The skies are growing dark as we enter these waters, and a volcano smokes in the background threatening to erupt. But we live in the magic! And that is enough.
My personal experience has been that most modern Christians don’t like the evidence I have brought to light. They don’t like what I have found in the “Missing 200 Years”. They don’t want to know and they continue to feed their pet Pastor who shelters them from hard truth. Poor things. Yes indeed, these can be dark waters to sail, but only because we have made them that way.
They only are a threat if you’re afraid to open your mind. Everyone has their own reasons for being closed minded. Maybe they think they already have all the truth, but how can they know if they never study other evidence? Some know they are wrong, but do not want to change and do not want to be reminded of it. Some don’t like it that Jesus taught “Blessed are the poor”, because they love money and spend much time pursuing it.
There are many reasons why people have allowed the “Missing 200 Years” to become the “Missing 200 Years”, and they want to keep it that way, especially “large” and “rich” churches, because what Jesus taught and started does not work as well in large congregations as it does simple home and family settings. I sincerely believe that what has come to be called the “Micro Church Movement” is the fresh Wind from heaven God is anointing to cause huge change! Like he anointed Gideon in the days of old. Hence, a new wine skin. Gideon was found at the wine press, not the grind stone.
So here we go, the sails are set for deeper waters yet. And if you’re still sailing with me, then you’re ready for your next quote.This quote was written by a man named Irenaeus. He was a disciple of Polycarp, and as such, would have had close relationship and knowledge of the man. All these strange names of people back in the day can be “googled” and proven of their existence in history. This is an account of one of the first encounters Polycarp had with a Rome Bishop. This was just the beginning of a matter that would grow much worse!
Our quote comes from: Irenaeus, Fragment 3 (Excerpts) > “And when the blessed Polycarp was sojourning in Rome in the time of Anicetus, although a slight controversy had arisen among them as to certain other points, they were at once well inclined towards each other (with regard to the matter at hand), not willing that any quarrel should arise between them upon this head. For neither could Anicetus persuade Polycarp to forego the observance (Passover) (in his own way), in as much as these things had been always so observed by John the disciple of our Lord, and by other apostles with whom he had been conversant…”
The facts are very plain. Don’t let the old language convince you to ignore these words. We can all understand what is being plainly said here “if we want to”. No closed mind! A closed mind is a wasted space! Like the Dead Sea!!!
Notice that Polycarp is face to face with Anicetus. Notice the Bishop tries to persuade Polycarp to forego his observance of Passover! But remember that Polycarp was dicipled by the apostle John himself, and it is plainly stated that John and other apostles had been always observing the Passover! And we’re well beyond the Lord’s resurrection at this point! If Passover was to no longer be observed in some form, (and that form is given in 1st Corinthians 11), then it would have ended long ago!
Irenaeus has recorded history on paper, in his own words, an account of what happened at this meeting. Anicetus tries to persuade Polycarp to stop practicing the Passover as he was taught by the Apostle John, and as was confirmed to him by other Apostles he had conversation with. Polycarp refused to disobey the Apostles for the sake of this Rome bishop. These two agreed to disagree in peaceful terms, but this matter will escalate as time goes by. These are also the roots of the Catholic church, and if you think the Catholic church has changed from her roots, then you are easily deceived and unwilling to recognize truth. But on that note >
I’d like to point out I was in that same boat. I’m not trying to throw stones. He who lives in a glass house should not throw stones! I was working hard in deception or lack of knowledge for a long time. I was a faithful worker in the modern Protestant churches. It doesn’t matter the denomination. What matters is what is truth? Jesus said that only the truth sets us free! But now I’m so grateful for the freedom I have found! But with freedom also comes responsibility. I’m not teaching that Christians should leave modern church unless they are responsible enough to find, or start a group that is true blue to what God has actually said. But if you’re not that faithful and responsible, then don’t be surprised if you find you’re part of the five foolish virgins who woke up too late to find the flow of God’s oil, and were left behind. The wise still seek Jesus, no matter what!
So this is our quote for the day, and this is more evidence for you to give due consideration as to what each of us should do. More will come with each article, but each evidence deserves its proper time of consideration before moving to the next. If you have not studied 1st Corinthians 11 concerning what the Apostle Paul instructed as the Lord’s Supper, then you still need to. If the Lord’s Supper is as a template to all things church, then it is of supreme importance! If you have not studied in Revelation where Jesus graded both the church of Smyrna and Laodicea, then you need to. Remember, Polycarp was the Overseer of Smyrna, appointed and discipled by John himself. This man was highly qualified and faithful to his task in his day. Can we say the same of us? It’s not too late to change the set of our sails if we only will.
Path Without End 