There are so many different types of churches because of the way scripture is interpreted.  Throughout history, many people have taken various scriptures and sculpted them to fit what they believed to be true.  Because of these interpretations, different churches evolved and taught the Bible in different ways.  This caused the division of the churches, and many denominations evolved.

In a perfect world, we would all study our bibles and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us. Unfortunately that isn’t always the case.  Some of the most common reasons for scripture to be interpreted differently or to be misinterpreted altogether are:

1. Unbelief– Some people who may call themselves Christians haven’t fully accepted Jesus and aren’t listening to the Holy Spirit’s guidance.  Someone who doesn’t look to the Holy Spirit for guidance or fully commit to Jesus will have difficulty interpreting scripture correctly.
2. Lack of Training–  Even the most well intentioned person can misunderstand what they are reading and teach others to do the wrong thing.  The apostle Peter even warned against people who misinterpret scripture in 2 Peter 3:16.
3. Ignorance of the whole word of God–  Anyone can pick a scripture out of the Bible and conform it to mean what they want it to mean.  However, using a passage of scripture makes misinterpretation difficult because we must understand the verse in the context it was meant to be read, who the audience is, and if the passage meant as a future event or something that had already occurred.
4. Selfishness and Pride– Some interpretations are built around what one person wanted to believe instead of what the word of God promoted.  Some people see leading people to God in a different way as an opportunity to advance themselves and not the kingdom of God.
5. Undue emphasis on Tradition– Some churches preach the bible but are more reliant on their traditions.  A great example of this was during Jesus’s time when the Jews were more worried about tradition and following the law than learning from their promised Messiah which was more wise to do.

A great example of verses being interpreted differently is 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 which discusses the rapture (taking away) of the church (believers of Jesus).  Three main interpretations come from these verses.  Some believe the church will be raptured before the Great Tribulation occurs.  A second belief is that the church will be raptured mid-way through the tribulation.  And a third view believes that the church will go through the entire tribulation and then be raptured.  Which view is correct?  We believe the rapture will happen before the Tribulation comes.

So which denomination is right for you?  I can relate with you on the confusion that comes from this question.  I can also relate to many of you who grew up understanding and experiencing God and those of you who are lost and confused and in need of a savior. Today I thank God that He has helped me to see what He feels and cares for us no matter what profession or social status we are.

God is the only one I have known who willingly reaches the lost, hurt, poor, handicapped, orphaned, abandoned, sick, outcast and everyone in between.  God does all this with His unconditional love.  His love is higher and never runs out.  He never condemns or judges. It doesn’t matter where you are now in your spiritual journey, His love is always available, ready, and full of mercy.  Look for a church that accepts you for who you are and who you can become.  If a church is full of life, it is a sign that Jesus dwells in the midst of it and the manifestations of Galatians 5:22-23 will be highly visible to those who are walking in the fruit of the spirit. That will inspire you to become an extension of the church family.  You will feel more at home.

For more information on each Christian denomination, I recommend the book “Rose Books of Bible Charts, Maps & Time Lines” volume 1. The book takes a deeper look into each denomination and what the beliefs are for each one.  You can find this information on pages 200-206.  I purchased my copy at Mardel.

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