Anglican apostasy

Cracked foundation) the divorce of King Henry the VIII.
The Anglican faith has always had an unorthodox core. King Henry the VIII actually started the split from Rome not because of theology. He was even given the title “Defender of the faith”. From the very start there was no desire to surrender to the dictates of the New Testament. Instead it was an attempt to set up a new Sovereignty, one of England. Henry desired his divorce in order to find a wife who could bare children. While this seems like a problem that could have been remedied, and a fence between England and Rome that could be mended, it had significance in which Henry’s act was every bit intentional. England was slowly developing into a national super-power. Far superior to many and later all European neighbors. Henry didn’t feel like being held back by Rome. It is probably likely, that they wouldn’t mind being the new Rome. Nevertheless, Henry was smart enough to realize that he would not be free without the snares and chains of the RCC. So he developed an independent religion. Protestants saw this as an opportunity to win their case for the Christian religion in England. However the hold of Roman Theology was already in place and the English church would struggle for centuries.
The main question concerning the Anglican Faith that is of utmost importance is “Can a Christianity survive with two versions of the gospel?

Rom 7:1 Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
Rom 7:2 For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
Rom 7:3 So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
Rom 7:4 Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
Rom 7:5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
Rom 7:6 But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

This passage may at first seem oblivious to this article. Yet we see clearly that 2 covenants can not exist simultaneously. We are born in covenant bondage to the flesh. Part of the flesh system is government or nationality. If we have 2 covenants then we are going to live in contradiction. You can not serve two masters. The Episcopal Church is under 2 masters; Catholicism and New Testament Christianity.



Unifying traditions.
The Christian Episcopalian tradition.
Heroic efforts) There where many martyrs who were set upon converting England to protestant theology. Among them Richard Hooker and Thomas Cranmer.
The born-again Anglicans eventually took over England and settled on the compromise of a Protestant theology with a Catholic ecclesiology or church structure. This moderate equation would be doomed to failure. In the next century Protestants would strive within the church for religious liberty. Meanwhile, the English church would then fall to secularism and eventually to Roman Catholicism as well.
There is to this day a remnant of protestant Episcopalians. However they are a minority. Here are some of the flaws, which the conservative Episcopalians have fallen victim to again and again as long as they survive.

Church tradition

Mat 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying,
Mat 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.
Mat 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?
Mat 15:4 For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death.
Mat 15:5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me;
Mat 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.
Mat 15:7 Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying,
Mat 15:8 This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.

The Anglican church has made it’s model to be ancient Catholicism. They hold to the early creeds and maintain a bishop system. They also practice the sacraments and have a state church.. These traditions and as we will see find there origin in man and not the New Testament. Like the tradition of the Pharisees these rituals have disrupted the faith of many believers.

State church
Key to the Anglican apostasy is the state church model. This evangelism by way of nationality may suppress some paganism, but it leads to a pagan black market. This took place with the Roman Empire in the form of gypsies and was reinvented in the form of mystics, Jesuits and now santierra. We see this manifestation making itself known in England the form of druids, Kabbalah and Masonry leading up to Wicca and the New Age.
Mat 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?
Mat 17:25 He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, 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?
Mat 17:26 Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.
Mat 17:27 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.
Here we see that the church is not indebted to the government and yet the British monarch is supposedly head of the Anglican church and “defender of the faith”.

Act 4:18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.
Act 4:19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.
Act 4:20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

When the Jewish government order the apostles to stop preaching they could not obey the government and break the commandment of Christ. Yet the British government would stamp out all ministries that were not under it’s authority. So again, the Bible is clear that churches must be free and not state run.


Episcopal Bishops
Act 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
1Pe 5:2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
1Pe 5:3 Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
1Pe 5:4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.
Whenever we see bishop rule we then see legalism, liberalism, and apostasy in that order. Our only Lord is Jesus Christ.


Infant baptism
Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Col 2:12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
Here we see the connection between circumcision and baptism is made. Many paedo-baptist have argued that Baptism must be at birth like circumcision. However vrs. 12 argues that baptism is symbolic of burial (unlike sprinkling). We also see that the connection is made through a spiritual circumcision and not a fleshly circumcision. Baptism symbolizes the resurrection “through faith in the operation of God”. Let us look at what Paul has to say about circumcision.

Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
Rom 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
Rom 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Rom 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
Rom 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Here Paul shows us that Abraham was justified by faith prior to his circumcision. That covenant sign was not the point of contact to the righteousness of God. That faith is the sole key to receiving justification.
Rom 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Rom 5:2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
Righteousness is received through faith. It can not be received through law, since the law is incapable of providing righteousness to anyone.
Rom 3:19 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Rom 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Rom 11:5 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
Rom 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
So righteousness is not obtained through law. And if justification could not be obtained through Israeli law then why would it be received through British law?

The mass
Now unlike the Roman Church, Anglicans try not to get caught up in specific doctrine concerning the Mass. Instead they resort to a doctrine of the “Mysterious Presence”. The 39 Articles actually makes a strong distinction against the Catholic mass. Yet the 39 articles lost sovereignty over the English church in the 1800’s. Also they have all maintained that this is a means of salvation or grace. At the end of the nineteenth century the tractarian society along with the ecumenical movement took hold and there was a push back towards Catholicism. In the last few years there has been much discussion over merging back towards Rome.

Many have obvious misinterpretations regarding john chapter 6.
Joh 6:32 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven.
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
The first thing we must understand is that this scene takes place before the Last Supper. Here we see the discussion revolving around bread from heaven. Jesus says there is a bread like manna in that it came from heaven. Only this is the “true bread” which “giveth life” to the world. Communion wafers are man made and have no heavenly origin. Even the RCC teaches that the substances changes and that it was originally bread and wine. They also are incapable of giving life to anyone. Because they have all died. You may argue that the mass brings eternal life. Yet how much of the mass gives eternal life? And what of those who partake of the mass for others. There is no definite understanding of how the text would fulfill this.
This is following the miracle of loaves and fishes. The symbols which we are dealing with is fish and bread, not bread and wine.
Joh 6:9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many?
Once again we see the foolishness of isogesis by the sacramentalist.
Joh 6:26 Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.
Joh 6:27 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.
Here again Christ refers to the meal as “meat which perisheth” giving reference to the fish and also giving us the impression that Christ is not talking about physical food because all physical food perishes.
Joh 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.
If this passage were referring to transubstantiation or consubstantiation, this would be a perfect question to reveal that answer. Yet, Christ refers to a different miracle. Christ refers to faith as he does elsewhere.
Joh 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
Nottice he never refers to the bread being his transubstantiated body? Jesus is literally the bread of life. He gives us access by coming to him and believing upon Him.
Joh 6:36 But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not.
Joh 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Notice how in this discussion that Jesus physically present is the subject of discussion. The topic is concerning faith in him.
Joh 6:38 For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.
Joh 6:39 And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
Joh 6:40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
This contradicts sacramentalism. God’s will is for Jesus to lose none that he saves. Yet the promise of the sacrament is fleeting else you would not have to repeat it. Also there is an offer for eternal life in this passage which is based upon faith and not the partaking of sacraments.
Joh 6:41 The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven.
Joh 6:42 And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven?
Here we see even more evidence against the mass. The people are not asking about the elements they are asking specifically about Christ. There is no discussion of what elements could do.(which would be a topic they would mind discussing if it was brought to them.)
Joh 6:43 Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves.
Joh 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:45 It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.
Here again, we see an emphasis not upon ritual but upon learning, specifically the word of God..
Joh 6:46 Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father.
Joh 6:47 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.
Joh 6:48 I am that bread of life.
Joh 6:49 Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead.
Joh 6:50 This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die.
We are to feast upon the sacrifice of Christ through faith. The promise of eternal life is based upon faith. Specifically faith in Christ.

Joh 6:51 I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.
Joh 6:52 The Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How can this man give us his flesh to eat?
Here again we see only two options. Either cannibalism or faith. There is no alternative sacramental worship offered.
Joh 6:53 Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.
Joh 6:54 Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life; and I will raise him up at the last day.
Joh 6:55 For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.
Joh 6:56 He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
Now phrase sounds rather cannibalistic and Jesus means it that way, he wants the shock value. There is no sanitizing in this passage with talk of the Lord’s Supper.
Joh 6:57 As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
Joh 6:58 This is that bread which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead: he that eateth of this bread shall live for ever.
Joh 6:59 These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.
Joh 6:60 Many therefore of his disciples, when they had heard this, said, This is an hard saying; who can hear it?
Here Christ tackles the issue again “not as your fathers did eat manna, and are dead”. Finally we see the promise that sacramentalist never will promise to fulfill, eternal life. Now, they may argue this, but if they were consistent then they would only need one offering of the mass. Even the disciples are discouraged with this doctrine. If it simply mystical formula I don’t believe they would be so disgusted.
Joh 6:61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said unto them, Doth this offend you?
Joh 6:62 What and if ye shall see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?
Joh 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.
Now Jesus gets “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” The eternal life promise flows through the word of God in the gospel not in a ritual. How does physical eating profit spiritually? Christ says “the flesh profiteth nothing”
Joh 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him.
Joh 6:65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Finally the gift of eternal life does not come from men or priest systems. They come from God the Father.

The liturgical worship
a. sacred holidays)
Col 2:16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:
Col 2:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
Gal 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Gal 4:10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
Gal 4:11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Rom 14:6 He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
b. book of common prayer)
Mat 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
Mat 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.
Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
While one could argue that there is nothing wrong in the leading of Prayer. There is nothing biblical about ones prayer life being controlled by the church. The Anglican book of common prayer is not necessarily unholy in it’s message. But it’s designs is to control the worship and souls of the laity.
Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Nicolaitane means “to conquer” the laity
Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Christians have their rights given to them by God as a result no one has the right to take away our religious liberty.

The pagan tradition
As a result of state religion many times paganism will step into the vacum of a church outside the sovereignty of Christ. The state covers all citizens and therefore the church gets polluted with all the idolatry of the land.

a. Druids) Druidism can be described as the original British paganism. The druids were a very high ranking and powerful group of witches. In fact they were so extreme that even pagan Rome had to illegalize their activities and force them underground. It would not be surprising that this form of witchcraft is alive and well under the disguise of modern names like new age and Wicca.
b. Kabbalah
One awkward sign of the preeminence of paganism is the Jewish Kabbalah. The Kabballah has played a major role in British history. Kabbalah is also one of the most powerful forms of free masonry.
c. Free Masons) Masonry is actually a continuation of the old male fertility cults. This was a continuation of paganism and is likely a continuation of the druid’s practices. To their credit the Anglicans repudiated the practices of the lodge however, as secret societies go, their have been many Anglicans who were also masons. In the USA for instance many of the Anglican founding fathers were a part of the Masonic order.
d. Naturalism/atheism) Many are quick to forget that Darwinian naturalism was in fact a British movement. Another fact the public never tends to remember is that Charles Darwin was not a trained scientist. Darwin’s degree is in theology from an Anglican seminary. Darwin was not vehemently opposed to the status quo as some would think, but instead a product of the apostate church. This is why Darwinism swept through academia so quickly. In the 1700’s naturalism had already taken hold of the higher ranks of the Anglicans. This is the reason the church so vehemently rejected revivals of George Whitefield and John Wesley. In the early 1800’s the 39 articles were already cast away as authoritative. Darwin was the missing piece of the British puzzle. It gave them precedent to shake off the bonds of Christianity. This also explains the fact that Darwin was buried in Westminster Abby implying him to be a hero of the faith. In recent times the Anglican Church gave an official apology to Darwin, as if he was ever persecuted. A poll in the 1990’s stated that 40% of British Anglican’s were Atheist
e. Theosophy) Theosophy was a return to paganism. If paganism was ever successfully shaken off in Britain. At first many Anglican scholars like B.F. Westcott and F. Hort formed groups like the ghostly guild and the British psychical society. These groups would experiment with the dead and paranormal. This is a clear violation of the OT law. (Deut.18:10-12)
f. Hinduism
When traced across the millennia it is not a well-known fact that the British and the Indians genetic and cultural relatives. This is a fact not only established by language and history but also thorugh religion. The druids interfaced a great deal with the Hindus.
It is very interesting that through the British Empire these ties were re-established. India adopted English as the national language and was able for the first time to unify the massive nation. It is no coincidence that theosophist founder Madame Blavatsky who resided in Britain made great pains to travel to India in order to seek spiritual guidance. It is also no coincidence that Rock and roll icons “The Beatles” travelled to India to gain spiritual guidance and brought back a revolution in the form of drugs and Eastern mysticism. Finally it is no coincidence that legendary pop icon Madonna converted to Kabbalah and moved to Britain while also promoting Hinduism. British paganism has always been a close sister to the Hindu Faith.
g. New Age) Many High ranking masons and Theosophist have given birth to the New Age movement. This movement is very quickly taking power over the Western World.
h. Wicca and the age of Harry Potter) Now still under the state Anglican Church we see a massive revival of Paganism with the help of the Henry Potter series. Anglicans have strongly endorsed this product and the author calls herself “Christian”.(she may be Anglican) Yet now the realm of England wicca has taken a massive foothold. Wicca is the old paganism with a makeover. There are no attempts to appear Christian or semi-Christian like before. This revitalized witchcraft religion is possibly the most powerful religion in England now.

In this generation the Anglican church is near death. Only a few orthodox churches in America and Africa have kept the gospel of salvation available. As we see the once mainline protestant people become an official cult we must remember to build our house upon the rock and not the sand.

Freedom Baptist Church Confession (revised with study notes)

I. God
We believe in the one true living God, self-named Jehovah [Y/J.H.W/V.H]. (Though also titled El, Elohim, Adonai, Theos, Kurios etc.) He is beyond all perfection. He is a spiritual, intelligent, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver and Ruler of the universe. He is all-powerful, omnipresent, omniscient, self-sufficient, unchanging, immanent, transcendent and eternal. Even greater than His attributes is His Character. God is the most Holy, all Loving, all Righteous, all Merciful, and all Wise Sovereign Lord of All. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience.
Deuteronomy 6:4, Isaiah 26:4, 2 Samuel 22:31, John 4:24, Exodus 3:14, Psalm 33:6-9, Colossians 1:17, Acts 17:24-25, Luke 1:37, Deuteronomy 3:24, 32:39, 40, Psalm 147:5, Hebrews 4:13, 1 Samuel 15:29, Isaiah 40:28-31, 57:15, Psalm 41:13, 99:9, Revelation 4:8, 1John 4:8, John 15:9, Psalm 63:3, 48:10, 50:6, Matthew 19:17, Exodus 15:3, Psalm 25:6, 36:5, Romans 11:33, 16:27, Deuteronomy 4:39, Job 25:2-3, Psalm 29:10, Acts 10:36
There is one God-head/substance of God (Elohim), which is composed of three Persons: The Father, Son/Word, and Holy Spirit. These are three distinct persons ye they composed of one ultimate substance.
Genesis 1:26, 1John 5:7 Mark 1:10-11, 2Corinthians 13:14, John 14:11, Matt 28:19
From before the beginning of Creation was the Logos/word also known as the Son. He is the second person of the Godhead trinity. According to the Father’s purpose and plan, He was manifest in the flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus originated in the virgin womb of Mary. Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament from the blood-line of Abraham and royal bloodline of David. He is the same person as the Son, yet complete in his humanity, including the mind, soul, and spirit. Though Jesus is the reflection of God and one in person He is dueled in His nature. He is both completely human and completely God.
John 1:1,14,18, Matthew 28:19, 1Timothy 3:16, Luke 1:32-35, 2:21, Colossians 2:9, 1 John 4:3, Isaiah 7:14-16,9:6

II. Creation
We believe that Jehovah created the Universe out of nothing. We believe that this took place in the first week of creation, which were literal days. We believe the spiritual realms were created during this time as well. He created multitudes of Angels of various ranks and likely races. Through the fall there was a spiritual war and left many mutations across creation whether they are unclean animals, fallen angels, demons, nephilum or reprobate.
Genesis 1, Psalms33:6-9, Exodus 20:11, Colossians 1:16, 1Corinthians 15:39-41, Revelation 12:3-4, Romans 8:19-22, Genesis 6:1-4, 7:1-10, Matthew 13:24-30.

We believe in the history of Adam and Eve and the fall in the Garden of Eden. We believe, in the historical account of the curse of the worldwide flood. We believe in the additional rebellion of mankind in the building of the Tower of Babel where ungodly religion was invented. As well as God’s curse of cultural confusion which led to a multitude of languages, ethnicities, and religion.
Genesis 1-3,6-11

III. Man
We believe Man (male & female) is the crown of creation. God decided to create Man in his image. In other words, man is a reflection of God’s attributes; Man is composed of a body, soul and spirit. The first man was Adam and his wife was Eve made from his rib. Through the deception of Satan, Adam gave away his inherited perfections by disobeying God’s commandment not to eat of the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. As a result, all people have inherited a sinful inclination across the totality of their being and been imputed the curse of death. Every person has had his or her spirit independently formed by God. God made only one race of Mankind, though they split into many nations, cultures, languages and even religions. We believe that the traditional family consists of the marriage between one man and one woman. We believe that the man and woman are encouraged to have as many children as capable. Men are to be supervisors of the family and spiritual guardians of the household. Women help fulfill the man’s destiny and are placed as the heart of the family nourishing the household.
Psalm 8:3-6, Genesis 1:26, James 3:9, 1Thessalonians 5:23, Hebrews 4:12,
Genesis 2,3, Romans 5:12, 3:10-19, Zechariah 12:1, Acts 17:26, Genesis 11, Matthew 19:4-6, Psalm 127:4-5, Titus 2:4-5, Ephesians 5:21-25


IV. The Bible
A. We believe that God has chosen to reveal His will through the revelation of Holy Scripture. The Holy Bible is ordered according to the traditional protestant Canon. The 39 books of the Old Testament agreed upon by Protestants and the Jews, as well as the 27 books of the New Testament agreed upon by Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant. God has perfectly providentially preserved these books, for us in the Hebrew Masoretic text and the Greek Textus Receptus manuscripts. The Authorized Version nicknamed “King James Version” has been the most outstanding and productive translation of these texts into the English language.
Romans 3:1-2, Acts13:49, Mark 13:10, 1Cor 14:19, Prov. 16:10, 21:1, Eccles. 8:2-4, Matthew 24:35, Luke 16:17, 1Peter 1:21-25

B. God inspired the authors of the Bible to write His very words. In His infinite knowledge God presented His revelation in a way consistent with the style, personality and character of these elect prophets to enable them to best present His words. Every author was willing to present, and was specially sanctified by God for this purpose. So though the Prophets and Apostles have written the Bible, every word finds its origin with the Father. Consequently, the Bible if properly translated and interpreted has no error in what it says directly or implies.
2Peter 1:19-21, Exodus 31:18, Isaiah 6:5-8, 2 Peter 3:2, Psalm119:89, John 16:13, Matthew 5:18, Luke 16:13, 2Timothy 3:16

C. The Bible is authoritative for all in what it says and interprets and the Christian is bound to every thing it specifically says to Christians and everything it implies; though the Christian is bound not to add to His divine revelation. The Scriptures must be judged only in light of the whole of scripture. The Bible can be understood using the historical-grammatical method of study in search of the “plain sense meaning”. With this, diligence, a godly desire to learn, and the illumination of the Holy Spirit, the Christian can eventually understand the complete direct meaning of the Bible. The centerpiece of the revelation of God is Christ Jesus.
John10:35, Habakkuk 2:2, Isaiah 28:9-10, 2Tim 2:15, 3:14-17, Matthew 15:9, Proverbs 30:5-6, Revelation 22:18-19, 1Corinthians 2:5-16, John 5:39




V. The Law
We believe that God in his infinite love has provided mankind with a direct revelation of his love, in which may follow Him and not trespass His laws, which would incur his wrath. He has provided mankind with the holy law to point us towards the light. In the Old/Mosaic covenant the Hebrews followed all the OT law in order to be sanctified and draw closer to God. In the New Testament we have a better Covenant. We draw closer to God the same way that we are justified, through faith in the saving work of Christ, living out our lives removing the sins of the flesh and growing the fruits of the spirit. The Holy Law of God is still of great use to us. The Ten Commandments serve as an infallible compass of truth. The Old Testament Law of God serves the believers as a way of wisdom, and the non-believers as a convicting schoolmaster pointing us all towards our need for Christ.
The purist summary of God’s law is that we shall love the Lord with all our heart, soul and might. And that we are to love our neighbors as we love ourselves.
Romans 13:10, Deuteronomy 30:11-19, Psalm 119:12, 18, 33-35, John 3:19-20, Galatians 3:10-11, 24-25, Psalm119: 1-3, Exodus 20:1- 17, Deuteronomy 5:1-21, Hebrews 11:39-40, Romans 7:6-25, Galatians 3:1-3, 1Timothy 1:8-11, Matthew 5:16-17



VI. The Dispensations
Through the ages God has chosen to progressively reveal His will concerning his relationship with mankind. He has revealed this through several different covenantal relationships that are known as “Dispensations”. Each dispensation is a new relationship in history whereby man is obligated to follow and God establishes blessings and curses based upon obedience. Man’s own sinful condition, and inability to have self-righteousness continuously spurs on the next dispensation. Each dispensation builds upon another drawing us to deeper need for Christ and a closer relationship with God through the history of redemption.

Colossians1:25-26, Galatians 3:17, Hebrews 1:1, Romans 9:4, Hebrews 11:40,1:2, Matthew 28:20, Ephesians 1:9-10

We understand that there are seven major dispensations, which precede the New Heavens and the New Earth. The age of Innocence which is prior to the fall in the Garden of Eden. The age of Conscience, which governed from the days of Adam to Noah. The age of Government which governed Noah to Abraham. The age of Promise, which governed from Abraham to Moses. The age of the Law which governed from Abraham to John the Baptist. The age of Grace which governs from Paul till the Second Coming of Christ. The millennial reign will last for 1000 years closing the cycle of the heavens and earth.
Genesis 2:16-17, 3:15-21, 9:1-9, 12-15, Exodus 19:20-20:18, Jeremiah 31:31-34, Matthew3:1-10, Ephesians 3, Revelation 20,21-22


VII. Israel, the Kingdom of Heaven and the local church and the Great Whore
Through the ages and dispensations God’s elect has been composed of both literal and spiritual bodies. They have always been a part of one spiritual body, the Kingdom of God. In the earthly realm the elect were historically congregated in the nation of Israel. Yet the nation transgressed God’s Law and as a result loss the blessings from God. Then they rejected the Messiah Jesus Christ. As a result, they were to be the most cursed people on earth and had a partial hardening of their people so that few have received the benefits of the New Covenant and salvation. Yet, God in his great mercy blesses the Jews when they follow him and he will not revoke his promises. Therefore in the end-times the Jews will be restored to all of their blessings, they will repent to serve Jesus Christ, they will receive the blessings of His salvation, and He will rule the world from their throne.
Exodus 19, Hosea, Jeremiah 30-31, Romans 11 Zechariah 12-14

The Local Church is the designated body of God’s elect. They are armies of the Kingdom of Heaven and the Body of Christ. However most confessors of Christ have not been born-again but fallen into apostasy. The faithful and obedient bride of Christ will stay faithful and pure to God’s Word and as a result will be Raptured away to be forever with Christ. But the unfaithful will become seduced by the Great Whore of Babylon and be in danger of God’s Judgement and condemnation.
Hebrews 12, 2Thessalonians2, Revelation 17-18

VIII. Salvation
A. Election) Before their was time, God the father purposed to present a bride to the Son, This chosen Bride is in fact a vast body of believers whom we know as the Elect. Election is the gracious purpose of God, by which He regenerates, Justifies, Sanctifies and Glorifies sinners. It is in harmony with God’s Foreknowledge of man’s free agency and choices. Though it is not founded or based upon their acts of will or work; instead upon God’s loving and gracious nature. Through this mystery God works all things for good to those who love Him.
John 17:24, John 6:36-4, Matthew 13:37-40, Ephesians 1:3-6,1 Peter1:2, Romans 8:26-30

B, Drawing) Due to its depravity, mankind has a sinful inclination to draw away from God. Therefore, upon hearing the gospel the Holy Spirit draws the recipient and reasons with their souls making them responsible to believe.
John 3:19, Romans 3:11, John 12:32, Romans 10
C. Propitiation) The act of Christ which can reconcile mankind with the father. As Law–breakers, mankind has fallen from the intended glory of God. Instead they are separated from all fellowship with God. They are destined to rot in Hades for ages until the day judgement when they will receive penalty, which is the unhindered, wrath of God. Jesus of Nazareth was the only suitable blood Sacrifice, being the only begotten of the Son of the Father. This propitiation was made potentially for all mankind. Though only effective for those who believe.
Romans 5:6-11, Hebrews 9:11-15, 1John2:2, Colossians 1:20, 1John 4:10, Romans 3:25, John 3:14-18

D. Justification) is the process where God judges a saint to be righteous and having their sins atoned for, they are imputed Christ Righteousness and therefore declared righteous, while their sins were propitiated by Jesus upon the cross. This deed is accomplished through faith alone and not with works.
Romans 3:19-27 Galatians 2:16-4:11 Philippians 3:7-10, Titus 3:3 -10

E. Adoption) this is the first fruits of justification where we have the status of adopted children of God. We’re no longer slaves but children awaiting inheritance. We are also part of the vast family of God and no longer alone. Because we are adopted however, we still retain our creaturely nature and are not to be confused with deities.
Romans8, Galatians 3,4

F. Regeneration) the process by which a Christian is “born-again”. When a saint first places faith in Christ they are indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Their spirits are given life. Their mind begins a process of being renewed. They proceed to bear the fruits of the spirit love, joy, peace, patients, kindness, goodness, faith, meekness and self-control.
John 1, 3:3-18, Galatians 5:22-23, Titus 3:5, 1John 3-5
G. Conversion) is the natural by-product of regeneration. Where by a non-believer becomes a disciple and Christian. When they are born-again inwardly they must convert outwardly. This is marked by confession of sin, confession of faith, repentance, baptism and joining with a local church. This marks the entrance in New Covenant Life and church life.
Matthew 3:1-10, Luke 3:1-22, Acts 3:19, Romans 6
H. Sanctification) The process where we cultivate our new spiritual nature and conquer the old nature of our flesh. For the believer this is a life long on-going battle. Though we can move from immaturity to maturity in our execution of the Christian life we are spiritually equal with one another being sinners saved by grace. The lifelong (yet unattainable) goal of sanctification is obey God perfectly and abstain from sin.
Romans 7-8, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12, 5:19, Hebrews 3-13, 1Peter 3
I. Perseverance) All true believers endure to the end. Those whom God has accepted in Christ, and sanctified by His Spirit, will never fall away from the state of grace, but shall persevere to the end. Believers may fall into sin through neglect and temptation, where thereby they grieve the spirit.
John 10:28-32, Philippians 1:6-12, Romans 8:26-39, 1Peter 1:2-5
J. Glorification) The final process of perfection for the saints. Saints at this point are conformed to the image and likeness of God. They are now clean and morally perfected. This is attained after death. It also includes the immortal resurrected body attained at the rapture.
1corinthians 15:50-53

IX. Church
We believe that the Christian church is a congregation gathered together based upon the faith that “Jesus is the Christ the Son of the living God”. This group was designed and formed by Jesus Christ himself. Members of Christ Church are also called his Body. They are identified as those who have confessed Christ and believe in Him and have surrendered to the New Covenant joining the church through Baptism. They preserve new Covenant membership through continued Congregation attendance and observance of the Lord’s Supper. Christ governs the church, primarily through democratic process within the membership of each autonomous congregation. The administration and teaching is headed by the Pastor/Bishop; this ministry of word is inclusive of other elders depending upon the Occasion. The New Testament limits the office of Pastor/elder to men, as do we. Deacons have an office of servitude to the community and congregation in terms of lay ministry. They are servants who by example lead the congregation in ministry and evangelism.
Matthew 16:20 Mark 2:2,14-15, Acts 2:41, 1Tim 3:15, John15: 1-12, Hebrew 10:21-25, 1cor11
The New Testament implies that the Kingdom of Heaven is a Church. It also refers to the eschatological Raptured church of the End-times (Bride). Though according to the Bible there is no such thing as the invisible New Testament church.
Hebrews 12, 2cor11, Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 4,5


X. Baptism
We believe Christian Baptism to be the immersion of a born-again believer into and out from the water in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old Life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus. It is a testimony of their faith in the final resurrection of the dead. Being a church ordinance it is prerequisite to the privileges of church membership. This is the only Christian ordinance of Baptism.
Matthew3:1-12, 28:18-20 Acts 2:38-41, 8:36-38,10:44-48, Ephesians 4:4-6

XI. The Lord’s Supper
The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the unleavened bread and the fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His Second Coming. This is a time of self-examination encouraging the sanctification of the believer. Unbelievers and those in un-confessed sin should restrain themselves for Fear of the Lord.
Matthew 26:26-30, Mark14:20-26, Luke 22:15-22, 1Corinthians11:18-34, John 13:1-30

XII. The Lord’s Day
This is a day commemorating the first day of the week when the Lord arose from the grave. It is a Christian Institution for regular observance. It is not the Old Covenant Sabbath. (The Sabbath was on the 7th day of the week) Though Christians have the freedom to consecrate it as their Sabbath. If this be the case, then it would be proper to refrain from secular and unnecessary work, to meditate throughout the day on Godly things and to refrain from worldly chatter. The day includes the observance of the Lord’s supper, the collecting of tithes and/or offerings, and the reading and preaching of the word of God. The day is inclusive of other forms of Christian worship such as prayer, music (psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs), fasting, charity, evangelism, teaching, church business etc. Though these practices are not bound to the Lord’s Day.
Mark 2: 27-28,16:1, 1Corinthians 16:1-2, Acts 20:7,Romans 14:5-7, Colossians 2:16-17 Genesis 1:5, psalm 19:4-6, John 1:4-5, Revelation 1:10, Hebrews 10:23-25, Ephesians 5:18-20, Isaiah 58:1-12, Matthew 17:20-21, Mark 16:5-10, 1Corinthians 14:40
XIII. The Great Commission
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The New Birth of man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the Birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests upon a spiritual necessity of regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations.
The gospel means God’s Word and good news. It is concerning the Life of Christ and the New Covenant. It can be summarized by the Death Burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus. It is proper to emphasize major doctrines, such as the virgin birth, the baptism of Christ, the work of Christ his crucifixion and atonement as well as the resurrection and ascension to the right Hand of the Father. The gospel can be amplified by the preaching of the word. Through the preaching of the gospel, the ministry of the Holy Spirit can be enchanced to draw the lost to Christ. Prayer may also be proper for the sake of the spiritual war.
It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness under girded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ. The Great Commission can never be fulfilled without the fruits of the Spirit, discipleship, conversion and baptism.
Genesis 12:3, Exodus 19:6, Deuteronomy 32:20-21, Jonah 4:10,Matthew 24:14, 28:18-20 Mark 14:9,16:15-16, Acts1:8, Romans 10:4-17

XIV. Cooperation and separation
We understand ourselves as humbled sinners. The preaching of the gospel is an honor. There is no hierarchy in the proclamation of the gospel and as a result, we are never to hinder anyone else in this duty, but instead to encourage such activity. If others want to join with us in ministering unto God and thereby ministering unto those in need then they are our friends. We welcome all in the cause of God.
Mark 9:37-48, 16:15, Romans 10:15, Philippians 1:14-18, 2:3-5

However, being the local church a body of Christ we are to strive to be set apart and holy. While missional labor may allow for cooperation with various Christians, in order to preserve the gospel and doctrines of the New Testament, the local bodies must be separate from error and sanctified from open and blatant ungodly sin. The church must strive for and hopefully accomplish being a consistent regenerate body.
2 Corinthians 11:2-4, 2Timothy 3:1-9, Romans 16:17, 2Corinthians 6:14-17, 2John 7-11

XV. Religious Liberty
A. God alone is Lord of the conscience, and he has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A Free Church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Genesis1:27, 2:7, Matthew 6:6-7,24, 16:26, 22:21, John 8:36, 18:36, Acts 4:19-20, Romans 6:1-2, 13:1-7, Galatians 5:1,13, Philippians 3:20, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, James 4:12, 1 Peter 2:12-17, 3:11-17, 4:12-19

B. While it is the divine right of the secular government to wage a “Just War”. It is the duty of Christians to seek peace with all men on principles of righteousness. In accordance with the spirit and teachings of Christ they should do all in their power to put an end to war. The true remedy for the war spirit is the gospel of our Lord. The Supreme need of the world is the acceptance of his teachings in all the affairs of men and nations, and the practical application of His law of love. Christian people throughout the world should pray for the reign of the Prince of peace.
Ecclesiastes 3:8, Romans 12:18-19,13:1-4, 14:19, Matthew 5:9,21-26,38-48, 6:33, 26:52 Isaiah 2:4, Luke 22:36, Hebrews 12:14, James 4:1-2



XVI. The Christian and society
A. All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. The Christian church is the only everlasting institution whereby we may properly conduct the New Testament Gospel. However other means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful, though only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 5:13-16, 1Timothy 3:15-16, Luke 10:25-37, Matthew 25:31-46, John 4:13-14 Matthew 26:13
B. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.
Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth.
Galatians 3:26-29, Acts 17:26, James 3:9, Matthew 6:24-34, 1Timothy 6:10, Luke 6:30-34, 1 Corinthians
5:9-11, Matthew 25:31-46, 5:27-30, 18:14, Psalm 139:13-17, 2Samuel 1:1-15, Matt5:1-17, Ezekiel 3:18

XVII. The work of the Spirit
Baptism of Christ marks the regulative advent of the Holy Spirit. Christ’s promise the work of the Holy Spirit. At the day of Pentecost, after the ascension, The Church was Baptized/immersed with the Holy Spirit as evidenced by the Tongues of Fire. The local church then receives power from the Holy Spirit to fulfill the great commission. Born-again Christians then independently receive gifts. The church has retained all gifts that it was endowed with that Paul recognized. Though the offices of prophet and apostle have ceased due to the completion of the canon and we no longer have their unique sign gifts. The church has retained its gifts regardless of the classification of natural or supernatural.
Genesis1:2, Joel 2:28-32, Matthew 3:11-17, Luke 3:16-22 John 14:12-17, 16, Ephesians 4:7-23, Joel; Acts 1”:5-8, 2, 1Corinthian12-14, Hebrews 2:3-5, Romans 12:3-16

XVIII. Satan and our war
We believe that there is a real spiritual person named Lucifer, Satan or the Devil. We believe He is the first being to act contrary to God’s moral Will. We believe that he is the being that tempted mankind (Adam and Eve) to bring sin into the earthly realm. We understand that Lucifer was a high ranking Angel. We understand that he has authority over a third of the angels, who are called demons. We also understand that Satan is the “god of this world” and thereby has influence over all power in worldly affairs (economic, political, religious etc.). We also understand that mankind, as a result of the fall is a child of Satan and under his dominion. We understand that Satan was cast out of Heaven, and will never have either dominion or Sovereignty. We know that Satan was also defeated through the cross of Christ and he loses authority over all that are saved by Jesus Christ. We are confident that Satan will be bound to the pits of Hades when Christ returns. We know that Satan will be thrown into the Lake of Fire at the Great White throne of Judgement.
1John 3:8, Isaiah 14:12-14, Job 1-2, Ezekiel 28:11-19, Gen1,3, Revelation 12, Revelation 20:10

XIX. End-times
We believe in the immanent and bodily return of Christ. We believe the specific date of his return is permanently removed from man’s record. We know that Jesus will return very quickly to rapture (snatch) all born again Christians into the Bride (end-times church) in the air. The will receive the bema/crowns judgement and then the 7 year tribulation period will begin. Jesus will then descend to the earth with the saints and angels to separate the sheep from the goats and begin to a 1000-year reign of Christ. During this period of worldwide peace, the devil will be restrained in the pit of Hades. At the end of which he will be briefly released for a finally battle. This will be followed by the obvious victory of Christ and the Great White throne judgement. Saints will be approved to live forever in the New Heavens and New Earth. All-non Christians will be resurrected to be Judge according to their works. Once properly indicted they will be thrown into a literal Lake of Fire in which they will burn for all Eternity in what is known as the second death.
1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:9, Matthew 24:36-42, Revelation 4:4, 19:7-9,2 Corinthians 5:10, Luke 12:30-36, Daniel 9, Matthew 24:15-35, 2thessolonaians 2:1-12, Matthew 25:31-46, Rev.4-18, Revelation 20:1-5, Mark 9:43-50

The Kingdom and the Church

The Kingdom of Heaven /Kingdom of God vrs. The Church

A. The Kingdom is the authority of God
Kingdom 932 basileia {bas-il-i'-ah}
from 935; TDNT - 1:579,97; n f
AV - kingdom (of God) 71, kingdom (of heaven) 32, kingdom (general or evil) 20, (Thy or Thine) kingdom 6, His kingdom 6, the kingdom 5, (My) kingdom 4, misc 18; 162
1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule
The one thing, which we see we understand the term “kingdom” is power. The king rules his territory. Many Christian’s think that the kingdom is referring to the people. Therefore they believe that the people have the authority of God. This is referred to today as theocracy.


The Church is the people under God’s authority
Church 1577 ekklesia {ek-klay-see'-ah}
from a compound of 1537 and a derivative of 2564; TDNT - 3:501,394; n f
AV - church 115, assembly 3; 118
1) a gathering of citizens called out from their homes into some public place, an assembly
The church literally means assembly or congregation. It is the people under the authority. The word “church” is not the most accurate translation. It comes from the word “kirke” meaning circle of the earth. His comes from the pagan worship in a circle open facility like that of Stone Hinge. The Greek word ecclesia is best-translated assembly or congregation. The first Greek to English translation by William Tyndale used the word congregation instead of church.


B. The Kingdom is invisible
Luk 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
Luk 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
The church is to be visible
Mat 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
Mat 5:15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.
Mat 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Mat 18:17 And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
This is the heart of the issue, which we must understand. The Kingdom is invisible and we do not need to build it. The church is visible and people need to be visibly gathered.
Too many religious people want to build an earthly kingdom while neglecting the church the visible body of Christ. If the church is Christ body it must therefore be physical.


C. The Kingdom is in heaven
Joh 14:2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
Joh 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

The church is here on earth
Joh 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.



D. The Kingdom will take over
Psa 2:5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.
Psa 2:6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.
Psa 2:7 I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
Psa 2:8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.
Psa 2:9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.


The church is under the authority of Christ
Eph 5:24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.



E. The Kingdom is coming
Act 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.
Act 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

The churches are already here.
Act 9:31 Then had the churches rest throughout all Judaea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.


F. The Kingdom was preach by John the Baptist
Mat 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
Mat 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

The Church was built by Christ
Mat 16:18 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.


G. The Kingdom of God will rule all
Dan 2:44 And in the days of these kings 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.

The church was adopted as royalty of the kingdom.
Gal 3:26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Gal 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
However we must be careful to remember that we do not have the inheritance of this kingdom yet..
Gal 4:1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
Though we do have authority on the spiritual plane.
Gal 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Gal 4:8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
Gal 4:9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Luk 10:19 Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.
Luk 10:20 Notwithstanding in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.
Notice, also that our authority is only maintained in the humility of our need for salvation.




Niocolaitanes
Rev 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.

Rev 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

There is a group of false teachers within the New Testament Church known as the nicolaitanes. Many scholars believe they must have antinomians because they appear in judgement next to those who teach the doctrine of balaam, which is antinomian. However, the sentence structure in Rev. 2:16 tells us that this group is separate, connected only by the fact that they were false teachers. So what did the nicolaitanes teach?
By their name we have the first clue. Nicolaitanes means “overcomers of the people.”
Ephesus was against the nicolaitanes. Their virtue was testing and finding false apostles. So it would seem likely that they hated the nicolaitanes because they were a group claiming apostolic authority.
Pergamos was a group that accepted nicolaitanes. Their weakness was allowing others to slip in orthodoxy in order to focus on persevering in faith.
So the Nicolaitanes were probably a group of professors in Christianity who claimed apostolic authority and took advantage of secular Christians becoming a type of priestly class.
It is the glorified Jesus Christ himself who hates the Nicolaitanes. The word for hate is “miseo” hate.
3404 miseo {mis-eh'-o}
from a primary misos (hatred); TDNT - 4:683,597; v
AV - hate 41, hateful 1; 42
1) to hate, pursue with hatred, detest 2) to be hated, detested

This an incredible statement since the Author of Revelation John elsewhere states that God is Love.
Why is this so?
Because…
Exo 20:5 Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me;
Exo 34:14 For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God:
Deu 4:24 For the LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.

God’s church does not take authority.
Luk 22:25 And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.
Luk 22:26 But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.
Luk 22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.
Luk 22:28 Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.
Luk 22:29 And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;
Luk 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Here we see the world system operates on philosophy of temporal power. Those who support the system are called “benefactors”.
benefactors 2110 euergetes {yoo-erg-et'-ace}
from 2095 and the base of 2041; TDNT - 2:654,251; n m
AV - benefactor 1; 1
1) benefactor 2) a title of honour, conferred on such as had done their country service, and upon princes, equivalent to Soter, Pater Patriae
This empirical system of top down authority is opposed to the Kingdom of Christ. Therefore the church must be the servants of all in obedience to the Kingdom.

Who is the final authority?

Who holds the truth?
1Ti 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.
The true church is the pillar and ground of truth. Does that mean the church is the truth?
4769 stulos {stoo'-los}piller
from stuo (to stiffen, properly akin to the base of 2476); TDNT - 7:732,1096; n m
AV - pillar 4; 4
1) a pillar 2) a column 2a) pillars of fire i.e. flames rising like pillars 3) a prop or support
1477 hedraioma {hed-rah'-yo-mah}ground
from a derivative of 1476; TDNT - 2:362,200; n n
AV - ground 1; 1
1) a stay, prop, support
Both of these adjectives say that the true church supports the truth. Yet many churches make that claim. Does Paul get anymore specific?
1Ti 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
These are signs of the true church in that true church has the true Christ.
A. God was manifested in the flesh…
Catholics and liberals have this phrase erased from their Bible. They claim to believe that Jesus is God in Human flesh, but how can they be the pillar of truth if they can not even preserve this basic verse?
Other groups (muslims, mormons, Jehovah’s Witness etc.) deny this entirely
B. Justified in the spirit…
Jesus was righteous and the spotless lamb. He was a perfect sacrifice and not the smart aleck hippies teacher of the liberals.
C. Seen of the angels…
Jesus was not inferior to any spiritual entity not Allah or Lucifer, no one will ever esteem himself higher than the Savior Jehovah. (Jesus is short for Jehovah saves)
D. Preached unto the gentiles...
Salvation is free and by his grace even the pagan unclean gentiles were offered eternal life in Christ.
E. Believed on in the world...
Christ is the historic man and Son of God spoken of 2,000 years ago. There is no knew gospel.
F. Received up into glory…
Christ did not die and spiritually ascend to Heaven. He in fact physically resurrected.

Jesus is the truth
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Jesus is the Word of God
Joh 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Joh 1:14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

The Word of God is essentially God
Joh 5:39 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
1Jo 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
If you are working and your boss gives you a comand you can not really make a strict distinction between the person of your boss and their command. The only way that you are to not follow your boss’s command is if they give you another command. The difference between a person and their message may exist yet it is insignificant.

The Bible or scriptures is the word of God
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
Luk 16:17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.
Mat 5:18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Is the paper God?
A: Of course not, but the complete revelation is the Word the second person of the trinity.
Mat 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Joh 6:33 For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.
Joh 6:34 Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread.
Joh 6:35 And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.
As we compare these two passages we can see a pattern. Man lives by the complete revelation of God. In other words the word of God. Jesus himself comes down from heaven to feed mankind. In other words Jesus is the word of God and Jesus is the revelation from scripture.
Deu 30:11 For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden from thee, neither is it far off.
Deu 30:12 It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
Deu 30:13 Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it?
Deu 30:14 But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.
Rom 10:5 For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
Rom 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
Rom 10:7 Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
Rom 10:8 But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
The logos is by nature God manifested upon the earth; The Word is the manifestation of God upon the earth.


What is the biggest difference between the word of God and the Word of Man?
A: The word of God endures forever
Mat 24:35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
Is Jesus talking about his words in general?
A: If that were the case then John has contradicted him!
Joh 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
So if this were the case then Jesus is speaking of the scriptures and not general phrases.
1Pe 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.
1Pe 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:
1Pe 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.
The Bible is not only to be preserved but it is linked with the gospel and evangelism. No version of the scriptures has made it’s way around the world like the King James Version and as a result, Peter’s prophecy finds it fulfillment in the canon of the authorized version. Catholics never cared enough to spread the word of God to the masses and fought against it. Yet the supposed Pope Peter teaches that we are born-again by the incorruptible seed of the wor
d of God and not by the sacraments of the priest.

If scripture is authoritative, who is the authority?
Catholicism’s interpretation is atheistic. They claim to need a man to interpret the Bible. If God’s Word needs a man to print it and then needs a priest class to identify it and then needs a papal man to interpret it for other men. And future councils and to span across and untold millennia then the revelation of God is flawed. Because as the Catholic Church teaches, man is sinful and therefore could misinterpret the Word of God.
New Testament Christianity leans toward the Bible to reinterpret itself. The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is the authority to guide us in interpreting the word of God.
1Co 2:4 And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power:
1Co 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.
1Co 2:6 Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:
The power of Paul’s preaching had nothing to do with his ability, his asuthority was entirely based upon the power of the Holy Spirit.
1Co 2:7 But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:
1Co 2:8 Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
The revelation of God is not based upon natural wisdom. Natural wisdom has no authority. So why did the Roman Catholic scholastic theologians based their teachings upon the writings of pagans like Plato and Aristotle instead of the word of God? For the princes taught of this very philosophy crucified Christ.
1Co 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.
The instrument of interpretation lies in the hands of the Holy Spirit. It is in the Holy Spirit that we find the truth of Christ. Notice that spirit revealed them unto “us”?
1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
In and of themselves, no man may interpret the word of God. Unfortunately this includes Popes, councils and the other cult leaders.

1Co 2:12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.
The Christian is indwelt not with the spirit of Satan but the Holy Spirit.Most all protestants and catholics recognize this fact. Paul teaches that this indwelling allows us to interpret the scriptures. The apostle John agrees with this.“1Jo 2:19-22 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son.”

1Co 2:13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.
1Co 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1Co 2:15 But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
1Co 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
We are to teach the things which were inspired by the Holy Spirit and not that which is secular. Those who are secular will reject the scripture. Without the Holy Spirit the scriptures are always rejected. The saint has a christian mind and only Godcan judge the Christian. Not to say that people can’t make judgements but that only God can do so objectively.

1Co 3:1 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
1Co 3:2 I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able.
There is a since in which we should lean towards the Christians which are more mature. At least until we can obtain that maturity. Many Evangelicals and Catholics like to have the hierarchy obtain knowledge while leaving the young members in an easily manipulated state of immaturity.

1Co 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1Co 3:4 For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?
Here we see that that this fleshly immature state is linked to the dependence upon the ministry of men instead upon God.

1Co 3:5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?
1Co 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.
1Co 3:7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
1Co 3:8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
Even Christian men of the Highest Caliber are simply servants of the one true living God. God is our source of strength; not man.

1Co 3:9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
1Co 3:10 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
We are all the work of Christ. Yet we must be very careful to how we fit in the body.
1Co 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
1Co 3:12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
1Co 3:13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
1Co 3:14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
1Co 3:15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
We need our fidelity to be based not upon religious leaders and man made theology. We need to be faithful to Christ and Christ alone. Jesus gave up his life for us, not His Sovereignty. When churches are based upon people, no matter how devout, they are not going to survive the judgement of God.

1Co 3:16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
1Co 3:17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
1Co 3:18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.
We are the temple of God and therefore have a personal relationship with God. Therefore the Holy Spirit can counsel us and illuminate the scriptures as we read them.

1Co 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.
To follow the advice of man as oppose to God is foolishness.
1Co 3:20 And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.
1Co 3:21 Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your's;
1Co 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are your's;
Notice “Cephas” which means Peter. Even Peter is not our Father, but God is.
1Co 3:23 And ye are Christ's; and Christ is God's.
1Co 4:1 Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Our head is Christ alone.
1Co 4:2 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.
1Co 4:3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self.
1Co 4:4 For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
We are therefore not accountable to man, but instead to God.
1Co 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Here we see the action of religious liberty. We focus on ourselves in order that we not get in the way of God.


But can Paul be understood?
2Pe 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.
2Pe 3:15 And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;
2Pe 3:16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
2Pe 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.
2Pe 3:18 But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen
Now Catholics use this passage to argue against the common man’s ability to read the scriptures. Let’s look at this passage a little closer.
Verse 13 states that we long for the New Heavens and New Earth where in it righteousness dwells. We see that righteousness in vrs. 14 is something we are longing for. Yet this sounds strange if the catholic is internally righteous. We are to prove that we have lived this way by the fact that as vrs. 15 we give an account of the patience of Christ as the source of our salvation. This is identified as the message of Paul. The reformation claims that it is Christ righteousness which our salvation. But the Catholic view does not make a difference between the righteousness of Christ and the righteousness of the Roman Catholic.
Verse 16 claims that some things by Paul were hard to understand. Yet the theme of salvation by grace is obviously the understandable message of Paul. Peter does not say this is the weakness of everyone. Instead it is only they that are both unstable and unlearned who twist them. Were Calvin and Luther and Erasmus unlearned? Both calvin and Luther were trained catholic priest. Luther was in fact a roman Catholic monk and doctoral Professor of Biblical studies. So according to catholic standards they were not unlearned. Both of these men were in fact very staunch in their views their entire lives, as opposed to instability. They were neither destroyed even with the threat of death constant both lived a healthy life. Though I do not endorse everything in their theology (just read past articles) They were obviously able to discern the writings of Paul.


Is scripture within tradition or is tradition within the scripture?“113 2. Read the scripture within the living tradition of the whole church “ According to a saying of the fathers, Sacred Scripture is written principally in the churches heart rather than in documents and records, for the church carries in her tradition the living memorial of God’s Word , and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture (according to the spiritual meaning which the spirit grants to the individual.”
Catholic Catechism 1996


a. Church tradition based upon church tradition is circular reasoning.
Here the catechism has based the authority of tradition based on the church fathers. Bit how do we know that the Church fathers had this authority. At which point their have been two options: an appeal to scripture or an appeal to fascism. Either they based their on the scriptures, or they would resort to violence. (for instance the inquisition)
b. The “father” quoted was Origen who would be considered a heretic.
Origen was not allowed to be a catholic Saint, because he resorted cutting his penis off in the tradition of the gnostics. He has been identified by most scholars as heretical since he taught universal salvation possibly including the devil. He denied the full deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit. He edited the Old Testament LXX to conform to Platonic philosophy. ( we see this in the Hexapla) yet this is the “father” whom they cited to ground the doctrine of tradition.
c. The OT scripture belonged to the Jews before it was ever delivered to the Catholic church.
d. The concept of church fathers is contrary to Christ teachings
Mat 23:8 But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.
Mat 23:9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven.
Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Mat 23:11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.
Mat 23:12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.
Now let’s consider this vrs. 8 states that Jesus teaches against any exaltation of religious leaders. It also states that all Christians should refer to themselves as brethren. He then explicitly orders Christians not to refer to themselves as father. Now some may want to argue that this was just referring to lay people; but let’s look at the context.
Mat 23:1 Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
Here we see the context is quite clear. It is obvious that this admonition is for apostles and followers alike. So this concept of a fatherly and priestly class to rule churches was always in contradiction to Jesus teachings.
e. Christ is Lord without any competitors.
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
Col 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
1Ti 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Mat 23:10 Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
f. Christ opposed traditions that got in the way of scripture.
Mat 15:9 But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
g. Since the scriptures are sufficient for salvation and perfect living then they must include apostolic traditions.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

What is the church based upon?
Many of us remember that famous passage on how Jesus will build his church. Let’s do something unusual and find the context of this verse fully revealed through the entire chapter.
Mat 16:1 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven.
We see in the scene, the Pharisees and Saducees who do not have faith that he is messiah, and therefore, are asking him to prove it by signs are tempting Jesus.
Nottice that what is essential to the enemies of Christ is that they lack faith.
Mat 16:2 He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red.
Mat 16:3 And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowering. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Mat 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
After rebuking them Jesus tells them that the only sign that they will know Christ has came is the sign of Jonahs. This sign was the sign of a man risen from the dead after thredays and nights of death. Faith in the Messiah is proved by faith in the risen Messiah.
Mat 16:5 And when his disciples were come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.
Mat 16:6 Then Jesus said unto them, Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Mat 16:7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, It is because we have taken no bread.
Mat 16:8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said unto them, O ye of little faith, why reason ye among yourselves, because ye have brought no bread?
Now here we see that Jesus is still rebuking the disciples for a lack of faith build a cumulative case for faith as essential to Christianity. Also we see the disciples with a fleshly understanding. Jesus taught in parables so that only those who wanted to understand would do the homework to understand. Yet the disciples are thinking without faith and thereby misunderstanding the words of Christ.

Mat 16:9 Do ye not yet understand, neither remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Mat 16:10 Neither the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets ye took up?
Mat 16:11 How is it that ye do not understand that I spake it not to you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?
Mat 16:12 Then understood they how that he bade them not beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.
Now they have been humbled enough to understand Jesus warning that they should avoid the faithless philosophy of the Pharisees.

Mat 16:13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?
Mat 16:14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets.
Mat 16:15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am?
So here we have the question concerning Christ identity, in others words who should we have faith in?
Mat 16:16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.
Mat 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.
So Peter gives what is known as the good confession. Notice if you will that this is the subject of the moment who is Christ. This was the type of Faith by which the disciples are required. It is something obtained by the power of God and not by man.
Mat 16:18 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.
Now we come to the verse. This is the “rock” upon which Christ will found the Church. The rock is the subject of the sentence. So what was the subject of the previous sentence? “it” was the subject; and what is “it”? That Jesus is “the Christ, the Son of the living God”! So this confession of Faith is the foundation of the Christian church and everything else stands or falls upon it.
Mat 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.
So Christ has given Him the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven. Now some may think that Peter has writes over Heaven and Hell. The Pope even assumes the write kick people out of the church and condemn them to Hell. However, that is the exclusive right of Christ. “Rev 1:18 I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”
Let’s look at the context, Peter had confessed faith in Jesus. This would be the “rock or foundation of faith. He was then given a name “peter” “Joh 1:42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.”
This would imply that Peter is a part of the “Rock” or a member in the body. Yet not the foundation. Peter’s keys refer to the authority he had in the initial proclamation of the gospel. However we see in the NT that he did have accountability. “Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.”

Mat 16:20 Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.
Mat 16:21 From that time forth began Jesus to shew unto his disciples, how that he must go unto Jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.
Mat 16:22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, Be it far from thee, Lord: this shall not be unto thee.
Here is a good test for the Catholic interpretation. If Peter has the infallible authority of Pope then can he rebuke Christ?
Mat 16:23 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.
It is obvious that Peter only had the Authority that Christ had given him. Peter has no power over the gospel. Instead he must apply it as God has allowed him. Such is with the Apostles and prophets. 2Pe 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Yet Bishops and Popes contradict each other all the time. How could John Pall II be against the death penalty when every pope has had an army?
Mat 16:24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
The true church does not assume earthly authority. Instead it dies to it’s own passions.
Mat 16:25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
Mat 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
Mat 16:28 Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.


The reason behind the scripture
“He is making a circular argument. A circular argument is an argument in which the conclusion is found in the premise.
“Person A: ‘I am George Washington’.
Person B: ‘How can I know it’s God’s Word?’
Person A: ‘Because I George Washington, just told you so’
“Atheist correctly accuse Protestants of using this type of argument to defend the Bible of using this type of argument to defend the Bible.
“Protestant: ‘The Bible is God’s Word’
Atheist: How can I know it’s God’s Word?
Protestant: “because it says so”
Atheist: ‘So does the Koran’”
This is a retort from a Catholic critic of mine. He argues that Biblical authority is a circular argument. Catholics however use a circular in determining their authority. They claim to have inspired authority because they can draw up a supposed geneology of Popes. Much like the evolutionist Haekyl convince academia that species are related simply because he could draw pictures of different embryos in a way to where they looked the same.

Let me finish this conversation.
“Protestant: ‘The Bible is God’s Word’
Atheist: How can I know it’s God’s Word?
Protestant: “because it says so”
Atheist: ‘So does the Koran’”
Protestant: “the problem with that argument, is that the Koran basis itself upon the Old and New Testament but then departs on Key points so it contradicts iteself.”
Athiest: “But couldn’t it still be a subjective point of view?”
Protestant: “Anything is possible, but the proof is in the putting. I told you that the Bible is God’s Word. So it will be totally true and match the world we live in.”
Atheist: That’s a little far fetched. When I was growing up I went to Catholic schools. They would claim that the Bible is the Word of God one minute and then tell me that evolution is true the next. But now I have come to realize that that’s just bull@#$% because the Bible says there was no death before Adam sinned. So God spent millions of years killing dinosaurs and cavemen before he got into Eden. That makes God look like a murderer and a %^&*ing hypocrite.
Plus, I don’t think even the popes and priests really believe all that junk in the Bible. If they did then what about the Inquisition?
Protestant: Well, first things first. Evolution is a bad joke that’s why I don’t believe it. Secondly, you are talking about Roman Catholicism and not my religion of Christianity. We have a personal relationship with God were we ask and receive the Holy Spirit of God in our spirits to make us born again. They just drip water on babies heads and say that they are born-again. By the way as a child were you confirmed?
Atheist: Yeah when I was 8
Protestants: Do you remember what you had say?
Atheist: Not a &^%* thing! Well, I guess I remember some thing about one and some bull@#$% like that.
Protestant: So do you think you had personal relationship with God?
Atheist: No, a couple priest and nuns, and their nice, but that God stuff isn’t for me and I mean I ain’t no saint..
Protestant: Problem is neither are they, they think that happens after you die. Secondly, the Bible unlike the Koran actually authenticates it’s miracles. We have archaeological proof the Jews were in Egypt and that the pharaoh’s oldest son died and they escaped the worlds most powerful empire at that time. Yet what proof is there that Muhammad came to Jerusalem on a flying beast? This sounds stupid yet the West thinks that Muslims should control Israel’s historic city of Jerusalem because of this garbage!
Atheist: Hey what about you not believing in evolution? What kind of crap is that?
Protestant: Oh, that’s just a scam? I mean how do these people know how the earth was formed?
Atheist: Well there are scientist, I mean they ought to know!
Protestant: Did you know that Darwin was not a trained scientist, but instead a trained theologian who never got access to a microscope strong enough to show cells? Besides how old is the Earth?
Atheist: uh… 3 billion years?
Protestant: how long is human history?
Atheist: About 5-20 thousand years.
Protestant: So how do we know about the billions of years
Atheist: Carbon Dating
Protestant: But you know that has been criticized and how do you really know what started the big bang or life on earth or the human brain or any of that?
Atheist: just what we think would naturally happen.
Protestant: Doesn’t that mean you are imagining what would happen without God?
Atheist: Yeah.
Protestant: Isn’t that circular reasoning?
Atheist: you have a point.
Protestant: Well, let me just tell you about Jesus…”
It is in the perfect Word of God which we find life. It is in man that we find death. The true church is fed by the word of God and supports it alone.

In Christ,
Matt