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There is only ONE true Church
Bible | 33-90 AD | God Christ Jesus Apostle Paul

Posted on 01/14/2012 8:23:15 PM PST by bibletruth

In the present dispensation there is only ONE true Church, which is called the Body of Christ separate and distinct from the prophesied, earthly kingdom of Christ vested in redeemed National Israel as a called-out nation or church, assembly or congregation, above all other nations.


TOPICS: Apologetics; Evangelical Christian; Ministry/Outreach; Theology
KEYWORDS: onebodyofchrist; onetruechurch
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To: circlecity
"as you see fit for your own personal interpretation of Scripture"

Since I have the Holy Spirit to interpret scripture I don't need child molesters to do it for me.

201 posted on 01/15/2012 11:13:50 AM PST by circlecity
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To: narses
>>Hence men have crowded all her glory into a single word, calling her the Mother of God<<

Says it all.

202 posted on 01/15/2012 11:14:08 AM PST by CynicalBear
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To: conservativguy99
“Jesus Christ founded the Catholic Church.”

Funny how that isn't mentioned in scripture. Try again.

203 posted on 01/15/2012 11:14:45 AM PST by HereInTheHeartland (I love how the FR spellchecker doesn't recognize the word "Obama")
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To: one Lord one faith one baptism; bibletruth
"did anyone "rightly divide the word of truth" in the 4th century?"

Yes. They did.

"Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in ME FIRST Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, FOR A PATTERN to them WHICH SHOULD HEREAFTER BELIEVE ON HIM TO LIFE EVERLASTING." 1 Tim. 1:16.

Those who followed Paul as he followed Christ's direct revelations to him. As he delivered them to believers. You see, Paul was the pattern that Christ gave for the Church the Body of Christ to follow, as he was given the commission of forming the Church the Body of Christ. Not Peter. He was given the commission of the gospel of the Kingdom and the Messianic Church. So if you would desire to follow 2 Tim. 2:15, which the Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write, then you would be following the pattern Christ gave to the Body of Christ. And notice, it does not say "rightly dividing the truth from a lie." It says "rightly dividing the truth". Meaning, the truth can, and is divided. Into ages, times, seasons, dispensations. That is, if you believe God's Word of truth on the matter. Instead of man's.

So I'm sure there were people following Paul's pattern for the Body of Christ in the 4th century. I am equally sure there were people who were following some religious institution's doctrines and traditions of men. And do so to this very day.

204 posted on 01/15/2012 11:21:44 AM PST by smvoice (Better Buck up, Buttercup. The wailing and gnashing is for an eternity..)
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To: Salvation
I studied Revelation for over two years exclusively. Precept upon precept. Please give me chapter and verse you are referring to and let's go over it in context AND using the WHOLE counsel of God to interpret. I will look forward to it.
205 posted on 01/15/2012 11:22:46 AM PST by Anti-Hillary (No Jesus, No Peace! Know Jesus, Know Peace!)
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To: Salvation; RegulatorCountry
>>In your Bible in the Book of Acts, who was it that addressed the First Council, the Council of Jerusalem?<<

James was obviously in the leadership position in that meeting.

Acts 15:19 Wherefore my sentence is, that we trouble not them, which from among the Gentiles are turned to God:

>>Don’t get hung up on little details when it’s right there in the Bible for you to read as Peter addresses the Council of Jerusalem.<<

As did Barnabas and Paul and many others.

206 posted on 01/15/2012 11:24:08 AM PST by CynicalBear
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To: neverbluffer
>>Logical and critical thinking would tell someone that there was a natural progression all the way up to the current Pope<<

AKA We really have no proof and made it up from our “logical and critical thinking”.

>>People who are not Cathoic and choose to believe a different version of events seem to never want to focus on tha verse “upon this rock you shall build my church and the gates of hell shall not pervail against it<<

That would be because that verse is totally misinterpreted by the CC and contradicts the rest of scripture.

>>I confir you and you confirm your brethren<<

Which verse is that found in again?

207 posted on 01/15/2012 11:36:36 AM PST by CynicalBear
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To: conservativguy99
Blah blah blah, protestants come and go, the Catholic Chruch remains. You can bitch all you want, but that’s the truth.

Islam remains too.
208 posted on 01/15/2012 11:43:32 AM PST by crosshairs (Liberalism is to truth, what east is to west.)
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To: count-your-change

I will go with Bishop Sheen, as I was privileged to hear his great exegesis on this verse.


209 posted on 01/15/2012 11:50:42 AM PST by Running On Empty (The three sorriest words: "It's too late")
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To: conservativguy99
It’s not a little church, 1 billion members.

If you think sheer numbers make it right, then Muslims have you beat. The reason why both of you have sheer number is because Muslims and Catholics are encouraged to have many offspring. The children are born, become part of the denomination and grow up never questioning the religion/cult. Voila!
210 posted on 01/15/2012 11:54:29 AM PST by crosshairs (Liberalism is to truth, what east is to west.)
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To: Anti-Hillary

Just asking the questions.


211 posted on 01/15/2012 11:55:29 AM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: conservativguy99
Blah blah blah, protestants come and go, the Catholic Chruch remains. You can bitch all you want, but that’s the truth.

As a believer, is this how you represent Jesus?

212 posted on 01/15/2012 11:56:32 AM PST by dragonblustar (Allah Ain't So Akbar!)
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To: Salvation

You have no verse for me?


213 posted on 01/15/2012 11:59:59 AM PST by Anti-Hillary (No Jesus, No Peace! Know Jesus, Know Peace!)
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To: crosshairs
. The reason why both of you have sheer number is because Muslims and Catholics are encouraged to have many offspring. The children are born, become part of the denomination and grow up never questioning the religion/cult. Voila!

Catholics always talk about the "their church" that its a wonder they ever have time to think of Jesus.

214 posted on 01/15/2012 12:01:58 PM PST by dragonblustar (Allah Ain't So Akbar!)
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To: circlecity
ROTFLMAO ....

It's always nice to meet really, really, gullible people who think they're the cat's meow and such delicate, special, little snowflakes that none of what Christ promised in the way of hardship and tribulations applies to them.

LOL, thanks for the good laugh. Oh my, “The Beast of Revelation”, “The Cookie Monster”, “The Hash Slinging Slasher”, LOL. Wooooo hooo, man do I love it when people prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that they read into Scripture what they want it to say rather than trying to understand what it does say. Balderdash bearing babblers broadcasting dispensationalist Darby delusions definitely damn demshelves.

Have a nice day

215 posted on 01/15/2012 12:08:33 PM PST by Rashputin (Obama stark, raving, mad, and even his security people know it.)
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To: CynicalBear

216 posted on 01/15/2012 12:09:14 PM PST by narses
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To: CynicalBear
Do you have the entire Chapter 15 in your Bible?

Then you would have read these words:

(My bolding and highlighting)

 

Acts. CHAPTER 15

Council of Jerusalem. 1* Some who had come down from Judea were instructing the brothers,a “Unless you are circumcised according to the Mosaic practice,b you cannot be saved.”* 2Because there arose no little dissension and debate by Paul and Barnabas with them, it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some of the others should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters about this question. 3They were sent on their journey by the church, and passed through Phoenicia and Samaria telling of the conversion of the Gentiles, and brought great joy to all the brothers. 4When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, as well as by the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported what God had done with them. 5But some from the party of the Pharisees who had become believers stood up and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and direct them to observe the Mosaic law.”

6* The apostles and the presbyters met together to see about this matter. 7* After much debate had taken place, Peter got up and said to them, “My brothers, you are well aware that from early days God made his choice among you that through my mouth the Gentiles would hear the word of the gospel and believe.c 8And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us.d 9He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts.e 10Why, then, are you now putting God to the test by placing on the shoulders of the disciples a yoke that neither our ancestors nor we have been able to bear?f 11On the contrary, we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus,g in the same way as they.”* 12The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas described the signs and wonders God had worked among the Gentiles through them.

James on Dietary Law. 13* After they had fallen silent, James responded, “My brothers, listen to me. 14Symeon* has described how God first concerned himself with acquiring from among the Gentiles a people for his name. 15The words of the prophets agree with this, as is written:

16‘After this I shall returnh

and rebuild the fallen hut of David;

from its ruins I shall rebuild it

and raise it up again,

17so that the rest of humanity may seek out the Lord,

even all the Gentiles on whom my name is invoked.

Thus says the Lord who accomplishes these things,

18known from of old.’

19i It is my judgment, therefore, that we ought to stop troubling the Gentiles who turn to God, 20but tell them by letter to avoid pollution from idols, unlawful marriage, the meat of strangled animals, and blood.j 21For Moses, for generations now, has had those who proclaim him in every town, as he has been read in the synagogues every sabbath.”

Letter of the Apostles. 22Then the apostles and presbyters, in agreement with the whole church, decided to choose representatives and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. The ones chosen were Judas, who was called Barsabbas, and Silas, leaders among the brothers. 23This is the letter delivered by them: “The apostles and the presbyters, your brothers, to the brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia of Gentile origin: greetings. 24Since we have heard that some of our number [who went out] without any mandate from us have upset you with their teachings and disturbed your peace of mind, 25we have with one accord decided to choose representatives and to send them to you along with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26who have dedicated their lives to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27So we are sending Judas and Silas who will also convey this same message by word of mouth: 28k ‘It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us not to place on you any burden beyond these necessities, 29namely, to abstain from meat sacrificed to idols, from blood, from meats of strangled animals, and from unlawful marriage. If you keep free of these, you will be doing what is right. Farewell.’”l

Delegates at Antioch. 30And so they were sent on their journey. Upon their arrival in Antioch they called the assembly together and delivered the letter. 31When the people read it, they were delighted with the exhortation. 32Judas and Silas, who were themselves prophets, exhorted and strengthened the brothers with many words. 33After they had spent some time there, they were sent off with greetings of peace from the brothers to those who had commissioned them. 34* 35But Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming with many others the word of the Lord.

V. The Mission of Paul to the Ends of the Earth

Paul and Barnabas Separate. 36* After some time, Paul said to Barnabas, “Come, let us make a return visit to see how the brothers are getting on in all the cities where we proclaimed the word of the Lord.” 37Barnabas wanted to take with them also John, who was called Mark, 38but Paul insisted that they should not take with them someone who had deserted them at Pamphylia and who had not continued with them in their work.m 39So sharp was their disagreement that they separated. Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. 40But Paul chose Silas and departed after being commended by the brothers to the grace of the Lord. 41He traveled through Syria and Cilicia bringing strength to the churches.

* [15:135] The Jerusalem “Council” marks the official rejection of the rigid view that Gentile converts were obliged to observe the Mosaic law completely. From here to the end of Acts, Paul and the Gentile mission become the focus of Luke’s writing.

* [15:15] When some of the converted Pharisees of Jerusalem discover the results of the first missionary journey of Paul, they urge that the Gentiles be taught to follow the Mosaic law. Recognizing the authority of the Jerusalem church, Paul and Barnabas go there to settle the question of whether Gentiles can embrace a form of Christianity that does not include this obligation.

* [15:612] The gathering is possibly the same as that recalled by Paul in Gal 2:110. Note that in Acts 15:2 it is only the apostles and presbyters, a small group, with whom Paul and Barnabas are to meet. Here Luke gives the meeting a public character because he wishes to emphasize its doctrinal significance (see Acts 15:22).

* [15:711] Paul’s refusal to impose the Mosaic law on the Gentile Christians is supported by Peter on the ground that within his own experience God bestowed the holy Spirit upon Cornelius and his household without preconditions concerning the adoption of the Mosaic law (see Acts 10:4447).

* [15:11] In support of Paul, Peter formulates the fundamental meaning of the gospel: that all are invited to be saved through faith in the power of Christ.

* [15:1335] Some scholars think that this apostolic decree suggested by James, the immediate leader of the Jerusalem community, derives from another historical occasion than the meeting in question. This seems to be the case if the meeting is the same as the one related in Gal 2:110. According to that account, nothing was imposed upon Gentile Christians in respect to Mosaic law; whereas the decree instructs Gentile Christians of mixed communities to abstain from meats sacrificed to idols and from blood-meats, and to avoid marriage within forbidden degrees of consanguinity and affinity (Lv 18), all of which practices were especially abhorrent to Jews. Luke seems to have telescoped two originally independent incidents here: the first a Jerusalem “Council” that dealt with the question of circumcision, and the second a Jerusalem decree dealing mainly with Gentile observance of dietary laws (see Acts 21:25 where Paul seems to be learning of the decree for the first time).

* [15:14] Symeon: elsewhere in Acts he is called either Peter or Simon. The presence of the name Symeon here suggests that, in the source Luke is using for this part of the Jerusalem “Council” incident, the name may have originally referred to someone other than Peter (see Acts 13:1 where the Antiochene Symeon Niger is mentioned). As the text now stands, however, it is undoubtedly a reference to Simon Peter (Acts 15:7).

* [15:34] Some manuscripts add, in various wordings, “But Silas decided to remain there.”

* [15:3618:22] This continuous narrative recounts Paul’s second missionary journey. On the internal evidence of the Lucan account, it lasted about three years. Paul first visited the communities he had established on his first journey (Acts 16:15), then pushed on into Macedonia, where he established communities at Philippi, Thessalonica, and Beroea (Acts 16:717:5). To escape the hostility of the Jews of Thessalonica, he left for Greece and while resident in Athens attempted, without success, to establish an effective Christian community there. From Athens he proceeded to Corinth and, after a stay of a year and a half, returned to Antioch by way of Ephesus and Jerusalem (Acts 17:1618:22). Luke does not concern himself with the structure or statistics of the communities but aims to show the general progress of the gospel in the Gentile world as well as its continued failure to take root in the Jewish community.

a. [15:14] Gal 2:19.

b. [15:1] Lv 12:3; Gal 5:2.

c. [15:7] 10:2743.

d. [15:8] 10:4448.

e. [15:9] 10:3435.

f. [15:10] Mt 23:4; Gal 5:1.

g. [15:11] Gal 2:16; 3:11; Eph 2:58.

h. [15:1617] Am 9:1112.

i. [15:1920] 15:2829; 21:25.

j. [15:20] Gn 9:4; Lv 3:17; 17:1014.

k. [15:2829] 15:1920.

l. [15:29] Gn 9:4; Lv 3:17; 17:1014.

m. [15:38] 13:13.


217 posted on 01/15/2012 12:21:49 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: MHGinTN

Are you saying that you do NOT believe that Christ imparted the Holy Spirit unto the Apostles before his Ascension into heaven?


218 posted on 01/15/2012 12:28:09 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: Salvation
>> Do you have the entire Chapter 15 in your Bible?<<

I most certainly do and it’s the reason I can say that Peter was only one of the speakers. I did indicate that in my post to you. The statement “After much debate” would indicate that there were many who spoke. Peter’s portion was only significant in that it was he who was primarily assigned to the Jews and would have been the person who knew well that the law of the Old Testament was not to be applied to the Gentiles as it had been to the Jews. It remains that it was James who made a definitive statement of my<’/font> decision. Note that it was not Peter who was assigned the final declaration after all input was heard.

It’s interesting that you included the entire passage. It struck me that Peter also included the statement that would indicate that the apostles were not to be looked at as above or set apart in the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Acts 15:8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness by granting them the holy Spirit just as he did us. 9 He made no distinction between us and them, for by faith he purified their hearts.

Then it was both Paul and Barnabas.

12 The whole assembly fell silent, and they listened while Paul and Barnabas

Yet Catholics want to single out Peter? The RCC trying to force an interpretation should show all that they manipulate scripture to maintain control and for no other reason. It was brought out into the open finally when the printing press was invented and they can no longer control like they used to.

219 posted on 01/15/2012 12:50:55 PM PST by CynicalBear
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To: CynicalBear

If you read through Acts you will find that again and again Peter is referred to as the leader.

Sorry you have this misconception.


220 posted on 01/15/2012 12:56:45 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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