Old Testament Denominations
The Amercan College Encyclopedic Dictionary defines the word denomination as “a religous sect”. There were many groups who fit this definition during the time Jesus walked the earth. The prominent two were the Pharasees and the Saducees. There were many others besides these two. One must conclude that denominationalism was well established when Jesus came to earth. Denominationalism is not exclusively a modern day event.
These denominations thought their beliefs were correct. Each claimed to be following the Word of God while holding to varying and distinct views. One would suppose that when the Christ came He would have set them straight on the evils of denominationalism. If one had held this idea he would have been mistaken. When Jesus came to earth he went about His Father’s business. As He did His Father’s business he made life better for those who sought Him. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed those who were hungry. From time to time He would confront the terrible attitudes that one group or the other displayed. All the while He went about doing His Father’s business.
There is some evidence that this background found its way into the lives of Christians for Paul described himself as having been a Pharasee. It is beyond question that denominationalism was well ingrained in religion by the time Christ came. Yet, we never see Jesus giving effort to condemning the sin of denominationalism. What we see Jesus doing is going about doing His Father’s business. Do you suppose there is a lesson in this for us His followers?
These denominations thought their beliefs were correct. Each claimed to be following the Word of God while holding to varying and distinct views. One would suppose that when the Christ came He would have set them straight on the evils of denominationalism. If one had held this idea he would have been mistaken. When Jesus came to earth he went about His Father’s business. As He did His Father’s business he made life better for those who sought Him. He healed the sick, raised the dead, and fed those who were hungry. From time to time He would confront the terrible attitudes that one group or the other displayed. All the while He went about doing His Father’s business.
There is some evidence that this background found its way into the lives of Christians for Paul described himself as having been a Pharasee. It is beyond question that denominationalism was well ingrained in religion by the time Christ came. Yet, we never see Jesus giving effort to condemning the sin of denominationalism. What we see Jesus doing is going about doing His Father’s business. Do you suppose there is a lesson in this for us His followers?
