Too Much To Lose, Nothing To Gain
When considering the issue of fellowship, the question, "Why would it be wrong to extend our fellowship to denominations?" is often heard. Simply put, we cannot extend our fellowship to denominations because there is too much to lose and nothing to gain. First, when we extend our fellowship to denominations we lose our identity. The church of Christ is often described as the body of Christ (Ephesians 1:23). Because there is only one body, there is only one church (Ephesians 4:4). Because I must be a member of Christ’s church in order to be saved (Ephesians 5:23), it is important that I am able to recognize and maintain the identity of Christ’s church. But when we extend our fellowship to denominations, we ignore the uniqueness of the gospel of Christ and cause the identity of Christ’s church to be lost. Second, when we extend our fellowship to denominations we lose our integrity. God’s people have always been faced with the danger of compromise. Consider the examples of Moses (Exodus 8:25, 28, 10:11, 24) and Nehemiah (Nehemiah 6:1-3). It is not possible for us to fellowship denominations without compromising the truth. Third, when we extend our fellowship to denominations we lose our influence. Paul wrote, "Wherefore come out form among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord" (II Corinthians 6:17). It is not possible for us to separate ourselves from the denominations and extend our fellowship to them at the same time. It is unrealistic to believe we will ever influence a person to come out of a denomination while we extend our fellowship to denominations and recognize them as partners. Fourth, when we extend our fellowship to denominations we lose our inheritance. As faithful Christians, we have an inheritance waiting for us in heaven (I Peter 1:3-5). Our inheritance in heaven is far greater than any inheritance we can ever receive while on earth. However, when we neglect to believe, teach, and practice the doctrine of Christ, we lose our inheritance (II John 9-11). Rod Halliburton [return to Bulletin Articles] [Back to this outline] [Return to Sermon Outlines] |
