“They claim they are the true Church—but their faith, life, and fruit do not match the apostles.”
— Inspired by Matthew 7:21, Acts 2, and Jude 1:3
🔍 INTRODUCTION
In the beginning, there was one Church, founded by Jesus Christ and led by the apostles. It had no denominations, no division, no political power, no false doctrines.
Today, many religious groups call themselves:
Orthodox
Catholic
Apostolic
But the question is not what they call themselves — the question is:
❓Do they live, teach, and believe like the apostles of Christ?
Let us examine each one carefully.
1️⃣ ORTHODOX — “Right Faith”?
🕊️ THEN (Early Church):
Held correct doctrine based on the apostles’ teaching
Opposed heresies like Arianism and Gnosticism
Walked in power, humility, and holiness
Believed in one united nature of Christ (like Tewahedo)
🏛️ NOW:
🔸 Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church
Preserves many ancient truths: fasting, Sabbath, Ge’ez liturgy, reverence, modesty
Still rejects the Council of Chalcedon, keeping Miaphysite doctrine (Tewahedo = united nature)
Emphasizes saints, angels, Mary, and holy tradition
However:
Some believers rely on rituals more than repentance
Few read the Bible personally
There are areas of idolatry, where holy objects or saints are over-honored
Some priests and churches are spiritually lukewarm, politically aligned, or materialistic
🔸 Eastern Orthodox (Greek, Russian, etc.)
Strong in tradition and beauty of worship
But follow Chalcedonian doctrine (different from Ethiopia)
Reject the Pope
Often struggle with spiritual pride, coldness, and national politics
✅ Truth: The word “Orthodox” means right faith, but many today do not live according to apostolic simplicity and power.
2️⃣ CATHOLIC — “Universal Church”?
🕊️ THEN:
The term “Catholic” was first used around 110 AD by Ignatius of Antioch.
It meant universal — the one worldwide Church of Christ
Before division, all true believers were part of this universal body
🏛️ NOW:
🔸 Roman Catholic Church
Follows the Pope as supreme authority
Believes in doctrines added centuries later, such as:
Papal infallibility
Purgatory
Immaculate Conception of Mary
Praying to saints
Indulgences
In some places, priests live in luxury, and the Church is tied to political power
Many believers are baptized as babies but live without personal repentance or rebirth
✅ Truth: While Roman Catholicism claims apostolic roots, its doctrines, leadership, and power structures have drifted far from the early Church.
3️⃣ APOSTOLIC — “Sent by Christ”?
🕊️ THEN:
The apostles were:
Holy, bold, persecuted, humble
Preachers of truth, not entertainers
Filled with the Holy Spirit, doing miracles
Builders of people, not empires
📖 Acts 2:42–47 — They lived in unity, shared everything, prayed constantly, and preached repentance.
🏛️ NOW:
🔸 Many “Apostolic” Churches Today
Call themselves “Apostolic,” but:
Focus on titles, money, and church business
Preach prosperity, not holiness
Are filled with emotional show, but no real transformation
Many “apostles” today are not sent by God, but by ego or money
✅ Truth: To be apostolic is not to have a title — it is to walk in the Spirit of the apostles, preaching truth without fear, living holy without excuse.
💡 4️⃣ THE TRUE CHURCH — BEYOND NAMES
The true Church of Christ is not defined by:
Title: “Orthodox”, “Catholic”, or “Apostolic”
Building size
Government recognition
History alone
It is defined by:
🔥 Truth, holiness, love, humility, and the power of the Holy Spirit
✅ Jesus said:
“You will know them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16)
🔚 CONCLUSION: “Let Everyone Examine Themselves”
Many churches carry ancient names, but have abandoned the apostolic faith.
Today, the true Church may be:
In houses, prisons, underground movements
Among the poor, the rejected, the hungry for truth
Not famous, but faithful
Not rich, but righteous
🧾 FINAL MESSAGE:
“The first Church is our pattern. Let us return to the fire of Acts, not the form of religion.”
“Don’t be deceived by names — seek the truth, walk in the Spirit, and follow Christ in full surrender.”