The New Testament Church as an Influence in the 21st Century What a question or a statement. Either way the question or statement is no or a false statement. The first century church does not have the influence as it should in the 21st Century. There is one single reason, man. Man has thought when he should listen or do. The Bible is very clear, "If you love Me, keep My commandment" John 14:15 (NKJV). Jesus knew that man will think too much and would "love" Jesus his way versus the way that Jesus would. In the history of the first century church we can track where and when man thought too much and corrupted God's pure word. "Every word of God is pure..." Proverbs 30:5 (NKJV). The New Testament is full of warnings of going astray. "Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17 (NJKV). Men have always thought that they could lead God's church better than God. We can see in history of how wrong they were.
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Men thinking and changing the Word of God to fit their agenda. I'm reminded of this proverb: "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way death" Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV). His worship is in vain or will worship. Once one thing is changed, justified by "prayer and studying" (though there is no proof of their study), men can change anything they wish. The Manhattan church of Christ in New York City is far from the New Testament church. They are more like a denomination. That church has women in leadership roles to include congregational prayer, servicing the Lord's Supper. This church also had women deacons and a women associate minster. This church has other unscriptural
Men thinking and changing the Word of God to fit their agenda. I'm reminded of this proverb: "There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is the way death" Proverbs 16:25 (NKJV). His worship is in vain or will worship. Once one thing is changed, justified by "prayer and studying" (though there is no proof of their study), men can change anything they wish. The Manhattan church of Christ in New York City is far from the New Testament church. They are more like a denomination. That church has women in leadership roles to include congregational prayer, servicing the Lord's Supper. This church also had women deacons and a women associate minster. This church has other unscriptural