One preacher recently wrote: “In the twenty-first century model we would seek to correct the errors of denominationalism and would then proceed to lead them from it into the ‘Church of Christ.’  Our popular approach actually confirms that the “Church of Christ” is just another denomination but nevertheless a better one” (Floyd Chappelear; “What is the Purpose Behind Our Preaching”; Sentry Magazine, Volume 31, Number 4, December 31, 2004; page 3).  The mentality of Floyd Chappelear is not localized to him alone.  Others have also taught that when we preach against denominationalism and promote the church of Christ we are no different than the Baptist.  This is a trend, however small it may be, that must be exposed before some ignorant brethren fall into the trap of removing preaching against the sin of denominationalism.

     Then again, one wonders if some would even consider denominationalism a sin.  In the same article earlier mentioned, Floyd wrote: “Men are separated from God by their sins whether or not they are members of some erroneous religious community.  Let us lead them out of sin and then correct the religious errors later.”  He later went on writing this: “Brethren, let us lead people into Christ while recognizing that they bring ‘error’ in with them…”  Floyd’s statements suggest that he believes sin is one thing and denominationalism is another.  WRONG!  Denominationalism is a sin.

     For one to come out of darkness into light (Colossians 1:13), they must leave sin behind.  Consider that repentance precedes baptism (Acts 2:38).  Those in sin were taught to repent, turn to God, and do works meet for repentance (Matthew 3:8 and Acts 26:20).  Who in their right mind (obviously not Floyd) would say that error is essentially welcome to enter into the church.  This is the exact opposite of what our Lord shows us in the New Testament (Matthew 7:15-20, Acts 20:28-31, Ephesians 5:11, and II John 9-11).

     For most Christians I could end this article here and leave the rest of this bulletin article as a fill in the blank article where you could write all of the Scriptures that refute Floyd’s errors.  I for one will have a hard time choosing how to fit all that refutes his error into just one article.  One does need to go far into their reading of the New Testament before they figure out that the Lord wanted the church to be preached about and people to be led out of religious error into His body the church.  We shall prove that in this article.

     Why is it significant to prove that preaching the Gospel includes preaching about the church?  Well, when one preaches about the church they are exposing the error of denominationalism.  For example, when one preaches using Matthew 16:18 they are showing that Jesus promised to build His church.  This would exclude the church that John Wesley built, the church the Martin Luther built, the church that Joseph Smith built, the church that John Smyth built, the church that Henry VIII built, etc.  When one preaches from Ephesians 4:4-6 about unity one would again be showing that just as there is one God there is one church (the body being the church, Ephesians 1:22-23).  Thus, one way, of several, to show the error of Floyd and others who hold his doctrine would be to show we need to preach about the church.

     Most understand and would agree that the kingdom is the church (Isaiah 2:2-3, Daniel 2:31-15; 7:13-14, Joel 2:28-32, Matthew 16:18, Acts 2:14-47, Colossians 1:12-18, and Hebrews 12:22-23).  So, consider where we find in the New Testament that not only can we preach about the kingdom / church, but we must:

1. John the Baptist came preaching about the kingdom / church (Matthew 3:2).
2. Jesus preached about the kingdom / church (Matthew 4:17; 23).
3. Jesus promised that the Gospel of the KINGDOM would be preached in all the world before the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 (Matthew 24:14).
4. Jesus promised the coming of the kingdom / church (Matthew 16:13-18 and Mark 9:1).
5. Luke writes telling us that the saved are added to the church (Acts 2:41; 47).
6. Phillip preached the authority of Christ and about the church (Acts 8:12).
7. As we conclude the book of Acts, we find to no surprise that Paul preached about the church (Acts 28:31).
8. Many fail to recall that the church was purchased by the blood of Christ when He died on Calvary’s cross (Acts 20:28 and Ephesians 5:23).  Why is this significant?  It is significant because we are to preach about the cross (I Corinthians 1:18), which includes not only the putting away of the Law and the remission of sins, but the purchase of the church as well.

     Why do we have the inspired word of God?  Answer: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (II Timothy 3:16-17).  Did Jesus teach that ignorance of religious error would lead the lost to Him?  NO!  He taught this: “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).  When the Apostle Paul came to Athens he found people who were practicing ignorant and idol worship (Acts 17:23).  Contrary to what men like Floyd Chappelear do say, Paul did not leave their religious error alone.  In fact, he taught in part the following: “Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.  And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:29-30).  Regardless of what men may say, preaching the Gospel is about correcting, rebuking, and exhorting (II Timothy 4:2).  This includes preaching against denominationalism.

     Not only do we find that preaching on the church will of course expose the error of denominationalism.  We also find that the New Testament speaks against the sin of denominationalism.  For example, the church in Corinth was divided and had brethren that would wear the names of those who baptized them.  Paul wrote those in Corinth and condemned both division and the wearing of the names of men (I Corinthians 1:10-13).  There you have it.  Preaching from the New Testament includes preaching on texts that show the error of denominationalism.

     I take no delight in having to write articles on such clear first principles to expose the errors that are being taught among us.  The church of our Lord is being attacked in our day with so many false doctrines that it is sickening.  Now, we know that there are publications (such as Sentry Magazine) being used to influence the minds of brethren to cease us from preaching against sin.  I hope that some will be weary Sentry Magazine which has a long reputation of supporting various false doctrines.  Sadly, while this paper is one outlet of this error, there are many pulpits among brethren today that are being used to teach that the church is just another denomination promoting itself.

     Brethren, have no shame in proclaiming that there is salvation in no other name than Jesus Christ, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved (Acts 4:10-12).  Have no reservations in teaching that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by Him (John 14:6).  Have no shame in saying there is but one church (Ephesians 4:4), and the church of Christ is that one church (Matthew 16:18; cf. Romans 16:16)!