Q: How many denominational groups are there in the United States? There were 217 denominations...

Q: How many denominational groups are there in the United States?

“There were 217 denominations listed in the 2006 Yearbook of American and Canadian Churches. But there may well be other groups that function as a denomination but do not regard themselves as such.”

o http://hirr.hartsem.edu/research/fastfacts/fast_facts.html#numcong

Full Definition of Denomination

1) an act of denominating2) a value or size of a series of values or sizes (as of money)3) NAME, DESIGNATION; especially : a general name for a category4) a religious organization whose congregations are united in their adherence to its beliefs and practiceso Merriam-webster.com/dictionary/denomination

Ephesians 4; John 17…?

“Christian Denominations”

(Why are there so many?!)

So Many DenominationsAttributing Factors:

• God’s Authority is Diminished, Romans 1:18-28• Ideas of Men, Isaiah 53:1-13

Charles Wesley, who was an English leader of the Methodist movement, has writings that fill up at

least 22 volumes.

Roger Williams, one of the men credited with founding of the Baptist faith,

has his collected works in 9 volumes.

Martin Luther’s writings have been collected in at least 55 volumes

John Calvin’s writings have been preserved in numerous volumes…

So Many DenominationsThe Attributing Factors:

• God’s Authority is Diminished, Romans 1:18-28• Ideas of Men, Isaiah 53:1-13• Self-Gratification, 2 Timothy 4:1-4– See also: 2 Timothy 2:1-7; Philippians 3:19

“Christian Denominations”

• Various religious are not a reflection of the unity that is called for in Scripture.

• Man’s personal desires have led to the creation of so many different “churches”.

• Motivations that lead to their formation most often involve…– The replacement of God – With the desires and exaltation of men– Worshiping the creature rather than the Creator!

Ephesians 4:1-6

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one

Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

(NKJV)