Where can I find early Christian history?

[Old Timer]

A while back (in another thread) Shiloh had mentioned the small book (available on line) called The Trail of Blood by J.M. Carroll. Try if for the history of the early church.

[pointer]

Then look to the church that still stands since the beginning, because Christ said it would, even til the end of time. I believe it still stands, and still has set doctrines that are all true, not false, because that is how God works.

Is that the catholic church?

[Pax]

Thanks for you answers Pax.

Only Catholics in good standing with the Church can receive holy communion. So if a person truley believes in transubstantiation, the Church would say why aren't you a member? Why deny yourself the Body, blood, soul and divinity or Jesus Christ. If that person truely understood this they would come running to the Church.

I was thinking about the Eastern Orthodox who didn't want to give up being Eastern Orthodox and who did not recognize the Pope, but indeed recognized his or her own Bishop. That person may believe in the full RCC view of the Lord's Supper, and let us say lived in an area where the RCC was the only option, which would actually be a good portion of the US. In that case a person could it would seem, takes part in the Eucharist and never make a move to become a member of the RCC.

From what I understand any Eastern Orthodox Catholic can receive communion in a Roman Catholic Church.

[Pax]

A while back (in another thread) Shiloh had mentioned the small book (available on line) called The Trail of Blood by J.M. Carroll. Try if for the history of the early church.

Is the the Book that was written in the early 1900's that makes the argument that the Baptist Church can trace its roots to John the Baptist?

[Old Timer]

A while back (in another thread) Shiloh had mentioned the small book (available on line) called The Trail of Blood by J.M. Carroll. Try if for the history of the early church.

Is the the Book that was written in the early 1900's that makes the argument that the Baptist Church can trace its roots to John the Baptist?

Yes, not that John the Baptist started one particular church but that the real CHURCH has existed since the Pentacost in many small individual churches (congregations) throught all time. That they have been persecuted not only by the Catholic Church, but by some protestant denominations. They have been called by many names, including Ana-Baptists, by those that persecuted them. It is worth a read by any Christian interested in church history. I consider myself an Ana-Baptist.

Main points of belief that differ it from "organized" churches:

Its Head and Founder--CHRIST. He is the law-giver; the Church is only the executive. (Matt. 16:18; Col. 1:18)

Its only rule of faith and practice--THE BIBLE. (II Tim. 3:15-17)

Its name--"CHURCH," "CHURCHES." (Matt. 16:18; Rev. 22:16)

Its polity--CONGREGATIONAL--all members equal. (Matt. 20:24-28; Matt. 23:5-12)

Its members--only saved people. (Eph. 2:21; I Peter 2:5)

Its ordinances--BELIEVERS' BAPTISM, FOLLOWED BY THE LORD'S SUPPER. (Matt. 28:19-20)

Its officers--PASTORS AND DEACONS. (I Tim. 3:1-16)

Its work--getting folks saved, baptizing them (with a baptism that meets all the requirements of God's Word), teaching them ("to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you"). (Matt. 28:16-20)

Its financial plan--"Even so (TITHES and OFFERINGS) hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel," (I Cor. 9:14)

Its weapons of warfare--spiritual, not carnal. (II Cor. 10:4; Eph. 6:10-20)

Its independence--separation of Church and State. (Matt. 22:21)

I edit to add this. As I said it is available on line in many places. Here's one.

It's also available as a topic file for the e-Sword Bible program.

Edited September 26, 2006 by Old Timer

[Guest godgivesall4us]

Then look to the church that still stands since the beginning, because Christ said it would, even til the end of time. I believe it still stands, and still has set doctrines that are all true, not false, because that is how God works.

Is that the catholic church?

I do not know. I guess since they word means universal, and God gave the church for the entire world, it would be catholic in a sense. ignatius called it catholic and called us Christians, he was the first to say either in writing historically known.

but hey, what do i know?

[Pax]

Then look to the church that still stands since the beginning, because Christ said it would, even til the end of time. I believe it still stands, and still has set doctrines that are all true, not false, because that is how God works.

Is that the catholic church?

I do not know. I guess since they word means universal, and God gave the church for the entire world, it would be catholic in a sense. ignatius called it catholic and called us Christians, he was the first to say either in writing historically known.

but hey, what do i know?

spoken like a good Catholic...

[Smalcald]

Indeed it was.

[pointer]

Then look to the church that still stands since the beginning, because Christ said it would, even til the end of time. I believe it still stands, and still has set doctrines that are all true, not false, because that is how God works.

Is that the catholic church?

I do not know.

You don't? How are we, then, to look to the church that still stands since the beginning, if we have to look for it?

God works, apparently, by setting through His church doctrines that are all true, not false, but He has not told anyone which church that is. A strange God.

[Pax]

Then look to the church that still stands since the beginning, because Christ said it would, even til the end of time. I believe it still stands, and still has set doctrines that are all true, not false, because that is how God works.

Is that the catholic church?

I do not know.

You don't? How are we, then, to look to the church that still stands since the beginning, if we have to look for it?

God works, apparently, by setting through His church doctrines that are all true, not false, but He has not told anyone which church that is. A strange God.

Sure he has read Mathew 16:18-19.....its all there.