What about the subsequent centuries?

I believe he’s using military time, not centuries

fishon…according to scripture are the operative words here. Most of the church isn’t operating according to scripture.

preacherlady,
I was not referring to ‘the’ church; I was referring to “THE” Church. It will never sink. Thousands of local churches have sunk, and rightfully so.

The title would have been better phrased, “A parable of a local church,” to be scripturally accurate: Revelation 2 & 3 make that clear.

You are correct, most of the Church is not operating according to scripture. Now that would be a jolly debate, but it is Friday and Sunday’s coming.
fishon

I’m sure it was, David.
fishon

ok, fishon, I’ll have mercy since its Friday! David, you’re right…many a local church should not have closed…they just weren’t surviving within the prescribed format. When a church has a definitive statement of faith, it is assumed that all who are members believe within that context, and most members have learned to keep their mouths shut about their differences. When you allow people to be themselves, to voice their differences, and to grow through exploration, you have a concept that will survive. Try throwing out the question, “what does the word God mean to you, and what were you taught about God as a child?” The answers are surprising.

One can only hope that this world will be rid of ALL religion, especially fundamentalist/evangelical Christianity soon. It’s so sad that you people have to live your lives in fear of an imaginary god that will smite unbelievers to hell. In the real wworld, we call that abuse

I think it’s abuse too, but then I dont’ believe God will do that. But then I never do believe that people will do the horrible things they end up doing.