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NASB | Ephesians 4:3 being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Ephesians 4:3 Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful]. |
Subject: denominations. |
Bible Note: If two churches disagree doctrinally... ...it is fine that they remain separate. [Hank: I agree with your thoughts regarding denominations. I think you will find the following to be of interest. --John] 'Question: "Why are there so many Christian denominations?" 'Answer: There are so many denominations for several reasons. '(1) Each denomination has a slightly different doctrine or emphasis from the others. '(2) As people started churches, they simply gave them different names. '(3) Denominations are good in that if you attended a Baptist church in one town, and then moved to another town, you could attend a similar Baptist church in the new town. 'The Lutheran denomination was named after Martin Luther. The Methodists got their name because their founder, John Wesley, was famous for coming up with “methods” for spiritual growth. Presbyterians are named for their view on church leadership - the Greek word for elder is "presbyteros." Baptists got their name because they have always emphasized the importance of baptism. 'We, as believers, must believe the same on the essentials of the faith, but beyond that there is great latitude in how a Christian should worship, serve, and live his life. This latitude is what causes so many different flavors of Christianity. Diversity is a good thing, but disunity is not. If two churches disagree doctrinally, it is fine that they remain separate. This separation, though, does not lift the responsibility Christians have to love one another (1John 4:11-12) – and ultimately be united as one in Christ (John 17:21-22).' ____________________ www.gotquestions.org/denominations.html |