Even if it was granted that Peter and the other apostles had this kind of establishing ministry, why presume that this authority survived the Apostolic age ?
Why presume it did not? (Other than the desire to reject the Churches who claim such an authority?)
Think of it this way.
The Scriptures say that JESUS is the chief cornerstone of the Church ... and that the Apostles are the foundation.
Yep.
When you build a house (building), you complete the foundation before you begin to build any of the rest of the building.
Yep.
If the Apostles ministry was foundational, and the Church was built upon that ministry ... is there any further need for any foundational ministry ?
Isn't each generation new? What exactly does "foundational ministry" mean?
Is it even appropriate to continue work on the foundation ... after beginning to build the main part of the structure ?
Who said anything about "continuing" work on the foundation?
The point is that as you are building your building you don't decide at some point that the foundation is superfluous.
The first century Church needed a foundation. The twenty-first century Church needs a foundation.
SD
Who said anything about "continuing" work on the foundation?
The point is that as you are building your building you don't decide at some point that the foundation is superfluous.
The first century Church needed a foundation. The twenty-first century Church needs a foundation.
The Church (from the beginning to the present day) has always had a foundation ... that of JESUS (the chief cornerstone) and His Apostles.
Certainly you don't feel we are constantly digging up and replacing the original foundation?