Ok, here comes another question. I was raised a Roman Catholic and went through all of the requirements that come with that denomination. While I lost my faith in my early 20s, I have attended various churches of various denominations and have found them all interesting. Now, as I regain my faith, I am working towards a better understanding of what is it that I need to understand.
So, why are there so many denominations? One article I read notes that there are over 40,000 churches and that has always confused me.
Now, from what I have been reading, it appears that Jesus founded the first church (The Church of Christ), as described in the New Testament, and that He paid for that with His blood (Matthew 16:10, Acts 2:38-47). All other churches are considered “man-made,” to include the Catholic Church, which was structured similar to the Roman empire.
In a YouTube presentation I watched (Shank, M. (2011). Why are there so many Churches?), the following were the requirements listed, to be a member of the original Church of Christ.
Meet on the 1st day of the week (Acts 20;7)
Sing a Capella (Eph 5;19, Col 3;16)
Pray and study the Bible together (Acts 2;42)
Help the church each week (1 Cor 16:12)
Christ is the only head (Eph 5:33-23)
Churches composed of elders, deacons, evangelists and members (Phil 1:1)
Abide only in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9)
Casting away man-made doctrine and creeds (Mar 7:7.1 and Cor 16:1-2)
We are Christians only (Act 11:26)
So, based on my interpretation (subject to mortification my people way smarted than me on these issues), belonging to a non-denominational church is the right answer to the question I did not ask.
Looking forward to guidance
rtm3039
So, why are there so many denominations? One article I read notes that there are over 40,000 churches and that has always confused me.
Now, from what I have been reading, it appears that Jesus founded the first church (The Church of Christ), as described in the New Testament, and that He paid for that with His blood (Matthew 16:10, Acts 2:38-47). All other churches are considered “man-made,” to include the Catholic Church, which was structured similar to the Roman empire.
In a YouTube presentation I watched (Shank, M. (2011). Why are there so many Churches?), the following were the requirements listed, to be a member of the original Church of Christ.
Meet on the 1st day of the week (Acts 20;7)
Sing a Capella (Eph 5;19, Col 3;16)
Pray and study the Bible together (Acts 2;42)
Help the church each week (1 Cor 16:12)
Christ is the only head (Eph 5:33-23)
Churches composed of elders, deacons, evangelists and members (Phil 1:1)
Abide only in the doctrine of Christ (2 John 9)
Casting away man-made doctrine and creeds (Mar 7:7.1 and Cor 16:1-2)
We are Christians only (Act 11:26)
So, based on my interpretation (subject to mortification my people way smarted than me on these issues), belonging to a non-denominational church is the right answer to the question I did not ask.
Looking forward to guidance
rtm3039