Conditions & Comments     -   Bible  Counsel    - Feature Page 12   
Click Star For Return To Front Page                                                                                               Click Star For Center Circle Page
Some conditions or issues, letters, and thoughts here are shared for meditation by the gathered saints in a scriptural assembly.  This page is to set forth thoughts and information, and responses are welcome.  It is not expected that everyone will agree with all things. Responders here ought to identify themselves also by their church association, to better understand their present orientation. Send thoughts to the site manager directly at the e-mail address: sojourning@charter.net.  Replies will be held confidential.  Thank you.  - R. DeWitt

LETTER ABOUT DENOMINATIONALISM
                                                                                                                                                                                                         11/04
Greetings again, _______:

  My thought on denominationalism, friend, is that any gathering of Christians who take a name (denominate) or otherwise become a separate group apart from the universal church God described by His Word, is sectarian. The issue is more than taking a name; rather, it is independency and not holding to the Word as our only authority for the Faith. I don't see God intended self-indulgence and man's innovations for believers, for there is "one body in Christ" (Rom.12:5) and we are enjoined that there "be no schism in the body". See also the following: John 17:21; Rom.1:7; Rom.16:16; I Cor.1:2; I Cor. 12:12-25; Gal. 1: 2-3; Eph.1:1; Eph. 4:3-16; Phil.1:1-2; Phil.2:2; Col. 4:15-16; etc., which shows God's mind for being one in Christ. I hope that is your desire. This is not speaking about mergers of all doctrines to allow all things to exist among us ---mergers should only exist without us, for the faithful saints must hold to what God has provided.

  I meet with a non-denominated, non-sectarian fellowship worldwide recognizing the priesthood of believers. Of course, I realize that some would call us a sect, and that is because we are separate from the mainstream of so-called Protestantism. I believe we are scriptural, though we are not perfect as individuals. I left the organized and innovative religious systems over 35 years ago, and wandered among various independent gatherings, until I was led to what I believe is the scriptural path. It has proved a blessing.

  This is that expression of church truth that came from the revival of the early 1800's, called the "brethren movement". Some of the looser line from this fellowship went out over time to form compromise with denominated systems, and called themselves "Plymouth Brethren". They are quite loose and more widely known, and I see them as sectarian (though they meet in form somewhat as we do --but the form is not all the truth).

  Yes, we are all from different backgrounds and have some different needs, as you say, yet the same basic needs as Christians. We need to obey God's Word. I don't call myself by any of these division names, for I believe all these separations among believers are heresy in God's mind. If anything, I say I am with those who have endeavored to continue that testimony from the revival of AD 1827. We are just trying to hold to the truth of that original work of God, from which I believe this gathering descends; otherwise it would be sectarian like so many other groups of Christians. 

  In a study of the history, it is apparent that most so-called "brethren" gatherings are following after some brethren who went out to set up their own "table". That denies the expression of the "one body", is unscriptural, and dishonors God's work of revival. Our history shows the major divisions, and departure from the Lord's table by those who refused to bow to God's government in the assembly. I would not want to be part of that.

  Well, I love the saints of God everywhere, even if I can't walk the same path as all (Amos 3:3). One day (perhaps soon) every child of God will be together in Heaven, even as we should down here. I see ignorance is allowed by God, but rebellion will be judged.

  We can talk further if you desire. Look up always, for the Lord will surely "come quickly" (note Rev. 2:5 & 16; Rev. 3:11; Rev. 22: 7 & 12 & 20). 

- Sincerely in Christ forever, Robert DeWitt