Following Jesus Without Denominationalism

Following Jesus Without Denominationalism
How To Find A New Testament Church

In this series of lessons I have sought to propose that "Following Jesus Without Denominationalism" is possible today when we:
Appreciate why denominationalism is wrong, and therefore disdain sectarianism.
Imitate the example of Jesus by maintaining a nonsectarian relationship with God.
Properly respond to the call of the gospel, for that is how Christ is adding people to His church.
Allow "the apostles' doctrine" to be our standard of authority in religion, recognizing that is how Christ is directing His church today.
Develop those qualities of Christ-like character enjoined in the apostolic epistles, so that we can "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace".

What I have proposed is really nothing new, and has been a plea expressed by many others. I am personally convinced that throughout church history there have always been groups of Christians seeking to follow Jesus in this way. Even today, there are thousands of congregations composed of those who are "Following Jesus Without Denominationalism" -- Indeed, I believe there are many churches true to the example and pattern of the Lord's church as found in the New Testament. But suppose one wanted to find "a New Testament church" today? Where would they begin? What would they look for?

In this lesson, the final one in this series, I wish to offer some thoughts on "How To Find A New Testament Church". Not an exhaustive study, of course, but some simple suggestions that might help one get started. These are the sort of suggestions that I myself would follow if I were seeking to find such a congregation. First, I would. begin with the "name". The" name" of the congregation reveals much. It can quickly tell whether the church is concerned with "Following Jesus Without Denominationalism". For if the name is a denominational name, religious division must not be a major concern of those in the congregation.

The name should be a scriptural name. There is really no one scriptural name for the Lord's church in the New Testament. The expression "church of God" (1 Co 1:2), "churches of God" (1 Th 2:14), and "churches of Christ" (Ro 16:16) are commonly used. Other terms are used also, and they all reflect an association with God and Christ (body of Christ, kingdom of God, bride of Christ, temple of God, etc.). But the use of scriptural names instead of a humanly-conceived name reflects a desire to follow the Scriptures, and not human tradition. It certainly conveys a desire to honor God and Christ, and not some man, creed or particular doctrine.

Unfortunately, the "name" alone is not a sure guide, but just a good indicator, Just as the name "Mrs. Newsted" alone is not a sure guide if you were seeking to find my wife. For there are a lot of women who go by the name, "Mrs. Newsted". But only one who bears the name is properly my wife! So there may be many congregations that bear the name of Christ or God that may not be truly honoring them! For example, there are over 200 separate denominations that use the expression "Church of God". Likewise, there may be "Churches of Christ" that are no less denominational than any church with a denominational name!. Yet I would still recommend beginning with the name, and in particular those congregations that use the expression "church of Christ". Because so many denominations have chosen to use the expression "church of God", the likelihood of simply finding a denomination is much greater. Whereas most "churches of Christ" I have known are seeking to follow Jesus without denominationalism, therefore the possibilities of finding a church true to the New Testament are greater. But even when one has found a church that is nondenominational, that does not automatically mean the people are truly members of the Lord's body.

That is why I suggest the next step is to examine the "Gospel" being preached. Remember how Christ is building His church. Through the gospel, Christ calls us - 2 Th 2:14 "God used our preaching as his way of inviting you to share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." As we heed the gospel call, the Lord adds us to His body, the church - Ac 2:41 "On that day about three thousand believed his message and were baptized.", 47 "while praising God. Everyone liked them, and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved." That is why it is so important that the gospel not be perverted in any way - Ga 1:6-9 "I am shocked that you have so quickly turned from God, who chose you because of his wonderful kindness. You have believed another message, when there is really only one true message. But some people are causing you trouble and want to make you turn away from the good news about Christ. I pray that God will punish anyone who preaches anything different from our message to you! It doesn't matter if that person is one of us or an angel from heaven. I have said it before, and I will say it again. I hope God will punish anyone who preaches anything different from what you have already believed."

If the Gospel message is different by changing either the facts or commands of the gospel, then people are not being saved, and the Lord is not adding them to His church! A church with a perverted Gospel may have the nicest people, but they are still unregenerate people! They may wear the name of Christ, both as individuals and as a church, but are not truly the people of God! So while a group of people may identify themselves as a "church of God" or "church of Christ", it is only Christ who truly makes them such when they properly respond to the call of the gospel. That is why it is imperative a church teaches the pure and simple gospel of Christ!

A final suggestion, but one that might require very careful examination over a period of time, is to compare the "practice" with the New Testament pattern. In the New testament, we find a pattern. The N.T. describes the early church during its first 60 years. A careful study of Acts and the epistles reveal a picture of the church. From this picture, a pattern emerges in reference to:
The worship of the church; The work of the church; The organization of the church.
This pattern emerges as we see the early Christians continuing steadfastly in "the apostles' doctrine".

A church abiding in the "apostles’ doctrine" will reflect this pattern. Their worship will be like that described in the New Testament involving such elements as singing, prayer, Bible study, preaching, and the Lord's Supper - Co 3:16; 4:2; 2 Ti 2:2,15; 4:2; Ac 20:7; 1 Co 10:16-17; 11:23-29. Their assemblies Will be seeking to provoke one another to love and good works - He 10:24-25. Their work as a congregation will be similar to that found in the New Testament. They will be equipping the saints for ministry (edification) - Ep 4:11-16. They will be furthering the spread of the gospel by sending out evangelists (evangelism) - Ph 4:15-16; 3 Jn 5-8. They will be meeting the physical needs of the saints as problems arise (benevolence) - Ro 15:25-26; 1 Co 16:1-4; 2 Co 8:1-9:15. Their organization as a congregation will seek to be like that found in the New Testament - Ph 1:1 "Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus that are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:" With elders (also known as bishops, pastors, presbyters, shepherds) qualified to oversee and tend to the local congregation - Ac 14:23; 20:28; 1 Ti 3:1-7; Ti 1:5-9; 1 Pe 5:1-4. They will also have deacons qualified to serve as they minister to the local congregation - 1 Ti 3:8-13. [The only exception to their organization will be a congregation of small size where there are men that are not qualified nor desire to be elders or deacons. Under these circumstances the male members will oversee the work and worship of the local congregation]. They will have saints (members) who sojourn in this world with conduct that is honorable and which gives glory to God - 1 Pe 2:9-12.

By carefully studying the "pattern" of the Lord's church as revealed in the New Testament, we can know when a congregation is faithfully observing "the apostles' doctrine". This places upon each of us the responsibility of carefully studying the Scriptures. For only then can we be able to distinguish between the "authentic" and a "counterfeit". I am confident that there are many "authentic" congregations all over the world. It is likely that one exists in your community already! Please feel free to contact me if you think I might be able to help you find one. But even if we live in an area where there is no church that "continues steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine", we can start one in our own home! - Ro 16:5; Phe 1-2. This can be done by proclaiming the simple gospel of Christ, and abiding in "the apostles' doctrine" as revealed in the New Testament. This will not be some new denomination, but simply a church of the Lord, a congregation of disciples that meet together to worship God and edify one another in their service to the Lord.

Are you "Following Jesus Without Denominationalism"? Don't you wish to? Remember the prayer of our Lord:
"I do not pray for these alone, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word;"
"that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me."
"And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one:"
"I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
-- Jn 17:20-23
May all those who believe in Jesus strive to be one!

These outlines were developed in the course of my ministry as a preacher of the gospel. They are included in The Executable Outlines Series, a collection my sermon outlines and Bible study materials. Visit the EO web site (exeout.com) to browse or download more material. Feel free to use them as they are, or adapt them to suit your own personal style. To God be the glory!
The Executable Outlines Series, Copyright © Mark A. Copeland, 2001