While there were many cities and places where the early Christians gathered (we can call them churches insofar as it refers to the same Church growing throughout the world), they all had the same theology as handed on orally from the Apostles…
Hi, THEY WON !!! The Saints that is.

On the above point I agree.
no scriptural New Testament
. This I would have to disagree because the NT letters from Paul were being circulated. They just werent being circulated as a formal bible yet. They were letters and the OT was still being read. Although you mentioned NT only–sorry.
They all celebrated the Mass and even St. Paul admonished those who did not accept the Eucharist as the Real Presence.
I cant make a comment on this because Im not sure. I would have to read Acts. Although I doubt they celebrated the Mas the way it is today with all the formalities that are involved.
So, what is it that your church does that you either KNOW that the early Church did… or that you believe Christ would want??
Besides communion and baptism, when my minister gives a sermon, he not only gives us a ton of scripture he takes that scripture and teaches us how to apply it in our daily lives. Im sure you will agree that what good is hearing The Word if you dont apply it or live it out. Christ wants us to live out what is written in Scripture. I guess it goes along with walk the talk.
[2] Good… we both know that they are not scriptural instructions at all.
I think people could do those things and mean it but there is so much more too it then that.
[3] I too believe that Scripture (OT and NT) is very useful for instruction. Where we may part company is on these points:
a] the interpretation of much of Scripture is difficult, it is not to be left to individual interpretation,
Well, I do ask my ministers,who have studied the bible extensively, for help when I get stuck. When I read something in the bible that I think I understand but not quite sure, I do turn to my minister and run it by him. He either says Im right or corrects me. Catholics do the same thing. When you study the bible and you cant quite get it you go to, I dont know, a priest or the catechism. You get my point.
b] and only Peter was given the authority to “Feed My sheep, Tend My flock, Feed My sheep”
Agree to disagree on that one.
c] there are many good non-Catholic preachers/teachers who love the Lord and study scripture. But they cannot speak with the authority of Peter.
Im not sure what to say to that one either. I think all of the Apostles were given equal authority. I also believe their primary job was to go out and preach the Good News and make disciples out of all nations. I think that is what is still going on today. That includes you and me.

We just go to different churches.
In general, there have been some minor changes in the celebration of the Mass…
But the Liturgy of the Word, and the Liturgy of the Eucharist (the two “halves” of the whole Mass) are 2000 years old.
I will have to take your word on that one.
And no other faith community offers as much Scripture as the daily Catholic Mass.
I think that may be a bit too generalized of a statement. Unless you have been to every other church you just dont really know.
Out of curiosity, you might (when time permits) look at a sight that offers the daily Mass readings. Perhaps the home page of
www.ewtn.com would be easiest. You could see how the daily readings are selected … OT, Psalm, NT readings are choosen specifically because they support each other.
You know what I get a catholic magazine that has all of it in there:thumbsup:
I really enjoy chatting with you
P.S. I still cant get those icons
