19/12/2025
ποΈπ WHY ARE THERE SO MANY CHURCHES?
(Understanding WHY denominations exist and WHERE they came from)
π
INTRODUCTION
Many sincere people ask: βIf there is one Bible, why are there so many churches?β The answer is not merely historyβit is hermeneutics. Scripture warns that division comes when the Word is not rightly divided (2 Timothy 2:15). In the Dispensation of Grace, confusion arises when Israelβs program, the Kingdom gospel, church traditions, and Paulβs gospel are mixed together.
Today we will examine 9 reasons why so many churches existβfrom a dispensational, Pauline perspective.
π 2 Timothy 2:15; 1 Corinthians 14:33
1οΈβ£ THE FAILURE TO RIGHTLY DIVIDE βοΈ
Most denominations began with confusion over biblical divisions.
A. Mixing Israel and the Church β Kingdom promises applied to the Body (Romans 11:25)
B. Confusing Law and Grace β Works added to salvation (Romans 6:14)
C. Combining Prophecy and Mystery β Ignoring Paulβs distinct revelation (Ephesians 3:1β9)
π 2 Timothy 2:15; Romans 11:25; Ephesians 3:9
2οΈβ£ THE FORSAKING OF PAULINE AUTHORITY π
Paul is our apostle for today, yet many churches bypass him.
A. Paul Chosen for the Gentiles β Not the Twelve (Romans 11:13)
B. Paul Received Direct Revelation β Not from men (Galatians 1:11β12)
C. Paulβs Epistles Define the Church β Doctrine, duty, destiny (RomansβPhilemon)
π Romans 11:13; Galatians 1:11β12; Ephesians 3:2
3οΈβ£ THE FOLLOWING OF TRADITION ποΈ
Church systems often replace Scripture.
A. Traditions of Men β Supersede truth (Mark 7:7β9)
B. Creeds Over Christ β Human statements elevated (Colossians 2:8)
C. Rituals Replace Relationship β Form without power (2 Timothy 3:5)
π Mark 7:9; Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 3:5
4οΈβ£ THE FASCINATION WITH SIGNS π₯
Many churches seek what God temporarily gave Israel.
A. Signs Were for Israel β Not the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 1:22)
B. Sign Gifts Are Passing Away β Not normative today (1 Corinthians 13:8β10)
C. Sight Replaces Faith β Contrary to grace (2 Corinthians 5:7)
π 1 Corinthians 1:22; 1 Corinthians 13:8; 2 Corinthians 5:7
5οΈβ£ THE FUSION OF LAW AND GRACE βοΈ
Legalism birthed many denominations.
A. Sabbath Keeping β Israelβs sign, not ours (Exodus 31:16β17; Colossians 2:16)
B. Tithing Enforced β Law applied to grace saints (2 Corinthians 9:7)
C. Works Added to Faith β A perverted gospel (Galatians 1:6β9)
π Romans 6:14; Galatians 5:1; Colossians 2:16
6οΈβ£ THE FORMATION OF FOLLOWERS π₯
Movements formed around men, not the message.
A. Loyalty to Founders β Luther, Wesley, Calvin (1 Corinthians 3:4)
B. Labels Over Liberty β Denominational pride (1 Corinthians 1:12β13)
C. Separation from Simplicity β Christ alone obscured (2 Corinthians 11:3)
π 1 Corinthians 3:4; 1 Corinthians 1:13; 2 Corinthians 11:3
7οΈβ£ THE FOG OF FALSE GOSPELS π«
Different churches preach different βgospels.β
A. Gospel of the Kingdom β For Israel (Matthew 10:5β7)
B. Gospel of Grace β For today (1 Corinthians 15:1β4)
C. Gospel Confusion β Results in denominations (Galatians 2:7)
π 1 Corinthians 15:1β4; Galatians 2:7; Romans 16:25
8οΈβ£ THE FEAR OF STANDING ALONE π§
Truth often produces separation.
A. Majority Is Not Authority β Truth is narrow (Matthew 7:13β14)
B. Compromise Brings Unity β But not truth (Amos 3:3)
C. Right Division Brings Reproach β Endure it (2 Timothy 1:8)
π Matthew 7:14; Amos 3:3; 2 Timothy 1:8
9οΈβ£ THE FORGETTING OF THE MYSTERY π
The greatest reason for denominations: ignoring the mystery.
A. Mystery Hidden from Ages β Not in prophecy (Romans 16:25)
B. Mystery Revealed to Paul β Church truth (Ephesians 3:3β6)
C. Mystery Rejected Today β Leads to confusion (1 Corinthians 2:7)
π Romans 16:25; Ephesians 3:3β6; Colossians 1:25β27
π CONCLUSION
There are many churches because there is much mixture. When Scripture is not rightly divided, people divide instead. Godβs desire is clarity, not chaosβone Body, one gospel, one hope for today.
π Ephesians 4:4β6; 1 Corinthians 14:33
π£ CALL TO ACTION π₯
β
Study to rightly divide the Word (2 Timothy 2:15)
β
Stand on Paulβs gospel of grace (1 Corinthians 15:1β4)
β
Separate from doctrinal confusion (Romans 16:17)
β
Support pastors who teach sound doctrine (1 Timothy 5:17)
β¨ FINAL THOUGHTS
1οΈβ£ Confusion comes from mixture
2οΈβ£ Truth comes from right division
3οΈβ£ Paul is our apostle today
4οΈβ£ Grace is not law
5οΈβ£ Signs are not for the Church
6οΈβ£ Tradition is not truth
7οΈβ£ One gospel saves today
8οΈβ£ Standing for truth costs something
9οΈβ£ Right division brings clarity, peace, and unity in Christ βοΈππ₯