The physical church I go to is about 12 years old. The senior pastor has been serving the Lord for close to 50 years. What's the point?
The Church of Christ started with His disciples in the sense that you mean. I believe it is in the book of Acts where the words "church in the wilderness" was used, describing the Israelites. "We" are the church, those who follow Christ.
The idea that what has evolved into the Roman Catholic Church of today was what was in existence from the date you mentioned is silly. We are to go from glory to glory in our walk with the Lord. This holds true for institutions also.
The fact that so few are anywhere near what they started out to be (and you can mention the Lutheran, Episcopal etc. alongside the Catholic church) speaks volumes to the fact that rather then adhering to the principles of Christ, they instead chose to adopt man made thoughts.
If it's not in the Word, leave it alone. Unfortunately, churches like the Catholic church, have made a mockery of God's authority with doctrines such as Papal Infallibility.
There are protestant churches also that put leadership in an "untouchable" position. Fortunately, most of them are small and the only people hurt are those directly involved.
I am not against any catholic, but the teachings of Catholicism are way off base in light of what is given in Scripture.
Let me ask you. Do you read your bible on a regular basis? Do you consider other christians (who are not catholic) your brethren with equal standing before God? If so, you're in the minority. Again, don't be prideful because you're in THE church. If you really are, then you won't gloat over it as you do.
The fact that I am "saved" is nothing at all I can brag about. The fact that I go to a "spirit-filled" church with upright leadership is also nothing I can brag about. It is all by God's grace. The only thing I could POSSIBLY brag about is that I desire truth and He has placed me during my walk with Him in places where "Truth" has been exhibited. Even the inward desire for truth is nothing I can take credit for. I wouldn't have it if He didn't put it there. |
