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Matthew 16:18 – 15 Questions 1 Answer
Questions:
1. What denominational church did Jesus establish when He said, “I will build My church?” (Matthew 16:18)
2. What denominational church does the Bible say Christ gave some to be “apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers…?” (Ephesians 4:11)
3. What denominational church were the letters of Romans, 1st. & 2nd Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1st. & 2nd Thessalonians written to?
4. What denominational church organization is found in the Bible?
5. The letters of Titus and 1st & 2nd Timothy were written to preachers of what denomination?
6. Which denominational church did Jesus promise to return for and save in heaven?
7. The Book of Acts is the early church history of what denominational church?
8. What passage in the Bible teaches the popular modern idea, “Join the church of your choice”?
9. When God inspired Paul to write, “there is one body” and “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,” which denomination was God describing? (Ephesians 4:4; 1 Corinthians 12:13)
10. If you are a member of a denomination, which denomination did the Bible tell you to join?
11. Of which denominational church is Jesus the “head?” (Ephesians 4:15; Colossians 1:18)
12. Of which denomination were the seven churches of Asia mentioned in Revelation 1-3 part of?
13. What denominational church did the apostles join?
14. What denominational church did the Lord add saved people to in Acts 2:37-46?
15. Which denominational church should you join?
Answer:
NONE! (John W. Pratt)
Let’s expand on the above questions by discussing three types of Churches: Denominational; Interdenominational; Non-Denominational (or Un-Denominational). Many are unaware of the differences. While none of these words are specifically found in the Bible (just as the word “Bible” is not found in the Bible), the concepts these modern words describe are either commended or condemned in the Bible.
1 – What is a denomination? There are many nuances, but the two foundational factors are name and organization.
- The organization is a collection of local churches making up the whole denomination, as a quarter is a “denomination” of money.
- Also, to denominate is to name. For example, the Catholic Church is the largest and oldest denomination. It is a collection of local churches organized ultimately under a pope in Rome. Also, they have denominated, that is named themselves, as the Roman Catholic Church. Can we equally be guilty of denominating ourselves when we think of “church of Christ” as our official name (i.e. “Church of Christ preacher) or when we organize a group of churches under one eldership (i.e. sponsoring church)?
Denominations are conspicuously missing in the Bible. Some have used Jesus’ discussion of many branches and one vine as authority. However, in that passage branches are individuals, not churches (John 15). A Christian once argued that the seven churches of Revelation were different denominations. Sigh…. Another Christian I know called the church of Christ “just another denomination.” Bigger sigh…. Then again, maybe we act denominationally because we think and speak like the denominational world.
2 – What is an interdenomination? This is a hybrid between denominations and nondenominations. Correctly, they do not have universally accepted names, nor organize into collections of churches. Therefore according to name and organization, they are non-denominational; but their attitudes towards denominationalism is one of acceptance. Their members sometimes still retain denominational ties. They are filled with Presbyterians, Catholics, Baptists, etc. Also, very little doctrine is emphasized. Any baptism is usually accepted as long as one “believes” in Jesus. While we must believe in Jesus, we must also believe in what Jesus taught (Matthew 28:20).
3 – What is a non-denomination? This is the biblical approach. The Bible never “denominates” a name for “the church” or “local churches” (i.e. I am a member of the church of God, are you?); and the only organization is local (i.e. overseers and deacons). If denominations are foreign to the Bible, then we should not be in one, nor accept them as scriptural. Our claim as a local congregation meeting together in Winston-Salem is that we are non-denominational. Some outsiders misunderstand that to mean we accept all beliefs. While we are patient with one another, we are working toward unity (1 Corinthians 1:10). When it comes to name, we usually call ourselves a church of Christ, but I am quick to point out that any other name you find in the Bible we accept that one too!
In conclusion, being denominational is unscriptural; likewise being interdenominational is wrong. The above 15 questions and 1 answer apply to both denominational and interdenominational churches.
However, being non-denominational is only part of what makes church biblical. We must study so we can live the life of Christ and know the teachings of Christ. In that way, we will truly be a church of Christ.
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