highlights the importance of maintaining doctrinal purity and not compromising with beliefs that are contrary to the gospel.
James 4:4 uses strong language to emphasize the exclusivity of true worship: “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” This clearly indicates that interfaith practices, which often involve compromising biblical principles, are unacceptable to God.
Is Belonging to an Organized Religion Necessary?
Belonging to an organized religion is necessary according to the Bible. The author of Hebrews exhorts believers: “And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). This passage emphasizes the importance of regular fellowship and mutual encouragement within the body of Christ.
Paul’s appeal to the Corinthian church underscores the necessity of unity and doctrinal agreement: “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10). Unity in doctrine and practice is vital for the health and witness of the church.
Peter also highlights the importance of respecting and honoring the organized structure of the church: “Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17). Organized religion provides the framework for believers to fulfill the Great Commission, as commanded by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Why Is More Needed Than Simply Loving One’s Fellowman?
While loving one’s fellowman is a fundamental Christian principle, more is needed for a complete relationship with God. Jesus emphasized the greatest commandment: “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself'” (Matthew 22:37-39). Love for God must precede and inform love for others, ensuring that our love is rooted in obedience to God’s commands.
Paul’s letter to the Romans stresses the importance of faith and obedience: “For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God” (Romans 10:3). True love for fellowman must be accompanied by submission to God’s righteousness, as revealed in Scripture.
Why Is More Needed Than Simply Formalistic Worship?
Formalistic worship, devoid of genuine faith and obedience, is insufficient. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for their outward religious practices that lacked true devotion: “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far away from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men” (Matthew 15:8-9). Authentic worship must engage the heart and align with God’s truth.
Isaiah 1:13-17 further condemns mere ritualistic worship without righteousness: “Bring your worthless offerings no longer, incense is an abomination to me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies—I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them.” True worship involves both outward acts and inward purity, reflecting a heart fully devoted to God.
Reading the Bible Is Great, But Why Is That Not Sufficient?
Reading the Bible is essential but not sufficient without application and obedience. James 1:22-25 emphasizes the need for action: “But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.”
The Bible calls for a transformative response that goes beyond mere reading. Jesus taught in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Genuine love for Christ is demonstrated through obedience to His Word. This obedience reflects a heart transformed by the Holy Spirit, resulting in a life that glorifies God.
In summary, the numerous Christian denominations fulfill biblical prophecy and reflect a history of doctrinal disputes and divisions. Not all denominations or religions align with biblical truth, and interfaith practices that compromise essential doctrines are unacceptable to God. Belonging to an organized religion is necessary for mutual encouragement, unity, and fulfilling the Great Commission. More is required than simply loving one’s fellowman or engaging in formalistic worship; true faith involves heartfelt obedience to God’s commands. Reading the Bible is crucial but must be accompanied by action and transformation in alignment with God’s will.
Different Christian Denominations
How Can a Person Know Biblically Speaking, Which Christian Denomination Is Right?
Identifying the true Christian denomination involves examining the biblical criteria that Jesus and the apostles provided to recognize true discipleship and genuine worship. Here are the key lines of evidence from Scripture:
Obedience to Jesus’ Teachings
Jesus emphasized that true disciples would be known by their adherence to His teachings. In John 8:31-32, He stated, “So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.'” True discipleship is characterized by a commitment to living according to Jesus’ words and commands.
Additionally, in Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commanded His followers, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” The true Christian denomination will emphasize teaching and observing all that Jesus commanded.
This principle is further reinforced in Matthew 7:24-25, where Jesus compares those who hear and act on His words to a wise man who built his house on the rock: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and acts on them may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” True Christian denominations will emphasize the importance of obeying Jesus’ teachings and building their faith on His firm foundation.
Proclaiming the Gospel and Making Disciples
True Christianity is characterized by a commitment to proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 underscores this mission: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Paul articulates the centrality of the gospel message in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, emphasizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of the faith. The true Christian denomination will be actively involved in evangelism and discipleship, spreading the message of salvation and nurturing new believers in their faith.
Love for One Another
A distinguishing mark of true discipleship is the love believers have for one another. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). Genuine Christian love is selfless, sacrificial, and reflective of Christ’s love for His followers.
John reiterates this in his first epistle: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). The presence of authentic love among members is a key indicator of true Christianity.
Unity in Doctrine and Fellowship
True believers are called to maintain unity in doctrine and fellowship. Paul wrote to the Ephesians, “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all” (Ephesians 4:4-6). This unity is grounded in a shared faith and commitment to the core truths of Christianity.
In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul exhorts the church, “Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” True Christianity strives for doctrinal unity and harmony within the body of Christ.
Holiness and Separation from Worldliness
The Bible calls believers to live holy lives, distinct from the sinful patterns of the world. Peter writes, “But like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; because it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy'” (1 Peter 1:15-16). True Christians pursue holiness and are separated from worldliness.
James 4:4 emphasizes the incompatibility of friendship with the world and allegiance to God: “You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” True disciples will reject worldly values and live in accordance with God’s standards.
Proclaiming the Gospel and Making Disciples
True Christianity is characterized by a commitment to proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Jesus’ Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 underscores this mission. Furthermore, Paul articulates the centrality of the gospel message in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, emphasizing the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the foundation of the faith.
The true Christian denomination will be actively involved in evangelism and discipleship, seeking to spread the message of salvation and nurture new believers in their faith.
Adherence to Sound Doctrine
Paul’s letters to Timothy and Titus stress the importance of sound doctrine. In 1 Timothy 4:16, he instructs, “Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things, for as you do this you will ensure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you.” True Christianity maintains and upholds sound doctrine, avoiding false teachings and distortions of the gospel.
In Titus 1:9, Paul describes the qualifications of church leaders, stating, “He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.” The true Christian denomination will be vigilant in guarding doctrinal purity and equipping its leaders to defend the faith.
Evidence of the Fruit of the Spirit
The presence of the Holy Spirit in believers’ lives will be evidenced by the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 lists these attributes: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” True Christians will exhibit these qualities in their lives, reflecting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:16-20, “You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit; but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, you will know them by their fruits.” The true Christian denomination will bear good spiritual fruit, demonstrating the authenticity of its faith.
Endurance in Faith and Perseverance
True believers are called to endure in their faith, even in the face of trials and persecution. Jesus encouraged His disciples in Matthew 24:13, “But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.” Perseverance is a mark of genuine faith, as believers remain steadfast in their commitment to Christ.
James 1:12 reinforces this concept: “Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” The true Christian denomination will encourage and support believers in their perseverance, helping them to remain faithful amidst challenges.
Testing the Spirits
The Bible instructs believers to test the spirits to discern true from false teachings. John writes, “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). True Christian denominations will encourage discernment and vigilance in evaluating teachings and practices against the standard of Scripture.
Paul commended the Bereans for their diligence in verifying his teachings with Scripture: “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). This practice of comparing teachings with the Bible is essential for maintaining doctrinal purity and identifying true Christianity.
The Role of Church Leadership
Church leadership is crucial in guiding and maintaining the integrity of a Christian denomination. Paul outlines the qualifications for overseers and deacons in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9, emphasizing moral character, doctrinal soundness, and the ability to teach. True Christian denominations will uphold these standards, ensuring that their leaders are faithful to God’s Word and capable of shepherding the flock.
In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul describes the roles of church leaders in equipping the saints: “And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” True Christian denominations will prioritize the equipping and edification of their members through sound leadership.
Qualities and Characteristics of True Servants Found In the True Church
Faithfulness: They remain faithful to God and His teachings, even in difficult circumstances (Revelation 2:10).
Holiness: They pursue holiness and strive to live pure, blameless lives (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Prayerfulness: True servants are devoted to prayer, seeking God’s guidance and intercession (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2).
Servanthood: They serve others selflessly, following Jesus’ example (Matthew 20:26-28).
Joy and Peace: They exhibit the joy and peace that come from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).
Patience and Perseverance: True servants are patient and endure hardships with steadfastness (James 1:2-4; Romans 5:3-4).
Kindness and Goodness: They display kindness and goodness in their interactions with others (Ephesians 4:32; Galatians 6:10).
Self-Control: They exercise self-control, avoiding sin and living disciplined lives (Titus 2:11-12; Galatians 5:23).
Righteousness: True servants hunger and thirst for righteousness, striving to live according to God’s standards (Matthew 5:6).
Gentleness: They exhibit gentleness, especially in dealing with others (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
Commitment to Evangelism: True servants are committed to sharing the gospel and making disciples (Matthew 28:19-20).
Forgiveness: They forgive others as God has forgiven them (Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13).
Integrity: True servants are honest and upright, reflecting God’s truthfulness (Proverbs 12:22; Ephesians 4:25).
Compassion: They show compassion and mercy to those in need (Matthew 9:36; Colossians 3:12).
Wisdom: They seek and apply godly wisdom in their lives (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6).
Fear of Jehovah: True servants have a reverent fear of God, recognizing His holiness and authority (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 111:10).
Spiritually Clean: True servants are spiritually clean, avoiding practices that defile their relationship with God (2 Corinthians 7:1; James 1:27).
Morally Clean: They live morally upright lives, adhering to God’s standards of purity and integrity (Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5).
Mentally Clean: True servants guard their minds against harmful and impure thoughts, focusing on what is true, honorable, and pure (Philippians 4:8; Romans 12:2).
Physically Clean: They maintain cleanliness in their bodies, recognizing them as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).
Clean Speech: True servants use their speech to edify and build up others, avoiding corrupt or harmful language (Ephesians 4:29; Colossians 4:6).
No Lying: They are committed to honesty and truthfulness in all their dealings (Proverbs 12:22; Ephesians 4:25).
No Gambling: True servants avoid gambling, recognizing it as contrary to good stewardship and trust in God’s provision (Proverbs 13:11; 1 Timothy 6:10).
No Stealing: They respect the property of others and do not engage in theft (Ephesians 4:28; Exodus 20:15).
No Violence (unless in self-defense): True servants pursue peace and avoid violent behavior, except in legitimate self-defense (Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18).
No Spiritism: They reject practices of spiritism, sorcery, and any form of occultism (Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Galatians 5:20).
No Drunkenness: True servants avoid drunkenness, maintaining self-control and sobriety (Ephesians 5:18; 1 Peter 5:8).
Characteristics of False Servants Allowed By Some Churches
Hypocrisy: False servants say one thing but do another, acting hypocritically (Matthew 23:27-28).
Greed: They are motivated by selfish gain and financial profit (2 Peter 2:3; 1 Timothy 6:10).
Deception: False servants deceive others with false teachings and lies (2 Corinthians 11:13-15; Matthew 7:15).
Pride: They are arrogant and boastful, seeking their own glory rather than God’s (3 John 1:9-10; James 4:6).
Disobedience: False servants do not obey God’s commands and live in rebellion (Titus 1:16; 2 Timothy 3:1-5).
Lack of Love: They do not show genuine love for others, lacking compassion and mercy (1 John 4:8; Matthew 24:12).
Worldliness: False servants are influenced by worldly values and desires rather than God’s truth (James 4:4; 1 John 2:15-16).
False Doctrines: They promote teachings that contradict Scripture (1 Timothy 4:1-2; 2 Peter 2:1).
Division: False servants cause divisions and strife within the body of Christ (Romans 16:17-18; Jude 1:19).
Immorality: They live in immorality and impurity, disregarding God’s standards (Ephesians 5:5-6; Jude 1:4).
Self-Righteousness: They trust in their own righteousness rather than in God’s grace (Luke 18:9-14; Romans 10:3).
Flattery: False servants use flattery to manipulate and gain favor (Jude 1:16; Proverbs 26:28).
Lack of Fruit: They do not produce the fruit of the Spirit, indicating their lack of true faith (Matthew 7:19-20; Galatians 5:22-23).
Resistance to Authority: They resist godly authority and refuse to submit to biblical leadership (2 Peter 2:10; Jude 1:8).
Lying: False servants are characterized by dishonesty and deceit (Proverbs 6:16-19; John 8:44).
Unforgiveness: They hold grudges and refuse to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15; Ephesians 4:32).
Spiritual Blindness: They are spiritually blind, unable to see or understand God’s truth (2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 15:14).
Spiritually Unclean: False servants engage in practices that defile their relationship with God (Matthew 23:27; 2 Peter 2:20-22).
Morally Corrupt: They live in moral corruption, disregarding God’s standards of purity (Romans 1:24-27; Jude 1:4).
Mentally Defiled: False servants allow their minds to be filled with harmful and impure thoughts (Titus 1:15; Romans 8:5-7).
Physically Defiled: They neglect the cleanliness and sanctity of their bodies (1 Corinthians 3:16-17; Romans 1:24).
Corrupt Speech: False servants use harmful and corrupt language, tearing others down (James 3:6-10; Matthew 12:36-37).
Lying: They are characterized by dishonesty and deceit (Proverbs 6:16-19; John 8:44).
Gambling: False servants engage in gambling, demonstrating poor stewardship and misplaced trust (Isaiah 65:11; Proverbs 28:20).
Stealing: They do not respect the property of others and engage in theft (John 10:10; Jeremiah 7:9-11).
Violence: False servants are prone to violence and strife (Proverbs 13:2; Titus 1:7).
Spiritism: They practice or tolerate spiritism and occultism (Leviticus 20:6; Revelation 21:8).
Drunkenness: False servants indulge in drunkenness and lack self-control (Isaiah 5:11; Galatians 5:21).
Praying to find the Right Christian Denomination (Church)
So, you prayed to find the true religion, and did you sit around waiting on feelings, signs, changes, or insights that would help you understand which religion?
Many people may approach prayer with the expectation of receiving immediate, miraculous answers. However, the Bible shows us that God’s interventions, while significant, were relatively rare over thousands of years. For example, from Genesis to Revelation, there were only a few dozen miracles where God directly intervened. Often, long periods passed without any miraculous signs.
Christians are encouraged to be active in seeking answers. For example, one should pray for wisdom and guidance but also take concrete steps to gain knowledge and understanding. This means studying the Bible diligently, seeking out lines of evidence, and evaluating different denominations to see how they align with Scripture.
It’s also worth considering that God’s silence might have a purpose. It could be a prompt to deepen one’s search or to develop patience and perseverance. Additionally, while one may not find a perfect denomination, they can seek to be a right-hearted person, aligning their life with biblical principles while continuing their search for truth.
Reflecting on your efforts is crucial. Have you actively studied the Scriptures and explored different faith communities? Have you considered that God’s plan might involve drawing right-hearted individuals from various backgrounds? God’s guidance may come through subtle, gradual insights rather than immediate, miraculous signs.
Then, again, maybe God’s answer to your prayer is no answer at all. Adam chose to rebel and reject God’s sovereignty, which gave us inherited imperfection. Adam and Eve thought they could walk on their own without needing God. And as a wise Father, he basically said, “Really, well, let’s see how that works out for you.” Revelation tells us that God will not truly step into humanity until we are on the brink of destroying ourselves. (Great Tribulation) You have tens of thousands of Christian parents around the world with starving children. Where are their prayers being miraculously answered? It is that we are in an object lesson that we cannot walk without God. We were not designed that way. I saw a YouTube video I wish I would have never watched of Christians being burned alive in a pit. We certainly know that they were praying. And, of course, the Jews and Christians in Hitler’s concentration camps were praying. Yet, they remained faithful until the end.
Taking all these factors into account, it’s essential to keep seeking with a sincere and open heart, actively pursuing knowledge and understanding while being patient and open to God’s timing and methods.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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The organization, as revealed in the NT, will have the elders (bishops, overseers, presbyters, pastors) leading the local congregation; there is not one per congregation, but a plurality. This applies to the deacons as well (Phil. 1:1). Deacons do not lead the Lord’s congregation, they serve is designated ways. The “Must” of 1 Timothy 3 is a requirement for any man seeking top serve as an elder.
I sure wish there was some way to get notified when you replied. When I received nothing, I thought to myself that “You never fail to reply” – so when I did not receive anything, I had to come back later to check to see if you did reply.
Now to your remark. I did see what you said about leadership, and saw nothing amiss about what you said. I have noticed, however, that many times there is a “pastor” inserted in contradistinction to “elders” and when it is is done, it is unwarranted.
A pastor is an elder, and a plurality in each church is the prescription.
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I always comment if I catch it. I think we are splitting semantic hairs here. I use elder and overseer in the Updated American Standard Version, with lengthy footnotes. In articles, I use pastor so it is clear to the reader, who even though a churchgoer, is not necessarily informed. My friend, I have 10 FB groups, 5 FB pages, two Twitter accounts, a YouTube channgel. I spen 4-6 hours a day working our social media. I have to write three blog articles a day for the CPH Blog, two for the UASV Blog and 1-3 for the CPH Website blog. Plus I work on my books and oher people’s books that we will publish. So, my mind is mush. 🙂 If I miss your comment it will never be purposeful.
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You’re prolific, there is no doubt about that. It’s a wonder you can keep up to any degree.
No splitting hairs from me. I need to find one (or all) you FB pages.
The organization, as revealed in the NT, will have the elders (bishops, overseers, presbyters, pastors) leading the local congregation; there is not one per congregation, but a plurality. This applies to the deacons as well (Phil. 1:1). Deacons do not lead the Lord’s congregation, they serve is designated ways. The “Must” of 1 Timothy 3 is a requirement for any man seeking top serve as an elder.
You read that quite quickly. Church leadership is mentioned in the article.
I sure wish there was some way to get notified when you replied. When I received nothing, I thought to myself that “You never fail to reply” – so when I did not receive anything, I had to come back later to check to see if you did reply.
Now to your remark. I did see what you said about leadership, and saw nothing amiss about what you said. I have noticed, however, that many times there is a “pastor” inserted in contradistinction to “elders” and when it is is done, it is unwarranted.
A pastor is an elder, and a plurality in each church is the prescription.
I always comment if I catch it. I think we are splitting semantic hairs here. I use elder and overseer in the Updated American Standard Version, with lengthy footnotes. In articles, I use pastor so it is clear to the reader, who even though a churchgoer, is not necessarily informed. My friend, I have 10 FB groups, 5 FB pages, two Twitter accounts, a YouTube channgel. I spen 4-6 hours a day working our social media. I have to write three blog articles a day for the CPH Blog, two for the UASV Blog and 1-3 for the CPH Website blog. Plus I work on my books and oher people’s books that we will publish. So, my mind is mush. 🙂 If I miss your comment it will never be purposeful.
You’re prolific, there is no doubt about that. It’s a wonder you can keep up to any degree.
No splitting hairs from me. I need to find one (or all) you FB pages.
Here are the FB Pages.
https://www.facebook.com/scrollsandstonesbiblicalarchaeology/
https://www.facebook.com/ChristianPublishingHouse/
https://www.facebook.com/HolyBibleUASV/
https://www.facebook.com/authoredwardandrews/
https://www.facebook.com/christianway.us/
https://www.facebook.com/biblicaltrainingacademy/
https://www.facebook.com/christianway.us/