Why with 35,000 other options would someone wish to be a Catholic?

[RobHom]

Here is the link to the article that does in fact say this.

bringyou.to/apologetics/a106.htm#Catholics

Actually, had you bothered to actually read the information that you used for proof…you would not have used it, as it actually “debunks” the “proof” you are attempting to allude to… Here is the part that you obviously failed to read…its on your link:

**From these western and smaller eastern rites the encyclopedia gets 242 “Roman Catholic denominations” (year 2000 numbers). The largest is by far the Latin-rite (commonly called “Roman Catholics” by non-Catholic Christians) with 976 million members of the 994 million total members (or 98% of the total, year 1995 numbers). However, since virtually all of these western and smaller eastern rites are in union with the Pope (I am not sure of some of them), there is actually one Catholic Church, not 242 churches or denominations. Based on the encyclopedia’s own definition of “denomination” the editors appear to be separating and counting by country which is how you get to 242 (or 238 countries plus 4) “denominations” of Roman Catholics. The Catholic Church in Canada is not a different “denomination” from the Catholic Church in the U.S., which is not a different Catholic Church from the one in England, etc. If you search the available “World Christian Database” online, there is indeed one Catholic Church in the U.S.A., (see also Barrett, Encyclopedia, volume 1, page 783 for the U.S.A.) and in the world there are indeed 238 “Roman Catholic” denominations (for exactly 238 countries), i.e. one Catholic Church for each country. The same “counting by country” seems to be the case with some of the denominations in the other mega-blocs.

When dividing these “denominations” by country as they do, there are definitely some problems in figuring out the true total “denominations” since many of them are being counted more than once – and in fact 241 times too much in the case of “Roman Catholic” denominations. Barrett’s Encyclopedia states this explicitly:

“As a statistical unit in this Encyclopedia, a 'denomination' always refers to one single country. Thus the Roman Catholic Church, although a single organization, is described here as consisting of 236 denominations in the world's 238 countries.” (Barrett, et al, World Christian Encyclopedia, volume 1, page 27, in the "Glossary" under definition for "Denomination" [later updated to 242], emphasis added) **

You do understand what all that really means don’t you?

You really enjoy “leaping to conclusions”…

It would seem that the guy that wrote that “encyclopedia” is poorly informed as to what the “Roman Catholic Church” is or what the words put together actually mean.

 

[justasking4]

MarcoPolo;4346354]Since justasking4 asked a question of my post that was answered in that same post…I’ll just respond to you instead. As to how to identify the one Church, a person must look at the nature of the Church in Scripture and reflected in the early Church. Right there you know there has to be a structure of bishops,

The Catholic church as other offices that were not part of the NT church. Priests as an offical would be one such office not mentioned in the NT. The requirement of the Scriptures that a bishop is to be married with children is part of the NT church while the church in Rome today rejects this.

the Eucharist, infant baptism, Tradition, etc… So you’re already down to Catholics, Orthodox, Anglican, and maybe a couple others. From there, I recommend a deeper study into patristics and the nature of the Roman bishop which today is the Pope.

There was no pope in the NT church. That took time before that happened.

 

[AshleyBelle]

Though there may be tens of thousands of other “ways” I choose Christ’s church.

Though there is always a path willing to make the road easier for me, I choose Christ’s church.

Though I may be persecuted, doubted, questioned, hated, scorned, misunderstood or rejected, I choose Christ’s church.

I will follow Christ, I will follow the truth, and the fullness of the truth lies within Christ’s church.

Though even my fellow Christians will mock my faith, and Christ himself, I will choose Christ’s church.

To walk with Christ is to walk the path that Christ walked. Will I step an inch away, and say “no, Lord. please let me step away just a little…I cannot bear to see you wounded so close to me…” Or “No, Lord… If I stand so near you, I will have to walk your path on calvary…” Or… “No Lord… please let me stand in the nearest village, so that I only need to hear the word of your sacrifice… I cannot bear to be around!.”

No… I choose to walk with Christ. To suffer for Him and with Him. To stride, embracing my Lord…so that in the end He may know I truly loved Him.

 

[Syele]

I guess that would depend on whether or not the person meant globally or just nationally.

Whatever you do…and I’m not sure of your position…don’t fall into the trap of arguing “Hey, there’s NOT 35,000 denominations…there’s only 5,000!!!” Neither is good.

It may be bad to have 5,000 denominations but on what account should any protestant bother to listen to people who lie and claim there are 35,000 then there are 5,000? Any Catholic who is trying to convince me that they have the “Fullness of TRUTH” will get absolutely no where with me or most of my fellow protestants by using falsehoods and justifying it by saying “Well 5,000 is bad too!”

The argument here is that people are trying to convince us that they have the fullness of truth by using a lie. Why do so many Catholics not see that it is not only unwise but its morally WRONG?

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

The argument here is that people are trying to convince us that they have the fullness of truth by using a lie. Why do so many Catholics not see that it is not only unwise but its morally WRONG?

There are several sources, other than Catholic, that quote thousands of Christian denominations. The argument becomes even if it is only 5,000, as opposed to 35,000, it’s way too many. In my opinion, it there were only 100 denominations, it’s too many. It was not Christ’s intention to have many denominations of doctrinally different Churches.

Joh 10:16 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.

He prayed for everyone to be “perfectly one”.

Joh 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth; thy word is truth.
Joh 17:18 As thou didst send me into the world, so I have sent them into the world.
Joh 17:19 And for their sake I consecrate myself, that they also may be consecrated in truth.
Joh 17:20 "I do not pray for these only, but also for those who believe in me through their word,
Joh 17:21 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.
Joh 17:22 The glory which thou hast given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one,
Joh 17:23 I in them and thou in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them even as thou hast loved me.

The Apostles taught one Church. St. Paul wrote specifically about one Church.

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no schisms among you: but that you be perfect in the same mind and in the same judgment.

Rom 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, to mark them who make dissensions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned and avoid them.

Christ started one Church with Peter and the Apostles. There was a “great schism” which became the Orthodox Church, which is doctrinally inline with the Roman Catholic Church on a majority of doctrines, that Protestants reject.

It was 1500 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus that the first of the Protestant reformation started with Martin Luther. Luther stood on “sola scriptura”, that is his interpretation was the only interpretation that mattered. Martin Luther realized he had opened a can of worms as many of his own followers branched out with their own Churches based on their interpretations through the teaching of “sola scriptura”. It was through private interpretations that many denominations, each with different doctrines, were started.

Most Protestants rely heavily on sola scriptura, yet the Bible doesn’t teach that doctrine anywhere. In fact it teaches the contrary.

1Ti 3:15

(DRB) But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.

We all believe scriptures to be God inspired. Why did God inspire scriptures to say the Church was the pillar and ground of the truth instead of the Bible?

If you believe God had the power to protect the Bible through the ages, why do you reject the idea that God had the power to protect His Church?

The way it works now is, every Church preaches it has the truth and people have an option to seek a Church with doctrines to fit their lifestyle as opposed to being obedient to God through the one Church Christ started himself.

Mat 16:18 And I say to thee: That thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Mat 16:19 And I will give to thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven. And whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven.

This was the time that Christ named Simon, Kephas. Kephas is Aramaic, the language the Lord spoke, for “rock”. Kephas translates into Peter. The Apostles, being Jews, recognized Peter’s authority by the giving of the keys to the kingdom of Heaven because of Old Testament scriptures.

Isa 22:22 And I will lay the key of the house of David upon his shoulder: and he shall open, and none shall shut: and he shall shut, and none shall open.

Please explain how a Protestant reconciles, “whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven”?

Why did Christ tell people to take their disputes to the Church if He had thought His Church would not be around at any given time?

Mat 18:17 And if he will not hear them: tell the church. And if he will not hear the church, let him be to thee as the heathen and publican.
Mat 18:18 Amen I say to you, whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.

Please notice the Lord repeats His words, “whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.”

No one is trying to “lie” to anyone. Catholics truly believed Christ intended for their to be one Church, with the same mind and judgment. Can you say this for all the denominations out there, no matter how many there are?

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

WARNING! WARNING! WARNING!

Mathew 7:21
**"Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, 10 but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22
Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name? Did we not drive out demons in your name? Did we not do mighty deeds in your name?’ 23
Then I will declare to them solemnly, ‘I never knew you. 11 Depart from me, you evildoers.’ **24
12 "Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.

(Mathew 16:17 Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood 12 has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. 18 **And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church,) (present day Roman Catholic church under the successor of Peter Pope Benedict 16th) **

John 6:53
Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you.
54
**Whoever eats 19 my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, **and I will raise him on the last day.

Luke 6:46
"Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but not do what I command?

Luke 22:17
Then he took a cup, 6 gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves;
18
for I tell you (that) from this time on I shall not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.”
19
7 Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you;** do this in memory of me.” **20
And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, **"This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which will be shed for you. **

Their is only One body, One Spirit, One Lord, One faith, One baptism.(Ephesians 4:4a-5)

1 Tim.3:15
But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God,** which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth. **

Ephesian 1:22
And he put all things beneath his feet and **gave him as head over all things to the church,
23
which is his body, **11 the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

There is only one church that has the true body, blood, soul and divinity of Jesus Christ. Please inquire if your not sure? or ask any practicing Catholic.

Peace be with you

 

[Ag_not]

Why would I chose to become a catholic with a veritable smorgasbord of delicious, fat free, low cal, decaf faiths and beliefs to chose from? Hmmm. Let’s see.

Mary the Mother of God opened my eyes to belief in Her Son.

The Catholic church is the only church with true, unbroken, apoltolic succession.

The Catholic church is the only church with Sacred Tradition, Scripture and the Magisterium.

The Catholic church is the only church that has not changed it’s doctrines on faith and morals to suit the public mood of the time.

The Catholic Church was established by Jesus Himself.

The Catholic church is the only church that has got Mary’s role in our salvation right on the money.

The Catholic church is hard. I’m realising day by day that what the Church asks of me, is everything that I was, I am, and I can be, to the greater glory and honor of God. No easy get out clauses. No dont worry about it. No well its a matter of private revelation and interpretation. The Catholic church is God’s one true holy and apostolic church on earth. And I for one cannot wait to be part of her.

 

[Syele]

There are several sources, other than Catholic, that quote thousands of Christian denominations. The argument becomes even if it is only 5,000, as opposed to 35,000, it’s way too many. In my opinion, it there were only 100 denominations, it’s too many. It was not Christ’s intention to have many denominations of doctrinally different Churches.

I agree that there are too many. My point is not that point. my point is that if you want to convince me that you have the fullness of truth, beginning with unfounded assertions and/or ones that are highly controversial is a bad foundation to begin on. If I want to convince you of something and I choose as my starting point something blatantly false, you would ignore the rest of what I say. This is completely logical and is foolish if not done this way.** The ends (convincing me that non-unity is bad) do not justify the means(making up false or knowingly using controversial figures). **
You would discount everything else I said if I made up a lie about Catholics to begin a speech and then tried to justify it with “Well the overall point is true!” And rightly so!

He prayed for everyone to be “perfectly one”.

The Apostles taught one Church. St. Paul wrote specifically about one Church.

I agree

It was 1500 years after the death and resurrection of Jesus that the first of the Protestant reformation started with Martin Luther. Luther stood on “sola scriptura”, that is his interpretation was the only interpretation that mattered. Martin Luther realized he had opened a can of worms as many of his own followers branched out with their own Churches based on their interpretations through the teaching of “sola scriptura”. It was through private interpretations that many denominations, each with different doctrines, were started.

Most Protestants rely heavily on sola scriptura, yet the Bible doesn’t teach that doctrine anywhere. In fact it teaches the contrary.

I don’t believe in Sola Scriptura unless you are going with some obscure definition of the term. Please define what you are talking about.

We all believe scriptures to be God inspired. Why did God inspire scriptures to say the Church was the pillar and ground of the truth instead of the Bible?

Are you claiming Sola Scriptura caused all the denominations? Cause if you are you are on the wrong track anyhow. If it was true then all the denominations that are split would also be sola scriptura… they are not. the root of it is well deeper than Sola Scriptura.

If you believe God had the power to protect the Bible through the ages, why do you reject the idea that God had the power to protect His Church?

I never claimed God hasn’t got the power to protect His Church! Please don’t make so many assumptions about me!

The way it works now is, every Church preaches it has the truth and people have an option to seek a Church with doctrines to fit their lifestyle as opposed to being obedient to God through the one Church Christ started himself.

Actually most Protestant Churches preach that they strive to understand the Truth to the best of their ability and that one should always use checks to determine if they are truly inline with Gods Word. There are a few Denominations that teach they are right to the exclusions of all the others… but I would not say they are in the majority at all.

This was the time that Christ named Simon, Kephas. Kephas is Aramaic, the language the Lord spoke, for “rock”. Kephas translates into Peter. The Apostles, being Jews, recognized Peter’s authority by the giving of the keys to the kingdom of Heaven because of Old Testament scriptures.

Please explain how a Protestant reconciles, “whatsoever thou shalt bind upon earth, it shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth, it shall be loosed also in heaven”?

Why did Christ tell people to take their disputes to the Church if He had thought His Church would not be around at any given time?

Please notice the Lord repeats His words, “whatsoever you shall bind upon earth, shall be bound also in heaven: and whatsoever you shall loose upon earth, shall be loosed also in heaven.”

You seem to be struggling to stay on topic here. My assertion is that it is morally wrong to use false info to prove a true point. the definition of “Kephas” and these other comments in no way prove that the end justifies the means. I cannot discuss those things till you fix your foundation.

No one is trying to “lie” to anyone. Catholics truly believed Christ intended for their to be one Church, with the same mind and judgment. Can you say this for all the denominations out there, no matter how many there are?

If they are not trying to lie then they should accept the correction that the numbers used are incorrect. **You can make your point just as well with 5,000 as with 35,000. **If you want to discuss the topic, I will discuss it but I will NOT discuss it on a foundation of falsehood. anytime I let it slide, 5 more Catholics who Trust their fellow Catholics to not be liars are misled weather the first poster intended to lie or not.

 

[Ag_not]

I will NOT discuss it on a foundation of falsehood. anytime I let it slide, **5 more Catholics **who Trust their fellow Catholics to not be liars are misled weather the first poster intended to lie or not.

I really want to address this point with you, but I cannot and will not until you prove to me that 5, count them, 5 more catholics are misled. Not 3, not 10, not 8, no, exactly FIVE. !!!
Our discussions must be based on total honesty and accuracy

 

[cathopologist]

Mary the Mother of God opened my eyes to belief in Her Son.

The Catholic church is the only church with true, unbroken, apoltolic succession.

The Catholic church is the only church with Sacred Tradition, Scripture and the Magisterium.

The Catholic church is the only church that has not changed it’s doctrines on faith and morals to suit the public mood of the time.

The Catholic Church was established by Jesus Himself.

The Catholic church is the only church that has got Mary’s role in our salvation right on the money.

The Catholic church is hard. I’m realising day by day that what the Church asks of me, is everything that I was, I am, and I can be, to the greater glory and honor of God. No easy get out clauses. No dont worry about it. No well its a matter of private revelation and interpretation. The Catholic church is God’s one true holy and apostolic church on earth. And I for one cannot wait to be part of her.

This is exactly how i felt when i was going through RCIA. Plus this fact; There was an SDA church opposite the Catholic Church where the HS led me to. If He wanted me to be Protestant, He would have led me inside the SDA church. Thank Our Lord He didn’t!

 

[Gabriel_of_12]

I dont see what the big deal about all the numbers. Jesus instituted one Church. If protestantism has more than one, just two different denominations of Chrisitanity. The fact is just one Protestant outside the Catholic church is one two many already, and look how far away Lutheranism, Calvanism,Anglicans etc. have splintered. These splinters have almost nothing in common with their founders (man and woman founders) today. Maybe the poster should of stated, one denomination outside Catholicism is one two many.

Ag not, I am so happy to see you take this journey back home, welcome home. All things are possible in Jesus Christ.

Peace be with you, and may the Holy Spirit keep you and protect in all Truth, amen.

 

[Reuben_J]

Why with 35,000 other Christian denominations, would someone choose to be a Catholic, given all there rules and regulations? We all believe in the same Jesus don’t we?

PJM

Sorry for gate crashing in here.

But, hey pal, that’s good idea. With 35,000 to choose from I am spoilt for a good bargain. Maybe I’ll look for the one that doesn’t have to listen to the Pope, no need to confess your sins to another person and maybe no need to go to the church at all. And the icing on the cake, after accepting Jesus, I can just relax for I am always saved. Gimme the best and the easiest one! Who says one need to use the difficult path?

Except for a little snag - the Devil would gladly be in agreement with me and would surely ask for the same thing!

 

[chris_molter]

Reply:

I was more curious about “R & R’s” always being a “good thing.”

I know lots of Catholics who left the church because of “R & R’s.”

Is that good?

PJM

Well, are those that left wrong or are the R&Rs wrong? I think we can find a parable that addresses that in an oblique way somewhere…

Also, one of the primary complaints amongst ‘orthodox’ Catholics is that the Church doesn’t enforce the R&Rs often or strictly enough. So the Church is damned if they do and damned if they don’t.

 

[Contarini]

Why with 35,000 other Christian denominations, would someone choose to be a Catholic,

That’s a rather odd way of putting it. Quantity doesn’t matter. And given that the Catholic Church offers a reasonable account of why there have come to be so many different Christian denominations and how these tragic splits could have been avoided, the multiplicity is actually an argument for Catholicism.

given all there rules and regulations?

You don’t specify what these are. Some of these “rules and regulations” that people talk about (the refusal to recognize divorce and remarriage, for instance) are just basic, traditional Christian moral teachings that other churches have slackened off on. Others are disciplinary rules designed to keep everyone on the same page. At times some of these do seem excessive, but on the other hand perhaps this is just a necessary part of having a large group of people united in one body.

Actually, sometimes I think Orthodox Judaism has an advantage over Christianity because they have far more rules and regulations, so that all of life becomes a sacrifice to God.

Edwin

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

I don’t believe in Sola Scriptura unless you are going with some obscure definition of the term. Please define what you are talking about.

Sola scriptura, from my understanding, is the Bible is the sole authority. Most sola scripturist reject any authority of Christ’s Church, which gave us the Bible through the canonical process. This process included fallible men deciding which were infallible scriptures and those that were not.

Are you claiming Sola Scriptura caused all the denominations? Cause if you are you are on the wrong track anyhow. If it was true then all the denominations that are split would also be sola scriptura… they are not. the root of it is well deeper than Sola Scriptura.

The reformation was “born” through sola scriptura, more specifically Martin Luther’s interpretation of scriptures.

“Unless I am convinced by proofs from Scriptures or by plain and clear reasons and arguments, I can and will not retract, for it is neither safe nor wise to do anything against conscience. Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

Through Martin Luther’s actions, Protestantism was started. It wasn’t long others, through their own interpretation of scriptures, schismed and other denominations were started.

There were problems in the Church during Martin Luther’s time. The problem was, Martin Luther threw the baby out with the bathwater. That is, he abandoned Christ’s Church over the action of men. Christ pre-figured the actions of “men” in His teachings.

Mat 23:1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitudes and to his disciples,
Mat 23:2 Saying: The scribes and the Pharisees have sitten on the chair of Moses.
Mat 23:3 All things therefore whatsoever they shall say to you, observe and do: but according to their works do ye not. For they say, and do not.

Do as they say seems to indicate the Lord knew the teachings would be true, even though those who sat upon the chair were “men” who did not do as they taught themselves.

I never claimed God hasn’t got the power to protect His Church! Please don’t make so many assumptions about me!

I apologize and did not mean to assume anything about you. My statement as more a question than an assertion. I saw your profile and saw Christian but do not know your denomination or affliation and I believe you’ll admit that covers alot of different doctrines. I’m used to most that reject the authority of the Catholic Church on these forums, using scriptures to justify their rejection.

Actually most Protestant Churches preach that they strive to understand the Truth to the best of their ability and that one should always use checks to determine if they are truly inline with Gods Word. There are a few Denominations that teach they are right to the exclusions of all the others… but I would not say they are in the majority at all.

This is where we may differ. The truth the Protestant Churches are striving to understand came from the Catholic Church. That is their faith in Christ, whichever of the sacraments they have accepted, whichever traditions they have accepted…those “parts” they have came from the Catholic Church, which Catholics believe still have all the parts.

You seem to be struggling to stay on topic here. My assertion is that it is morally wrong to use false info to prove a true point. the definition of “Kephas” and these other comments in no way prove that the end justifies the means. I cannot discuss those things till you fix your foundation.

It’s hard to convey thoughts through the written fashion that we communicate on these forums. I was only trying to summarize the foundation. The Bible itself does not contain all the information about Christ, there’s no way I could write everything in one thread, much less a single post.

Joh 21:25 But there are also many other things which Jesus did which, if they were written every one, the world itself. I think, would not be able to contain the books that should be written.

If they are not trying to lie then they should accept the correction that the numbers used are incorrect. **You can make your point just as well with 5,000 as with 35,000. **If you want to discuss the topic, I will discuss it but I will NOT discuss it on a foundation of falsehood. anytime I let it slide, 5 more Catholics who Trust their fellow Catholics to not be liars are misled weather the first poster intended to lie or not.

I just don’t think anyone is intentionally stating falsehoods in these respects. I tried to clarify that with my example of, “100 denominations is too many”.

 

[bbarrick8383]

Because, if 1 Billion people are jumping off a bridge, it must be a heck of a rush!!

I had never stepped foot into a Catholic Church till about 3 weeks ago, I cant wait for Sundays now.

 

[MarcoPolo]

It may be bad to have 5,000 denominations but on what account should any protestant bother to listen to people who lie and claim there are 35,000 then there are 5,000?

You don’t have to listen to Catholics. Just look at the numbers and join us in condemning this sifting of wheat.

 

[justasking4]

Why with 35,000 other Christian denominations, would someone choose to be a Catholic, given all there rules and regulations? We all believe in the same Jesus don’t we?

PJM

All Protestants that believe in Sola Scriptura believe:
1- Christ is God
2- He died for our sins and rose again
3- the Trinity
4- salvation is found in Christ alone
5- man is fallen

 

[Ravyn_Guiliani]

Why with 35,000 other Christian denominations, would someone choose to be a Catholic, given all there rules and regulations? We all believe in the same Jesus don’t we?

PJM

Matthew 28:19,20–does not say Jesus will be with 35,000 churches until the end of time, it says He will be with the one He founded.

 

[justasking4]

Matthew 28:19,20–does not say Jesus will be with 35,000 churches until the end of time, it says He will be with the one He founded.

How many churches do you think there were by the end of the 1st century before there was a centralized power in Rome?