I am really confused about Evangelical and bible focused churches.?

Question

While for years I believed all this I have been questioning it lately.

Researching both the area of where the Church came from and the teachings of Bible alone have created more questions than answers.

I can see that the bible itself says that it isint the primary authority but that the Church and tradition is. Now I know people dont like to hear that but the bible says that.

As for the origins of the church Peter could have been the first pope, it says it in the bible. Its just confusing, there was no bible for the first 4 centuries yet the church flourished, in fact because of cost most bibles were not even avaiable for the next 1200-1300 years.

The church still flourished and was one church. As soon as people God the idea of taking tradition and historical interpretation away from the bible it all went nuts.

There are tons of bible churches all interpreting differently, some say only the unimportant parts but how do you define whats important or unimportant. Confussed

People asked for verses,

Jesus said Peter was the rock that he would build HIS Church on.

Peter warns agains using personal interpretation of the bible.

The chruch is called the foundation of truth (not the bible)

When Martin Luther left the church he changed the bible, took out parts and books he didnt like. He also heavily influenced hiter because he wanted to kill off the Jewish race.

So its kind of flakey that you have to trust that he put together the bible.

Its just a bit strange that there were no bibles in circulation for 1600 odd years and suddenly when they arive and are changed that they are supposed to be absolute truth and easy to interpret. If they were then why do all people who do it that way come to different conclussions.

I thought that God wasnt the God of confussion.

I have yet to see that the Chruch (catholic) was created in 400ad, but they were the early believiers and had traditions that Jesus created - most dont have that today.

Hey the part about the bible being "inspired" is true. I believe that but it doesnt say that it is suffient in itself.

It does talk a lot about teaching, tradion, oral traditions that are not contained in the books.

Answer 1

What verses are you using when you say that the Bible itself says that it isn't the primary authority, but that the church and tradition is?

I completely disagree with you, but can't discuss what you say you see in the Bible without verse[s], as that's your starting point. The apostles repeatedly testify to the contrary.

EDIT: Re your additions. First of all, ALL early "Christians" were Jews, including Peter, et al.

You say that Peter warns against interpreting the Bible, so you won'r provide verses. But you're relying on a verse, so you must be interpreting it. You can't have it both ways.

Many Roman Catholic rituals are not Biblical and they do not follow Jesus' instruction. You need to read the Bible, not be told what it says.

Answer 2

The Bible does not say Peter is the first Pope. Jesus Christ is the Rock and upon His Rock He would build His church. The Old Testament was about Jesus long before the New Testament came along. The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed. The New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

The Bible is the authority of Almighty God. The Bible is the Word of God, inspired by God and written as the Holy Spirit told them to write.

From Genesis to Revelation the Bible is all about Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World.

A few bad Popes caused the Catholic Church to go nuts.

Answer 3

Well, the Bible is a full of tough and confusing question, it's very hard to just go and understand the Bible. You have to read and study the Bible and ask the hard question before you can really understand the Bible. The reference you have to Peter being the first Pop. that's what the Catholic church wants you to believe, but in fact Peter is not what the Pope in history has been. The Pope interperates the Bible and throughout history he came up with a lot of laws and so forth that Peter would be saddened to witness. We should focuse on Christ alone and not just one person or a group of people who interperate the Bible just as Peter commanded us to do.

Answer 4

The Bible is a book. Period. The Church you are referring to is a fellowship period.

You can study whatever you like. The bottom line to everything is your personal relationship with GOD through Jesus Christ. The Bible is the owners manual for that relationship. The Church is for Christ followers to get together and help one another and the world around them. If you want the Catholic Church to save you then I might suggest you rethink your salvation. It's about Jesus finished work on the cross.

Answer 5

You have made several mistakes that I would like to attempt to correct.

First, the Bible does not say that the primary authority is the church and tradition. Rather, the Bible categorically states that ALL Scripture is God-breathed (or inspired) for our edification, correction, growth, etc.

Second Peter was not the first pope. Jesus said "Upon this rock (referring to Himself) I will build my church.

Third the New Testament was written within the lifetime of the followers of Jesus. Luke the physician said that he was there from the beginning. Peter was a fisherman that Jesus called. Matthew was a tax collector that Jesus called. Even the book of Revelation, the last book in the Bible, was written by John while exiled on the island of Patmos. John wrote three letters to the church (1st John, 2nd John, 3rd John), and was at the last supper leaning on Jesus.

Why not just read the sermon on the mount and just live up to that to start with? Don't bother with church traditions, and don't worry about interpretations. It's amazing how much light the Bible sheds on all them interpretations.

Read the life of Jesus Christ as found in the four gospels, read the history of the early church as found in the book of Acts, and read the letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome (ie "Romans"), as well as Galatians and Ephesians, Collosians, and all the rest. It's amazing how your confusion will dissipate in the light of God's Truth as found in His Holy Word.

Answer 6

When you state "what the bible says" give verses...

Peter wasn't the first Pope...the Pope wasn't a position until the RCC was formed in the 4th century. There wasn't a bible :O! You're right...there was The Book of John, The Book of Revelation, The Book of Matthew...and Mark, Luke, Romans, etc...

As far as availability of the bible, monks often copied it, and only wealthy families could afford them(not cause they were expensive, but there were a lot of poor people).

There are a lot of people and churches with their own interpretation...but who is to say the RCC is the one with the right interpretation? Martin Luther had 95 things that needed to be fixed with the church(as far as I know they haven't changed any).

Answer 7

Stay away from Protestants... they protested following the church and therefore have lost touch with what the church of christ was all about. Without the church, they are like a vine cut off from it's roots...

If you want to believe, either way is fine. But since you're already questioning things you may as well look into what prophecies of the Old Testament foretold of The Messiah, and compare them to what the church and the New Testament say are the prophecies that were fulfilled by Jesus. You may want to talk to a Jew about this. Not a messiahnic Jew, but an actual practicing Jew (once you go christian, you are no longer a Jew).

Answer 8

Keep questioning. The church doesn't have answers, they only cause more questions.
I questioned for years until the (non)answers that I received brought me to the realization that it is all fake.

Religions were started for good reason thousands of years ago. They brought hope and morals to the masses that didn't have either at the time. What better way to get people to do both at the same time than to convince them that if they are good people now, they will live forever in paradise once they die? It created a civilized society. Now that we are civilized we no longer need to believe, we can live this life to the fullest.

Answer 9

The bible is the word of god. It is the authority not the churches.
Churches are controlled by men . Men do not have authority over god. Revaluation 22: 18 &19.
I think you really need to study the bible and don't be misled by churches Matthew 24 :23 & 24.
Popes and saints are also figments of the false churches imagination.

Answer 10

I can see you are confused. There is much more to be said than space allows here.
The part you said about the seat of authority- and church and tradition-- this makes me think you heard some Catholic belief. The Authority IS the Bible.
Where in the world does it say Peter could have been the first pope?