Jesus' prayer that 'they may be ONE'

[ServingHim]

I'm defending what I believe, and it just so happens to match up with what the Church teaches

Then there's no need to defend or promote a particular church, is there?

You are absolutely right, steve...and thank you for reminding me of this.

For centuries in the Christian world, all were united in one faith, the Catholic Church. Then came along the "reformation" and splits in the Body of Christ. With it came many changes in teaching by the various Christian sects. Some of these teachings, especially in the 20th century, seem to be poll driven, just like our very own civil government. Their "teachings" are based on public opinion, not on truth. The "teaching" of the day among some of these non-Catholic sects seems to be based on the "let us oil the squeaking wheel" policy. Private opinions do not change the truth one iota, but I'm sure you already knew that.

However, the "Pillar and Foundation of Truth", the Catholic Church (1Tim 3:15), is unmoving in this respect. She and she alone stands up against the world in teaching the truth, as commanded by Jesus Christ Himself. In so doing, she comes under great criticism by many who have found worldly things to be their real god. How then, can the "Pillar of Truth" teach nothing but the truth?

So, you're right Steve...I don't need to defend her for she is defended by her leader, Christ Himself, and the church will NEVER fail...in fact, how on earth did the Catholic Church ever survive for almost two millennia? The answer to that one is easy, as Holy Scripture gives us the answers...

"Fear not, for I am with thee: turn not aside, for I am your GOD. I have strengthened thee, and have helped thee, and the right hand of My Just One hath upheld thee. Behold all that fight against thee shall be confounded* and ashamed, they shall be as nothing, and the men shall perish that strive against thee."

Isaias 41:10-11

*The World Christian Encyclopedia, a Protestant publication, records that there were 33,820 non-Catholic Christian sects in the world as of April, 2001, a prime example of "confounding".

"And they shall fight against thee, and shall not prevail, for I am with thee, said the Lord, to deliver thee."

Jeremiah 1:19

"Do not be a stumbling-block to Jews and Greeks and to the Church of GOD."

1Corinthians 10:32

"Therefore, since we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, we have grace, through which we may offer pleasing service to GOD with fear and reverence."

Hebrews 12:28

Did you not know that Jesus Christ is the savior of His Body the Church?

"... just as Christ is head of the Church, being himself savior of the body."

Ephesians 5:23

"If GOD is for us, who is against us?"

Romans 8:31

What force on earth would give you trepidation, if the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings is with you?

"Unless the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it."

Psalms 127:1

In every century for almost 2000 years, heretics have been composing the epitaph of the Catholic Church, but instead of burying the Church, the Catholic Church has been burying the heretics. :x: The Church (the ONE, HOLY, UNIVERSAL AND APOSTOLIC) STILL STANDS...and will forever, until the end, as promised.

So, I'm done here 'defending Her', for she doesn't need me to do this anymore. The Church IS the Body of Christ...! God bless, and peace. I will NOT be returning anytime soon, so if you have a personal statement or question for me, please email me directly through the email system. Peace. :il:

[stevehut]

For centuries in the Christian world, all were united in one faith, the Catholic Church. Then came along the "reformation" and splits in the Body of Christ.

I think you've been misinformed.

The Christian church has been badly divided, almost from the beginning. (See 1 Cor. 1). Hundreds of sects had already come and gone by the time of the Reformation.

The Reformation is only the biggest and most famous example.

[Guest yod]

However, the "Pillar and Foundation of Truth", the Catholic Church (1Tim 3:15), is unmoving in this respect. She and she alone stands up against the world in teaching the truth, as commanded by Jesus Christ Himself.

Here is the verse you used...

1Tim 3:15 15 but in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

There is no mention of the catholic church here.....You are assuming something that isn't said.

:upsided:

The ecclesia (church) is made of living stones. It can't be contained by a building or confined to a religious institution.

You miss the point if you think Yeshua wants you to be devoted to a system of rituals.

I'm not trying to be critical, brother, but I've heard the arguements before and all you have is circular logic. "The Catholic Church was founded by Jesus because the Catholic Church says so"

Rome has no claim to being the original church...only to forming a religious institution and taking control of it.

All who call on the name of the Lord are saved by HIM....not by circumcision...and certainly not by ANY religious institution or ritual.

[AllforJesustheLord]

One to me means pure fellowship with God The Father, through Jesus Christ, and The Holy Spirit.

I agree, ALLforJesus...YET what do you think Paul meant by this:

10 I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Cor 1:10

and these?

that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:21

16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16

10 I appeal to you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no dissensions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. 1 Cor 1:10

This is about the One true church of Christ, they will agree, and will not have there own opinions.

that they may all be one; even as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. John 17:21

This means exactly what is said. If you know how He is One with The Father, you will truly be blessed.

16 And I have other sheep, that are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will heed my voice. So there shall be one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16

This one is not difficult. His other sheep, are those who believe, and follow Him, this is the nation of God.

[mobile21]

The catholic church didn't exist before 325

They broke off from the original church. In other words...they started the rebellion against the true church.

So the true Church was defeated right????

Nope, not true.

The only true Church founded by Jesus Christ that will never be defeated (because the Bible says so) is the Catholic Church.

Christ has only one bride, not 33,000 brides (all the protestant churches).

God bless.

[Guest yod]

So the true Church was defeated right????

of course not!

The truth got through despite the best efforts of the Vatican!

[ServingHim]

The truth got through despite the best efforts of the Vatican!

so which of the 33,000 differing truths is it then?

the Catholic Church is the only 'universal, holy, apostolic & united' Church ... so if the TRUTH is found elsewhere, WHICH ONE, UNIVERSAL, APOSTOLIC & UNITED Church is it so that ALL may recognize the RIGHT ONE and flock to be united with that one!!!?? Afterall, Jesus said there is ONE FLOCK ... and ONE SHEPHERD. :il:

[Guest yod]

the Catholic Church is the only 'universal, holy, apostolic & united' Church ...

you are entitled to your opinion...but almost everyone would disagree with that usage of the word "only"

Afterall, Jesus said there is ONE FLOCK ... and ONE SHEPHERD

That is correct!

There is one body of Christ which includes all who are saved by grace through faith in the Messiah of Israel......and He alone is their Shepherd.

Nothing implied in that verse about the Catholic Church.

[ServingHim]

Nothing implied in that verse about the Catholic Church.

nothing either implied about being a 'non-denominational, bible-believing, evangelical baptist or any other kind of Christian', either!

[His son]

The True Church is none other than all of the people from every corner of this world, from every association or grouping of man kind, that have allowed The Holy Spirit of God to circumcise their hearts so that The Lord Jesus might come into those hearts, and take his place on the throne. That's the only way, there is no other.