I do not know how you define "the church," but if its unity in truth is not such that outsiders can recognize it, then you're going to have to say Jesus goofed in John 16 & 17.
16:12-14. I still have many things to say to you but they would be too much for you now. But when the Spirit of truth comes he will lead you into the complete truth. ...all he tells you will be taken from what is mine.
17:19-21. And for their (the eleven's) sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth. I do not ask in behalf of these alone, but for those also who believe in Me through their word; that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.
70 posted on 10/15/01 1:12 PM Mountain by allend
Allen, I'm agreeing with you more and more.
My understanding of these verses point to the Scriptures that were penned by the apostles under the breath of the Holy Spirit.
I believe that Allen is testifying to what he calls Sola Scriptura.
I prefer to call it "the serious study of God's Inerrant Word"
Tehillim (Psalm) 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
XeniaSt
I believe that Allen is testifying to what he calls Sola Scriptura. I believe you will find yourself mistaken. Firstly, the Catholic Church as the author and canonizer of Scripture has no compunction about using it to spread the message.
Secondly, since nothing except canonized Scripture is recognized as truthful by the more extreme memebers of the Protestant family, we use it for your benefit. If you only wish to accept Scripture as an argument, we will supply it.
SD