Why So Many Denominations
Intro According to calculations by the World Christian Database there are over 9,000 Christian denominations in the world. Why are there so many denominations in the world today? I’ll be back in a moment with the prophetic perspective on “Why So Many Denominations?” Message Hello, this is Cody Francis with Prophetic Perspectives. With the bewildering array of denominations in the world today, the repeated question of many is, “Why so many denominations?” You can begin with A and go all the way down to Z and find a denomination for every letter of the alphabet. As we look at all these denominations we question why is it so? Certainly no church posts a sign stating, “warning error presented here.” Yet there are so many denominations all with different beliefs, all claiming to believe the Bible. How can it be? The Word of God provides an answer and as we look at that answer, let us turn our hearts to the Lord in prayer. Outline I. Last program saw the corruption of Christianity A. White, pure faith B. Red, persecuted faith C. Black, compromising faith D. Pale, dead faith E. Gradual falling away from the truth – 2 Thes. 2:3 II. Revelation reveals the restoration of truth in our time. A. Midnight darkness would not last forever 1. Those earnestly contending faith – Jude 3 2. Faithful Waldenses a. Kept torch of truth burning b. Preserved Bible for us today c. Follow & obey Bible; not tradition 3. Huss & Jerome – “obedience to God” 4. Martin Luther – “justification by faith” 5. Light of truth was dawning a. Path just, shining light – Pr. 4:18 b. Sunrise, gentle restoration, daily B. God not finished light continued to shine 1. Calvin – Christian growth 2. Anabaptists – believers baptism 3. Wesley – holy living, sanctification 4. Miller – 2nd coming C. Why so many denominations 1. Lutherans stop w/Luther; Presbyterians Calvin 2. Following leaders & not man D. God trying lead people step by step 1. Keep commandments & faith – Rev. 14:12 2. Sabbath must be restored – Is. 58:12, 13 3. Jesus is light of world – John 8:12 a. Reject truth as shining, reject Jesus b. God shining truth on you? c. No accident here, follow Jesus? d. Jesus gave all for you, follow Him?
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