In the beginning of the Christian dispensation, the church was not denominational. Today it is. Today we see:
- Ecclesiastical heads
- Earthly headquarters
- Human creeds
- Man-made traditions considered as binding
- Clergy/laity distinction
- Religious titles for men (father, reverend)
- Religious categories (Catholic vs. Protestant)
In the beginning the church was just one body, bound by one thing only - the New Testament record. Christ was the head of that body. The teaching was clear and the worship was simple.
Adding to or taking from God's word is repeatedly warned against (Deuteronomy 4:2; Proverbs 30:6; 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18,19). Yet many people insist in disregarding these warnings, seemingly acting as if they don;t think that God meant what He said (Matthew 15:13; Psalms 127:1).
Most leaders in the denominational world claim to be following Christ's teachings, yet they are all woefully inconsistent. While they claim to honor the Lord, they actually dishonor His church. They attach to Christ's bride (the church) names which belong to other people.
The church in the beginning honored a divine name. It followed a divine plan, a divine government and a divine law. How many today neglect to do this?
Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish oughtfrom it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.
Proverbs 30:6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
2 John 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Revelation 22:18,19
18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.Matthew 15:13 But he answered and said, Every plant, which my heavenly Father hath not planted, shall be rooted up.
Psalms 127:1 Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.
