In the last few weeks I’ve heard Church of Christ preachers speak about the origins of the Church. Both mentioning the Catholic’s tracing of position as the true Church from Peter as the first Pope and Christ’s statement in Matthew 16:18. Both disputing the above and claiming the Church of Christ as the only one true Church with origin in Acts.

While I suppose it is not uncommon for denominations to claim they are the one true Church with authority from Christ, I don’t believe either of the above positions is accurate. I believe the true Church can be found in Mark 3:34-35 KJV. And he looked round about on them which sat about him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! [35] For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

I’m not sure if Peter was actually the first Pope or not, but the Catholic church has played a crucial role in the development and spread of Christianity around the world. Meanwhile, the Church of Christ irregardless of their claims was created after the Protestant Reformation in the United States of America.

Looking at doctrine from the Catholic Church and the Church of Christ it is evident some of their beliefs and teachings are right while some are simply wrong. I’m not going to get into that here, but I feel safe in saying there is no denomination following the Word of God perfectly.

Hence the Church in my opinion will come from various denominations. It will be composed of those who do the will of God and keep his Commandments. These are those that read the Holy Bible. They learn of God himself and will not be led astray by commandments and doctrine of men.