A GUIDE TO FIND THE TRUE CHURCH

A Guide To The Old Paths
The world is religiously sick in that one does not know which way to follow (Jeremiah 6:16). Man has, in his efforts to accord God an acceptable service, gone as far as propounding strange doctrines and holding to tenets that have become a complete violation of the teachings of Christ (II John 9-11; Galatians 1:8-9; I Peter 4:11).

The world has also rejected the inspired directives of the One that is vested with "all authority in heaven and on earth" (Matthew 28:18). Consequently, this rebellious act in man has supplied him with a strong delusion so that he could not see the need to secure a hopeful relationship with God in the body of Christ, the church.

Today, many have ignorantly grounded their faith in an unscriptural axiom which states that "church is not important." With this religiously bigoted belief, man has gone into a competition with Jesus in the statement "I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18). Those that have his conviction are unabashedly promoting this heretical dogma because they do not know what the Bible says about the word "church."

I reserve no blame for such people because they are unaware of the eternal purpose of God in his plan of salvation. Also I would not hold this against them for the fact that they are offspring of the great harlot and as a result have been trained to drag the church into apostasy.

It is this that the writer has taken the pain to write, without bias, a brief guide to the church of the first century which is the only true church that can survive the gates of hell. It is my plea that you should see the need, after reading through this tract, to become a member of God's saving church where His manifold wisdom is made known.

IDENTIFYING THE TRUE CHURCH
Is it possible to identify the true church in this world of increasing denominationalism? Yes, if only we can allow the Bible to be our guide. Then how can one know which is the church of the Bible? We must go back to the Bible to obtain the identification marks of the first century church and compare them with the existing churches around the world.

Naturally, for instance, if Mr. Brown is missing, the only way his parents can locate him is to gather his marks of identification and then begin to search. It is only after finding the one that matches every mark of identification used in the search that the parents would accept him as the one they were seeking.

Therefore, when one wants to locate the true church that saves, one needs to gather its identification marks. What are the identification marks? Where are they found? The Bible has the answer.


1. ITS BUILDER
In Matthew 16:18, Jesus promised to build a church, "and on this rock I will build My church." This indicates that no church can be the spiritual church unless it was founded by Jesus Christ. Therefore, any church founded by someone other than Christ is an apostate church. Many centuries before the promise to establish a church, David announced a great truth when he said, "Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it" (Psalm 127:1).

The "house of God" is shown in the New Testament to be "the church of the living God" (I Timothy 3:15). In Matthew 15:13 Jesus declared openly that "every plant which my heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted." This teaches that it is not scriptural for a man to be a member of any spiritual household, religious plant or church which was organized by anyone except Christ: "It shall be uprooted."


2. PLACE OF ESTABLISHMENT
The true church of the Bible was established at Jerusalem. If you are a member of a church that was not first begun at Jerusalem, you are not a member of God's saving family on earth.

In Isaiah 2:2-3 we have a prophecy that Jehovah's house was to be established in Jerusalem; Jehovah's house would be exalted and all nations would flow into it; and the time of fulfillment would be in the latter days. What does Jehovah's house mean? Paul, the Apostle of Christ, speaks of "the house of God, which is the church of the living God ..." (I Timothy 3:15).

Therefore, Jehovah's house in the book of Isaiah is the church, and, from this prophecy, we learn when and where it was to be established.

In Micah 4:1-2 and Zechariah 1:16 it was also prophesied that the Lord's house would be established in Jerusalem. These prophets have, through the Holy Spirit, alerted the world on where the spiritual body of Jesus Christ, the church, would first be established.
These prophecies were fulfilled thus:
*The Holy Spirit was not to come until Jesus had gone away (John 16:7) and the apostles saw Him ascend out of their sight (Acts 1:9).
*The apostles were commanded to tarry in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49), and the apostles, after His ascension, returned to Jerusalem, the appointed place (Acts 1:12).
*The apostles were to be clothed with power from on high (Luke 24:49), and this happened on the Day of Pentecost in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4).
*The Word of the Lord was to go forth from Jerusalem in the latter days (Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:1-2). And, on Pentecost Day, a stirring sermon was preached in Jerusalem (Acts 2:14-42). Peter, in his preaching, quoted Joel 12:28-32 and declared this day was the latter days. Repentance and remission of sins started in Jerusalem
*The Lord's house, the church was to be established in Jerusalem in the latter days (Isaiah 2:2-3; Micah 4:12; Zechariah 1:16).
*This prophecy came to pass at Jerusalem with the baptism of three thousand souls (Acts 2:41).
Dear friend, you need to be a member of this same church. There is no importance in church succession. But if the same seed of the kingdom that produced the church of the first century is sown today, I believe it will reproduce the true church in any community. Is that what you are doing?


3. TIME A.D. 33
The church was founded on the first Pentecost following the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. If you are a member of any church not built on the Pentecost day of A.D. 33, then you are not in the church of the Bible, and therefore should seek union with the body of Christ. This date is based on the account of Acts 2.

It is a great privilege to be a member of the church that Christ established and which He is the foundation (I Corinthians 3:11). Notice that the first apostate church started many centuries after the establishment of Christ's church.


4. ITS DESIGNATIONS
The true church has no special name, but it is spoken of in several significant applications. A critical survey of the Bible reveals that the following designations were authorized by the Holy Spirit for the church:

The body of Christ (Colossians 1:18, 24; Ephesians 4:12; 1:22-23);
The kingdom of God's dear Son (Colossians 1:13);
The house of God[/i] (I Timothy 3:15);
The church of God (I Corinthians 1:2);
The church of the firstborn (Hebrews 12:23);
The church of the Lord (Acts 20:28);
The household of faith (Galatians 6:10);
The kingdom of God (Acts 28:23, 31); and
The churches of Christ (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18.
[b]Notice that these references are not denominational names with their headquarters somewhere on earth. They do not refer to different churches established by men, but only to God's one true church. In each of these names one can see God and His Son's name being glorified. God has chosen these names for His church. Any term which is not from the Bible is not a scriptural name for the true church. Beloved, if we are professing Christianity with a name or designation that is foreign to the Bible, we are dishonoring God, Christ and the Bible.


5. NAMES FOR ITS MEMBERS
Members of the true church wore the name "Christian" (Acts 11:26(. King Agrippa knew of this name (Acts 26:28), and the first century church was admonished not to suffer any other name than the name "Christian" (I Peter 4:16). This name was the fulfillment of the prophecy that worshipers of God would "be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord will name" (Isaiah 62:2), when the Gentiles would see the righteousness of God. Along with this name, the Bible also recorded that members of the true church were known by several distinctive and significant names, among which are:

a. Disciples (Acts 20:7);
b. Saints (I Corinthians 1:2);
c. Beloved of God (Romans 1:7);
d. Brethren (I Corinthians 15:6);
e. Sons of God (Romans 8:14);
f. Children of God (I John 3:1);
g. Heirs of God (Romans 8:7); and finally,
h. Royal priesthood or priests (I Peter 2:9).

Members of the church were not called;
~Baptists,
~Methodists,
~Anglicans,
~Catholics,
~Lutherans,
~Pentecostals,
~Jehovah's Witnesses and many religious hyphenated names.

The Bible declares, "nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).


6. ITS HEAD
Paul, in his writings, depicts Christ as the redeemer, the creator, and the head of the church (Colossians 1:14-18; Ephesians 1:22-23; 4:15; 5:23; Colossians 2:10). Christ is the source of life to the church. He rules the church with divine authority. These quotations suggest that Christ has a divine head and a divine body (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23), a divine authority (Matthew 28:18), a divine practice (Colossians 3:17; I Thessalonians 5:21), a divine perpetuity (Hebrews 13:8 ) and a divine relationship with the church (I Corinthians 12:12-27; Ephesians 4:11-15; I Peter 4:8-11). Therefore, if one has developed the desire to have Christ as his head, he must be in the body or church of which Christ is the head and the Savior.


7. ONLY ONE TRUE CHURCH
The Scripture states that "there is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling" (Ephesians 4:4). This indicates that the body is one and that God loves oneness. But what does the Bible say is the body? Colossians 1:18 and Ephesians 1:22-23 are proofs that the church and the body are the same.

Therefore, if there is one body and it is the church, then there is but one true church. God does not have pleasure in denominationalism in that He does not give any man the power to duplicate churches in the name of Christianity (John 17:20-21).
The existence of denominations on earth today is the result of our inability to stay in the doctrine of Christ and to recognize Him as the only head of the church.

Brother, thank you for that very insightful message, abeg e go make sense if you fit lead by example. Abeg hunger wan kee me, no food stuff, no nothing, abeg Help me send anything abeg, here is my account details, Acc number: 0763789413
Bank name:: Access bank. Abeg hunger wan finish me
Pls abeg be a doer of the word please. Thank you, and May the almighty God bless you. Amen.

@OP, though I'm not in the mood type now, but I will point out one of the errors you made there.
First, you said any church that didn't start from Jerusalem is not church.

Pls how did you come about this ?
Are you sure you're not mistaking diffrent denominations as diffrent Churches? bcs the church of Christ is one with different members, which represent, different denominations and individuals, different nations and races. 1Cor 12:12-13 pls read

The church ( Ecclessia ) which is the body of Christ, comprises of different people from different races and so on has nothing to do with physical structures, or buildings which some people erroneously term as "church.

Yes, the church may have started from Jerusalem, it doesn't mean that every denomination also should start from Jerusalem. However, anywhere the people gather together in the name of Jesus Christ and on the apostolic foundation is church of God ! Be it on the mountain or in the valley, provided they have common belief, which faith in God the Father, the Virgin birth of Christ, his crucifixion, death and resurrection, and complete acceptance of Jesus lordship, being the Son of God, and the indwelling and the authority of the Holy Spirit, that gathering is "church of the living God". Matt 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

Any individual who repents and confesses Jesus, believing in the death and resurrection of Christ, and get baptized, having the Holy Spirit indwelling him is a member of the body of Christ, location and denomination notwithstanding!

8. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS
Men were not called members of the New Testament church by a decision to join it in a crusade or by filling out a form. They were not known as members because their parents were prominent members of the church. The Scripture, the standard of authority, has provided some conditions for an alien sinner who wants to become a Christian. Notice that to become a member of this church is to become a Christian.

The conditions are:
~Believe in Christ (John 8:24; Hebrews 11:6);
~Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30-31; Luke 13:3-5);
~Confess your faith in Christ Jesus as the Son of the living God (Romans 10:9-10). Confession of sin is only for those who fall away from the faith (I John 1:7-9) and not for alien sinners, and finally;
~Be baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16).

The purposes of baptism are:
*To wash away sins (Acts 22:16).
*For the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
*To enter into the one body, the true church (Acts 2:47; I Corinthians 12:13).
*To become a member of God's kingdom (John 3:3-5).
*To be saved (Mark 16:16; I Peter 3:21).
*To put on Christ (Galatians 3:27).
Baptism is not pouring or sprinkling as it is being practiced by some denominations. It is a figure of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ[/b] (Romans 6:3-5). Its action is immersion (Acts 8:38-39). Baptism does not require examination or official aptitude tests whereby if one fails he may be restricted from it. Finally, an infant is not a subject for baptism.


9. ITS WORSHIP
All religious services in the first century were commanded to be done in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) and also to be decent and in order (I Corinthians 14:40). The first century church met for worship on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:2) and their worship was simple and based entirely on the command of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible reveals only five items of worship and they are:

A. Singing (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12). This was done without the use of mechanical instruments. The fact that David commanded the use of instrumental music in Jewish worship (Psalm 150) does not indicate that Christians can do so today. The Bible specifically states that we are not under the Old Testament Laws (Hebrews 1:1-2; 8:6-9; Galatians 3:24-25; Colossians 2:14-15). The first century church did not have choristers to sing for them or any type of mood music to entertain the saints. Moreover, the Greek word which is translated sing in the English Bible does not mean to "play an instrument." Therefore, instrumental music in worship today is rebellion against God's will concerning the Christian worship.


B. Praying:
The only way man can talk to God is by praying. The Bible states that the early Christians were commanded to pray everywhere (I Timothy 2:8 ), without ceasing (I Thessalonians 5:17) and in every situation (Acts 12:5; 16:25; Romans 8:26). The denominational practice that permits a woman to lead prayers in church (where both men and women are present) is against the command of the Holy Spirit (I Corinthians 14:34; I Timothy 2:8 ).

C. Teaching or preaching:
It is God's will that Christians should study His written word so that they would not go away from the doctrines of Christ (II John 9). The following quotations point out that teaching or preaching was important and was a practice in the church of the first century (Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 14:23-26; Romans 1:15; I Timothy 3:15; Acts 2:42). Christians were commanded to study to show themselves approved as workmen that needed not to be ashamed (II Timothy 2:15) so they would be able to give an answer to questions concerning their faith (I Peter 3:15). In I Timothy 2:11-12 and I Corinthians 14:34-35, the Scripture commanded that women should not teach or preach but to learn in silence with all subjection. But women can teach children and other women (Titus 2:3-5), and also men in private situations (Acts 18:26). This is the command of God to those who are spiritually gifted (I Corinthians 14:37) and a violation of it does mean that we are children of disobedience.

D. Lord's Supper:
Before the death of Christ, He instituted a feast and commanded the apostles to observe it as a memorial of His death till He would come again (Matthew 26:26-29; Luke 22:13-21). Then, the apostles commanded the church to do it as the Lord instituted (I Corinthians 11:23). This was a weekly feast in the first century (Acts 20:7) and was meant to be done on no other day than the first day of the week. Nowhere in the Bible do we read of monthly, quarterly, or yearly communion services. The early Christians partook of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine regularly on every first day of the week. They also did observe this feast in a worthy manner (I Corinthians 11:27-28). All Christians are qualified to eat with Christ (I Corinthians 11:23-36).

E. Giving:
Collections of the Saints is an act of worship. By this collection of their individual means the early Christians supported their ordained missions. Apostle Paul commanded that it should be done on the first day of the week (I Corinthians 16:1-2). There was no tithing, class fee, seed faith box or New Year offering in the original church. They did give as they were prospered and purposed in their hearts (II Corinthians 9:6-7). God is seeing our individual giving and will share His blessing accordingly. The examples of God-approved givers are the Macedonians who gave beyond their power (II Corinthians 8:1-4) and the poor widow of Mark 12:41-44 who gave all she had. The Bible says that "It is more blessed to give than to receive"
(Acts 20:35).


10. ITS MISSION
The mission of the church is three-fold. The church of the first century preached the gospel (Mark 16:15; I Thessalonians 1:8; Philippians 4:14-18 ), helped those in need (Acts 4:34-35; 6:1-7; I Timothy 5:16) and edified its members (Ephesians 4:11-16). Any church that does not have these as its mission is not the church of the Bible.


11. ITS DOCTRINE
The doctrine of the original church is based on the Bible only. The early Christians accepted the revelations from the Holy Spirit without addition, subtraction or substitution (Revelation 22:18-19; Galatians 1:6-11). A sensible motto rightly states: "If a human creed contains more than the Bible it contains too little, but if it contains the same thing as the Bible, we do not need if anyway." Therefore, the catechism, church manuals, confessions of faith, canticles are not needful today because they are works of uninspired men. The early Christians did not have them in their worship as they knew such would change the doctrines of Christ. The New Testament was their guide!


12. ITS ORGANIZATION
The early church had reverently recognized Christ as its head (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 5:23; 20:17-18) and each congregation was under the elders (Acts 14:23; 20:17-18) who were assisted in their work by the deacons (I Timothy 3:1-13); Philippians 1:1). It also had evangelists who publicly proclaimed the gospel (II Timothy 4:5; Ephesians 4:11). The organizational structure of the early church was according to God's command. The Lord's church has no earthly head or headquarters and neither did it have national or international man-made organizations. Every local congregation was independent and had every right to exist without the oversight of an older congregation.
The present practice of one elder or single pastor over God's church is unscriptural. The Bible says, "Appoint elders in every city" and not one "elder" (Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5). There should be a plurality of elders (who are the same as bishops and pastors) in every church. These names were interchangeably used (Acts 20:17, 28 and I Peter 5:1-2).
It was a departure from God's pattern that gave rise to synods, general councils, assemblies, conferences, presbyteries, etc. in the religious world. This is the result of a full-grown apostasy from the New Testament pattern of government and organization. Also, all religious titles are not scriptural.
It is not wise in a religious sense to call a man by the title: Reverend, Father, Apostle, Prophet, Master, Pope, Cardinal, Archbishop, Archdeacon, Pastor, etc. (Read Matthew 23:8-10.) Terms like elder, deacon, evangelist are scriptural but cannot be used as a title.
The True Church Was Undenominational
The church of the Bible was never a denomination. The word denomination means a division by name which also, in a religious sense, signifies a sect or party.
The original church was not a division of any other church. It was not a Jewish synagogue as the Old Testament had been fulfilled and done away before the church was established (Romans 7:1-4; Colossians 2:14-17; Hebrews 8:8-13). It was not a protestant denomination as all denominations of our day were established by men hundreds of years after A.D. 33 (Mark 9:1; Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 47). The practices such as prayer altars, voting on baptismal candidates, mechanical instruments of music in worship, universal and territorial organizations, etc. were not in the original church.
Finally, the true church was not the Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church did not exist in a full-grown state until A.D. 606, nearly 600 years after the true church was established. Moreover, their cardinal doctrines do conflict with the doctrines of the true church.
The original church is that one fold mentioned in John 10:16. There is only one body and it is the church of Christ on earth. This is the body that Christ is the head (Ephesians 4:4; Ephesians 5:22-23).


13. CHURCH DISCIPLINE
The early Christians did not compromise sin. This was an obedience to the Holy Spirit command to withdraw from an unruly brother (II Thessalonians 3:6). In spite of the Bible record that God was a God of love (I John 4:8 ), He is also a God of severity (Romans 11:22).
The Lord intended that the true church should exercise discipline so as to bring the erring ones to repentance before it was too late (I Corinthians 5:5). Discipline can not wreck a local congregation as it did not weaken the early church (Acts 5:1-11, 14).
Therefore, as Paul would not compromise sin at Corinth (I Corinthians 5:4-5) but rebuked a tolerance of sin in that church, any congregation that overlooks discipline today is not the true church and cannot lead one to heaven.
The Holy Spirit warns that sin should be publicly rebuked (I Timothy 5:20). There was no back-bench and suspension system of discipline in the true church.
Beloved, the above mentioned marks of identification were taken from a concise study of the Bible and not from a biased mind. You are sincerely requested to compare these with that of the church you are attending or other churches around you. If they do not agree with the doctrines of the church you attend, then you have ample opportunity now to fight for your salvation by leaving your traditions behind and taking the Bible as your guide and only standard of authority in religion. You need to become a member of the body where salvation is possible. God loves you and needs you in His Family, the church of Christ, which is God's kingdom on earth (John 3:16; II Peter 3:9).

For further study of the Bible,
or a place to worship, please contact
the Church of Christ nearest you.

...the churches of Christ salute you....
Romans 16:16

Read to the end and reflect on it. Forget about what you have already known. Read with open and not biased mind. All your answers are in the body of the message. Thank you very much.

Samunique:
@OP, though I'm not in the mood type now, but I will point out one of the errors you made there.
First, you said any church that didn't start from Jerusalem is not church.

Pls how did you come about this ?
Are you sure you're not mistaking diffrent denominations as diffrent Churches? bcs the church of Christ is one with different members, which represent, different denominations and individuals, different nations and races. 1Cor 12:12-13 pls read

The church ( Ecclessia ) which is the body of Christ, comprises of different people from different races and so on has nothing to do with physical structures, or buildings which some people erroneously term as "church.

Yes, the church may have started from Jerusalem, it doesn't mean that every denomination also should start from Jerusalem. However, anywhere the people gather together in the name of Jesus Christ and on the apostolic foundation is church of God ! Be on the mountain or in the valley, provided they have common belief, which faith in God the Father, the Virgin birth of Christ, his crucifixion, death and resurrection, and complete acceptance of Jesus lordship, being son of God, and the indwelling and the authority of the Holy Spirit, that gathering is "church of the God". Matt 18:20

Any individual who repents and confess Jesus, believing in the death and resurrection of Christ, and get baptized, having the Holy Spirit indwelled him is a member of the body of Christ, location and denomination notwithstanding!

Paracletos, did you compose this yourself or you copied from somewhere?

Edited.

Obviously you copied and pasted.

It, therefore, means that you will not be able to answer the questions thrown at you.

Ask your questions. I will know if you have read the soul saving message or not.

elated177:
Paracletos, did you compose this yourself or you copied from somewhere?

Edited.

Obviously you copied and pasted.

It, therefore, means that you will not be able to answer the questions thrown at you.

Going by your lengthy epistle the true church are not well organized as a group so how are they going to serve the purpose Jesus foretold about them? Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus also spoke about false religious groups {Matthew 7:16-18} claiming Christians and carrying along with them millions into destruction! Matthew 15:14
Jesus also said there will be an identification mark of LOVE among his true followers {John 13:34-35} so how can that be possible if they're not well organized and orderly different from all other groups? John 15:19

Samunique:
@OP, though I'm not in the mood type now, but I will point out one of the errors you made there.
First, you said any church that didn't start from Jerusalem is not church.

Pls how did you come about this ?
Are you sure you're not mistaking diffrent denominations as diffrent Churches? bcs the church of Christ is one with different members, which represent, different denominations and individuals, different nations and races. 1Cor 12:12-13 pls read

Let's read this portion.

1 cor.12:12-13
"12 For as the body is one, and hath many members(body parts), and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one abody, whether we be Jews or be Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit"
This portion is pointing out the similarly between our individual body and the church. As your body have many members e.g. head, eyes, nose, heart, hands, legs etc., so is the church with many members; e.g. Bro. Israel, Bro. Paul, Sis. Elizabeth, Sis. Mary etc.
It should be made clear here that each individual have their own body parts, and no unique person have multiple body parts in one body.
All the saved are supposed to be in the same one body of Christ and none else.
It does not refer to many denominations as Paul had cautioned against such division in 1 Corinthians 3:3-9.

Samunique:
The church ( Ecclessia ) which is the body of Christ, comprises of different people from different races and so on has nothing to do with physical structures, or buildings which some people erroneously term as "church.

There is nowhere in my writeup have I mentioned that the church refers to physical structure.

Samunique:
Yes, the church may have started from Jerusalem, it doesn't mean that every denomination also should start from Jerusalem. However, anywhere the people gather together in the name of Jesus Christ and on the apostolic foundation is church of God ! Be it on the mountain or in the valley, provided they have common belief, which faith in God the Father, the Virgin birth of Christ, his crucifixion, death and resurrection, and complete acceptance of Jesus lordship, being the Son of God, and the indwelling and the authority of the Holy Spirit, that gathering is "church of the living God". Matt 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

@ the bolden; that is your personal mortal opinion and in matters of God, personal opinions cannot override the command and inspired instructions of God. Perhaps if you can support your opinion with correct Bible portion that is not quoted out of context, then that's great.
Secondly, @ the italics; one of the reasons people misinterprete the Bible is their inability to study the context in the portion supplied.
Let's read Matt. 18:17 "

Matthew 18:17-20

New International Version (NIV)
Matthew 18:17-20
New International Version
17 If they still refuse to listen, tell it to the church; and if they refuse to listen even to the church, treat them as you would a pagan or a tax collector.

18 “Truly I tell you, whatever you(the church) bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.

19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you(church members) on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”{for it is only the church, the saved of the blood of Jesus Christ that are gathered in the name of God and God with is them}.
Note also that the statement "whatsoever ye bind on earth shall be bound in heaven" does not refer to any other group but church, as the same statement was made to Peter in Matt. 16:19, immediately Jesus declared that He would BUILD HIS CHURCH. So the statement of authority is only for the members of that church Christ promised to build. Read also Matt. 28:18-20.

Samunique:
Any individual who repents and confesses Jesus, believing in the death and resurrection of Christ, and get baptized, having the Holy Spirit indwelling him is a member of the body of Christ, location and denomination notwithstanding!

This is correct except that the italic...
The term denomination means DIVISION and Christ doesn't have any part in division. Jesus preached ONENESS of His body, the church. All His Apostles preached ONENESS of Christ body. It is only the false teachers and prophets that are being used to cause division in the church. But know the truth and you will be set free.
Thanks.

I'm sorry to disturb you, now i know we've met before so try to win souls for your God.


Meanwhile:
©The true church will be globally recognized as a group of active preachers and teachers zealously and industriously doing the work of their Master! Act 1:8
©They will have the same line of thought on issues related to sacred services! John 17:20-23; 1Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3
©They will not lift up weapons against their fellowman {Isaiah 2:4} because they're not in support of any human government! John 15:19
©They will have LOVE among themselves to the extent that people the world over will notice and continue acknowledging the bond within them! John 13:34-35
©All religionists will hate and continue to vilify them! Matthew 10:22-25; John 17:14

So you can now continue with your Epistles let's see how many will agree with your pointless arguments!

PARACLETOS:


Which of the teachings of Christ and His Apostles are OBSOLETE?

If your founder Rutherford and Russell had consistently preached and published ONLY THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST, would you now retract and make those teachings OBSOLETE?

What does the Bible say about a building built on WRONG OR FAULTY FOUNDATION?

THE WATCHTOWER WITNESSES AND THE ORGANIZATION WAS BUILT ON A FALSE, LIES, ERROR, PERVASIVE, AND OBSOLETE FOUNDATION

MaxInDHouse:
Going by your lengthy epistle the true church are not well organized as a group so how are they going to serve the purpose Jesus foretold about them? Matthew 5:13-16
Jesus also spoke about false religious groups {Matthew 7:16-18} claiming Christians and carrying along with them millions into destruction! Matthew 15:14
Jesus also said there will be an identification mark of LOVE among his true followers {John 13:34-35} so how can that be possible if they're not well organized and orderly different from all other groups? John 15:19

Yes this ONE TRUE CHURCH is "working out their salvation with fear and trembling..." Philippines 2:12., "studying always to be approved, rightly dividing the word truth..." 2 Tim. 2:15.
The church tries to exercise true LOVE as in 1 Corinthians. 13:1-8. The church is not BOASTFUL, NOT SHOWING OFF WHAT IT DOES, NOT COMPETING etc as seen in other organisations of the world.

MaxInDHouse:
I'm sorry to disturb you, now i know we've met before so try to win souls for your God.


Meanwhile:
©The true church will be globally recognized as a group of active preachers and teachers zealously and industriously doing the work of their Master! Act 1:8
©They will have the same line of thought on issues related to sacred services! John 17:20-23; 1Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3
©They will not lift up weapons against their fellowman {Isaiah 2:4} because they're not in support of any human government! John 15:19
©They will have LOVE among themselves to the extent that people the world over will notice and continue acknowledging the bond within them! John 13:34-35
©All religionists will hate and continue to vilify them! Matthew 10:22-25; John 17:14

So you can now continue with your Epistles let's see how many will agree with your pointless arguments!

All the issues you have raised are secondary and I will thoroughly attend to them in the light of other scriptures.
But I want you to trace the ORIGIN OF YOUR ORGANIZATION FROM OLD TESTAMENT TO NEW TESTAMENT WITH THE MARKS OF IDENTIFICATION TO THE TIME OF THE ESTABLISHMENT... DOES IT ALIGN WITH THE SCRIPTURES? That's the essence of this thread.

PARACLETOS:

All the issues you have raised are secondary and I will thoroughly attend to them in the light of other scriptures.
But I want you to trace the ORIGIN OF YOUR ORGANIZATION FROM OLD TESTAMENT TO NEW TESTAMENT WITH THE MARKS OF IDENTIFICATION TO THE TIME OF THE ESTABLISHMENT... DOES IT ALIGN WITH THE SCRIPTURES? That's the essence of this thread.

God's Organization can't be traced in that way because if you do then you'll condemn Jesus just the same way the learned religious scholars of Jesus' day traced Christianity and ended up condemning Christianity till today!

All what you need is the MARK of identification that will help people to recognize pure worship when it begin manifesting. Act 2:16-18

So if you're trying to correlate what the Bible said of course you can't be versed in the scriptures like the Pharisees who condemned Jesus after searching through the scriptures {John 7:52} without thinking about the sign of the presence of the Messiah! Matthew 16:1-4

Instead of confusing yourself on what you can never resolve why not focus on the Mark of pure worship? You will only continue to write epistles upon epistles and frustrated as your audience will continue arguing with you all in the name of the same Jesus! Luke 11:23

MaxInDHouse:


God's Organization can't be traced in that way because if you do then you'll condemn Jesus just the same way the learned religious scholars of Jesus' day traced Christianity and ended up condemning Christianity till today!

All what you need is the MARK of identification that will help people to recognize pure worship when it begin manifesting. Act 2:16-18

So if you're trying to correlate what the Bible said of course you can't be versed in the scriptures like the Pharisees who condemned Jesus after searching through the scriptures {John 7:52} without thinking about the sign of the presence of the Messiah! Matthew 16:1-4

Instead of confusing yourself on what you can never resolve why not focus on the Mark of pure worship? You will only continue to write epistles upon epistles and frustrated as your audience will continue arguing with you all in the name of the same Jesus! Luke 11:23

The church of the Bible was in the mind of God and therefore is traceable in the scriptures. Jesus fulfilled the century old prophecy, yet you think it is not necessary to trace it. If you have studied the above soul saving article, you will not say what you just said.

As Jesus was not concerned about what his audience thought about his truth, I am not concern too. My own is to point out your errors and plead that you come back to Jesus and be part of the body He purchased with His blood. Act. 20:28-31.

If your organisation started in any other place than Jerusalem on 33AD, then stop trying to defend it. The foundation is faulty.

I will advice you to study and restudy the article with open heart, topic by topic.... After which I will have a discussion with you on how to assist you become a member.

MaxInDHouse:


God's Organization can't be traced in that way because if you do then you'll condemn Jesus just the same way the learned religious scholars of Jesus' day traced Christianity and ended up condemning Christianity till today!

All what you need is the MARK of identification that will help people to recognize pure worship when it begin manifesting. Act 2:16-18

So if you're trying to correlate what the Bible said of course you can't be versed in the scriptures like the Pharisees who condemned Jesus after searching through the scriptures {John 7:52} without thinking about the sign of the presence of the Messiah! Matthew 16:1-4

Instead of confusing yourself on what you can never resolve why not focus on the Mark of pure worship? You will only continue to write epistles upon epistles and frustrated as your audience will continue arguing with you all in the name of the same Jesus! Luke 11:23

Do not try to summarize the message with a biased mind, treat it topic by topic from the first topic to the last.
You can notice that all the topics have their corresponding verses of the scriptures to support it. No scripture is quoted out of context.

I have no problem with your research Sir.

I only have two questions for you and will be glad if you can answer in just few sentences.

(1) Are you saying people can worship the same God irrespective of the religious group or Organization they choose to associate with?

(2) How can interested individuals know what Jesus really teach since we all know that there is contradictions in the teachings of the churches?

Please try to summarize your response in few sentences!

PARACLETOS:

Do not try to summarize the message with a biased mind, treat it topic by topic from the first topic to the last.
You can notice that all the topics have their corresponding verses of the scriptures to support it. No scripture is quoted out of context.

MaxInDHouse:
I have no problem with your research Sir.

I only have two questions for you and will be glad if you can answer in just few sentences.

(1) Are you saying people can worship the same God irrespective of the religious group or Organization they choose to associate with?

(2) How can interested individuals know what Jesus really teach since we all know that there is contradictions in the teachings of the churches?

Please try to summarize your response in few sentences!

1. There is but ONE ORGANIZATION OF GOD'S PEOPLE. THE CHURCH JESUS PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD. Eph. 4:4, Acts. 20:28-30.
All other organisations are man made and so I have no business talking about them.

2. If the teachings and marks of identification of the group is in line with what the prophets prophesied about, what Christ promised and it came to fulfillment, of what He also taught about and instructed his Apostles to teach about, that's the true Church.

PARACLETOS:

1. There is but ONE ORGANIZATION OF GOD'S PEOPLE. THE CHURCH JESUS PURCHASED WITH HIS OWN BLOOD. Eph. 4:4, Acts. 20:28-30.
All other organisations are man made and so I have no business talking about them.

2. If the teachings and marks of identification of the group is in line with what the prophets prophesied about, what Christ promised and it came to fulfillment, of what He also taught about and instructed his Apostles to teach about, that's the true Church.

Good!
So i'm worshiping with the true church just as everyone else have concluded based on their own PERSONAL research. Since you can't point to any group then there is no need to worry everyone can figure out what is right regarding the church of God!.

Thanks for your time!

MaxInDHouse:


Good!
So i'm worshiping with the true church just as everyone else have concluded based on their own PERSONAL research. Since you can't point to any group then there is no need to worry everyone can figure out what is right regarding the church of God!.

Thanks for your time!

When and where was your organization established to align with the prophecy of the scriptures?

MaxInDHouse:


Good!
So i'm worshiping with the true church just as everyone else have concluded based on their own PERSONAL research. Since you can't point to any group then there is no need to worry everyone can figure out what is right regarding the church of God!.

Thanks for your time!

@ the bolden.... It clearly shows you never read through the message.

PARACLETOS:

When and where was your organization established to align with the prophecy of the scriptures?

You never mentioned any Organization so everyone can choose the one that align with their perspective of the prophecies in the scriptures!

MaxInDHouse:


You never mentioned any Organization so everyone can choose the one that align with their perspective of the prophecies in the scriptures!

You have shown that you never read through the message.
Why should I continue to attend to you when you have clearly shown that you are not ready to learn, but only to ask questions to which answers are in the message.

PARACLETOS:
Ask your questions. I will know if you have read the soul saving message or not.

I think you and your brother, maxindahouse, should argue it out.

However, know this:

2 Timothy 2: 19  Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “YHVH knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of YHVH must turn away from wickedness.”

El Elohe Yahshrael!

elated177:


I think you and your brother, maxindahouse, should argue it out.

However, know this:

2 Timothy 2: 19  Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “YHVH knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of YHVH must turn away from wickedness.”

El Elohe Yahshrael!

Pick a topic from the message that you feel is not scriptural let's discuss.
I have no time for personal opinions

PARACLETOS:

You have shown that you never read through the message.
Why should I continue to attend to you when you have clearly shown that you are not ready to learn, but only to ask questions to which answers are in the message.

Continue my friend, according to your write-up each person can design the yardstick for pure worship based on their perspective of the scriptures.
So don't worry i'm worshiping with the true Church as far as i know!

elated177:

I think you and your brother neighbour maxindahouse, should argue it out.
However, know this:
2 Timothy 2: 19  Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “YHVH knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of YHVH must turn away from wickedness.”
El Elohe Yahshrael!

Sorry he can't be my brother when we're not related in any way, so he is my neighbour!

MaxInDHouse:


Continue my friend, according to your write-up each person can design the yardstick for pure worship based on their perspective of the scriptures.
So don't worry i'm worshiping with the true Church as far as i know!

You are avoiding taking the scriptural test. Why not pick up the challenge of proving your organisation as the true one in line with the scriptures?
Prove yourself as a workman that needed not to be ashamed, but rightly dividing the word of truth.

PARACLETOS:

You are avoiding taking the scriptural test. Why not pick up the challenge of proving your organisation as the true one in line with the scriptures?
Prove yourself as a workman that needed not to be ashamed, but rightly dividing the word of truth.

I don't need to prove anything to you after all you said each person can figure out on his own so if you won't mention the Organization you worship with there's no need worrying about mine.
You believe that you're in the right place just as i also believe i'm in the right place!

MaxInDHouse:


I don't need to prove anything to you after all you said each person can figure out on his own so if you won't mention the Organization you worship with there's no need worrying about mine.
You believe that you're in the right place just as i also believe i'm in the right place!

The Bible says the church would be established at Jerusalem... Did yours start at Jerusalem?
The time for the establishment was 33 AD... What year was yours established?

A Simple GUIDE TO FIND THE TRUE CHURCH

A Guide To The Old Path

MaxInDHouse:


I don't need to prove anything to you after all you said each person can figure out on his own so if you won't mention the Organization you worship with there's no need worrying about mine.
You believe that you're in the right place just as i also believe i'm in the right place!

This is the second time you have ran away from scriptural challenge.
THE WATCHTOWER WITNESSES ARE FALSE PROPHETS AND AGENTS OF ANTICHRIST AS FORETOLD IN THE SCRIPTURES.
Russell and Rutherford prophesied that the world would end in the year 1914, 1925, 2000..... Here we are in the world!

Jehovah's Witnesses is the name of my church so mention yours before we can continue the conversation or forget it. After all it's what you feel that's the yardstick not what everyone feels!

PARACLETOS:

This is the second time you have ran away from scriptural challenge.
THE WATCHTOWER WITNESSES ARE FALSE PROPHETS AND AGENTS OF ANTICHRIST AS FORETOLD IN THE SCRIPTURES.
Russell and Rutherford prophesied that the world would end in the year 1914, 1925, 2000..... Here we are in the world!

MaxInDHouse:
Jehovah's Witnesses is the name of my church so mention yours before we can continue the conversation or forget it. After all it's what you feel that's the yardstick not what everyone feels!

Do not continue to ridicule yourself for asking for the church of which I am a member. It shows that you never read through the article. I will advise you to go back and read then you will see your question answered.