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To: faucetman

[[Let me know where and when you find this “perfect” church.]]

The first place I would suggest to look is the New Testament.

Note those verses that describe the church structure and practice during the time of the apostles, those who were given the special gift of the Holy Spirit and those who were witnesses to the events of the time.
Those persons could “self-sharpen” the description of the church; therefore, we can trust what we read about the church.

With that information you are able to make two decisions:
You are empowered to correctly recognize a church denomination that is modeled after the New Testament church, the one Jesus built on the rock.
You are empowered to correctly recognize a church denomination that differs from the New Testament model and is therefore a counterfeit church, one likely founded by a man.

Some claim that their church was founded in 33AD. yet it differs markedly from the model in the New Testament.

How is it run? By a hierarchical committee, a person, or elders, or pastors, priests, ministers, etc.? See Paul’s letters to Timothy.

Why do they celebrate the Lord’s Supper? As a remembrance? Something else?
How often do they celebrate the Lord’s Supper? As often as the New Testament church?

What is their answer when you ask them to tell you how to become a Christian? Is it biblical — entirely, not just partially?

Why do they baptize you?
How do they baptize you?
Do they baptize babies?
Is baptism necessary to be saved?

Is their music in line with the music of the New Testament church?

Congregations who are doing their best to be like the New Testament church are out there. They are also on TV — it might take some research to find them. The signal to noise ratio is quite low.

Caveat: Check for the outside culture creeping into the fabric of the church. See 1 Corinthians 1.

The Lord’s church is out there; you will know when you find it.


26 posted on 03/16/2023 12:39:08 PM PDT by NorthStarOkie (Satan doesn't have to lie if he can confuse us about the truth.)
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To: NorthStarOkie
AMEN! Brother!

(May I ask what denomination you are??)


As I was walking across a bridge one day; I saw a man standing outside the railing, about to jump off.
 
So I ran over and said, "Stop! Don't do it!"
"Why shouldn't I?" he said.
 
I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!"
He said, "Like what?"
 
I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?"
He said, "Religious."
 
I said, "Me too! Are you Christian or Buddhist?"
He said, "Christian."
 
I said, "Me too! Are you Catholic or Protestant?"
He said, "Protestant."
 
I said, "Me too! Are you Episcopalian or Baptist?"
He said, "Baptist!"
 
I said,"Wow! Me too! Are you Baptist Church of GOD or Baptist Church of the Lord?"
He said, "Baptist Church of GOD!"
 
I said, "Me too! Are you Original Baptist Church of GOD, or are you Reformed Baptist Church of GOD?"
He said,"Reformed Baptist Church of GOD!"
 
I said, "Me too! Are you Reformed Baptist Church of GOD, reformation of 1879, or Reformed Baptist Church of GOD, reformation of 1915?"
He said, "Reformed Baptist Church of GOD, reformation of 1915!"
 
I said, "Die, heretic scum", and pushed him off.
 
-- Emo Phillips

42 posted on 03/16/2023 7:17:22 PM PDT by Elsie (Heck is where people, who don't believe in Gosh, think they are not going...)
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