Beth-El Baptist Church

03/21/2010

Greg Tomlinson

If all Christians worship the same God, why are there so many different denominations?

A challenge that many Christians and non-Christians raise about Christianity has to do with the proliferation of denominations under modern Protestant Christianity.

1. What causes the denominational split?

1 Timothy 3:1-13 Titus 1:5-7

1 Corinthians 14:16 Hebrews 6:4-6

1 Timothy 2:11-12 Numbers 30:2-8

Romans 14:5 2 Timothy 3:15-17

1 Corinthians 14:27-31

There are several reasons for denominational differences. Some reasons have to do with different understandings regarding the structure of churches. Whether bishops and elders are the same office or different offices and the number of levels of hierarchy.

Acts 10:45-48 Acts 2:38

John 3:23

Further differences revolve around the mode and necessity of baptism. Immersion or sprinkling, primarily symbolic or absolutely required for salvation.

1 Corinthians 14:16; 14:27-31

The role, necessity, and purpose for speaking in tongues.

Hebrews 6:4-6 John 10:27-29

The permanency or assurance of salvation. The issue is eternal security or the possibility to lose your salvation.

1 Timothy 2:11-12 Numbers 30:2-8

The role of women in ministry. The accessibility of women to serve as an elder, pastor, or bishop in which they have teaching authority over men.

Romans 14:5

The necessity of keeping Saturday as the sabbath day of religious worship.

2 Timothy 3:15-17

The importance of scripture in life.