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The ability to trace one's church back to the "first church" through apostolic succession is an argument used by a number of different churches to assert that their church is the "one true church."...
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The early Church was Jewish and then Gentile BELIEVERS in the Lord Jesus. Wanting to lay the claim to be the First and True church begins, comes from the point of human pride! To enforce such precepts by the use of any fear, violence and the shedding of innocent blood, is not the Lords way. The disagreements over the we are the first, true doctrines now become a crime, what you know is not true doctrine. Many would willing go to the stake with it's traditions rather than defame the Lord Jesus. The book of Jude is very clear on false doctrines and teachers..warrior on.
The Four Marks of the Church: 1. One - describes the unity of the body of Christ. 2. Holy - means set apart for a special purpose by and for God. 3. Catholic - pronouncing the universality of Christ's church. 4. Apostolic - continuity in the church's teachings from the apostles throughout history.
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