Yet he recovered and stood with the resurrected Messiah who confirmed his mission by turning the three denials into three affirmations:
So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, When thou wast young, thou girdest thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou shalt be old, thou shalt stretch forth thy hands, and another shall gird thee, and carry thee whither thou wouldest not. This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.
The alternative Church to which is referred to which will indeed triumph is not of this world or kingdom although we may be a part of it. It is founded upon Jesus Christ Himself (not the Peter to which the catholic church claims) No earthly institution can be this Church. The Church is Jesus and to be a part of it one must submit to Him and become a part of Him and He you. He, personally, guides the Church.
The apostles are part of the foundation, along with the prophets (there are 24 thrones in heaven: 12 + 12 (described in Revelation), with Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone: Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
There most certainly was a historic holy catholic apostolic Church:
I could go on, and on.
I am sure. The Church is real, it's just not an earthly institution like the Catholic Church is. You don't have 12 disciples going around penniless preaching and healing. Nobody bringing sight to the blind, healing to the lame or life to the dead.You point to that original Church as your own but those were Jews. You don't even keep the same day of worship that Jesus did but claim that you're still the same Church?? Read the Bible, meditate on Jesus' life and follow His example. Go in peace.
I have retina burn.