ONE Bible, but THOUSANDS of churches? | The REAL History of CHRISTIANITY Pt 1

Summary

This video script explores the question of why there are so many Christian denominations despite the Bible's teaching of one true church. It emphasizes that Jesus Christ established only one church—the Church of Christ—based on biblical references. The script discusses the warnings of false prophets and teachings from both Christ and the apostles, which led to the fragmentation of Christianity into various denominations. It critically examines the historical changes and doctrines that diverged from Christ's original teachings, highlighting the need for unity in the faith and challenging the existence of so many distinct Christian groups today.

Takeaways

• 😀 Christ established only one church, the Church of Christ, as indicated in Matthew 16:18.
• 😀 Over 33,000 Christian denominations exist today, with many independent churches that don't align with major denominations.
• 😀 The proliferation of denominations is seen by some as a way to offer more choices, but it contradicts Christ's call for unity.
• 😀 The true Church of Christ is united in doctrine, practices, and beliefs, according to the teachings of the Bible.
• 😀 The Bible teaches that there is only one body (the Church), one Spirit, one Lord, and one Faith, emphasizing unity among believers.
• 😀 Jesus Christ and the apostles warned about false prophets leading believers astray, which is seen in many modern-day denominational differences.
• 😀 Some false doctrines that emerged included forbidding marriage and abstaining from eating meat, as seen in some branches of Christianity.
• 😀 Many Catholic practices, like priestly celibacy and fasting on certain days, align with false teachings identified in the Bible.
• 😀 Despite the rise of false teachings, some members of the early Church remained faithful to the original teachings of Christ and the apostles.
• 😀 The video aims to expose the truth about the fragmentation of the Church and urges viewers to recognize the one true church established by Christ.
• 😀 The next episode promises to reveal the rest of the story about how the faithful Church of Christ persisted despite divisions.

Q & A

Why are there so many Christian denominations today?

There are over 33,000 Christian denominations worldwide, with many people viewing them as different 'flavors' of Christianity. These variations often stem from differences in cultural practices, interpretations of the Bible, and church governance.

What does the Bible say about the establishment of the church?

The Bible states that Jesus Christ himself established the church, as recorded in Matthew 16:18, where he says, 'I will build my church.' This indicates that Christ founded only one true church.

What is meant by the term 'flock' in the context of the church?

In Luke 12:32 and Acts 20:28, the term 'flock' refers to the Church of Christ, with Christ being the shepherd. The 'flock' is the group of believers whom Christ established as his church.

How does the Bible describe the true church?

According to Ephesians 4:4-6, the true church is described as having 'one body,' 'one Lord,' 'one faith,' 'one baptism,' and 'one God and Father of all.' This underscores the unity and singularity of the true church.

What did Apostle Paul teach about the true church?

Apostle Paul taught that the church is the body of Christ, with Christ as the head (Colossians 1:18). He also emphasized the importance of unity in doctrine and practice within the church, as stated in Ephesians 4.

What warning did Jesus give about false prophets?

Jesus warned that many false prophets would arise, leading people astray. This is stated in Matthew 24:11, where he cautions that these false prophets would deceive many.

What were some of the false teachings identified by the apostles?

Apostle Paul and others warned about false teachings such as forbidding marriage and abstaining from eating meat, which were considered 'doctrines of devils' (1 Timothy 4:3). These teachings are seen as departures from the original faith.

Did Jesus Christ authorize the creation of different churches?

No, Jesus Christ did not authorize the creation of multiple churches. The Bible teaches that Christ established only one true church, the Church of Christ, and that it should remain united in its teachings and practices.

How did the Catholic Church interpret the teachings of Christ regarding the church?

Catholic authorities affirm that Christ established the Church of Christ, with Saint Cyprian referring to it as 'the church of Christ and the bride of Christ,' as quoted in 'Fundamentals of Catholic Dogma.'

What happened to the original Church of Christ established by Jesus?

Over time, false prophets and teachings led to divisions and the establishment of different denominations. Many of these teachings departed from the original doctrine, resulting in the fragmented state of Christianity today.