THE MODERN-DAY RELIGIOUS FRATERNITY

[Buff Scott Jr.]

The Modern-Day Religious
Fraternity
[Might She Possibly Become Extinct?] ​

If I might firmly herald that contemporary churches need to totally reform themselves. Once this has been accomplished, they will cease being divisive churches and become concerned communities and evangelistic alliances. Once reformation has run its course, there will no longer be Methodist Christians, Lutheran believers, Baptist disciples, Presbyterian pilgrims, Church of Christ devotees, Episcopal servants, Christian Church adherents, Roman Catholic advocates, or any other partisan sect.

Under this umbrella, all of those who are God’s children will be one family, one nation under Jesus the Messiah, one community, one body, and one colony—just as it was 2,000 years ago. Our membership [citizenship] will be in heaven, not placed in some rival sect or church. “But our citizenship is in heaven,” Paul proclaimed [Phil. 3:20].

Therefore, let us no longer set up “consecrated stones” in the form of church structures, for they have become our idols and images. Protestants and Catholics have set up their elaborate edifices and crosses and view them as sanctuaries and revered designs. Oh, there may be a few exceptions, but the rule seems to be universal.

There’s an old maxim, “Our heart is where our money is.” If we will but consider the hundreds of thousands of dollars—yea, even millions—spent on church structures, designs, religious inventions and edifices, and compare that amount to the few dollars we spend on seeking and saving the lost and feeding the genuinely poor, we don’t need a professor to locate our hearts. If this isn’t idolatry, I’ve lost my ability to reason.

We fail to see that God no longer “lives in temples built by [human] hands” [Acts 17:24]. His only sanctuary today is the believer’s heart [1 Cor. 3:16]. But try telling this to the average pew-warmer. He views his church edifice and its “sanctuary” as holy places and feels he must go there to worship and make contact with his God. However, his “sanctuary” is no holier than the building’s toilets.

All of this translates into idolatry, whether practiced by Protestants or Catholics. How in heaven’s name did we ever get this way? Most of the blame may be placed upon the shoulders of the professional clergy. They devise and invent and create and lead and we blindly follow. Are we no longer capable of thinking independently? Where have all the free-thinkers gone? Why have we succumbed to being robots?

The great apostle Paul told the men of Athens, “I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an alter with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ ” It was then that Paul informed them that the authentic God who made the world and everything in it no longer lives “in temples” [structures] “made by man” [Acts 17:22-28].

Men seem to learn but little from history. Moved with pride, swept with unreasoning fears, in every generation there are those who spend their time and money to erect the same idols and to perpetuate the same errors of their sectarian forefathers. There has never been a human idol erected that did not betray God’s trust and eventually bring disaster to its erectors and their idolatrous followers.
​

<><><>

A Personal P. S.
I defected the institutional church decades ago in favor of freedom in Jesus.—Buff.​

 

[Arch Stanton]

​

Therefore, let us no longer set up “consecrated stones” in the form of church structures, for they have become our idols and images. Protestants and Catholics have set up their elaborate edifices and crosses and view them as sanctuaries and revered designs. Oh, there may be a few exceptions, but the rule seems to be universal.​

The Catholic/Orthodox Church have Christ in the Eucharist --residing in the Tabernacle.

 

[donadams]

The Modern-Day Religious
Fraternity
[Might She Possibly Become Extinct?] ​

If I might firmly herald that contemporary churches need to totally reform themselves. Once this has been accomplished, they will cease being divisive churches and become concerned communities and evangelistic alliances. Once reformation has run its course, there will no longer be Methodist Christians, Lutheran believers, Baptist disciples, Presbyterian pilgrims, Church of Christ devotees, Episcopal servants, Christian Church adherents, Roman Catholic advocates, or any other partisan sect.

Under this umbrella, all of those who are God’s children will be one family, one nation under Jesus the Messiah, one community, one body, and one colony—just as it was 2,000 years ago. Our membership [citizenship] will be in heaven, not placed in some rival sect or church. “But our citizenship is in heaven,” Paul proclaimed [Phil. 3:20].

Therefore, let us no longer set up “consecrated stones” in the form of church structures, for they have become our idols and images. Protestants and Catholics have set up their elaborate edifices and crosses and view them as sanctuaries and revered designs. Oh, there may be a few exceptions, but the rule seems to be universal.

There’s an old maxim, “Our heart is where our money is.” If we will but consider the hundreds of thousands of dollars—yea, even millions—spent on church structures, designs, religious inventions and edifices, and compare that amount to the few dollars we spend on seeking and saving the lost and feeding the genuinely poor, we don’t need a professor to locate our hearts. If this isn’t idolatry, I’ve lost my ability to reason.

We fail to see that God no longer “lives in temples built by [human] hands” [Acts 17:24]. His only sanctuary today is the believer’s heart [1 Cor. 3:16]. But try telling this to the average pew-warmer. He views his church edifice and its “sanctuary” as holy places and feels he must go there to worship and make contact with his God. However, his “sanctuary” is no holier than the building’s toilets.

All of this translates into idolatry, whether practiced by Protestants or Catholics. How in heaven’s name did we ever get this way? Most of the blame may be placed upon the shoulders of the professional clergy. They devise and invent and create and lead and we blindly follow. Are we no longer capable of thinking independently? Where have all the free-thinkers gone? Why have we succumbed to being robots?

The great apostle Paul told the men of Athens, “I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an alter with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ ” It was then that Paul informed them that the authentic God who made the world and everything in it no longer lives “in temples” [structures] “made by man” [Acts 17:22-28].

Men seem to learn but little from history. Moved with pride, swept with unreasoning fears, in every generation there are those who spend their time and money to erect the same idols and to perpetuate the same errors of their sectarian forefathers. There has never been a human idol erected that did not betray God’s trust and eventually bring disaster to its erectors and their idolatrous followers.
​

<><><>

A Personal P. S.
I defected the institutional church decades ago in favor of freedom in Jesus.—Buff.​

How can there be unity of persons without unity of faith?

Thks

 

[donadams]

I defected the institutional church decades ago in favor of freedom in Jesus.—Buff.

But Jesus establish the universal apostolic church! Matt 16:18-19

Christ and His church are one! Acts 9:4 eph 5:32 Jn 15:4-5 eph 5:24

I’m you reject the church you must by definition reject Christ who founded it, same with His divine revelation.

She you must be outside the new covenant kingdom of God is you refuse to obey the ones Christ sent?

To the apostles:

Lk 10:16
He who hears you hears me...

John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Thks

 

[Buff Scott Jr.]

How can there be unity of persons without unity of faith?

Thks

If by "unity of faith" you mean unity of doctrine/beliefs, there will never be unity. The early believers had unity in diversity. Ample scriptures confirm this. That's the only unity available today.

I assume you are united with many of your fellow brothers. Yet not two of you agree perfectly on all matters! You are united in diversity.

Buff​

 

[Buff Scott Jr.]

I defected the institutional church decades ago in favor of freedom in Jesus.—Buff.

But Jesus establish the universal apostolic church! Matt 16:18-19

Christ and His church are one! Acts 9:4 eph 5:32 Jn 15:4-5 eph 5:24

I’m you reject the church you must by definition reject Christ who founded it, same with His divine revelation.

She you must be outside the new covenant kingdom of God is you refuse to obey the ones Christ sent?

To the apostles:

Lk 10:16
He who hears you hears me...

John 13:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Thks

If you have been following me, you should know that "church" is a total mistranslation of the Greek ekklesia. For if ekklesia renders "church," there was one under Moses. [See King James' Acts 7:38.]

Jesus founded one body of believers [Eph. 4:4], a redeemed community, a congregation of saints. But not once did He found a "church." For if He did, which one among the hundreds of denominations did He establish? All of these denominations are divisive religious parties/sects. Yet God has children among most of them.

Buff​

 

[donadams]

If by "unity of faith" you mean unity of doctrine/beliefs, there will never be unity. The early believers had unity in diversity. Ample scriptures confirm this. That's the only unity available today.

I assume you are united with many of your fellow brothers. Yet not two of you agree perfectly on all matters! You are united in diversity.

Buff​

Then I must assume that you reject the sound doctrine that our holy religion is: revealed by God, and in its fullness by Christ to His apostolic church, who is commanded to teach and sanctify all men unto eternal salvation?

Christians must be taught or instructed, according to the sense which the perpetual consent of the Catholic Church hath held and expressed, as commanded by Christ! Matt 28:19-20 acts 1:2

Lk 1:4
Matt 28:19
Lk 10:16
Jn 20:21
Acts 8:31
Titus 1:9
Titus 2:12
Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…

No Christian has the authority to read scripture for yourself and decide your own doctrines or beliefs! “One faith” Eph 4:5 Thee faith once handed to the saints” Jude 1:3

Members of the communion of saints must submit to the teaching of the apostles the light of the world and the pillar of truth! Matt 5:14
1 Tim 3:15

Christ is king and demands obedience in His kingdom, and to His authorized ministers!

Jesus Christ and His church are one acts 9:4 eph 5:32 and the only means of salvation! Matt 28:19


Jesus Christ extends his mission, power, and authority to His church of His apostles! The apostles have the same mission, ministry, power, and authority as Christ! Jn 20:21 as the father sent me, so I send you!

Even His judging!
Matt 19:28 and 1 cor 6:2
His teaching authority!
Matt 28:19 and Jn 20:21
His power to forgive sins!
Jn 20:23
Jn 17:22 / rom 2:10 / 1 pet 1:7 Christ shares His glory with His saints!
His being the light of the world!
Matt 5:14
Must hear church Matt 18:18
His ministry of reconciliation!
2 cor 5:18
His authority in governing the church and administering the kingdom!
Matt 16:18-19 & 18:18 Jn 21:17
Lk 22:29
Apart from me you can do nothing. Jn 15:5
Acts 2:42 doctrine of the apostles!
So the church is subject to Christ!
Eph 5:24
Christ shares His glory! 2 thes 1:10 rev 12:1

The pillar and foundation of TRUTH!
1 Tim 3:15

Thks

 

[donadams]

If by "unity of faith" you mean unity of doctrine/beliefs, there will never be unity. The early believers had unity in diversity. Ample scriptures confirm this. That's the only unity available today.

I assume you are united with many of your fellow brothers. Yet not two of you agree perfectly on all matters! You are united in diversity.

Buff​

I assume you believe unity can be based on error or false doctrine?

Jn 8:32 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.

The opposite is also true, false doctrine will put you in bondage!

Thks

 

[donadams]

E

If you have been following me, you should know that "church" is a total mistranslation of the Greek ekklesia. For if ekklesia renders "church," there was one under Moses. [See King James' Acts 7:38.]

Jesus founded one body of believers [Eph. 4:4], a redeemed community, a congregation of saints. But not once did He found a "church." For if He did, which one among the hundreds of denominations did He establish? All of these denominations are divisive religious parties/sects. Yet God has children among most of them.

Buff​

Explain please

Dan 2: 44 And in the days of these kings (Roman Caesars) shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.

Isaiah 2:2
And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Micah 4:1
But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

Daniel 6:26
I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

Daniel 7:14
And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.

Daniel 7:18
But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.

Matt 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Lk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;

 

[Buff Scott Jr.]

Then I must assume that you reject the sound doctrine that our holy religion is: revealed by God, and in its fullness by Christ to His apostolic church, who is commanded to teach and sanctify all men unto eternal salvation?

Christians must be taught or instructed, according to the sense which the perpetual consent of the Catholic Church hath held and expressed, as commanded by Christ! Matt 28:19-20 acts 1:2

Lk 1:4
Matt 28:19
Lk 10:16
Jn 20:21
Acts 8:31
Titus 1:9
Titus 2:12
Colossians 2:7
Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught…

No Christian has the authority to read scripture for yourself and decide your own doctrines or beliefs! “One faith” Eph 4:5 Thee faith once handed to the saints” Jude 1:3

Members of the communion of saints must submit to the teaching of the apostles the light of the world and the pillar of truth! Matt 5:14
1 Tim 3:15

Christ is king and demands obedience in His kingdom, and to His authorized ministers!

Jesus Christ and His church are one acts 9:4 eph 5:32 and the only means of salvation! Matt 28:19


Jesus Christ extends his mission, power, and authority to His church of His apostles! The apostles have the same mission, ministry, power, and authority as Christ! Jn 20:21 as the father sent me, so I send you!

Even His judging!
Matt 19:28 and 1 cor 6:2
His teaching authority!
Matt 28:19 and Jn 20:21
His power to forgive sins!
Jn 20:23
Jn 17:22 / rom 2:10 / 1 pet 1:7 Christ shares His glory with His saints!
His being the light of the world!
Matt 5:14
Must hear church Matt 18:18
His ministry of reconciliation!
2 cor 5:18
His authority in governing the church and administering the kingdom!
Matt 16:18-19 & 18:18 Jn 21:17
Lk 22:29
Apart from me you can do nothing. Jn 15:5
Acts 2:42 doctrine of the apostles!
So the church is subject to Christ!
Eph 5:24
Christ shares His glory! 2 thes 1:10 rev 12:1

The pillar and foundation of TRUTH!
1 Tim 3:15

Thks

Well, here is something else for you to consider:

One of the most crushing blows against Catholicism’s claim that Peter was the first pope is that Peter never once made such a claim. He wrote two of the Bible’s letters, I Peter and II Peter, but in neither does he identify himself as pope, pontiff, bishop, “Holy Father,” or “Bishop of Rome.” Instead, he introduces himself as an apostle and servant, the same titles and level of function as the other apostles.

Additionally, in Acts 2, on the birthday of the Christian community, where Peter is recorded to have spoken extensively about the risen Lord, not once does he refer to himself as pope or “Head of the Church.” I find this rather baffling, for all popes, since the office was formed in about the third or fourth century, have identified themselves as pope or pontiff in all of their documents.

Consider​

 

[donadams]

Well, here is something else for you to consider:

One of the most crushing blows against Catholicism’s claim that Peter was the first pope is that Peter never once made such a claim. He wrote two of the Bible’s letters, I Peter and II Peter, but in neither does he identify himself as pope, pontiff, bishop, “Holy Father,” or “Bishop of Rome.” Instead, he introduces himself as an apostle and servant, the same titles and level of function as the other apostles.

Additionally, in Acts 2, on the birthday of the Christian community, where Peter is recorded to have spoken extensively about the risen Lord, not once does he refer to himself as pope or “Head of the Church.” I find this rather baffling, for all popes, since the office was formed in about the third or fourth century, have identified themselves as pope or pontiff in all of their documents.

Consider​

Isa 22:21-22 father (pope means papa) with key of authority over the kingdom

Matt 16:16-19 Peter declared blessed, head of the church (on earth) key (signs) of jurisdictional authority

Matt 17:27 It is Jesus Christ who identifies peter with himself.

Jn 21:17 Peter entrusted with the flock or church

Acts 15:7 God chose Peter


Acts 4:8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said unto them, Ye rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

3rd time for Peter to receive “spirit baptism”! He must be special for some reason! Jn 20:22 acts 2:4


1 pet 2:25 For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.

No reason to give the person of Peter the keys of the kingdom, “Thee outward sign” of jurisdictional authority if not to govern and administer the kingdom until Christ returns in glory!

Matt 16:17-19
Why is Peter even mentioned?
Why does Jesus change His name?
Why does Jesus say Peter is blessed?
Why does Jesus give Peter the keys of the kingdom (jurisdictional authority)
Why does Jesus give Peter power to bind and loose?
Why does scripture say God chose Peter? Acts 15:7
What does Peter standing up signify? Acts 1:15 & 15:7


Matt 16:17
Jesus declares Peter’s person not confession to be blessed!

Peter is the rock chosen by God!

Peter’s person is blessed and chosen not Peter’s confession?

Peter’s person has the keys of jurisdictional authority!

Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

God chose Peter!

Matt 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.

17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Is Peter’s person blessed or Peter’s confession?
Does Peter’s confession or Peter’s person receive divine revelation?

18 And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

When God changes a man’s name abram to Abraham or Jacob to Israel or Simon to Peter it signifies an office!

Is Peter’s person or Peter’s confession who’s name is changed?

And! Peter and rock are the same!

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Does Christ gives the keys to Peter’s person or Peter’s confession?

Does Christ give the power to bind and loose to Peter’s person or to a confession?

Did the Father send Christ or a confession of Christ?

Jesus Christ is the rock of salvation!

Peter is the rock that the church is built on by Christ!

Christ sends Peter not his confession!

Lk 22:32
Jesus prays for Peter alone, and instructed peter to minister to the other apostles

Jn 21:17 Peter entrusted with the flock or church

Only Peter and His successors have
Jurisdictional authority from Christ to govern the church!

Already acting in the person of Christ even acting as intermediary!

It is Jesus Christ who identifies peter with himself!

Matt 17:24 And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the houser, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

27 Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

It is Jesus Christ who identifies peter with himself! Matt 17:27

Jesus Christ gives the keys of the kingdom to peter matt 16:18-19 making him prime minister applying Isa 22:21-22 to peter

It’s Christ who does this

Why is the name of peter even mentioned?

Why does Christ change Peter’s name, God changing a persons name like Abram to Abraham or Jacob to Israel always signifies a mission or ministry!

Why does Christ give him the keys of jurisdictional authority that the prime minister holds under the king to administer the kingdom? Isa 22:21-22

How do you govern the church and administer the kingdom with a confession?

How do you give jurisdictional authority to a confession? (Keys of the kingdom)

How do you give a confession the power to bind and loose?

 

[donadams]

also have to explain
Isa 22:21-22 jurisdictional authority of the keys and called father
Matt 28:19 go teach baptize
Jn 20:21-23 same mission power and authority as christ
Eph 2:20 church built on the apostles
Matt 23 successors of Moses have the jurisdictional authority and the power to bind and loose which Christ says must be obeyed, then taken from them matt 21:43 given to Peter and the apostles and their successors

Lk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: (plural Peter and his successors)
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.



Applies only to Peter as “prince of the apostles”!

Peter and his successors are the Leader of the apostles and the head of the church until Christ returns!

First and chief apostle!

Matt 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter,

Lk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: (plural Peter and his successors)
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Lk 22:32 Christ prayed for Peter!

Peter is head of the church on earth in the place of Christ until His return!

Isa 22:21-22 21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.

22 And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Matt 16:19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

Matt 23:1 power and authority of the kingdom known in the keys and binding and loosing, Matt 21:43 kingdom shall be taken from you given to another who will bear fruit. (Peter the apostles in holy church Lk 22:29)

Matt 17:27 Jesus identified peter with himself.

Matt 16:17 Peter alone received revelation from the Father

Lk 22:32 Peter to strengthen his brethren (the apostles)

Jn 21:17 feed my sheep

Peter exercises his authority over the apostles in the church!

Acts 1:15
Acts 3:4
Acts 5:5 5:10
Acts 10:44
Acts 15:7

ONLY TO PETER CHRIST SAID: THOU ART PETER AND UPON THIS ROCK I WILL BUILT MY CHURCH, AND THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT!Matt 16:18

Peter is the prime minister, father, and head of the church on earth until Christ returns Isa 22:21-22

Seat of peter remains Until Christ returns
Matt 16:18-19


Matthew 5:14
Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.


Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

4 important questions:

1) How do you govern the church and administer the kingdom with a confession?

2) How do you give jurisdictional authority to a confession? (Keys of the kingdom)

3) How do you give a confession the power to bind and loose?

4) why did Christ give the keys to Peter (and only to Peter) keys of jurisdictional authority. Isa 22:21-22 why even bother to mention Peter if he is not involved?

Explain Jn 20:21 Peter and the apostles and their successors have the same mission, ministry, power, and authority as Christ! “As the father sent me, so I send you”!

Matt 28:19 christ communicates his authority to peter and the apostles to teach all nations, baptize all disciples!
Jn 20:21-23 apostles even have authority to forgive sins
Eph 2:20 church built on the apostles
Matt 23 the authority and power of the successors of Moses required to be obeyed are taken from them and given to Peter and the apostles

Jn 21:17
Peter commanded to Feed my sheep:

 

[donadams]

If by "unity of faith" you mean unity of doctrine/beliefs, there will never be unity. The early believers had unity in diversity. Ample scriptures confirm this. That's the only unity available today.

I assume you are united with many of your fellow brothers. Yet not two of you agree perfectly on all matters! You are united in diversity.

Buff​

What happened to scripture anyway? Don’t you obey scripture?

Romans 15:6
That ye may with one mind and onemouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Philippians 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

All Christians are to agree and believe the revelation of Jesus Christ as taught by His command! Matt 28:19 Matt 18:17

Thks

 

[donadams]

What house is this?

Heb 10:21 And having an high priest over the house of God;

1 Tim 3:15 But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

 

[Mr GLee]

Peter is the rock that the church is built on by Christ!

That should be easy to see .

Slowly prayerfully

Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Is Peter the father in heaven,as self revealing ?And there is no need for a invisible Holy Father, the head of the Church ?

It's why we loving commanded to call no man on earth Holy Father Holy See , Prince of the Apostles (etc) Why must you apply that to the Pope .

Will you obey the loving commandment today or continue to call dying mankind . . Holy Father etc.

Did flesh and blood Peter dying mankind reveal it to his own self. And that is why Peter our brother in the Lord was empowered rebuked the God of heaven a forbid the Son Jesus of man from doing the will of the one Father in heaven?

Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

What is the object lesson above? Peter, our brother in the Lord is the key unlocked the gates of hell ??

 

[donadams]

That should be easy to see .

Slowly prayerfully

Matthew 16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

Is Peter the father in heaven,as self revealing ?And there is no need for a invisible Holy Father, the head of the Church ?

It's why we loving commanded to call no man on earth Holy Father Holy See , Prince of the Apostles (etc) Why must you apply that to the Pope .

Will you obey the loving commandment today or continue to call dying mankind . . Holy Father etc.

Did flesh and blood Peter dying mankind reveal it to his own self. And that is why Peter our brother in the Lord was empowered rebuked the God of heaven a forbid the Son Jesus of man from doing the will of the one Father in heaven?

Matthew 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee. But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men.

What is the object lesson above? Peter, our brother in the Lord is the key unlocked the gates of hell ??

Then what is?

 

[Mr GLee]

Then what is?

The word it represents the power of the Holy Spirit. It reveals the will of our invisible God.

The Holy Father performed the work in Peter's new, born- again heart (flesh and blood)....... Not coming from Peter (flesh and blood) . Just like any born again Christian (flesh and blood)

God revealing himself to sinners.

Mathew16:17 And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.

 

[Buff Scott Jr.]

MORE ON ROMAN CATHOLICISM​

The Catholic Hierarchy has paid out billions of dollars to settle cases of sexual molestation and homosexuality. How unholy must these “Holy Fathers” (popes) become before they lose their “holiness”? How unfaithful must these “Holy Fathers” become before “the faithful” become a laughing stock of the nations? If this is what Jesus founded, I’ll settle for atheism instead. But praise His Name, He did not usher in a religious system that is and has been pregnant with all manner of evil from its very genesis. But here is more data about the Catholic Papacy and her practices and teachings:​

• It was not until after the fifth century the Roman Church was completely organized. She did not have an Archbishop until the end of the fourth century, and it was centuries later before she had Cardinals and Popes (Catholic Ency., Vol. IX, p. 61, and Catholic Ency., Vol. IV, p. 44). Yet this “Holy See” claims that her Popes and Cardinals can be traced back to the first century A. D. and that Peter was the first Pope. This is Catholicism against itself.
  
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• According to Ancient Civilizations, (2002, Times Books), between 327-750 A. D., Rome, Antioch, and Alexandria had Bishops who were major figures, but no pope yet. The Bishop of Rome claimed preeminence as the direct successor of Peter.
  
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• “The religious use of incense was unknown in the primitive Church” (Cath. Dic.,p. 437).
  
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• “In the Middle Ages and in modern times various sects have repudiated infant baptism. It is difficult to give strict proof from Scripture in favor of it” (Catholic Dic.,p. 61).
  
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• Infants were not baptized during the early years of the Christian community. “There is no express mention of the baptizing of infants in the New Testament” (Question Box,p. 243).
  
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• When the Catholic sect began to teach the doctrine of original sin in the fourth and fifth centuries, it became necessary to initiate infant baptism. “When in the fourth and fifth centuries the doctrine of original sin and consequently the necessity of baptism for all became better known, the practice of infant baptism progressed rapidly” (Legislation on the Sacraments in the New Code of Canon Law,p. 72).
  
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• The use of “Holy Water” and incense was borrowed from the pagans. “Moreover, the use of holy water and incense was also no doubt suggested by similar customs amongst pagans around them” (Catholic Ency., Vol. III, p. 76).​

The Worship Of Images And PopesThe Roman Catholic clergy and their followers will tell you they do not bow down and pray to and worship images, statues, and idols. But according to Catholic history, they do.​

• An image bowed its head to St. John Gaulbert while he kneeled and prayed before it (Butler’s Lives of the Saints,p. 247). Yet Catholics deny they bow before and pray to images, statues, and idols.
  
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• Catholics deny worshipping the pope. Their own history testifies against them. Kissing of the pope’s foot was done as early as the eighth century and was done as an “act of reverence by which all the faithful do honor him as the Vicar of Christ” (Catholic Ency., Vol. XII, p 270).​

 

[donadams]

There is only one church founded and built by Christ (Jn 10:16 Matt 16:18) it is of divine origin and CANNOT BE REFORMED!

Truth is the “Word of God” and is revealed by God and cannot be reformed or limited to Sacred scripture!

 

[TATII]

If I might firmly herald that contemporary churches need to totally reform themselves. Once this has been accomplished, they will cease being divisive churches and become concerned communities and evangelistic alliances. Once reformation has run its course, there will no longer be Methodist Christians, Lutheran believers, Baptist disciples, Presbyterian pilgrims, Church of Christ devotees, Episcopal servants, Christian Church adherents, Roman Catholic advocates, or any other partisan sect.

Greetings Buff,

I hear you here…the idea that “contemporary church need to reform themselves” lends itself to the idea that they are not who they should be…right? Are you suggesting that they “can” reform themselves?

Under this umbrella, all of those who are God’s children will be one family, one nation under Jesus the Messiah, one community, one body, and one colony—just as it was 2,000 years ago.

Well I can assure you that as you rightly note…though there is massive division in the “church”…the “one nation…one community…one body…one colony…under Yahshua” that came forth 2000 years ago as you suggest…might I add…that it has continued to “grow” think “mature” since then…under His love and direction…unto this day.

Our membership [citizenship] will be in heaven, not placed in some rival sect or church. “But our citizenship is in heaven,” Paul proclaimed [Phil. 3:20].

Buff…brother…our citizenship is in heaven now…right? That’s what Paul wrote…and that is what sets us apart from the denominational world do you agree?

Therefore, let us no longer set up “consecrated stones” in the form of church structures, for they have become our idols and images. Protestants and Catholics have set up their elaborate edifices and crosses and view them as sanctuaries and revered designs. Oh, there may be a few exceptions, but the rule seems to be universal.

There’s an old maxim, “Our heart is where our money is.” If we will but consider the hundreds of thousands of dollars—yea, even millions—spent on church structures, designs, religious inventions and edifices, and compare that amount to the few dollars we spend on seeking and saving the lost and feeding the genuinely poor, we don’t need a professor to locate our hearts. If this isn’t idolatry, I’ve lost my ability to reason.

We fail to see that God no longer “lives in temples built by [human] hands” [Acts 17:24]. His only sanctuary today is the believer’s heart [1 Cor. 3:16].

Well said Buff…

Tatwo...