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I know my congregation is the one true church because on the cornerstone of our building it says "FOUNDED AD 33." [Wierd I know, but it is a Church of Christ thing]

Most of us realize that such a question as this thread raises will be debated until the Lord comes, because of various preferences.  Some professing Christians prefer the High organized religions, some like Pentecostalism, some believe they are the church???,  some believe it is their denomination or wherever one chooses.

I believe God does indeed have a testimony in this world as to His intent in the beginning as in Acts 2 and the Epistles.  I also believe I understand that intent from what the Word shows (not that I claim to know it all).  If one would like to discuss this further they may write to me personally and I will share what I have found and chat with you, but I will not try to lay it all out here beyond what I said in my post above at the beginning.  God bless all faithful seekers!

- Seriousseeker

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Where there is faith in Christ, there is the church.


The church is the one, holy, catholic communion of believers; thus where there are believers - there is at least part of the church.




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Quote from: Josiah on Wed Oct 27, 2010 - 15:29:11
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Where there is faith in Christ, there is the church.


The church is the one, holy, catholic communion of believers; thus where there are believers - there is at least part of the church.




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Even the demons believe.

Faith in Christ is a meaningless expression without a more specific definition.

The kingdom of God does not come with observation.  Nobody should say, 'Look it's here!' or, 'look there!'   As you can see for yourself, the kingdom of God is within you.

The days will come, when you will desire to see the Son of Man come in judgment, but you won't see it.  And the teachers and scholars will say to you, 'See, here!' or, 'See there!'  Do not go after them, nor follow them!!!

Jesus in Luke 17, paraphrased

Just as you have started to do, start with the Bible,...that is, begin by making a list of the qualities which the Bible outlines for those that would be true Christians.

I personally like what 1 Corinthians 1:10 has to say, especially if this is seen as direct evidence that God's Spirit and Blessing are present among them.

Agape, JohnOneOne.

As I see it, During the book of Acts, there were 2 church organizations started.  One under the original apostles that was VERY JEWISH and continued on for about 400 years known as the Sect of the Nazoreans.

The other church network was started by Paul and sought to NOT be Jewish (see Acts 15).

Both were equally legitimate in both teaching and practice although they differed. See the discussion between James (as leader of the Jerusalem network) and Paul as leader of the mostly gentile network and how the first accused Paul of teaching Jews to abandon Torah. (which was not true)  That is in Acts 21.

The orthodox/catholic stream came from the Pauline network.  The other, older network called "Sect of the Nasoreans" died out in the very early 5th century.

Modern Messianic Judaism is an attempt to resurrect the Nazorean branch of the body.

Quote from: DaveW on Tue Jan 03, 2012 - 12:21:42
As I see it, During the book of Acts, there were 2 church organizations started.  One under the original apostles that was VERY JEWISH and continued on for about 400 years known as the Sect of the Nazoreans.

The other church network was started by Paul and sought to NOT be Jewish (see Acts 15).

Both were equally legitimate in both teaching and practice although they differed. See the discussion between James (as leader of the Jerusalem network) and Paul as leader of the mostly gentile network and how the first accused Paul of teaching Jews to abandon Torah. (which was not true)  That is in Acts 21.

The orthodox/catholic stream came from the Pauline network.  The other, older network called "Sect of the Nasoreans" died out in the very early 5th century.

Modern Messianic Judaism is an attempt to resurrect the Nazorean branch of the body.

Interesting. Perhaps then the resurected Nazarean branch will bring the true works of Christ to the table, which the world desperately needs.

Quote from: FireSword on Tue Jan 03, 2012 - 12:39:21
Perhaps then the resurected Nazarean branch will bring the true works of Christ to the table, which the world desperately needs.

Perhaps. But at this point we are many decades away from being mature enough to do that in more than just scattered instances.

Quote from: HRoberson on Mon Jan 18, 2010 - 19:35:39
It's my understanding that the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Coptic Orthodox denominations claim to be the true Holy Apostolic Church.

Which one is it, exactly?

....and why does it matter?

Seventh-day Adventist's claim to be the only true church....  The remnant church of Bible prophecy......Baptismal vow #13

13. Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church
is the remnant church of Bible prophecy and that people of every nation,
race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship? Do you desire
to be a member of this local congregation of the world Church?

The reasons for this teaching are covered in previous vows...  summerizing as "they keep the commandments of God (Saturday Sabbath) and have the spirit of prophecy"  (Ellen White)

Quote from: current occupant on Fri Jan 06, 2012 - 22:00:06
Seventh-day Adventist's claim to be the only true church....  The remnant church of Bible prophecy......Baptismal vow #13

13. Do you accept and believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church
is the remnant church of Bible prophecy and that people of every nation,
race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship? Do you desire
to be a member of this local congregation of the world Church?

The reasons for this teaching are covered in previous vows...  summerizing as "they keep the commandments of God (Saturday Sabbath) and have the spirit of prophecy"  (Ellen White)

Hmmm.  Sounds like the Messianics fit that bill as well as the Adventists, but without the antisemitism and replacement theory.

Quote from: larry2 on Wed Aug 04, 2010 - 04:49:30
The Church is the body of Christ made up of every believer in Christ regardless of their spirituality or carnal organization they have attached themselves to. 1 Corinthians 3:4  "For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" Brag on your affiliation and Paul called it carnal or fleshy.
 
Revelation 2:1    Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus.
Revelation 2:8    And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna.
Revelation 2:12  And to the angel of the church in Pergamos.
Revelation 2:18  And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira.
Revelation 3:1    And unto the angel of the church in Sardis.
Revelation 3:7    And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia.
Revelation 3:14  And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans.

Yes, all of the above are the Church despite their condition. Five are told to rtepent and two are given crowns and commended. The Church is an organism; not an organization. Christ is the head and we are members of His body. To answer the question "Where will I find God's true Church to day?" It is anyone that has called upon the name of the Lord and their state or spiritual condition is described in Revelation Chapters Two and Three. Their standing in the body is based on one thing; are they washed in the blood of the Lamb?        

It appears the question was answered correctly way back in 2010. God's church is not confined to any building, organization or institution. Christ's church is His people, indwelt by Him and expressing His character to the world. Where His people gather together is not the church...it is those people themselves who are the church, and where they gather is irrelevant.

Sorry, NU, your answer is common among these circles but not correct.  The church has to gather (by definition).  People who believe (in anything) have no reason to gather.  I am not saying defining the church is easy, but it can't be the Protestant view for the reason I just explained.

Would the true Catholic Church exit if Rome ceased to exist, such that the chair of Peter had to be relocated? A hypothetical, but interesting question.

Quote from: trifecta on Tue Jan 19, 2010 - 19:21:25

Quote from: HRoberson on Mon Jan 18, 2010 - 19:35:39
It's my understanding that the Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, and Coptic Orthodox denominations claim to be the true Holy Apostolic Church.

True.   Also, the Assyrian Churches of the East.  That's all that I know of.    

Quote
Which one is it, exactly?

Orthodox  

Quote
....and why does it matter?

I prefer to be in the church established by Jesus Christ.   The one in which the gates of hades won't prevail. (Matt 16:18).   Is there salvation outside of Christ's church?  I think so, but I would rather be in Jesus' church.   Wouldn't you?

First the church is estblished in the heart of every true believer that loves Jesus as Lord. This is not an instututional thing. Its not an order or hierarchy nor denominational and when the vatican and church buildings are a burning ruins and the devil does his best to stamp you out your faith will not die because our salvation is eternally established in the heart and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

Forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward: .( 2 Co 3:3-4)

9 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them an heart of flesh: ( Eze 11:19)

And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; 17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. .( Jn 14:16-17)

6 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Co 3:16-17)

This is where the New Covenant  church is established  and the gates of hell cannot prevail against it

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33




Where is God's True Church to Day?

Is there a true church in this world today? And if so, how can it be identified?
Thousands of different church denominations claim to be following Jesus Christ.
Yet they teach thousands of different "gospels

You won't find it by going to a stone building, although there are true believer's amongst them. Denominationalism is the work of satan....while God knows who are His, among them...and, even outside of them.

Quote from: NewDay on Tue Aug 28, 2012 - 11:49:57

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33




Where is God's True Church to Day?

Is there a true church in this world today? And if so, how can it be identified?
Thousands of different church denominations claim to be following Jesus Christ.
Yet they teach thousands of different "gospels

You won't find it by going to a stone building, although there are true believer's amongst them. Denominationalism is the work of satan....while God knows who are His, among them...and, even outside of them.

  Manna to you.

QuoteSorry, NU, your answer is common among these circles but not correct.  The church has to gather (by definition).  People who believe (in anything) have no reason to gather.  I am not saying defining the church is easy, but it can't be the Protestant view for the reason I just explained.

Well, not really. The church does gather, but it does not need to in order to be the church. NU is correct in that the church, correctly understood, is the People of God, a nation. It lives God; it does not primarily meet to worship God (although it does that too).

Quote from: NewDay on Tue Aug 28, 2012 - 11:49:57

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33




Where is God's True Church to Day?

Is there a true church in this world today? And if so, how can it be identified?
Thousands of different church denominations claim to be following Jesus Christ.
Yet they teach thousands of different "gospels

You won't find it by going to a stone building, although there are true believer's amongst them. Denominationalism is the work of satan....while God knows who are His, among them...and, even outside of them.

Yes, denominalationism is the work of the evil one and they all came out of one  denomination where earthly religious authority resided. This all can be traced back historically. Ever heard of the early church fathers? Universalists (catholic), every one of them.

Quote from: Lively Stone on Tue Aug 28, 2012 - 12:00:44

Quote from: NewDay on Tue Aug 28, 2012 - 11:49:57

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33




Where is God's True Church to Day?

Is there a true church in this world today? And if so, how can it be identified?
Thousands of different church denominations claim to be following Jesus Christ.
Yet they teach thousands of different "gospels

You won't find it by going to a stone building, although there are true believer's amongst them. Denominationalism is the work of satan....while God knows who are His, among them...and, even outside of them.

  Manna to you.

Back atcha.

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:40:31

Quote from: NewDay on Tue Aug 28, 2012 - 11:49:57

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33




Where is God's True Church to Day?

Is there a true church in this world today? And if so, how can it be identified?
Thousands of different church denominations claim to be following Jesus Christ.
Yet they teach thousands of different "gospels

You won't find it by going to a stone building, although there are true believer's amongst them. Denominationalism is the work of satan....while God knows who are His, among them...and, even outside of them.

Yes, denominalationism is the work of the evil one and they all came out of one  denomination where earthly religious authority resided. This all can be traced back historically. Ever heard of the early church fathers? Universalists (catholic), every one of them.

Wasn't there false teachers in Paul's day, long before Catholocism?

Just a thought.

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:40:31
. Ever heard of the early church fathers? Universalists (catholic), every one of them.

All uninspired men. Worth reading but they didn't have a corner on the mind of God any more than Rick Warren, Tom Wright or Ken Sublett.

Quote from: Snargles on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 11:59:46

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:40:31
. Ever heard of the early church fathers? Universalists (catholic), every one of them.

All uninspired men. Worth reading but they didn't have a corner on the mind of God any more than Rick Warren, Tom Wright or Ken Sublett.

Oh really? So, you mean that some of the first people of the emerging Christian Church (after the Apostles) who formulated the basic christian doctrines that we believe in to this day, the men who called the various councils into being to combat arising heresies, and who  were the ones who codified the Holy Scriptures (New Testament) are on par with the Rick Warrens of today?

Quote from: NewDay on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:52:45

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:40:31

Quote from: NewDay on Tue Aug 28, 2012 - 11:49:57

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33




Where is God's True Church to Day?

Is there a true church in this world today? And if so, how can it be identified?
Thousands of different church denominations claim to be following Jesus Christ.
Yet they teach thousands of different "gospels

You won't find it by going to a stone building, although there are true believer's amongst them. Denominationalism is the work of satan....while God knows who are His, among them...and, even outside of them.

Yes, denominalationism is the work of the evil one and they all came out of one  denomination where earthly religious authority resided. This all can be traced back historically. Ever heard of the early church fathers? Universalists (catholic), every one of them.

Wasn't there false teachers in Paul's day, long before Catholocism?

Just a thought.

Sure, but the truth always arose in the end. God would not allow a false gospel to be preached for any great length of time. The truth was laid out there for all to see, then summarily rejected by those who thought they knew better than the accumulated knowledge of the Universal (catholic) Church.

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 22:00:19

Quote from: Snargles on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 11:59:46

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:40:31
. Ever heard of the early church fathers? Universalists (catholic), every one of them.

All uninspired men. Worth reading but they didn't have a corner on the mind of God any more than Rick Warren, Tom Wright or Ken Sublett.

Oh really? So, you mean that some of the first people of the emerging Christian Church (after the Apostles) who formulated the basic christian doctrines that we believe in to this day, the men who called the various councils into being to combat arising heresies, and who  were the ones who codified the Holy Scriptures (New Testament) are on par with the Rick Warrens of today?

That is exactly what I mean. NO writer outside the Bible has any authority and is only expressing his own opinon. If he spent more time studying scriptures than I have (and many of them did), he might have better insight as to the meaning of the inspired writers but I have as much potential to understand scripture as Origen, Hippolytus, John Chrystom, Ireneus, Thomas Aquanis or Augustine. I don't pay attention to what Rick Warren has to say and I don't pay any attention to the church fathers. I need to study the writings of Augustine more because many false teachings originated with him. Luke, Peter, Paul, Jude, James, John and the writer of Hebrews wrote as they were directed by God. The church fathers gave their own opinions. To say otherwise is to blaspheme God and his scripture.

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 22:08:37

Quote from: NewDay on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:52:45

Quote from: Ladonia on Wed Aug 29, 2012 - 09:40:31

Quote from: NewDay on Tue Aug 28, 2012 - 11:49:57

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33




Where is God's True Church to Day?

Is there a true church in this world today? And if so, how can it be identified?
Thousands of different church denominations claim to be following Jesus Christ.
Yet they teach thousands of different "gospels

You won't find it by going to a stone building, although there are true believer's amongst them. Denominationalism is the work of satan....while God knows who are His, among them...and, even outside of them.

Yes, denominalationism is the work of the evil one and they all came out of one  denomination where earthly religious authority resided. This all can be traced back historically. Ever heard of the early church fathers? Universalists (catholic), every one of them.

Wasn't there false teachers in Paul's day, long before Catholocism?

Just a thought.

Sure, but the truth always arose in the end. God would not allow a false gospel to be preached for any great length of time. The truth was laid out there for all to see, then summarily rejected by those who thought they knew better than the accumulated knowledge of the Universal (catholic) Church.

True, but His church was never a 'denomination' to begin with, and it is not today, so those who look for truth in them, are looking in the wrong place.

Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

If everyone heard His voice, there would be no 'denominations'.

Amen?

Quote from: NewDay on Thu Aug 30, 2012 - 07:47:27
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

If everyone heard His voice, there would be no 'denominations'.

Amen?

Ah...... Did we leave out a few words?  "If everyone heard His voice, the same way I hear His voice, there would be no 'denominations'." 

Quote from: Thankfulldad on Fri May 07, 2010 - 09:41:19

Quote from: sajang on Fri Nov 27, 2009 - 23:53:33
Where is God’s True Church to Day?

You will not find the true church as a building or a group of people.

You will find it in the heart of each believer; Jesus is our husband we are His bride (the church)...it is a relationship between the two.  Jesus and us (believers).

Jesus did not come to save a church; He came to save you and me...

If you claim your church is the one true church...then, others can be sure; that it is not. 

Thank you thankfull dad      

Quote from: Willie T on Thu Aug 30, 2012 - 08:21:17

Quote from: NewDay on Thu Aug 30, 2012 - 07:47:27
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

If everyone heard His voice, there would be no 'denominations'.

Amen?

Ah...... Did we leave out a few words?  "If everyone heard His voice, the same way I hear His voice, there would be no 'denominations'."

Not what I implied at all, but it is true that IF everyone heard HIS voice, there would be no denominations; they are the work of men, not God.

They divide, while Jesus Christ unites; and it is via the Holy Spirit, that always speaks the same word/truth.

You will find His true 'body', among all the denominations, and, they do not sit and wait to be taught by men, but, they do listen, and compare it with the word of God/truth.

Really?  That means you are not hearing God, right?

I mean it's either that, or everyone else in the world is wrong, and only you are right.  After all, you are not in Africa healing and converting people, are you?  Are the thousands of spiritual ones who THINK they are hearing God's voice, and are out there doing those great things for God, THEY aren't?

Might you be leaning a bit toward arrogance to believe that only you (and/or people who sense God as YOU do) are truly hearing God's voice?

In that case, then you must also agree that it's more than likely someone obviously more powerfully in God's will than you are is right, and you're wrong in your hearing.

You really might want to rethink this idea you're laboring under.

Quote from: Willie T on Fri Aug 31, 2012 - 10:56:20
Really?  That means you are not hearing God, right?

I mean it's either that, or everyone else in the world is wrong, and only you are right.  After all, you are not in Africa healing and converting people, are you?  Are the thousands of spiritual ones who THINK they are hearing God's voice, and are out there doing those great things for God, THEY aren't?

Might you be leaning a bit toward arrogance to believe that only you (and/or people who sense God as YOU do) are truly hearing God's voice?

In that case, then you must also agree that it's more than likely someone obviously more powerfully in God's will than you are is right, and you're wrong in your hearing.

You really might want to rethink this idea you're laboring under.

Here is what I think about your post.

You are not hearing me.



Needless to say, as we all/christians hear God, we act on what we hear.

HINT:

It is a growth process that takes our whole lives, too...for the most part.

As we ACT on what we are given, He gives us more increase....or knowledge to ACT upon more.

Truth and faith are good like that.

Denominationalism is a SET system of beliefs; it does not allow for growth, but are all based on the set commandments of MEN.

I am sorry you are having a hard time understanding me.

Well, maybe you'll catch on as you grow older.

Quote from: Willie T on Fri Aug 31, 2012 - 11:44:08
Well, maybe you'll catch on as you grow older.

I am sure I will......to truth; not to dispensationalism,  or denominationalism, however. I already know what it is, and is not.

It is not anything but separate systems of doctrines of men.

Quote from: NewDay on Fri Aug 31, 2012 - 09:31:21

Quote from: Willie T on Thu Aug 30, 2012 - 08:21:17

Quote from: NewDay on Thu Aug 30, 2012 - 07:47:27
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

If everyone heard His voice, there would be no 'denominations'.

Amen?

Ah...... Did we leave out a few words?  "If everyone heard His voice, the same way I hear His voice, there would be no 'denominations'."

Not what I implied at all, but it is true that IF everyone heard HIS voice, there would be no denominations; they are the work of men, not God.

They divide, while Jesus Christ unites; and it is via the Holy Spirit, that always speaks the same word/truth.

You will find His true 'body', among all the denominations, and, they do not sit and wait to be taught by men, but, they do listen, and compare it with the word of God/truth.

I do not agree. The universal church existed, set up by Christ as a continuing teaching organization. Yes, the divide came about by men, started by those who left orthodoxy. The original church as as an organization still exists.

I do agree with one thing though, that all christians who believe that Jesus Christ is God Icarnate here on earth are of the "Body of Christ", but the historical universal christian church that at one time the great majority of the faithful in this world looked to for religious teaching cannot be ignored as if it never existed.

But in the end, we all have the free will to choose which christian sect we will look to for help in our spiritual walk. Maybe that's the way it was supposed to be.

Quote from: Ladonia on Fri Aug 31, 2012 - 12:46:22

Quote from: NewDay on Fri Aug 31, 2012 - 09:31:21

Quote from: Willie T on Thu Aug 30, 2012 - 08:21:17

Quote from: NewDay on Thu Aug 30, 2012 - 07:47:27
Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life!

If everyone heard His voice, there would be no 'denominations'.

Amen?

Ah...... Did we leave out a few words?  "If everyone heard His voice, the same way I hear His voice, there would be no 'denominations'."

Not what I implied at all, but it is true that IF everyone heard HIS voice, there would be no denominations; they are the work of men, not God.

They divide, while Jesus Christ unites; and it is via the Holy Spirit, that always speaks the same word/truth.

You will find His true 'body', among all the denominations, and, they do not sit and wait to be taught by men, but, they do listen, and compare it with the word of God/truth.

I do not agree. The universal church existed, set up by Christ as a continuing teaching organization. Yes, the divide came about by men, started by those who left orthodoxy. The original church as as an organization still exists.

I do agree with one thing though, that all christians who believe that Jesus Christ is God Icarnate here on earth are of the "Body of Christ", but the historical universal christian church that at one time the great majority of the faithful in this world looked to for religious teaching cannot be ignored as if it never existed.

But in the end, we all have the free will to choose which christian sect we will look to for help in our spiritual walk. Maybe that's the way it was supposed to be.

The body of Christ gets its teaching from the word of God---not some institutional body. Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. We as individuals teach each other according to our giftings, but there is no central church organization that is responsible for so-called 'religious' teaching.