World Religions: Part 8, Protestant Denominations
Sermon Notes
World Religions
Part 8: Christian Denominations
Protestant Reformation
The Great Awakenings in America
1. First Awakening
2. Second Awakening
3. Third Awakening
4. Fourth Awakening
Major Denominations in the U.S.:
1519 – Lutheran
1519 – Episcopal and Anglican
1520 – Mennonite and Anabaptist
1540 – Reformed and Presbyterian
1611 – Baptist
1708 – Brethren and Pietist
1766 – Methodist
1811 – Christian and Restorationist
1837 – Holiness
1845 – Adventist
1901 – Pentecostal
1910 – Fundamentalist, Bible and Conservative Evangelical
Takeaway:
Denominations exist today, as well as many branches of those denominations, because... well, people are people. Each of us should determine if the denomination/church to which we belong is, first and most importantly, in alignment with God’s Word, and, secondly, with our personal values and beliefs.
Study/Discussion Questions:
1. What did you learn about Buddhism that was new to you?
2. What are your thoughts on the Four Noble Truths? What “truths” do you agree with and what “truths” do you disagree with? Why?
3. In what ways is the eightfold path similar to Christianity and in what ways are they different?
4. What are the primary differences between Buddhism and Christianity? Why do these differences matter?
Jesus talks about two ways or roads one may take in life. Dr. Mark Strauss takes us through the two paths and how we can choose the right one.
Should Christians ever judge others? Dr. Mark Strauss breaks down what Jesus says about judgement and generosity in the Sermon on the Mount.
Is it okay to worry about some things in life? Why or why not? Can we completely eliminate worry and anxiety from our life? Watch as Pastor Ken unpacks what the Sermon on the Mount says about worry and anxiety.
Have you ever fasted for spiritual purposes? What was the experience like for you? Join Pastor Ken Ingold as he unpacks fasting and what it means to store up treasures in heaven.
Why is it important not to practice our righteousness so that others can observe it? What does Jesus mean that, if we do this, we have already received our reward?
Is biblical love a feeling or an action? Learn what it means to say that transforming love takes the offensive, and how God demonstrates his love for his enemies.
The Sermon on the Mount: Antithesis. What does Jesus teach about murder, adultery, divorce, and oaths?
The Sermon on the Mount: Fulfilling the Law. Did Jesus come to fulfill or replace the Old Testament Law?
Salvation comes by Jesus Christ through his death on the cross. Are cult members or Mormons or JWs saved? Any religious tradition that says you are saved through works is contrary to what the Bible says: you are saved by faith alone. We can do nothing to save ourselves. God alone is judge. Our responsibility is to love people and pray for them.
Pastor Ken Ingold has been on staff at The Church at RB over 23 years, having joined the team in July 1997. He has a degree in Business Management and Administration from Indiana University at South Bend and a Master of Divinity Degree from Western Conservative Baptist Seminary, Portland, Oregon, having graduated from their Phoenix extension. He is passionate about “equipping the saints for works of service” and loves to help Christ-followers become all that God has created them to be.