Where is God's TRUE CHURCH? (Jesus Christ, Earth, beliefs, grace)

[standing_alone]

Originally Posted by Squirt

It doesn't seem to me that we can simply dismiss the importance of (1) true doctrines and (2) authorized leadership.

I guess I should have clarified that these various people scattered about the globe and about different denominations and sects and such would believe in what would be considered "true doctrine" and wouldn't the only "authorized leadership" that matters be the leadership of God himself?

Originally Posted by Squirt

But just to clarify one thing... I don't believe that even if there is a single Church that fits the criteria we're looking for, that makes all other Churches corrupt and evil and all of their membership a bunch of heretics.

And I should probably clarify that I'm not a Christian nor believe in an Abrahamic God, so I'm really just arguing this point just because I find it interesting and not because I really believe it.

[alexander garcia]

Hi,My opinion is that A follower of the truth would call true followers out of the lies. In scripture you have it speaking of being perfect and how to tell the true from the lie. If you can find where they are not holding to the clear word of the Almighty then get away from them. read 1 John chapter 3 and see what it says about who is who. Reality if I believe there is but one creator as the scriptures state and some one else believes in three gods (trinity) we don't believe the sametrue? Or do you think that if you call on Allah is it the same as calling on Elohim? Also the name Jesus Christ is a false name that started as IESOUS in Greek. It is the same as if you believe that child molesters are true followers? Scripturetells you that if some one calls themselves a brother and he is commiting sin know not to even eat with them.

[TheTruthWillSetUFree]

Originally Posted by Squirt

I disagree. It doesn't seem to me that we can simply dismiss the importance of (1) true doctrines and (2) authorized leadership. I don't think it is possible for there to be more than one Church that teaches only true doctrines (without any false ones mixed in), nor do I think God would authorize more than one Church to operate under His Authority. I disagree with TheTruthWillSetUFree, however, that that Church has to exist somewhere. I think it would be theoretically possible for there to be no "100% true" Church on the face of the earth today.

But just to clarify one thing... I don't believe that even if there is a single Church that fits the criteria we're looking for, that makes all other Churches corrupt and evil and all of their membership a bunch of heretics.

They may not all be corrupt and evil,but if they teach the wrong message,they cant be the TRUE CHURCH.

[Squirt]

Originally Posted by dorcas3000

I have one question... In the Mormon church, who decides if someone is an apostle? Is there certian criteria?

Well, an Apostle would have to be called by revelation from God. This revelation would be received by the Prophet and the Holy Ghost would have to confirm to the other Apostles that the revelation was, in fact, from God. There are twelve living Apostles in the Quorum that directs the affairs of the Church, so it is only when one of them dies that a new one would be called to replace him. When any man is called to be an Apostle, he gives up whatever other career he has at the time and serves as an Apostle until his death.

[Squirt]

Originally Posted by TheTruthWillSetUFree

They may not all be corrupt and evil,but if they teach the wrong message,they cant be the TRUE CHURCH.

I can go along with that.

[lunamoth]

The Church is the Body of Christ and I agree with whoever above said that God knows His Church even if we can't quite figure it out. My little view on this is that God's Church is not restricted to any one denomination, nor to all or most of the denominations, nor to just Christianity. And we can all be at least partially wrong, and partially right.

God's Chruch is made up of those who obey His command, or who at least commit themselves to trying. His command? Love one another (John 15:17, 1 Thess 4:9, 1 Peter 4:8).

Also, the Body is made up of many parts. All different, all serving, all important.

peace,
lunamoth

[Squirt]

Originally Posted by standing_alone

I guess I should have clarified that these various people scattered about the globe and about different denominations and sects and such would believe in what would be considered "true doctrine" and wouldn't the only "authorized leadership" that matters be the leadership of God himself?

Well, yes, in a very real sense that would be the case. Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of the Church He personally organized. But the Prophets and Apostles He ordained to serve with Him were all acting under His direction. They were the foundation upon which He built His Church. If the foundation of any structure is removed, it can't expect to stand strong. Christ gave them power and authority to act in His name. If that same power and authority does not exist today, then neither does His true Church.

And I should probably clarify that I'm not a Christian nor believe in an Abrahamic God, so I'm really just arguing this point just because I find it interesting and not because I really believe it.

Oh sure, just be a troublemaker!

[standing_alone]

I can't believe I'm using Biblical scripture (NIV) in an argument , but here goes:

Luke 17:20,21: "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.


Don't know if this means anything or if it's relavant.

[standing_alone]

Originally Posted by Squirt

They were the foundation upon which He built His Church. If the foundation of any structure is removed, it can't expect to stand strong.

But isn't the foundation of all of Christianity a love for the Savior Jesus Christ? Certainly love and belief in Jesus Christ as the Savior is the foundation of any church, physical or just in faith.

Originally Posted by Squirt

Oh sure, just be a troublemaker!

That's what I do best.

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by standing_alone

I can't believe I'm using Biblical scripture (NIV) in an argument , but here goes:

Luke 17:20,21: "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you.


Don't know if this means anything or if it's relavant.

Oh, that's very relavant. Well done! Frubals be upon you.

lunamoth