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NASB | Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus, ¶ To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, bond-servants of Christ Jesus (the Messiah, the Anointed), To all the saints (God's people) in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, including the overseers and deacons: |
Bible Question:
Dear Saints, Define the local church (the Biblical ideal), explaining why we have the denominational (divisive) system in it's place. Frankly, I am disappointed that not one person tried to explain the plight the church is in today! The odds are that most of you are part of a denomination. So... tell me why? The other day I posted: A local church is a 'mutually committed expression of the body of Christ in a specific locality.' A family of believers that have bound themselves together before God, dedicated to showing forth Jesus to their neighborhood. In the early church, these were usually gathering in a saint's house. "how I did not shrink from declaring to you anything that was profitable, and teaching you publicly and from house to house," Acts 20:20 NASB "also greet the church that is in their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first convert to Christ from Asia." Romans 16:5 NASB "The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house." 1 Corinthians 16:19 NASB "and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house:" Philemon 1:2 NASB Another aspect is that there should be fellowship, as in the sharing of lives, with our homes open to eachother. This implies a commitment to one another beyond *membership.* "And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Acts 2:42 NASB Finally, I can find no reference in the Bible to connecting one local church to another in any form of organization. The thought of 'strength in numbers' is never spoken, nor is the binding of any local body to another for denominational (divisional) identity ever portrayed. The absence of any encouragement to 'make a name for yourselves,' and the many warnings not to become like the Pharisees, Saducees, scribes, or any other 'named' grouping, leads me to believe that God never intended for their to be anything more than the local church. I would welcome anyone that can Biblically defend 'denominationalism' without claiming superior doctrine or 'strength in numbers.' (both points are moot in Jesus) Blessings to all, and blessings to the local church. In Christ Jesus, charis |
Bible Answer: Greetings Charis! You have asked an excellent question. I'm not sure anyone can defend denominations as they exist right now. However, I think that even in the early church there was a system or structure in place. All of the early churches were under the authority of the Apostles. For instance, we read about a church council in Acts 15, which meet to decide issue of doctrine and practice concerning the Gentiles churchs. Their letter even mentions that some went out "without their authorizaton (15:24)." Furthermore, we know from Scripture that Paul constantly appointed "Pastors" over local churches. The local churches and "Pastors" were then expected to be subject to Paul's teaching and practice. While I can't endorse everything that denominations have become, I do think there is more evidence of structure and authority in the early church than most will admit. A good denominational structure will be unobtrusive as possible. It will primarily serve to provide oversight and accountability in it's pastors and congregations. In a perfect world, there would only be one denomination. However, because of the failings of both men and organizations, we have many today. In light of this fact, I think each individual believer has to decide for him or herself which denomination is the most Scriptural (if this is the direction they decide to go). Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |