How do you know Jesus established the Catholic church? QUOTE]
pentecostal girl, that is a very valid question and one that to answer fully, needs a great deal of study.
I asked the same question before I converted . . but I asked it in a little different way, a broader way . .
I asked, "Which Church today most closely resembles the Church of the Ancient Early Church in what it believes, teaches, and practices?"
It was my search into history to answer that question that eventually led me to the Catholic Church . . But suffice it to say, that it was unavoidable to see, when I began my search, the very strong resemblence of the Catholic and Orthodox Churches to the Ancient Church . . it was striking! And one of the first things that jumped out at me were the Sacraments of the Church - Baptism, Confession, Eucharist, etc . .
The Church Jesus said He would establish is HIS Church . .He did not call it "Christian" as that word had not even been invented yet . . He did not call it "Catholic" because that word had not een applied to Chrsitian's yet . . He established His Church which very soon became known as the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church to those who believed . .
This Church, which
HE founded, was birthed and grew under the instruction and guidance of the Apostles and those they appointed to follow them in thier footsteps and in their authority . . this Church called itself Catholic from earliest times . . it was one and the same then, it is one and the same now.
Peace in Him!
