Why are there different denominations?

[@SnoopyDoofie]

I'll save you the long winded answer: It's because each denomination thinks that they know the way better than everyone else.

[@dzhvn]

Thank you. You saved me a whole lot of time researching this stuff. God bless you.

[@martin9410]

I think part of Piper's appeal is the smoothest of his voice and his calm approach. If his content is studied outside of that physical persona, one might easily arrive at a different conclusion. His own church serves as one of those divisive forces in Christianity. I think one could safely say that Jesus would have been and is opposed to all the divisions and denominations among His people today. God's people began in home fellowships. It was a home environment where the focus wasn't on one man and his gifts, but rather the many and their Holy Spirit dispensed gifts. Rather than submitting oneself to a 45 minute lecture (which has its history deeply rooted in Greek history), one could be in a healthy environment where all could ask questions, have healthy dialogue and have the freedom of showering their love on one another. "Church" has become a commercial enterprise, where these religious pastors enjoy deep pockets of income based upon how much their fans are willing to give. This is a far cry from Paul who said that he took, "money from no man." We only have one recorded time when he received temporary help from one congregation. Piper makes it sound like these thousands of different churches are like a smorgasbord where you just go to the food bar and pick your favorite flavor or food. I think that the only area he was correct in is that of loving on brothers and sisters that don't exactly have the same view on various biblical texts that we might.

[@ttimetotroll]

1. I don't see how Piper's voice has anything to do with the topic at hand. In fact, I was turned off by Piper's pious attitude in preaching when I was a beginner christian years ago. 2. "If his content is studied outside...., one might easily arrive at a different conclusion." The content that he taught here seems biblically correct. 3. "His own church was divisive.." Your point here seems to pinpoint Piper as the culprit of the divisiveness of "his" church. Especially your next sentence, "I think ... Jesus would have been... opposed to all the divisions..." It sounds like you are implying that Piper is a hypocrite, that he preaches here about unity under Christ but he himself divides people using his Church. If this is your judgement, I urge you to provide some evidence. For there is hypocrisy in the church and they ought to be exposed. (Paul to Peter Gal 2:11-13) But we also should be aware that we not slander, bare false witness against one another (Eph 4:25) , or speak evil against one another (James 4:11, Eph 4:31). Now I understand your frustration with Piper here in which he does not explicitly address the seemingly divisive nature of the segregation of denominations of Christianity right now. I agree. But I think Piper is simply applying 1 Cor 1:10-17 and applying Paul's loving attitude that is seen from this passage as it applies to the situation today. Furthermore, I think the original title of this video (probably) was: "Is It Okay for There to Be Different Denominations In the Body of Christ?" And to be honest, this question was not address by Piper at all. He neither says "it's ok" or "it's not ok". Piper simply addresses the fact that the attitude as we Christians ought to have is one of loving kindness. Eph 4:32 "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Let's forgive Piper for not really answering this question, for we are all sinners and imperfect. Forgive me if I come off as contentious, for I see your frustration but disagree on how that feeling is applied and directed in your comment.

[@martin9410]

@@ttimetotroll I think you're reading too much between the lines and editing my comments somewhat. You quote me as saying, "Your point here seems to pinpoint Piper as the culprit of the divisiveness of 'his' church..." Let me show a larger portion of the statement I made: "His own church serves as one of those divisive forces in Christianity. I think one could safely say that Jesus would have been and is opposed to all the divisions and denominations among His people today." I was hand selecting his church in particular merely as an example of all manmade churches. My point was that if you study the history of the various churches and denominations, you will discover almost all, if not all began as a result of a split, division, frustration, disappointment, etc. The body of Christ isn't restricted to any one manmade Christian institution. The body of Christ attends a host of different religious institutions but it still composes one body. You also made the comment, "It sounds like you are implying that Piper is a hypocrite." Actually I wasn't. He's no more of a hypocrite than probably you and I. He's just a part of the system. He probably really believes in what's he's doing. My "frustration" is not really with Piper, just the system itself. In fact, I wrote a book addressing these various topics, plus more. The "church" as we know it today is a far cry from the New Testament church. I do appreciate your use of Eph. 4:32. In its context it is addressing how we treat our brothers and sisters in a communal setting. I don't need to forgive Piper, for there is nothing to forgive. He's locked in the system just as I was when I was a Senior Pastor. I think you misread the tenor of my comments and what I was trying to express. My attack was merely on the system that he represents and yes, he really didn't answer the question. Thanks for your comments.

[@gordonsavage3135]

There were no denominations in the Bible, yet those who wanted to come in and change what was taught.

[@cz7755]

To me, doctrine doesn’t matter, but it matters if the people are Bible-believing and Gospel-believing.

[@thberger61794]

Same here

[@traviseberhart5796]

Those are two doctrines...

[@terraavis]

Two churches can be divided over infant baptism and it's because one or the other or both aren't seeing clearly? Whose church do they bring the issue to? "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, regard him as you would a pagan or a tax collector. Truly I tell you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.…" How do we obey Jesus' command to "listen to the church?"

[@iMr.Jetpacks]

Very well said, thank you John Piper! I appreciate you

[@T.D.H.Miller-pp6sf]

On this "Rock" touching Peter. And Peter had just confessed Immanuel (Jesus) was the one sent from our Father this was his church (FAITH)! All is Faith..... This is why James said....pure religion is to visit orphans and widows in their distress and to stay unblemished from the world.

[@aonewatchman]

ALL THESE WORDS ... SO LITTLE HELP ... Go to Bible ... not to church...

[@matej9255]

I agree but! We as believers need like minded community to hangout with and talk about our lord and savior Jesus Christ. I can not do this alone

[@aonewatchman]

@@matej9255 I disagree ... In these, the last days of the end times ...God says, "Come out of her "- i.e., false churches and God says, "Come outside the gates" i.e., false religions." In Revelation, Jesus indicates only one church was worshipping according to the Word of God i.e., Philadelphia. Therefore I go to Bible NOT to one of the 45,000 different Christian denominational churches in the world today BECAUSE Jesus Saves-Not churches and Individual are Saved -Not churches. Respectfully submitted as my Scriptural understanding, I share with you what His Spirit has shared with my spirit. A watchman of His Word... Peter

[@gordonsavage3135]

Gal. 5: 20 Little is more divided then 11:00 than the church.

[@Okieshowedem]

According to the Hebrew Scriptures not the English Bible. Many are called few are chosen to understand what you are about to read. Here is how subtle and crafty your adversary really is. Genesis 3:1 Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any beast of the field which Father YAHweh had made. And he said to the woman; Has YAHweh indeed said: You shall not eat of every tree of the garden? God is only a misleading TITLE not a name! Proverbs 30:4 Who has ascended into heaven, or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound up the waters in His garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His Name? And what is the Name of His Son? Tell me, if you know! "How can we know that Satan is the God of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4)?" Answer: The phrase “God of this world” (or “god of this age”) indicates that Satan is the major influence on the ideals, opinions, goals, hopes and views of the majority of people. His influence also encompasses the world’s philosophies, education, and commerce. The thoughts, ideas, speculations and ALL religions of the world are under his control and have sprung from his lies and deceptions. Satan is also called the "prince of the power of the air" in Ephesians 2:2. He is the "ruler of this world" in YAHchanan (John) 12:31. These titles and many more signify Satan’s capabilities. To say, for example, that Satan is the "prince of the power of the air" is to signify that in some way he rules over the world and the people in it. This is not to say that he rules the world completely; Father YAHweh is still sovereign. But it does mean that Father YAHweh, in His infinite wisdom, has allowed Satan to operate in this world within the boundaries Father YAHweh has set for him. When the Scriptures says Satan has power over the world, we must remember that Father YAHweh has given him domain over "unbelievers". True believers that are called out of the STRONG DELUSION ( 2 Thess. 2:1-11 ) are no longer under the rule of Satan the father of lies YAHchanan ( John ) 8:44 ) (Colossians 1:13). ALL unbelievers, on the other hand, are caught "in the snare of the devil" (2 Timothy 2:26), and lie in the and under the control of "power of the evil one" (1 YAHchanan (John 5:19), and are in bondage to Satan (Ephesians 2:2). 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 tells us Satan has a STRONG DELUSION for those who love lies more than the truth, so Father YAHweh allows Satan to deceive those people with a religious delusion. They really believe the religion they joined or that they are a part of is the right "religion". That is a very subtle way to deceive. ( Genesis 3:1-5 ) So, when the Scriptures says that Satan is the "God of this world," it is not saying that he has ultimate authority. It is conveying the idea that Satan rules over the unbelieving world in a specific way. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, the unbeliever follows Satan's agenda: "The God of this world has blinded the minds of ALL unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the message of the glory of Father YAHweh's resurrected Son and our Messiah." Satan's scheme includes promoting false philosophies in the world-philosophies that blind the unbeliever to the truth of the message. ( 2 Cor. 5:18-21 ) Satan’s philosophies are the fortresses in which people are imprisoned, and they must be set free by Father YAHweh's Son YAHWEHSHUA the resurrected Hebrew Messiah. An example of one such false philosophy is the belief that man can earn Father YAHweh's mercy by a certain act or acts. In almost every false religion, meriting Father YAHweh’s mercy or earning eternal life is a predominant theme. Earning salvation by works, however, is contrary to the revelation found in the Hebrew Scriptures. Man cannot work to earn Father YAHweh's mercy; eternal life is a free gift (see Ephesians 2:8-9). And that free gift is available through Father YAHweh's Son and Him ALONE ! YAHchanana (John) 3:16; 14:6). You may ask why mankind does not simply receive the free gift of salvation (John 1:12). The answer is that Satan-the God of this world-has tempted mankind to follow his PRIDE instead. Satan sets the agenda, ALL the unbelieving world follows, and mankind continues to be deceived. It is no wonder that Scripture calls Satan a liar (John 8:44) And the father of ALL lies? Satan the God of this world has deceived man with the many man made religions based on the traditions of men, religious men love lies more than the TRUTH. Every church house is built to worship the very being that has deceived them. That is how subtle your adversary is, you don't know what you are worshiping. You miss the warning back in Genesis 3:1-5 and you do not believe Revelation 12:9 or 2 Corinthians 4:4. Most folks will die trusting that God will save them. WAKE UP. Acts 4:12 really does mean what it says. Acts 4: 11-12 11 This is the stone which was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the Head stone of the corner, 12 Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. facebook.com/Hallelu-YAHWEHSHUA-560548060673707/?ref=settings

[@rem7502]

So you're just going to dismiss all the people to whome Christ has chosen to reveal himself to, living away from the contact of any Christians of any denomination? In that case you should reject Paul too. The first thing such people do is seek Christ and to follow his teachings, not look to follow any denomination.

[@jamessunday8915]

People are doing it for MONEY.

[@deborouspattersonjr9193]

Satan. But God will give you clarity if you want him to.

[@Ryan_Zell]

I have a theory why most Protestants never reveal there denomination, cult or sect to us: Its because they dont want us to compare their denomination to another denomination to prove that Protestantism HAS DIVIDED CHRIST. St. Paul: IS CHRIST DIVIDED? MAY IT NEVER BE. The truth is Christ is not divided. He has only One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. And Christ entrusted St. Peter to be its Shepherd. John 21:15:17, Matt 16 and 18. Thrre is both wide gate and a narrow gate. The wide gate is 40,000 denominations wide, which leads to destruction. The gate is narrow gate, which leads to eternal life, and that one gate is enteted through the Catholic Church. Ask yourself why God would divide His Church.

[@rem7502]

So you have the authority to somehow decide based on whether or not a person is catholic, if they are going to hell or not? Protestants, catholics, orthodox and non-denominational peopel who just believe in Christ go through persecution more than you and me buddy, and suffer for their faith, but you would put a veil upon the eyes of God, and condemn them if they are not "this" or "that" denomination? God never divided His church. People who believe Christ and seek him receive the Holy Spirit and are the church. Not to dismiss apostolic tradition or early church theology, but they don't define the church. it's pretty obvious by how the institution was infiltrated by corruption and pride.

[@Ryan_Zell]

@rem7502 God's Church is not divided. This the Church found in the New Testament and it is the Catholic Church. Its the Catholic Church that is mentioned in the bible. Paul wrote a letter to the Catholic Church. This letter is called The Epistle to the Romans. This was about 40 to 50 years before the word Catholic had to be put in front of the word Church. Denominationalism occurred only once in the bible. The Nicolaitans were a denomination and Jesus hated their deeds. Also, look at what has happened to that beast we call Protestantism. Its thousands upon thousand of heresies. Wow.

[@Ryan_Zell]

@@rem7502 The Church is defined in the New Testament. See the entire Chapter of 1 Cor 12. Your christ (lowercase) is not my Christ (Uppercase).

[@travisbrienen6505]

2 Chronicles 7.14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves..." it is obvious that a person who would rather call themselves a Lutheran, Calvinist, Catholic, Baptist, etc. etc. than a slave of Jesus Christ or would equate those dead clay husks (Isaiah 51.1) to the only begotten Son of God should not yet be healed or forgiven. They walk in darkness and not in light. This guy is obvious. Read your bible, and ask the Lord in prayer which one.

[@justincameron9661]

Great video