Which is the right church? Who created church? Must someone attend church services for God to save that person? Has the church of Jesus Christ died or ceased to exist? Did Jesus intend for so many different churches to exist? Are most churches a part of the church of Christ as a whole? Anyone seeking these answers can find that Christ’s words answer them. People can recognize Jesus’s church today.
The Definition of Church
What is a church? The word “church” is from the Greek word ekklesia and the word’s original meaning “called out” comes from its etymology. However, the word means assembly or congregation. The original idea consists of those people called out of their homes for the purpose of meeting together. The writers of the Scriptures use the word is used to refer to a Christian congregation (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 1:2), a meeting of a congregation of Christians (1 Cor 11:18), all who follow Christ (Matt 16:18; Eph 5:23), a rioting pagan mob (Acts 19:32, 41), or an assembly of civil government (Acts 19:39). These references reveal the meaning of church in the first century.
The Creator of the Church
The church is no accident or invention of men. The apostle Peter reveals that Christ’s church are the people of God (1 Pet 2:10). The church of Christ is the whole of everyone who God has saved and they have obeyed the Gospel through baptism in Jesus’s name. By baptism, the Lord adds being added to the church by God Himself (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Pet 4:17). Jesus commanded belief and baptism to be saved (Mark 16:16). Those who believed and were baptized were added to the Church. Acts 2:41 and 47 records, “Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them […] And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.” Christ built His own Church (Matt 16:18). His church should bear His name since Jesus calls the Church “My church.” The apostle Paul referred to “the church of God, which He purchased with His own blood” (Acts 20:28). The church of God is the church of Christ, who is God.
The Institution of the Church
The words of Christ teach that the church is the greatest institution ever. The Church is from Christ and established by Him. Like any building, this spiritual building’s architect, Christ, has a design in mind. This building is the spiritual house of Christ, Christ’s Temple, and it is made of “living stones,” which are Christians (1 Pet 2:5). This Temple, the Church, is served by priests, who are all Christians (1 Pet 2:5; Rev 1:6). Its cornerstone is Christ and its foundation are the apostles and the prophets (1 Pet 2:7; Eph 2:20–21). Make no mistake there is only one Temple, the Church, and this spiritual building has a blueprint that is presented by the words of Christ through His apostles and prophets in the Bible.
Do churches today follow Jesus’s design and blueprint for His church? Are today’s churches man-made rather than made by Christ? Is there still only one church of Christ (Eph 1:23; 4:4; 1 Cor 12:12)? Can you recognize Christ’s one church today? Let’s answer this after further establishing Christ’s purpose for His church.
The church was no mistake, and the church is not a parenthesis or an accident as many corrupt preachers teach today. The church being the temple of Christ can absolutely not be an accident. Christ’s words teach that His church is a part of God’s eternal purpose and that the church is His eternal kingdom for which the gates of Hades will never prevail (Dan 2:44; Matt 16:18; Eph 3:8–11; Col 1:13; Heb 12:28; Rev 1:6). The church is not dead, will not die, and has not died. The false belief that the church is an accident affirms that Christ had to settle for the church. They say that Jesus did not accomplish His mission in establishing His eternal Kingdom when He first came. Now, one may agree that the idea of Jesus failing is severely flawed, but most believers of Christ do not realize that their preachers and teachers believe and teach this. Many allow and even accept this belief when they accept the most common beliefs regarding the last days when they teach about Christ’s kingdom is coming after a rapture, which includes the belief that the church is an accident and, or parenthesis before Christ’s kingdom really comes. Put this belief and its teachers to the test. Most teach and believe that the church is not the eternal kingdom of Christ, and in this belief, they contradict the Jesus who they claim to serve.
The Kingdom of the Church
Before the church, Jesus taught to pray “Your kingdom come” (Matt 6:10) and the kingdom did come. Jesus revealed, “There are some here of them that stand by, who shall in no wise taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God come with power” (Mark 9:1). The Holy Spirit says that “He,” Christ, “made us to be a kingdom” (Rev 1:6). Christians have been translated into this kingdom (Col 1:13), and they have received the kingdom that cannot be shaken (Heb 12:28). Jesus’s eternal kingdom is the church — God’s people. Jesus’s kingdom has come. The Bible teaches that the church is the everlasting kingdom of God and it is the “holy nation” (1 Pet 2:9). Who can withstand Christ? No one can (Dan 7:14, 27). Who can stop the church? No one can. For the kingdom is everlasting and it will break in pieces and consume all the nations (Dan 2:44; 1 Pet 4:11; 5:11; Rev 1:6). However, the church has no physical standing army for the church itself does not battle against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12). The church will consume the nations for it is Christ’s kingdom that has already come (cf. 2 Cor 10:4–6).
There is only one King over the eternal kingdom. “And Jesus came to them and spake unto them, saying, ‘All authority has been given unto Me in heaven and on earth'” (Matt 28:18). There is one man who is head over all things in the church, and that is Christ (Eph 1:22–23). Jesus is the Head, and to separate Jesus from the church or the head from the body is to attempt to spiritually decapitate Christ. Tragically, such attempts are the unintentional result of ignorance and false faith. Now, Christ is the Head of the body, the church. Jesus is also the High Priest and Cornerstone of the Temple of Christ (Eph 2:20; Heb 9:11).
Jesus is the Head and His words will judge the world on the last day (John 12:47–48), and only His words are spirit and life (John 6:63). Jesus said that He would be ashamed of those who are are ashamed of His words when He comes back (Mark 8:38; Luke 9:26). Jesus gave these words to His apostles who wrote them in the Bible and His words will never pass away (Mat 24:35; John 15:20; 17:8). These words of Christ make up the New Testament of the Bible. The New Testament is Christ’s Testament, which is written so that each person can know that one has eternal life and so that person can be complete and equipped to do every good work (2 Tim 3:16–17; 1 John 5:13). No one needs creeds or traditions of men and creeds of churches. Christians need just the Bible.
The Organization of the Church
In Jesus’s church, there are no special priests known as “Reverend Fathers,” “High Priests,” “Senior Pastors,” “Archbishops,” or “Pope.” Jesus said, “Do not call anyone your father” (Matt 23:9). The government of the church in the Scriptures is very simple. Each congregation is self-governed with no earthly headquarters. Each congregation was established with elders (Acts 14:23). These elders were only men who met specific qualifications (1 Tim 3:1–7; Titus 1:5–9). These elders are the church pastors not the preachers. For the Bible only mentions once “pastors” in Ephesians 4:11, and the only ones in the Bible who pastor were the elders (Acts 20:28; 1 Pet 5:2–3). These elders are neither to lord over a congregation nor to stray from the words of Christ. Christ governs the church by His Word. The church is not the authority for beliefs and practices, but she is the pillar and ground of Truth who upholds the Word of God (1 Tim 3:15).
The Salvation of the Church
How does Christ feel about the Church? What most people do not realize about the church and salvation is that Jesus is the Savior of the church (Eph 5:23). Jesus came to save the lost, but that does not mean those who do not obey the Gospel are saved (2 Thess 1:7–9). He gave His life for the church out of love (Eph 5:25). Did Christ die for everyone? God wants all to be saved (1 Tim 2:4), A person believes and obeys the Gospel then that person is joined to the church of Christ (Rom 5:6–10). The church is Christ’s greatest purchase. Christ bought the church with His own blood (Acts 20:28). This shows the great value of the church and that it was no accident.
Christ cleansed the church by the washing of water with the Word (Eph 5:26). There is only one washing of water in the New Testament, and this is the immersion of believers in water in Jesus’s name (Acts 10:47–48; Eph 4:5). “Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Jesus said that those who believe and are baptized will be saved. At baptism, one’s sins are forgiven (Acts 2:38). It is by baptism, an act of faith, that we are raised with Christ, saved by grace, and appeal to God for good consciences (Eph 2:4–6; Col. 2:12–13; 1 Pet 3:21). The church is described in 1 Corinthians 6:11 as “you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the Spirit of our God.” Know this that there is only one baptism to enter the church (1 Cor 12:13; Eph 4:5), and this baptism is water baptism and not any other “spiritual baptism,” because there is only one baptism, which is the one that Jesus commanded in Matthew 28:18–20.
The Work of the Church
What does the church do? The Church is not a stagnant mass of people. The work of the church is to glorify God especially in worship (Rom 15:5–6; Eph 3:21), to evangelize (Matt 28:18–20; Eph 3:10–11; 1 Tim 3:15), to edify itself (1 Cor. 14:26; Eph 4:16), to do benevolence to everyone who is truly in need (2 Cor 9:12–13; Gal 6:10), to restore those who are sinning (Gal 6:1–5; Jas 5:19–20), and to discipline the openly sinful person and oppose the divisive person especially false teachers (Rom 16:17; 1 Cor 5). The church makes disciples and teaches everyone to observe all things that Christ has taught (Matt. 28:18-20). Ask those preachers among the denominations if it is important to the observe all things that Christ taught? Most will teach that this is not that important to them and they will credit Jesus’s with forgiving those who do not repent from neglecting this command. May God bless the church in her mission to glorify Him in all these things.
The Assembly of the Church
A characteristic of the church, that is lost among many churches, is the assembly. The church’s gathering in assembly is the weekly meeting that is in the name of the Lord on the Lord’s Day, the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). This assembly, “the assembly,” is the most important meeting in existence. Paul instructed that the assembly be kept decent and orderly in the purposes of edification and encouragement of the church and praising God.
The assembly begins with the break of bread also called “The Lord’s Supper” and “communion.” The Lord’s Supper is the great memorial meal of the death of Christ consisting of eating unleavened bread representing Christ’s broken body and drinking unleavened fruit of the grapevine representing Christ’s blood in the new covenant (Luke 22:17–20; 1 Cor 11:17–34). The Lord’s Supper is commanded to be kept every time the church assembled on the Lord’s Day (1 Cor 11:20, 33).
The assembly consists of two or three men speaking one by one unto the congregation. The congregation speaks to one another with one accord in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs (Acts 4:24; Rom 15:6; 1 Cor 14; Eph 5:19; Col 3:16). The assembly also consists of the purest music of congregational singing (Eph 5:19; Col 3:16), the complete teaching and reading of God’s written Word (1 Cor 4:17; 14; Col 4:16; 1 Tim 4:13), and the honest prayers unto the Father (Gal 4:6; Eph 5:20; Phil 4:6). There is no other meeting like it until the Lord comes. This is the highest meeting of the church being the greatest institution to have ever been established. However, many desire to add rituals of men and entertainment to the assembly as though Christ’s assembly is not complete already and not entertaining enough as Christ established it.
The Unity of the Church
Christ’s church is neither “Protestant” though protesting sinful traditions of men; nor “Catholic” though “catholic” in being composed of saved souls throughout the world; nor “Orthodox” though correct and right in following the Truth in Christ’s Word. The church is not to be divided and denominated, Jesus prayed “that they may all be one” in the shadow of His own cross (John 17:21). The apostle Paul expressed that “there be no divisions [denominations] among you; but that you be perfected together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor 1:10). The unity of the church is in observing all of Christ’s commands. Those practicing “factions, divisions [denominations], parties” will not inherit the kingdom of Heaven (Gal 5:20). Therefore, such has no part in the churches of Christ.
The Spirit also instructs the church that “you be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; doing nothing through faction and conceit” (Phil 2:2–3). The church is one in the faith and was established in the first century apart from all dividing sects of centuries past. There should only be one body and fellowship of the church apart from denominations. All believers can all united again by putting aside creeds and traditions, and observing only the words of Christ given to His apostles and prophets. There should be no misunderstanding of the Scriptures since the Scriptures are complete and the Holy Spirit revealed every word (1 Cor 2:13).
The church is “giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Eph 4:3). The church is united in there being one body, one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one God the Father (Eph 4:4–6). These seven ones are foundational to unity. There is only one church with only one faith, with one belief and consisting of teachings and practices according to God’s Word. There is only one Spirit guiding them in the Truth of the one Faith. There is one hope to reach one eternal life in Christ Jesus. There is only one Lord who has saved the church by His death on the cross. There is one baptism into the forgiveness of sins and to enter the church. There is one God and Father of us all who has established the church as a part of His eternal purpose (Eph 3:10–11).
Finding the Church
Does this description of the church resemble the churches that you know? Are you a member of the church of Christ? Only those of the church of Jesus Christ are the saved. The Scriptures are clear that the church is alive and well, and no one can destroy it. The Spirit presents in the Scriptures that the one church is to be sought today not by any division in creeds or names of men, but only by what the Scriptures establish. Will you seek to be a part of the church of Christ or a part of a church established by men and their philosophies?
Your saying that Christ’s church is neither “Protestant” though protesting sinful traditions of men; nor “Catholic” though “catholic” in being composed of saved souls throughout the world; nor “Orthodox” though correct and right in following the Truth in Christ’s Word is completely wrong with these 3 major denominational groupings of Christian religion. Catholic and orthodox sects practice idolatry of intercession/veneration of saints using images and statues which amounts to idolatry according to Exodus 20:3-5, Revelation 9:20, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Corinthians 10:7-14 and idolaters are condemned to eternal hell fire according to Revelation 21:8 – God’s eternal Word- Holy Bible. While Protestant sects although abstained from this idolatry fell into sexual immorality by promoting women pastors, homosexual movement and lack of head covering of women in churches . Catholic/ orthodox sects also have fallen into this sexual immorality. So this is where the church needs to correct itself and turn to God- God bless you to see this reality and truth.
Protestant revolution was not the origin of Protestantism. The first protestant church was the apostolic church. The church depicted in New Testament Bible do not pray to “saints” or use statues\images in prayer,worship or have other lies like compulsory celibacy, purgatory, transubstantiation, Apostolic succession etc. Thus the original Apostolic God’s Church was Protestant/Evangelical in essence.
Later in 4th century AD Constantine the then Roman emperor- Constantine gave Christianity a special status in his empire because of a vision he had. But majority in his empire was still pagan and they found it hard to forgo of their old idolatrous practices. So by about 5th century AD ( ~ AD 430 ) , the Roman state changed the names of their old idols to “christian” names and continued to use them in prayer/worship . This came to be known as “intercession/veneration to saints” and is still practiced by catholic and orthodox ‘Christians’. Other pagan to christian transmutations include changing of Solar mass of December 25th to Christ mass,changing of fertility goddess Ishtar festival to Easter.
It was during this 5th century religious transmutation for power consolidation of state this Christ Mass- Solar Mass, Passover- God Friday, Resurrection – Sunday Easter, intercession/veneration of saints, Mary-Venus, etc. got changed.
Thus in 5th century AD, the initial heresy entered Global (Catholic) God’s Church corrupting its western part as heretic idolatrous Roman catholic sect, but eastern part stayed true as Church of East (Assyrian/Chaldean) although Orthodox sects later ( first as Jacobite faction by about AD 450 and then later they changed name to “orthodox” in a vain effort to whitewash themselves from idolatry and lies of mystery Babylon – Rome to which they foolishly submitted ) fell for catholic idolatry but didn’t submit Pope.
Catholic idolatrous heretic sect committed doctrinal corruption and chaos when they started the idolatrous practice of intercession/veneration of saints and the many lies like purgatory with which they try to defend that idolatry in 5th century AD on wards , when they left the true God’s Global (Catholic) church of East and West. Now the remaining one true God’s Church is the Church of East (from Apostolic times till the present times) and the innumerable sects that have either abstained from catholic idolatrous doctrinal chaos from 5th century on wards and catholics themselves coming out of idolatry and lies and trusting in Lord Jesus Christ so that they will have eternal life by hearing God’s Eternal Word for salvation of all mankind who will trust in Lord Jesus Christ- holy Bible.
These true Christians at that time and after 5th century AD, were against this idolatrous corruption of God’s Church that leads to eternal hell fire (Revelation 21.8). They included early Jewish Christians , Donatists (North Africa, Southern Europe), Manichaen’s (Middle East, Central Asia) who existed from 1st-15th century AD, opposed this idolatrous practice of intercession/veneration of saints but Catholic idolatrous heretics branded them heretics and massacred them. Assyrian church of East and Chaldean Syrian Church known commonly as Church of East (existed from apostolic times till today mainly in Middle east, Central Asia, India and China – and thus form the only Christian group that has existed continuously for last 2000 years) also opposed this idolatrous practice of intercession/veneration of saints.
Later Paulicians & Bogomils who existed from 6-12th century AD were against this idolatrous practice . After that Cathars who existed from 11-13th century AD, Waldensians , Hussites & Protestants who exist from 11th century AD till this day, were against this idolatrous practice and other unscriptural lies of catholic/orthodox sects. First anti Idolatrous or iconoclastic movement of (7th-8th century) century AD by Paulicians and Bogomils was against this practice, later Protestant revolution – 2nd anti- idolatrous or iconoclastic movement (15-16th century) was waged mainly against this practice.
Thus when Constantine gave Christianity special status in his empire, idolatry also entered along with it in the unsuspecting name of “intercession and veneration of saints”. This soon spread to most of the church, because such was the influence of roman empire at that time. But few like early Jewish Christians (existed from apostolic times to 8th century AD), Assyrian church of East and Chaldean Syrian Church known commonly as Church of East (existed from apostolic times till today- and thus form the only Christian group that has existed continuously for last 2000 years), Donatists (North African Christians) and followers of Mani ~ Manichean’s (Mani was a 2nd century apostle of Jesus whose followers spread from Persia to Balkans in the west and to China in the east,before falling into oblivion probably because of Islamic conquest by about 15th century AD) remained true to the Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ, despite severe persecutions from Catholic/Orthodox sects.
Later remnants of these Christians spread to Turkey and Balkans where they were called Paulicians and Bogomils respectively in 6th century AD. They were behind the Iconoclastic movement of 7-8th century (Protestant-Christian revolution of 16th century is considered by scholars to be the 2nd Anti- idolatrous or Iconoclastic movement).
Both these groups came under heavy persecution from Catholics because they dared to expose the truth of Christ to them.
Finally they were wiped out by catholic crusaders,en route to capture Jerusalem by a secret directive from Vatican in 12th century,perhaps the real intention of antichristians aka Catholics for taking up crusades was to wipe out true christian like Paulcians , Bogomils , Assyrian & Chaldean church of east, followers of Apostle Mani etc. who exposed the idolatry and lies of catholic sect.
But almost simultaneously,the spirit of God started 2 new christian movements in heart of Catholicism itself ~ in Italy and France in 11th century AD .
In Italy they were called Waldensians and in France they were called Cathars .Cathars were wiped out in the 12th century by catholic crusaders~a mass murder popularly called as Cathar/Albunesian crusade (catholic church still take great “evil” pride in these crusades) . But Italian Waldensians continued to survive despite of severe catholic persecution and they remain to this day .
By 15th century printing was invented and bible became available to masses . The ignorant masses came to know about truth that catholic church was doing idolatry in the name of God and following unbiblical lies.
They revolted and it came to be known as protestant revolution and were led by many great leaders like Jan Hus,Jan Zizka,Martin Luther,Ulrich Zwingli,John Calvin,Petr Chelcisky ,John Knox,John Wesley and many others . Today protestants number more than 900 million .
Also note that throughout the centuries Catholics branded (and still branding) all these groups as dualistic pagans heretics who need to be wiped out from face of earth. Such branding (stereotyping) were less effective against Evangelicals (protestants),in order to fulfill the prophecy of Jesus-”You are Peter (Petros-masculine noun in Koine Greek, meaning a small stone) and i shall build my church (non feminist Protestantism) on this rock (Petra-feminine noun in Koine Greek, meaning a large mass of rock which is the revelation given to Peter by God the Father that Jesus is the son of the living God and is the Christ / Messiah, not the degrading dead body of peter buried under Vatican as certain Catholics claim/believe) and gates of hell (Catholicism and other false religions/ideologies) will not prevail over it”.
The Roman Catholic sect claims Jesus here to say, “You are Peter, and upon you, Peter, I will build My church.” Peter would be the rock upon which the church is built. There are several errors with this vain claim by Catholic sect. The first is that someone reading Matthew’s Gospel in Greek, the original language of the New Testament, would have easily discarded the claim that Peter was the rock. In the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus said to Simon, “You are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18), His choice of words was significant. Though Peter’s name means rock (Petros), Jesus did not say, “You are Peter (Petros), and upon this Petros (Petros-which accurately means a small unstable stone) I will build my church, instead he said you are Peter (Petros) and i shall build my church on this Petra (meaning bedrock,or a large rock mass). Peter’s name, Petros , is masculine in gender and refers to a boulder or a detached stone. Greek literature also uses it of a small stone that might be picked up and thrown. While “Petra” means a bedrock,or a large rock mass.
What Jesus said to Peter could be translated, “You are Stone, and upon this bedrock I will build My church.” His choice of words would indicate that the rock on which the church would be built
was something other than Peter, which can only refer to the revelation given to Peter by the most high God,that is-Jesus is the Christ / Messiah the Son of the living God in the given scriptural
context – Mathew16:16-18.
Also apostolic succession claim by catholic/orthodox sects by which they claim that authority of keys given by Lord Jesus to Peter in Mathew16:19 is transferred only to a select few leaders who have dubious claim of lineage to Peter like catholic papacy. But Lord Jesus gave this “authority of keys” to all his believers/followers in Mathew18:18. Thus this Apostolic succession claim of catholic/orthodox sects is proved to be another lie by scriptures.
Rome was the most anti-Christian from its earliest times under the Ceasers. Nero killed and persecuted many Christians so did the Roman emperors after him. After Rome created the fake catholic idolatrous religion to deceive innocent people it killed about 50 million people in the Dark Ages from AD400- AD 1600. Roman catholicism continued this killings and persecution even till our present day. That is why God said in Revelation 18:24 – that in Rome – Mystery Babylon – In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.
Peter of Bruys was martyred in 1124 because he believed the church is to be composed of believers alone and that baptism was not a part of salvation. He was historically a Baptist preacher.”
• “Pope Innocent III who led 4th crusades, was frustrated with Baptists not being completely destroyed, so he proclaimed a crusade. He promised full pardon of sins to all those who would fight in his “Holy War.” This large army was gathered. Inhabitants in town after town were butchered. In one, fifty were hanged and 400 burnt. In Lavaur ‘the numberless heretics that were in the fortress were burnt alive with great joy.’”
• Cardinal Hosius (Catholic, 1524), President of the Council of Trent: “Were it not that the Baptists have been grievously tormented and cut off with the knife during the past twelve hundred years, they would swarm in greater number than all the Reformers.” (Hosius Letters, Apud Opera, pages 112, 113)
• The following edict was put forth by the Council of St. Fall, March 26, 1530: “All who adhere to or favor the false sect of the Baptists, and attend hedge meetings, shall suffer the most severe punishments. Baptist leaders, their followers and protectors, shall be drowned without mercy.” (Bullinger, Reformations-ge-schichte, II, 287 History of the Baptists,” by J.T. Christian)
On the 10th of June, 1535, a furious edict was published at Brussels. Death by fire was the punishment of all Baptists who should be detected and should refuse to abjure. If they recanted they were still to die, but not by fire; the men were to be put to death by the sword, ‘the women in a sunken pit.’ Those who resisted the operation of the edict by failing to deliver up Baptist to the authorities, were to suffer the same punishment as accomplices.
Informers were promised one-third of the confiscated estates. And all persons were forbidden ‘to claim or seek any forgiveness, or reconciliation for the said Anabaptists, or re-baptizers, or to present, on their behalf, any petitions or bequests;-it beeing understood,’ says the Emperor, ‘that it is not our will, nor will we permit, that any Anabaptists, or re-baptizers (because of their wicked opinions,) shall be received into favour, but be punished as a warning to others, without any dissimilations, favour, or delay.” (p. 168-169 Baptist History)
“When Philip II succeeded his father, Charles V, on the abdication of the latter, in the year 1556, he renewed the edict of 1550, with additional articles. The publication of Baptist books was prohibited, and the right of disposing of their property, by sale or will, was taken away. Nor were magistrates or judges to moderate or lessen the penalties in the slightest degree.
“Every settler was required to furnish proof that his children had been baptized according to the rites of Rome.” (p. 170 Baptist History)
As the reformation began, Baptists came out of hiding. They were soon diappointed. The Baptists went too far and too fast for the reformers. Soon the reformers strove to suppress the Baptist sentiment. Now Catholics, Protestants, Episcopalian, and Presbyterians treat them the same way. Emperor Charles V ordered the Baptist women to be drowned, buried alive, or burned at the stake.
“I quote a very significant statement from the Schaff-Herzogg Encyclopedia, under ‘History of Baptists in Europe,’ about 1523, where they were persecuted by Zwingle and the Romanists. They are found in the following years, 1525-1530, with large churches fully organized in Southern Germany, Tyrol and in middle Germany. In all these places persecutions made their lives bitter.
Note that all this is prior to the founding of the Protestant churches:
Lutheran, Episcopal, or Presbyterian. We continue the quote:
“Moravia promised a home of greater freedom, and thither many Baptists migrated, only to find their hopes deceived. After 1534 they were numerous in Northern Germany, Holland, Belgium, and the Walloon provinces. They increased even during Alva’s rule, in the low countries, and developed a wonderful missionary zeal .
“Where did these Baptists come from? They did not come out of the Catholics during the Reformation. They had large churches prior to the Reformation.” ( p 39-40 – Trail of Blood)
These religious persecutions in England were a prime cause for settlements in the colonies. But before the Massachusetts Bay Colony was 20 years old, it passed laws against the Baptists:
“It is ordered and agreed, that if any person or persons, within this jurisdiction, shall either openly condemn or oppose the baptizing of infants, or go about secretly to seduce others from the appobation or use thereof, or shall purposely depart the congregation at the ministration of the ordinances after due time and means of conviction-every such person or persons shall be sentenced to banishment. This law was enacted especially against the Baptists.” (p 46 – Trail of Blood)
Much oppression was directly against Baptists. Preachers were whipped, buildings seized, property auctioned off, taxes raised.
“Evidently, one of the greatest obstructions to religious liberty in America, and probably all over the world as to that, was the conviction which had grown into the people throughout the preceding centuries that religioun could not possibley live without governmental support. That no denomination could prosper solely on voluntary offerings by its adherents. And this was the hard arguement to meet when the battle was raging for the disestablishment of the Church of England in Virginia, and also later in Congress when the question of religious liberty was being discussed there. For a long time the Baptists fought the battle almost alone.” (p 51-Trail of Blood)
The Baptists did not want state support nor the sanctuary of law for everyone to be a Baptist because of their own lack of understanding of God’s provisions. Thus Baptists fought being the states established religion in America as well as in the Netherlands.
“It is stated the King of Holland appointed a committee to examine into the claims of all existing churches or denominations to see which had te best claim to be the New Testament Church. The committee reported back that the Baptists were the best representatives of New Testament teachings. Then the King offered to make Baptist ‘the established’ church or denomination of his kingdom. The Baptists kindly thanked him but declined, stating that it was contrary to their fundamental convictions and principles.” -but in reality it was because of their own lack of understanding of God’s provisions. – (p 53-Trail of Blood).
Also remember that when Constantine made his call for the council to make Christianity his state religion in the 4th century AD , there were very many of the Christians (Baptists) and of the churches, which declined to respond. They wanted no marriage with the state, and no centralized religious government, and no higher ecclesiastical government of any kind, than the individual church.but in reality it was because of their own lack of understanding of God’s provisions
Thus these Christians (Baptists) nor the churches ever at that time or later, entered the church state union because of their ignorance or unbelief of God’s provisions.
The power consolidation agenda of Roman state by Christian to pagan transmutations of solar mass to Christ mass of December 25, and changing of Passover to Good Friday and Easter to venerate venus goddess spring fertility festival of Eostre and venus veneration on friday along with idolatry of intercession/veneration of saints where they changed names of old idols like venus to Mary etc. and other lies entering the church and world moved into Dark Ages for nearly 1000 years from about AD 450- AD 1420.
It is very important to note that church-state seperation was not effective both when Constantine – Roman Empire became Christian in 4th century AD, and later in 17th century Holland and 18th century USA (as can be seen from the present state of Christianity in USA and Holland- Netherlands ). So it is vital that God’s Holy Spirit should guide the state so that many will come to eternal life, and for that the Church needs to control the state rather than state controlling church. This is the will of God.
Notice this account of worship of the persecuted Baptists:
January 21, 1683: “We met at eight in the morning, and though there were seven on horseback and twenty of foot to seek after us, we escaped, having broken up at ten.”
March: “This week about 150 dissenters were convicted by our recorder, on the statute of Eliz., for 20 a month for not coming to church.”
March 25: “Mr. Fowler, though very ill, went to the meetings in the wood; but after three quarters of an hour we were surrounded by horse and foot, the former in ambush. Mr. Fownes was arrested, and sent to Gloucester jail for six months.”
April 22: “We went out at four in the morning, and were in peace.”
November 14: “A day of prayer, having some hours together in the wood, between London and Sodbury Road: the enemy came upon us unawares, and seized about eight persons; but the brethren escaped to admiration. The bushes were of great service to us. A number of the sisters were taken; they got Justice Fitz-Herbert to come and upon examination he could get little out of them, and could not learn who was the preacher; so they were let go.”
December 20: “Watkins, the marshal, and others. went with warrants from Justice Herbert to brother John Morgan, in Temple Street, and took his yarn and what good they could find, for seven pounds ten shillings. And the day before took away Margaret Seymour’s trunk of clothes, with about thirty pounds, for seven pounds odd money, for being at our meeting in the fields.”
December 30: “Being a hard frost, and snow on the ground, we met in the wood, and though we stood in the snow the sun shone upon us, and we were in peace. The years 1682 and 1683 were the darkest times to our brethren. They held their meetings in private houses, in the fields, or in the woods, wherever they could best escape the vigilance of the authorities. Mayor, Aldermen, and Constables could hardly have gone to Church at all in those years, for all their time was spent in hunting after dissenters’ meetings. A few brief extracts from the records will show how our ancestors fared.”
January 29, 1682: “The Church met at four different places. Many of them went in the afternoon on Durdham Down, and got into a cave of a rock towards Clifton, where brother Thomas Whinnell Preached to them.”
March 12: “Met in the fields by Barton Hundred, and Mr. Samuel Buttall of Plymouth preached in the fore-part of the day and Brother Whinnell in the evening. It was thought there were near a thousand persons in the morning.”
March 19: “Met in the lanes beyond Baptist Mills.”
April 13: “Met in the rain in a lane.”
April 20: “A day of prayer, from nine till five in the evening, at Mr. Jackson’s, over the Down, in peace.”
May 4: “Information was brought to a petty session for Gloucestershire, against Brother Jennings, for preaching in the lanes, and a warrant granted for levying five pounds or else goods, or person.”
June 11: “Brother Fownes being come from London, but not daring to come into the city because of the Corporation Act, met with us, and preached in Kingswood, near Scruze Hole, under a tree, and endured the rain.”
July 2: “Our pastor preached in another place in the wood. Our friends took much pains in the rain, because many informers were ordered out to search; and we were in peace, though there were near twenty men and boys in search.” (p 308-310 Baptist History)
“Even the Puritans, who fled from persecution in England, had no idea of religious liberty- (note that this Baptist underatanding of religious liberty -secularism is a lie, if more people follow God’s word and God gives state support for that then it is a provision of God, to deny that is unbelief in provisions of God.) They came here to establish their won faith, and to exclude all others; hence they were more rigidly intolerant than the countries whence they had fled from persecution. Intolerance was a necessary condition of their enterprise. They feared and hated religious liberty.
Please not that this Baptist underatanding of religious liberty -secularism is a lie, if more people follow God’s word and God gives state support for that then it is a provision of God, to deny that is unbelief in provisions of God.
(Baptists Through Reformers)
“Hence, in 1644, a law was passed in Massachusetts against the Baptists, by which it was “ordered and agreed, that if any person or persons within this jurisdiction shall either openly condemn or oppose the baptism of infants, or seduce others to do so, or leave the congregation during the administration of the rite, he shall be sentenced to banishment. The same year we accordingly find that a poor man was tied up and whipped for refusing to have his child sprinkled.” (Baptists Through Reformers)
“In Virginia, where the first permanent colony in America was established, the charter bearing date 1606, fourteen years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth, Baptist were bitterly persecuted. By law, a fine of two thousand pounds of tobacco was imposed on ‘those who neglected to have their infants baptized.’ Baptist ministers were arrested and imprisoned as vagrants; some were pulled down from the stand as they were preaching, insulted and whipped, and many were imprisoned for preaching the Gospel. Elders John Waller, Lewis Craig, and James Childs were seized at a meeting, June 4, 1768, dragged before the magistrate, and imprisoned for forty-three days in Fredericksburg. Mr. Wofford was severely scourged, and carried the scars to his grave.
Dr. Hawks, historian of the Episcopal Church of Virginia, says: ‘No dissenters in Virginia experienced harsher treatment than did the Baptist. They were beaten and imprisoned, and cruelty taxed its ingenuity to devise new modes of punishment and annoyance.’” (Baptist Through Reformers)
Finally, in 1639 Roger Williams had “permission” to establish the a Baptist Church in Rhode Island. History teaches us though that the first Baptist church in America was started by Dr. John Clark at Newport, Road Island in1638. (p 113 – How Satan Turned America Against God)
Catholic response to reformation is known as counter-reformation.Since reformation was christian,counter reformation can only be anti-christian.After the reformation of 16th century catholics started Jesuit secret militia founded by Ignatious Layola to destroy christianity.Incidently the name of the society was “society of Jesus” aka Jesuits.
From birth of idolatrous catholicism (around AD 430) it was the most potent antichristian organization in the world which did everything through the power of satan, to keep people from knowing the truth. They didn’t allow common people to read bible and know the truth until about the 15th century reformation.
Before going into counter reformation activities of catholicism let’s go back into history and check, why i said catholicism is anti christian. They (catholics) did idolatry by changing names of old pagan idols to ‘christian’ sounding names and praying and worshiping using these idols (intercession/veneration of saints).
They taught anyone who is a member of catholicism can do any grevious sin or evil and still enter heaven through purgatory. They taught sins are forgiven by attending eucharist,when christ Jesus and apostles taught only one who has repented of his sins and accepted Jesus as his saviour and has undergone water baptism after the repentence,should receive Eucharist / Lords supper / Holy Qurbana / Holy Communion.
Even after repentence if a person backslide he must come back to god in repentence and be cleansed by the blood of Jesus to take part in Eucharist. That is only those who are right with god can attend Eucharist. If a person who does’nt satisfy above requirments takepart in Eucharist, then he is sinning against God and sickness and curse shall befall such a person. As clearly detailed in God’s Eternal Words’s by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:27-34.
Catholics massacred early christians saying they were dualistic/diaphysitism (dual nature of christ-a lie created by catholics to brand true christians as heretics and massacre them) .
They were :-
Early Jewish christians(1-8th century AD), Assyrian Church of East and Chaldean Syrian church (1st century AD till today), Anabaptists (1st century till today), followers of Mani(3rd-15th century), early arab and north african christians like Donatists, Arian christians aka Gothic christians(3rd-6th century), early roman catholics (320 AD to 430 AD) Paulicians, Bogomils (6th-12th century) who were massacred by catholic crusaders en route to Jerusalem by secret directive from Vatican and perhaps this was the real aim of the crusades, Waldensians (12th century-to present day), Cathars (12th-14th century,massacred in albunesian/cathar crusade) and finally Evangelicals /protestant church (15th century-to present day).
Coming back to counter reformation activities of Catholics, it started under the leadership of Ignatious Loyola, with the name of ‘Jesus’(society of Jesus-Jesuits) but working against him. Catholics made another secret organization which will be under their total control in order to have better infiltration among Protestants called freemasonry.
Since intend of Jesuits was more public and most protestants knew they were working against them, it was necessary to create another secret agency to infiltrate protestants and destroy their society and it was called freemasonry . This Jesuit-Freemason link is a highly probable logical assumption based on the historical and cultural evidences. Solid proof may never be obtained as these are secret societies born to deceive mankind and instill them with fear and hatred). This secret society is christian (protestant) superficially by harping on the words like ‘great architect of universe’, but on inside it will be purely anti christian totally controlled by Catholics.
Thus protestants will be attracted to this society, and those who become members will be trained by catholic Jesuits to destroy Christianity, by teaching them feminism (lie that men and women are created/evolved equal in all aspects -truth is woman are created as help mates and companion for men) and secularism (true biblical government should give freedom of conscience rather than freedom of “false” religion that blaspheme the living God).
Thus most of the founding fathers of USA are Freemasons,and today USA has only 50% Christians compared to 99% in 1790 AD. While the number of pagans who fake as Christians (catholic and orthodox) has risen to 25% from less than 1% in 1790. George Washington said in USA every child would be taught the Bible in schools, but everybody knows exactly opposite happened. Why? – Beacuase George Washington along with most of the founding fathers were Freemasons, who are/were a mere puppets in the hand of catholic counter reformation activists.
Abraham Lincoln although not a member of any church, was a believer. He said just before his death,that civil war and feminist movement was the work of catholic Jesuits,and few days after he said this he was assassinated by Jesuit Catholics.
Catholics (Jesuits) taught Freemasons and co-masons (women’s wing of freemasonry) that women were oppressed by men and Jesus came to release them from protection and control of males, so they can go out and do anything they want (feminism). When in reality Christ Jesus and apostles taught women to obey and respect their husbands as church obeys and worships Jesus. They also taught Men to be chivalrous and sacrifice themselves for their wives as Christ sacrificed on the cross for all who would believe.
Thus within a few years Protestant women started cutting their long hair and started wearing men’s dresses to look like men, started disobeying their husbands and teaching and having authority over men, thinking it is the ‘christian’ thing to do,when in reality slowly but steadily they were unknowingly destroying their own society through gender role reversal and thereby spreading sexual immorality.
I say all these things because counter reformation will not prevail because of the prophecy of Jesus-“i shall build my church (Evangelical / protestant) on this rock (the revelation given to apostle peter that Jesus is the only eternal son of almighty God, not the degrading dead body of peter buried under Vatican as certain Catholics claim/believe) and gates of hell (Catholicism and other false religions/ideologies) will not prevail over it”.
Counter-reformation didn’t start in 17th century, but way back in 4th century at the birth of Catholicism, just as the true Evangelical church (protestant church) was in existence from new testament times (AD 30-70) as the apostolic church. The below given are some of the possible scenarios for such subversive lying deceptions , particularly through the freemason -Jesuit axis that the Catholic Roman sect created.
Take a look at how Catholic sect vainly planned to destroy the God’s church(non feminist Protestantism) that almighty living God was/is building.
At about 550-610 AD , catholic sect occupied from borders of Turkey till northern Arabia along Israel, Syria etc. Chaldean Christians of Iraq and Arabia resisted catholic idolatry. So to decieve this people into Roman influence , catholic sect decided to creat an outwardly iconoclastic religion (which they thought might appeal to middle eastern Christians and Jews who resisted catholic idolatry).
‘An Arabian lady who was a subverted Chaldean christian ,was given money by Roman Catholic sect to deceive people and create Islam. She played a tremendous part in this
drama. She was a widow named Kadijah. Roman Catholic sect gave her wealth and was given an assignment. She was to find a brilliant young man who could be used
by the Vatican to create a new religion and become the messiah for the children of Ishmael.
Khadijah had a cousin named Waraqah, who was also a subverted Chaldean christian by Roman Catholicism.
Vatican placed him in a critical role as Muhammad’s advisor. He had tremendous influence on
Muhammad.
‘Teachers were sent to young Muhammad and he had intensive training. Muhammad studied the
works of St. Augustine which prepared him for his “great calling.” The Vatican had Catholic
Arabs across North Africa spread the story of a great one who was about to rise up among the
people and be the chosen one of their God.
‘While Muhammad was being prepared, he was told that his enemies were the Jews and that the
only true Christians were Roman Catholic. He was taught that others calling themselves
Christians were actually wicked impostors and should be destroyed. Many Muslims believe this.
‘Muhammad began receiving “divine revelations” and his wife’s Catholic cousin Waraqah
helped interpret them. From this came the Koran. In the fifth year of Muhammad’s mission,
persecution came against his followers because they refused to worship the idols in the Kaaba.
‘Muhammad instructed some of them to flee to Abysinnia where Negus an Ethiopian Orthodox king under Vatican’s directive
accepted them because Muhammad’s views on the virgin Mary were so close to the idolatrous Orthodox/Roman Catholic
doctrine as Muhammed was taught by Vatican’s directive and by this Vatican was able to deceive this King of Abbysinia. These Muslims received protection from Orthodox/Catholic kings because of Muhammad’s
revelations.
‘Muhammad later conquered Mecca and the Kaaba was cleared of idols. History proves that
before Islam came into existence, the Sabeans in Arabia worshiped the moon-god who was
married to the sun-god. They gave birth to three goddesses who were worshipped throughout the
Arab world as “Daughters of Allah” .
An idol excavated at Hazor in Palestine in 1950′s shows
Allah sitting on a throne with the crescent moon on his chest.
‘Muhammad claimed he had a vision from Allah and was told, “You are the messenger of Allah.”
This began his career as a prophet and he received many messages. By the time Muhammad died, the religion of Islam was exploding. The nomadic Arab tribes were joining forces in the
name of Allah and his prophet, Muhammad.
‘Some of Muhammad’s writings were placed in the Koran, others were never published. They are
now in the hands of high ranking holy men in the Islamo-catholic faith.
This is further confirmed by verses in Quran and Hadith which says only one group of Christians have remained true and they can be identified by their celibate leadership(which only Catholics have atleast for namesake).In one verse in Quran it says Christians are the best freinds of Muslims and in other verses it says Christians,Jews and all Pagans are their enemies.Thus it becomes clear that according to Quran and Hadith muslims can befriend only catholic heretics/liars/idolaters in this world.All over the world it’s a reality that only group with which muslims peacefully coexist is catholics-because catholics are their masters.
Also Quran says that Jesus will come in last days to join Muslims with ‘true’ Christians(Catholics).Thus it becomes confirmed that these lies were planted by Vatican in Quran and Hadith so as to use Muslims as bodygaurds (useful idiots) for Catholics.
So all these facts only point to the reality that Catholicism might indeed be behind the creation of Islam.
Also in recent years the Gog Magog alliance ( Sino – Russian ) has decieved the wild donkey of Ishmael (Genesis 16:12) as Rome has already done through their creation of Islamic religion to decieve Ishmael in 7th century AD as detailed above. This can be seen by Sino – Russian alliance with Islamic terrorist nations like Iran, Turkey, Libya, Sudan etc. This Gog Magog alliance ( Sino- Russian – Islamic terrorist alliance ) will ultimately fall defeated in mountains of Israel as God revealed prophet Ezekiel of Israel some 2700 years ago – Ezekiel 38,39 chapters .
Radical feminist lies were introduced by Satanist idolaters – Roman Catholic idolatrous heretics through their Jesuit freemason axis to destroy innocent people to eternal hell fire (Revelation 21:8) by bringing them into catholic idolatry of intercession/veneration of saints.
Freemasonry infiltrated radical feminist lies in UK, USA and other originally Christian countries that abstained from catholic idolatry to save their souls from eternal hell fire. These freemasons were controlled by Catholic Jesuits. Thus when the society collapses by these radical feminist lies and promotion of homosexuality , Jesuits vainly thought they could present their idolatry of intercession/veneration of saints that send people to eternal hell fire as a solution.
Those who serve God almighty, are all Christians who abstain from catholic/orthodox idolatry of intercession/veneration of saints and all christians who abstain from feminist lies- female pastors and homosexual promotion in some protestant sects.
Identity of Beast, False Prophet and Mystery Babylon of Revelation 13, 17 and 18 chapters
It is clearly said in Revelation 17:9-11 – And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth.
And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space.
And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.
Also read Revelation 18:17-19 – For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
Revelation 18:24 – “In her was found
the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”
So God’s eternal word – Holy Bible is very clear that mystery babylon is a port city of seven hills and very famous one.
Rome can be identified as the mystery babylon from Daniel 9:26- which says people of the “prince” (beast/antichrist) who will come (in the future) will destroy the City and the sanctuary- Jerusalem destroyed by romans under vespasian in AD70. Thus people of the prince to come/antichrist are Romans. Rome is also the city with 7 hills and 7 rulers – Roman Ceasers (Revelation 17: 9-11) at the time of writing of Revelation by Apostle John which is about AD 68, when ceaser Galba ruled the Roman empire.
Notice that in Revelation 7: 11 God says of 7 kings that ruled from the city of which 5 have fallen, one is still ruling, while one is yet to come who will only rule for a short period. These kings are roman ceasers of 5 have fallen ( at the time of Apostle John was given this Revelation from God at about 68 AD while ceaser Galba was ruling Rome . Galba ruled Rome from June 68 to January 69 AD. The next ceaser Otho ruled only for a very short period , that is from January 69 to April 69 AD. So the beast (antichrist) is one among the five fallen kings which are Augustus, Tiberius, Gaius Caligula, Claudius and Nero. Among these ceaser Nero is probably the antichrist/beast as only his numerology is 666 when transliterated to Hebrew – Revelation 13:18.
Also Revelation 13:3 – says one of its heads having been slain to death and the blow of death of it was cured. Some claim neck is not a part of head, but the scriptures clearly say one of the seven heads of the dragon (satan) was slain to death. These heads are not exactly the physical head portion but the 7 kings -ceasers of rome. Among which only Nero died by slaying his own neck with the help of an assistant, thus committing suicide.
Also it is impossible for anyone to slay the head by directly slaying at head due to skull, slaying head means one slay the neck. Also note that it is clearly said in both Revelation 13:3 and 12 that blow of death of it was cured, not head wound was cured.
Ceaser Caligula was assasinated by many stab wounds like Julius Ceaser , but in that case it is not a single wound and caligula’s numerology is not 666. In Revelation 13:14 we read clearly it was a blow of sword.
Also false prophet is coming out of land – 12 tribes of Israel ( Revelation 13:11) probably tribe of Dan (Genesis 49:17). The king mentioned in Daniel 11:36-45 is probably this false prophet as it is said in Daniel 11: 37 that he shall not regard God of his fathers. Or it could be the beast (antichrist) himself because all people including romans are descended from 3 sons of Noah – Shem, Ham and Japheth.
If God’s eternal word says Rome – Mystery Babylon In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth, then there could be deceptions and subversive activities of Rome for global power consolidation .
Apart from radical feminist lies that caused much destruction in western society , Vatican- Rome -created Islamic lie for its power consolidation in middle east through Warraqah- Kadijah axis. Thus all these people killed by Islam through terrorism in the last 1400 years of its existense is done by Rome – Vatican.
Again Rome – Vatican Jesuits planted the Evolution lie through Darwin’s grandfather Erasmus Darwin an active freemason controlled by Catholic Jesuits. Evolution lie has made the societies collapse by causing people to be deceived by idolatry and homosexuality (Romans 1:18-32).
Again Jesuits planted communist lie through freemason Friedrich Engels who controlled Karl Marx. Socialist Communist lie was initially promoted by Vatican with the aim of complete extermination of Jews whom catholics even today consider an obstacle for their global power consolidation just like their muslim slaves. Result was massacre of 6 million Jews by National Socialist Hitler and 25 million slavic people ( 20 million by the Jesuit Stalin and 5 million by the catholic Hitler). Add to this countless other innocent people killed around the world such as by communist dictators in Cambodia, China , Cuba etc.
This mystery Babylon – Rome which decieved all world with her idolatry, lies and sexual immorality and other sins will be destroyed in one day during the 7 year great tribulation period as revealed in – Revelation 17:16-19:10 – And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire.
For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled.
And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.
And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
For her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.
Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works: in the cup which she hath filled fill to her double.
How much she hath glorified herself, and lived deliciously, so much torment and sorrow give her: for she saith in her heart, I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.
Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judgeth her.
And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived deliciously with her, shall bewail her, and lament for her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning,
Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.
And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her; for no man buyeth their merchandise any more:
The merchandise of gold, and silver, and precious stones, and of pearls, and fine linen, and purple, and silk, and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner vessels of ivory, and all manner vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble,
And cinnamon, and odours, and ointments, and frankincense, and wine, and oil, and fine flour, and wheat, and beasts, and sheep, and horses, and chariots, and slaves, and souls of men.
And the fruits that thy soul lusted after are departed from thee, and all things which were dainty and goodly are departed from thee, and thou shalt find them no more at all.
The merchants of these things, which were made rich by her, shall stand afar off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing,
And saying, Alas, alas, that great city, that was clothed in fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, and precious stones, and pearls!
For in one hour so great riches is come to nought. And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood afar off,
And cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, What city is like unto this great city!
And they cast dust on their heads, and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, Alas, alas, that great city, wherein were made rich all that had ships in the sea by reason of her costliness! for in one hour is she made desolate.
Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.
And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone, and cast it into the sea, saying, Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.
And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee;
And the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.
And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.
And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.
And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.
And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.
And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.
And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.
So repent now all those who read this and leave the idolatry, lies and sexual immorality of mystery Babylon – Rome and all other idolatry and sinful rebellion against God as mentioned in Revelation 21:8 , 1 Corinthians 6: 9,10 and trust in God almighty who created and sustains you everyday, by accepting the eternal precious sinless blood of Lord Jesus Christ shed for the remission of sins of all mankind on the cross at Calvary, Jerusalem some 2000 years ago, so that all who will accept this salvation plan of God shall have eternal life.
May God bless you to see the reality and truth and have eternal life in Lord Jesus Christ.
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JESUS never ever said HE would build HIS “church” and HE is NOT coming back for “a church” a plethora of religious denominations, be they Christian or not.
It seems soooooooo hard to drop “church” from ones vocabulary..so how about a re-write and instead use elessia, called out ones, His Body, His Bride..INSTEAD.
Get the FOUNDATIONS right.
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Church – The word that changed Christendom
This may come as a surprise to some people but there is no such thing as a CHURCH
(institution) in all of Scripture! Oh yes indeed, the word CHURCH is found therein about 100
times; but the English word CHURCH should NOT be there at all. That word is not a
TRANSLATION of the Greek word ecclesia; but it is substituted for a translation of the
Greek word ecclesia in every place it appears in the NT Scriptures with the exception of three
instances; all three found in Acts 19:32, 39, and 41 (more about this later).
————————-
When Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my ecclesia,” (Mat 16:18) the translators
purposely used a word identifying a building rather than the people. What He said was that
upon the great truth confessed by Peter, that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the Living God,
Jesus would build His assembly, His gathering, or His community of redeemed people. Jesus
did NOT say that He would build a church and He did not do such a thing! The ecclesia of
Christ is NOT a church! All churches are the works and creations of men. Jesus did not set
up a religious institution of any kind. The ecclesia (ek, “out of or from,” and kaleo, “a calling
or to call”) is His called out, obedient people, wherever they are! The ecclesia (or
e-k-k-l-e-s-i-a) is NOT an organization or institution.
In 1604 for example, King James I, who was not only the King of England, but head of the
Church of England, commissioned fifty-four Hebrew and Greek scholars to give
English-speaking people the official version of the Bible. The king had always been interested
in the Scriptures and was somewhat of a scholar in his own right. He appointed Richard
Bancroft, soon to be made the Archbishop of Canterbury, as chairman and “chief overseer” of
this committee.
The “King James pattern of church” was already well established in the ecclesiastical orders
and offices of the Church of England, so it was relatively easy to follow the instructions of the
noble King James who held many titles, one being “Defender of the Faith”.
So, the stage was set to give the world a true English translation of the Bible. But the world
never had a chance to receive a pure translation because everything was stacked in favor of
one that would place the emphasis on the institutional Church and its ruling officers.
Bancroft, as well as Erasmus, were the architects of the King James Version translation and
they were far from being saints. The translators were obligated to fit the translation with the
Anglican agenda and beliefs without any conflict between church and state. King James
knew “no bishop, no king” and he ordered a translation which would make his control over
the church and the people less difficult.
When the King James Version of the Bible was created, James actually gave instructions not
to change the word church in order to reflect its actual meaning. This is not a conspiracy
theory. This is documented history! Bancroft subsequently, with the King’s approval,
devised 15 rules which the translators were ordered to abide by in their development of what
became known as “the Authorized Version;” a cunning ploy that would eventually make all
other versions “unauthorized.” Notice rule number three: “The old Ecclesiastical Words are to
be kept; i.e.,the word Church not to be translated congregation or community, etc.” It was
clear to the translators what “ecclesiastical words must be kept” and you can be sure that they
would have no qualms for choosing “ecclesiastical words” that would fit the best interest of
the powerful Clergy/Church, one of which was this rule not to tamper with these terms (i.e.
church). Again, this is an historical fact. Many other words were translated differently as
well so as to agree with the Anglican Church.
So again, the King James translators retained, under orders from the King and the Archbishop
certain “ecclesiastical words,” including “church.” Such words do not give the true meaning
of the Greek. “Church” does not translate ecclesia. English words such as “congregation”
and “assembly” and “community” do. Again we ask, why were these words not translated?
Why were the people deprived of the true sense of these words? What would the Church of
England, and subsequent “churchmen,” have to gain by keeping the people ignorant of the true
meanings of these words? We have given you a hint to the answers to these questions already
in this article. It is so obvious.
Bibles are not translated by atheists. If they were, maybe they would be more accurate. But
Bibles are mostly translated by Christians who profess to adhere to the tenets of Christianity
and who ALREADY KNOW WHAT THEY BELIEVE. And as they translate, THEY WILL
PUT THEIR BELIEFS INTO THEIR TRANSLATION.
The word “church” is not of God. It is the product of man’s own theological imagination
===================================================================
Although Tyndale was very careful about who he trusted, he was finally “tricked” by a man
whom he thought was his friend, but turned out to be one of the King’s (Henry VIII) spies.
One day, Tyndale accepted an invitation to this “friends” home for dinner. When he arrived,
there were other men waiting who grabbed Tyndale and tied him with ropes.
He was taken to a huge medieval fortress in Antwerp, and cast into a filthy and rat infested
dungeon. He was beaten and mistreated and was held there for a year and a half.
The crimes he was charged with, among other things, was for teaching that people should be
able to read the Truth of the Scriptures and to read it in their own language.
His pursuit of a fair and honest translation not only put him at odds with the Clergy, but his
translation brought down the wrath of the Clergy and it cost him his life and for that they
labelled him a “heretic” and finally succeeded in having him burned at the stake. All this,
because he dared to challenge the meanings of certain ecclesiastical words; all because he
translated the Scriptures from Greek and Hebrew into terms that more closely identified with
their original meanings!
Tyndale refused to say that he was wrong. He defended his answers by quoting from the
Bible, which he had given his life to study and translate. In October 1536, he was declared
guilty and was sentenced to death.
On the day of his death, he was taken to the place of execution. First he was chained to a
wooden stake. Then he was surrounded up to his waist with straw and wood sprinkled with
gunpowder. Church officials were sitting in their seats of honour to watch. Many hundreds
of townspeople had also come.
The order was given and the hangman first strangled Tyndale, and when he was dead started
the fire that burned his body.
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You are saying what is already said on this site. Yes, “congregation” is a better translation of “ekkleisia” than “church”. Assembly is also a better translation. Yes, “church” developed from the word “kirk” referring to the Lord. The Church is the House of the Lord, His Temple (1 Tim. 3:15). These are the people, the congregation, the Assembly of Christ (Eph. 1:22, 2:19-22).
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Don’t swallow this house-church deception.
https://godsbreath.net/2010/09/21/house-church/
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Scott: This is not a tactic. You accuse me of trading Christ’s words for money and you permit slander from others as “interesting points”. Tracy charges that I think women must suffer and you permit this? He places me as a “con” or “hyper-con” and you say nothing. He slanders me claiming that I condemn people as a divisive elitist and you permit this. Tracy belittles the scriptures that teach that 2 or 3 witnesses prove the Truth and you are don’t say anything? He calls God’s providence a “cop-out” and you are fine with that? You say “I totally agree”.
Randy: I’m sorry, but just as you, everyone is entitled to state things in their own words. Long as he isn’t cussing and things, I will allow whatever he wishes to say. Same with you. Far as him referring to you as an elitist – this was my impression as well. It does seem that you see a ‘certain’ elite as saved – the 99% of the church of Christ you deem right but all other denoms lost. So, in that sense, yes I agree with Tracy.
Scott: You assert that about me “when you’re being paid to teach something, its sort of hard to consider you might be wrong. So, Scott may not have a choice if he wants to keep a paycheck.”. Evil slander! I will never disregard Jesus Christ for silver. Tell me that the hand of God should be upon such baseless accusations. He makes unsound points off subject concerning following examples of Jesus walking from place to place as though we are inconsistent. You and he assert divisions when we are not divided and though not perfect. You assert that we in the churches of Christ somehow consider ourselves perfect when we do not. You assert that we’ve judged the souls in the denominations as though those babes within are guilty of their hierarchies’ sins. How should I react to such mischaracterization? What you call it when some charges you and your family of evil without proof? You want me to permit this?
Randy: I addressed this already some. But, again I ask will there be any other groups in heaven? Will any baptist or any other groups be there?
Scott: Which Baptist do you speak of? Those who condemn the churches of Christ? Those who reject Christ’s words concerning baptism? Those who keep the Lord’s Supper from their congregations on the Lord’s Day? Those who remove baptism from the Gospel gutting the death, burial, and resurrection? Those who require the sinner’s prayer or some other man-made mode of salvation? Those who place their so-called “pastors” up like Jesus Christ above their elders (if they have any)? Those who add believers to their churches by voting? Those who promote denominationalism and accept other bodies of contrary beliefs including paido-baptism? Those who would rather be refreshed by robed singers making a show out of their worship? Those who would not permit their congregations to sing as Christ instructed free from meaningless and vain noise?
Randy: Now , we are where the rubber meets the road. I agree with this statement. I do NOT see a sinners prayer and such in scripture. My whole point, is there are divisions within the church as Christ, too. This is well documented. How do you handle this? You say this is only 1% of the church of Christ. Please cite where you got the 1% information from. Believe it or not, Tracy and I probably agree much more with you on doctrinal matters than you realize. Tracy come from the coc as he told you. In fact a VERY hyper-con church of Christ. However, he sees the problems and hypocrisy as do I and many others are seeing.
Scott: I must address such Baptists as I do the erring Corinthians that as long as the Corinthians being a church “of Christ” had some “immature” and “babes” (1 Cor. 3), and some dead (1 Cor. 11:33ff), and yet the Corinthians were baptized in Jesus’ name (1 Cor. 1:11-13), they were thus washed being sanctified and justified in Jesus’ name (1 Cor. 6:11), and these were added to the one body by the one Spirit by this baptism (1 Cor. 12:13). Those few “immature” and “babes” among the Baptists, who were baptized in Jesus’ name for salvation to be added His Church, are certainly my brethren. I desire that they come out from under the oppression of such denominations.
Randy: I agree
Scott: Should we also question the Jews rejection of Jesus? Or permit the interpretation of the United Church of Christ to accept homosexuality and abortion while disregarding the deity of Christ? Does God not judge such infidelity?
Randy: I agree.
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You agree and yet still consider me an elitist?
You know that I do not consider the Church of Christ according to error, division, or splits. I have and will have nothing to do with such disputes unless I pursue helping those engaged in false teaching and unchristian behavior.
Why not add “United” Churches “of Christ”, Baptists, and “International” Churches of Christ to the splits among the churches of Christ? Did they not emerge from us? Some have even claimed that the Mormons “went out from us”. Add also the Catholics and the Orthodox, who went out from us. Are these all splits in the churches of Christ or are they no longer of the Church of Christ?
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I agree on “some” points from you. The conservative church of Christ do have splits. Best I can tell, you are what I would refer to as an elitist. You believe that everyone else is hellbound BUT the group you are with, right? When I say group, I am referring to the church of Christ. I cant comment much right now – still sick with the flu.
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I agree with much of the teachings of the church of Christ but NOT at the point where I am willing to say that the church of Christ ‘group’ are the ONLY saved people. Although, I disagree with the sinners prayer and other things, perhaps at baptism, God still, according to Col 2:11-12 does a work on the Baptist folk and others. who fail to understand baptism as the church of Christ.
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How are the Baptists raised with Christ, who did not die and be buried with Him to have eternal life?
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Some Baptist and other groups believe that one must be baptized to be added to the Body. So, these you except?
Regarding the ‘purpose’ of baptism, you are contending one must understand that God acts in baptism before baptism ‘takes’ ???
If one must understand part of Acts 2:38 ( for remission of sins ) before God will add them to the body, remitting their sin … does this also apply to the ending of Acts 2:38? In the church of Christ, there is some debate over the “gift of the Holy Spirit” … if one must understand “for remission of sins” before baptism is valid how can one NOT understand rest of the verse? In other words, if you can demand part of the verse be understood before God will forgive sin, then I have just as much right to demand that one understand “ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit” before baptism is valid. To be consistent, it would seem so.
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Randy: “Some Baptist and other groups believe that one must be baptized to be added to the Body. So, these you except?”
Scott: Yes, I accept that they were immersed into the Church of Christ.
Randy: “Regarding the ‘purpose’ of baptism, you are contending one must understand that God acts in baptism before baptism ‘takes’ ???”
Scott: I don’t understand this question.
Randy: “[…] In other words, if you can demand part of the verse be understood before God will forgive sin, then I have just as much right to demand that one understand “ye shall receive the Gift of the Holy Spirit” before baptism is valid. […]”
Scott: There is no debate in the since of division or argument. There are differing inferences.All churches of Christ recognize that those baptized in Jesus’ name are washed, sanctified, and justified by the Spirit being born again by the Spirit (1 Cor. 6:11, John 3:5, Titus 3:5). I’ve never heard of a single congregation bearing the name of “church of Christ” who have rejected this.
There is also no rejection of the gift of the Holy Spirit. I agree with Alexander Campbell that “the gift of the Holy Spirit” is the general giving of the Holy Spirit including the signifying gifts, the indwelling, and the sanctification and seal of the Spirit. Those immersed in Acts 2:38 may not have fully understood the gift of the Spirit either. Others may discuss differences for that I give a little attention to their reference scriptures. Concerning the indwelling, I agree with the general indwelling to be literal and also only by the Word. The mode of indwelling being personal is certainly of God’s own understanding. What are we to say about the indwelling of the Word, Christ, and God the Father? Yet, I know they also must dwell in me, and that is what matters.
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Scott. I mean no ill will at all nor am I slandering you. Okay, let me ask you this,for the record. Do you contend that denominations are lost? To put it bluntly, are Baptist lost? Just because we disagree, doesn’t mean I am condemning you. If so, could I not make that argument as well in regards to me? This is the same tactic you used on my blog when Tracy addressed you.
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This is not a tactic. You accuse me of trading Christ’s words for money and you permit slander from others as “interesting points”. Tracy charges that I think women must suffer and you permit this? He places me as a “con” or “hyper-con” and you say nothing. He slanders me claiming that I condemn people as a divisive elitist and you permit this. Tracy belittles the scriptures that teach that 2 or 3 witnesses prove the Truth and you are don’t say anything? He calls God’s providence a “cop-out” and you are fine with that? You say “I totally agree”. You assert that about me “when you’re being paid to teach something, its sort of hard to consider you might be wrong. So, Scott may not have a choice if he wants to keep a paycheck.”. Evil slander! I will never disregard Jesus Christ for silver. Tell me that the hand of God should be upon such baseless accusations. He makes unsound points off subject concerning following examples of Jesus walking from place to place as though we are inconsistent. You and he assert divisions when we are not divided and though not perfect. You assert that we in the churches of Christ somehow consider ourselves perfect when we do not. You assert that we’ve judged the souls in the denominations as though those babes within are guilty of their hierarchies’ sins. How should I react to such mischaracterization? What you call it when some charges you and your family of evil without proof? You want me to permit this?
Which Baptist do you speak of? Those who condemn the churches of Christ? Those who reject Christ’s words concerning baptism? Those who keep the Lord’s Supper from their congregations on the Lord’s Day? Those who remove baptism from the Gospel gutting the death, burial, and resurrection? Those who require the sinner’s prayer or some other man-made mode of salvation? Those who place their so-called “pastors” up like Jesus Christ above their elders (if they have any)? Those who add believers to their churches by voting? Those who promote denominationalism and accept other bodies of contrary beliefs including paido-baptism? Those who would rather be refreshed by robed singers making a show out of their worship? Those who would not permit their congregations to sing as Christ instructed free from meaningless and vain noise?
I must address such Baptists as I do the erring Corinthians that as long as the Corinthians being a church “of Christ” had some “immature” and “babes” (1 Cor. 3), and some dead (1 Cor. 11:33ff), and yet the Corinthians were baptized in Jesus’ name (1 Cor. 1:11-13), they were thus washed being sanctified and justified in Jesus’ name (1 Cor. 6:11), and these were added to the one body by the one Spirit by this baptism (1 Cor. 12:13). Those few “immature” and “babes” among the Baptists, who were baptized in Jesus’ name for salvation to be added His Church, are certainly my brethren. I desire that they come out from under the oppression of such denominations.
Should we also question the Jews rejection of Jesus? Or permit the interpretation of the United Church of Christ to accept homosexuality and abortion while disregarding the deity of Christ? Does God not judge such infidelity?
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I am using my moms PC right now while visiting here and do not have time to address this as I need to. I will, however, do so tmrw, Regarding the term hyper-con, I use that too….just short for hyper-conservative. Thanks for your comments on my blog, I will address this in greater detail tmrw. Again, please do not take things personal as if I something personal against you, because I dont. I just disagree with you on some things.
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Additionally, I’d add that not all conservatives are ‘ultra’ – ‘hyper’ in the conservative views. I know of one fellow blogger who told me that he believed other denominations would also be in heaven, including the Baptist. This man preaches at a conservative church of Christ and has been a fellow blogger with you as well. I also know of another conservative church of Christ preacher who preaches against denominations but wouldn’t say whether they are hell bound, He left that to God. Perhaps you could take up where Matt @ The 7 Ones left off. He read Todd Deaver’s book but never ever refuted anything written by Todd. The reason being Todd cited well-known church of Christ men who disagree over doctrine and used their own writings against them. My point being: there isn’t total unity within the conservative church of Christ. In fact, its denominated as other Church groups.
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I’m not putting up with anymore of your slander, Randy. Why are you asserting that I think everyone under the hierarchy of denominationalism is condemned? No one says that. I speak of false teachers and the denominational hierarchies that support them and imprison so many.
Why do you look for evil and assert such on me to condemn me? Why do you judge me as though I have judged? Why are you legalistic against legalism and yet so legalistic about your standard of grace?
Repent the judgment is coming.
My hope is in Christ. “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake” (Matt. 5:11).
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Totally lost me, Scott. I have not see where I nor LJS denied Jesus as God. In fact, I see Jesus in the Old Tetamant, too. Anyone who denies Jesus is not of God. When I say ‘church of Christ’, I refer to the conservative church of Christ, not those other groups you cited. The conservative church of Christ are NOT united on all doctrine. This has been published by a few conservative preachers like Todd Deave where its clearly shown.
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No more slander.
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Scott, I have not slandered YOU. I just have a few disagreements. As Tracy told you on my blog – RELAX. I am not personally coming at YOU at all. I agree with much of what you have on your blog. I am guess Tracy does too, since he come from the church of Christ. Again, I mean no ill will at all towards YOU. Please stop trying to make this something personal because thats not me at all. My whole beef is with how the church of Christ put on this front that they all are united in doctrine, when, in fact, they are not. Call it 1% or whatever, but this is true. I still want to know where you got the 1% from because Iv read tons of writings over the years and it sure seems greater than 1%. I doubt I comment again today, I have a touch of the flu or something. I got the flu shot yesterday….maybe a reaction to it.
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