There are many false beliefs where is the true church ?
Thank you for the GREAT question!
It has become somewhat “trendy” for churches to claim that they are “non-denominational.” This is part of the Community Church trend that started several years ago. However, most of those so-called Community Churches are simply denominations that have dropped the denominational name. They are still teaching and practicing, pretty much, the same things they did before they dropped the denominational name. So, really, there isn’t any difference between a denominational church and a non-denominational church, in that sense. If there are any differences it may be that they keep their money “in-house” instead of sending it in to a denominational headquarters. But, as far as teaching and practice, there are no real differences. Manmade, denominational, doctrines are still manmade doctrines whether you put the manmade name on it or not.
As far as what I am, I am not a member of any denomination. I am a member of the New Testament church, as described in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. I know many New Testament Christians have said for a long time that they are “non-denominational.” However, in my opinion, they need to quit using that terminology. In actuality, the true New Testament church is not “non-denominational, it is “anti-denominational.” With the Community Church trend and their use of the term “non-denominational,” non-denominational has actually become a denomination. Someone might respond to the question, “what denomination are you?,” with “non-denominational” in the same way someone would reply, “Baptist,” or “Methodist.” It has become just another sectarian identifier.
With the Community Church trend and their use of the term “non-denominational,” non-denominational has actually become a denomination. Someone might respond to the question, “what denomination are you?,” with “non-denominational” in the same way someone would reply, “Baptist,” or “Methodist.” It has become just another sectarian identifier. However, if someone asks me what denomination I belong to, I won’t reply that I’m “non-denominational.” I will say that I don’t belong to any denomination because denominationalism is unscriptural. That is, the Bible teaches against sectarian denominationalism. Therefore, I am anti-denominational. It isn’t just that I don’t belong to a denomination. I am AGAINST denominationalism. I am against it because the Bible, and therefore God, is against it. Read 1 Corinthians 1:10-13; 3:3; Philippians 1:27; 1 Peter 3:8; et al.
The only way to know the true church when you see it is to know how the church is described in the New Testament. If a congregation of people today is working and worshipping according to that pattern, or model, then they are the true New Testament church. That’s where you want to be!
Here is a video on the subject that you may find helpful:
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