A common theme in Paul’s letters is his reminder that he was praying for people. Phrases like ”making mention of you always,” “every prayer,” and ”without ceasing” and are made regarding both congregations and individuals (Rom. 1:9; Eph. 1:16; Phil. 1:4; Col. 1:9; 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Tim. 1:3; Philemon 4).

Such words would have brought great comfort and strength to these Christians. However, it was more than Paul’s sincere intention to pray for them that brought comfort. It was the assurance that actual prayers were being offered to God on their behalf. They knew that when Paul said he was praying for them that he really was praying for them.

Many Christians claim to be praying for individuals today. Perhaps a need is made known through a personal conversation, a request posted on social media, or a public response to an invitation. Our immediate response is to say, “I am praying for you,” but are we? Are we following through on the promise, or just speaking the words to provide immediate comfort?

It is the effective, fervent prayer of a righteous person that avails much (James 5:16), not the good intentions or a mere promise to offer such prayers. It is sometimes hard to remember every promise we have made, but as Christians we need to be people of our word. If we say, “I am praying for you,” we need to do it.

An older preacher named Louis Sharp once told me that he carried a list of members who needed his prayers. He would add and remove names from the list throughout the week. When it came time for him to pray, he would refer to the list to make sure he remembered these individuals. Brother Sharp has passed on to his reward, but perhaps we can benefit from following his example. We should try making a list of those who need our prayers, either in a little notebook or perhaps on our smartphone. Such a practice can help us if we are having a problem with the “follow through” on our promises to remember people in our prayers.

Knollwood Reminder, April 2017

This article will offend some people. That is not our intent. However, it happens whenever people love the darkness of error more than the light of truth (Jno. 3:19-21).

Denominations are not from God. Jesus built one church, which is His one body, “the fullness of Him who fills all in all” (Matt. 16:18; Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4). The gospel of Christ condemns religious division: Christ is not divided (Jno. 17:20-21; 1 Cor. 1:10-13). One is not following Jesus Christ when he practices what Jesus opposes. If God approves of denominations, we would find clear and convincing Scriptures approving them. We do not.

Christians are disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26). A disciple learns and follows the will of His Master – Jesus (Lk. 6:40). Since Jesus never taught, endorsed or encouraged denominationalism, one is not following Jesus when he engages in it; he is sinning (Col. 3:17).

Jesus adds saved people to His church, not to denominations (Acts 2:47). Christ does not count among the saved those who teach and practice the errors of denominationalism; the Lord knows those who are His (2 Tim. 2:16-19).

If there are saved people – Christians – in the denominations, then these conclusions follow:

1) Denominations make the gospel plan of salvation unnecessary. Denominations do not preach and practice the Bible plan of salvation (believe, confess faith, repent and be baptized, Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 2:37-38; 8:5, 12, 36-38; Rom. 10:9-10). If there are Christians in denominations then people can be saved without obeying the gospel (which is false, Matt. 7:21-23).

2) Denominations make the church of Christ unnecessary. The New Testament teaches the church is essential to God’s eternal purpose of redemption (Eph. 3:10-11). God is glorified “in the church by Christ Jesus” (Eph. 3:21). Yet, the denominations say one can be saved without being a member of their denomination. True enough. Therefore, denominations admit they are not essential. When one is saved, the Lord adds him to His church, the blood-bought body of the redeemed (Acts 2:47; Eph. 5:23). The church of Christ is necessary.

3) Denominations make contending for the faith futile and factious. If Christians are in denominations, should we not embrace them as brethren instead of contending against their error (Jude 3-4)? The error of “Christians in the denominations” silences the Bible call to contend for the faith, and to hold fast the pattern of sound words. Instead, we are told there are many faiths and God accepts them all (2 Tim. 1:13; Eph. 4:5).

4) Denominations make fellowship with error acceptable. The New Testament teaches Christians not to have fellowship with error (Eph. 5:11). To suggest that false churches practicing error contain saved people (Christians), is a denial of the verses that warn against having fellowship with error (2 Jno. 9-11; Gal. 1:6-10; 2 Cor. 6:14-18).

Are there Christians in the denominations of men? No. But, the gospel of Christ will save them (Rom. 1:16-17; Col. 2:8). 

Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 1:13-21

You can find the complete outline of this sermon plus PowerPoint and MP3 Audio files at BIBLE ANSWERS
 

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Created by Chuck Sibbing, last updated.  05/22/2017