Non-Denominational Christianity

We are very accustomed to choices

A casual stroll down the aisles of a local supermarket will quickly illustrate this point. I am amazed at the variety of options available when it comes to something as simple as pork and beans, potato chips, or peas.

Each spring, as people prepare for their gardens, choices abound. What kind of corn will be planted? What kind of tomatoes will be set out? What kind of beans will be raised? The choices seem almost endless. And, everyone has his/her favorites!

Looked at automobiles lately? There are so many makes and models. They come in a multiplicity of colors and with all kinds of options. There are so many choices to make, but that’s the way we like it.

It is the Church of Christ’s choice, not ours

We have become so accustomed to variety that we have incorporated the concept into religion. Almost daily we encounter the message: “Worship with the church of your choice this Sunday!” This idea is at the heart of denominationalism. But, the concept is completely foreign to the New Testament. It is not the church of our choice, but the church of Christ’s choice that we should seek. The apostle Paul rebuked the Christians at Corinth for failing to understand this. The church was in turmoil because of the denominational spirit which had developed. He pleaded with them not to divide, but to unite (1 Corinthians 1:10).

We would do well to listen to the Lord’s prayer

He cried out to the Father, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me” (John 17:20, 21). That’s our prayer as well. Let’s abandon all denominational ties and unite in Jesus Christ. How can that be wrong?

To do this we must commit to the authority of Scripture

Our goal should be to be obedient to the will of God. Our purpose is not to please ourselves, but our Savior. Every matter essential to the development and maintenance of a relationship with the Creator is clearly spelled out in the Bible. The problem is not that men don’t understand the will of God, it is that they do not accept it! Non-denominational Christianity will never be achieved as long as men reject the Word of God.