That which we call church today is an idolatrous system of men’s traditions which is spiritual harlotry. Church is what we do in addition to being who Christ has made us to be in Him. If what we call church can be incorporated, joined, named, referred to as it, and can be taken from us, then it is not the real thing. The true ekklesia is a corporate body of people who are born into it. They have taken only the name of Jesus because they are in a relationship with Him. That relationship cannot be taken from them. Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr.
The “Catholic Church” and the “Protestant Church” are equally idolatrous in eyes of God. The “Catholic Church” and the“Protestant Church” are not the Church in the New Testament. Both Catholic and Protestant “churches” are idolatrous man-made institutions that embrace ideologies, customs and doctrines contrived out of the hearts and minds of man. But there is one crucial difference between the two: the “Catholic Church” was first. Indeed, the “Protestant Church” is indebted to the “Catholic Church” for its’ religious institutions, rules, and traditions. Those things you idolize the most and hold so dear to your heart about this thing you call “church,” (and I’m not talking about Jesus Christ), is courtesy of the “Roman Catholic Church.” Some of the shared man-made customs which by far are the most idolatrous, includes allowing a man or woman to usurp the authority that solely belongs to Christ, attending and supporting this thing we call “church,” and other works of the law – just to name a few. At the end of the day, the “Protestant Church” that you cherish emanated from Catholicism – not from the Bible, and most assuredly not from God.
Surprisingly, many Protestants maintain an air of superiority because they believe their religious traditions and customs are true, and are not idolatrous like the “Catholic Church.” The things that are an abomination and most grievous to God, are the very things Protestants inherited from Catholicism. Protestants definitely did not inherit this man-made “church system” from the believers and apostles during Christ’s time on earth – or after His death. They definitely were not instructed by Paul, Peter, Timothy, or others cited in the New Testament to build these idolatrous, counterfeit organizations we call “church.” And above all – they were never instructed to do this from Jesus Christ. NEVER! NEVER! NEVER!
Let’s look at how believers worshiped God under the law in the Old Testament, and compare it with how believers worship God today.
How did Israel in the Old Covenant worship God?
- (1) They built and maintained a temple/building.
- (2) They had a congregational meeting that had a repetitive format that started with praise and worship.
- (3) They gave offerings and tithes.
- (4) Men were told they were required to enter the temple to worship God.
- (5) There was the High Priest who was in authority over those who entered.
Sounds familiar? Nothing has changed. We are still operating under the law. But now this system is in exact opposition of what Jesus commanded us to do in the New Testament. For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law. Hebrews 7:12. Not only does God no longer require a mediator between us and Him – He forbids it.
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5).
YET THIS VERY SYSTEM CONTINUES TODAY FOR BOTH PROTESTANT AND CATHOLIC “CHURCHES”ALIKE.
With the Protestant Reformation, it wasn’t long after men began adapting many of the traditions established by the “Catholic Church”, including building and forming “church organizations.” Pastors simply took the place of the Catholic priest. In the New Testament, elders (literally older men) were not people appointed by organized “churches.” The elders in the Church guided and served others in their communities, but they did not rule. The Church at Corinth, and the Church at Ephesus, were all the believers in that town – they were not organizations. The Church in the New Testament always referred to believers – people only. They did not have this thing we call “church” – or designated believers in positions of authority over others. God does not delegate authority to religious leaders over His people – He forbids it under the covenant in the New Testament. The concept of a pastor or priest being in authority over others is Old Testament law, and was done away with through the death of Jesus on the cross.
When you consider how many Protestants accuse Catholics of idolatry, it is ironic that they are not able to see their own. What do you think God would be most grieved over – a novena prayer to a saint, or surrendering yourself to an authority that only belongs to Jesus? In other words, allowing a pastor or priest to usurp Christ’s authority over your life. How is this possible – for the few who may ask? It is possible by allowing men to hold titles of preeminence and authority among other believers, that is solely God’s alone. Pastor Joe, Father David, Reverend Thomas, Deacon Roberts, etc. Jesus forbids this.
But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. (Matt. 23:8-11).
How is the spiritual attributes assigned to a building made by the hands of man, any different than the spiritual attributes assigned to a statue of the Virgin Mary? How is the worship of that building with it’s brick, siding, wood, and the mystical, spiritual attributes applied to it, different than the ceramic and plaster used to construct the statue and its spiritual significance? Both things are inanimate objects that man has attributed spiritual significance to. Both are idols in the eyes of God. God is not any more present inside a “church”, than He is outside of it. God is just as preeminent in a home with 2 or more believers, or in a restaurant with two or more believers gathering together. The home, the restaurant, the statue, the ”church building,” are all worldly things, and are objects that does not possess spiritual attributes. People assign spiritual attributes to these things – not God.
The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands Acts 17:24
How is it the Catholic worship of Holy Thursday, or The Feast of the Immaculate Conception, different than the worship and false assumption held by Protestants and Catholics, that Sunday is special and holds more religious significance than other days? There is no biblical authority asserting Sundays after Christ’s death is a day to worship. Jesus never said so. As a matter of fact, it is just opposite. Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am in fear of you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain. Galatians 4-10 Jesus not only replaced the Sabbath, but He also replaced the days and traditions set aside to worship on any particular day.
Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ. Colossians 2:16-17
Let’s look at another example regarding Easter. Easter was never celebrated as we know it until it’s inception within the Catholic Church. Consider this elaboration from The Harlot Church System Part 2 by Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr.
Easter is equally idolatrous and chilling. Most Christians affectionately use the term Easter in association with the precious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ with no regard to the fact that Easter is the English word for the goddess Ishtar (also called Astarte and Eostre in other pagan cultures). Ishtar was celebrated as the queen of heaven. Much of what we do at Easter time also has its origin in paganism. The date on which we celebrate Easter does not regularly coincide with the resurrection of Christ, which occurred three days after Passover. Lent, the sunrise services, the dyeing of eggs, the bunny rabbits are all unscriptural abominations to God.
Here is the simple truth: the vast majority of the early Church met spontaneously at each others homes, and often every day in various settings because they lived among each other. They never met in structures designated for worship, because “church services” and “church buildings” did not exist back then. These believers were the Church 24/7. There are those who are quick to point out that some believers during the first century met on Sunday, but what they fail to acknowledge is these same believers still attended the Jewish Synagogue on Saturday. Their religious mindset was so strong, they refused to let go completely of their Jewish faith, and chose Sunday, the day after the Jewish Sabbath to meet with other Christians. In their minds there was a Jewish Sabbath, and in their carnality and ignorance assumed there was to be a Christian Sabbath. Also, Sunday was an ordinary work day for them. God clearly states that Jesus did away with the Sabbath. Nevertheless, that same carnal mindset continues today.
Through years of teaching the law, they, like most churchgoing believers today, assumed Christianity was still bound to the law, and employed practices and customs that were akin to the Jewish faith. Today, many Christian believers simply assumed like the Jewish faith, there should be a Christian sabbath. This is false. It is nothing less than a rejection of the gift of freedom Jesus gave us through His death on the cross. Although the New Testament mentions the “first day of the week” 8 times, it never had anything to do with a worship service or some meeting believer’s were obligated to attend.
It is not wrong to meet with other Christians – actually God wants us to have fellowship with other believers, but not when it is done under the law, or when it goes against God’s Word. God does not want us to fellowship under false pretenses and conditions that are idolatrous – or if it violates what He commands in the New Testament. We can meet with other believers anytime, everyday, once a month, once a week, Monday afternoon, whatever.“One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.” Romans 14:5. There is no inanimate object or a specific place required that is necessary in order to fellowship with other believers.
For where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them. Matthew 18:20..
God’s Word simply states what He considers fellowship – and make no mistake – fellowship is not based on any rule or tradition. You will not find even a hint in the Bible for us to meet on Sundays – and if you are declaring this false concept, you are unequivocally misusing and abusing God’s Word. You are in essence, a “teacher of the law.” Jesus had quite a lot to say about “teachers of the law .” Nor is there any statement or even a hint that we are meet in a temple made with human hands. Yes folks, a church and a temple are the same – they are both designated places for worship – and they are both idols.
When we preach church, as we craftily do, we thereby preach another gospel, a false gospel. We perpetuate the lie. Charles Elliott Newbold, Jr.
The concept of “going to church” on Sunday, was birthed out of Roman Catholicism, courtesy of Constantine, the Roman Emperor. Again, Protestants, you can thank the Roman Catholic Church for your “church” you cherish, and its’ many man-made traditions and laws you hold dear to your heart. Make no mistake, your “church” is not the Church in the New Testament – not even close. Your “church” and all other “churches” in existence today other than the Body of Christ (the only True Church) originated out of paganism. The “institutional church” is a deception of Satan that usurps religion over Jesus, and serves as a substitution for our relationship with Christ. This would not be possible without churchgoers as yourself, and much to Satan’s delight – it works. I know that will offend many, and we are sorry – but we are trying to open your eyes to your own idolatry.
Meeting with other believers under a system that falsely assert it’s God’s will once a week, twice a week, or whatever, is not only false – it is a idolatry. It is the idolization of man’s precepts over God’s Word. The “institutional church system” and its government violates God Word at the very core on every level. God is a jealous God, who does not like playing second fiddle to anyone or any THING. The “Protestant Church system,” and the “Catholic Church system,” are both idolatrous at its very root. When Jesus Christ died on the cross, he replaced the Sabbath, by providing rest for our souls every day – seven days a week.
The greatest tragedy and the ultimate rejection of the gift Jesus gave us at the cross, is our unwillingness to give up the law. We reject the fact Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law. Oh, we have no problem parroting that Scripture – and our pastors/priests definitely have no problem declaring this. They are fine as long as we do not include or point out their own man-made programs and rituals as a part of this (the law). But lip service means nothing when we insist on continuing with the law, traditions, and customs set forth by man. We refuse to let go of the law. Despite everything that clearly states that Jesus has abolished the law, we won’t let go. We fail to see that our salvation is solely based on our belief as Him as our Lord and Savior, and that is the message we send to the world. We say one thing, but we do another. The world sees it, but we can’t because we are blinded by the doctrines of men – not the Scriptures.
We have been made to believe that this thing we call “church” is of God and that our participation in it is essential to our Christian walk – when in fact it is an idolatrous substitute for Jesus. When Jesus Christ was crucified, the veil of the physical temple was destroyed. And behold, the veil of the Temple was rent in twain, from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the stones were cloven. Matthew 27:51 This was a sign from God that He no longer requires or desire believers worship in temples made with hands. There is no room for conjecture, however; when we have His Word.
God that made the world, and all things that are therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, a dwelleth not in temples made with hands. Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed anything, seeing he giveth to all life and breath and all things… Acts 17:24-25
Nevertheless, despite the New Covenant and God’s Word, men still insist on worshiping in temples made of hands. The motive for pastors is that their livelihood is involved – to be blunt, it is their way of making money. I’m sure, however; there are a few pastors who believe that what they are doing is right, and it’s not just about the money. For the Catholic priest, it’s their profession and what they see as sacrificing their life up for God. For the average believer, it is their way making themselves feel spiritual. Believers like to perceive themselves as spiritual (and we were guilty of this in the past), but in all fairness there is more to this. We love bragging about our church and our participation in their activities. The majority of believers have been led by men to believe this is what God wants from them. It is a lie from the depths of hell, but most can not see this.
The primary reason is they firmly believe this is what God wants them to do. It is the lie church leaders has fed believers for over 1,700 years – a lie based on a false gospel. It’s all we have ever known, or ever been taught. There comes a time and point I believe in every believer’s life, were God has tapped him or her on the shoulder, and said “This is not right – this is deception.” The vast majority of believers choose to ignore this prompting of the Holy Spirit, and continue steadfast on his or her path to destruction. Do not kid yourself – God knows you far better than you even know yourself. He knows your reasons for ignoring His prompting. How deceptive is this lie? The Jewish leadership maintained control of the people who lived in their community, and with Jesus standing right before their very eyes, they still did not recognize God’s Son. “Church leadership” today have most believers just as blinded and spellbound as the Jewish leadership over 2,000 years ago who sought the death of Christ.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love him. But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-10
Another reason is that most believers are simply scared to death to believe anything else. They have so well been fed this lie, that even thinking about anything different frightens them. They are content not to think for themselves, or probe anything they have been taught. They open their mouths wide to be fed the worms “church leaders” dish out, and are praised for doing so. Again, no matter how many times the Holy Spirit has tapped them on the shoulders and said, “Hey, I already told you – this is not right”, they continue on in their harlotry and make the choice to ignore Jesus. They put their religion, their relationships, and their “church” first over God. This is idolatry – and God will eventually hold you accountable.
The most prevailing factor, however; and perhaps the most egregious to Jesus Christ is the believer’s desire to feel self-righteous and spiritual. Going to “church” makes you feel good about yourself. After all, “church leaders” are quick to tell you are a spiritual person if you do so. And of course, you are more than happy to oblige them. I’m sorry – your relationship with God is not about your “church” and your performance and activities within it. Sadly, going to “church” only demonstrates your ignorance of God’s Word, and how proficient you are in the doctrines of men. But you have plenty of company who delight in this orchestration of man, and they will promptly validate that you fit in with the “religious” crowd. They’ll make you and your religious spirit feel right at home. All of these things are indicative of one who puts the world first over his or her relationship with God, and how he or she idolize this worldly system. The “Catholic Church” and the “Protestant Church” are both equal and culpable in that respect.
I will bring this up again: Have you ever wondered where did the pastor come from? The pastor is the Catholic Priest – that’s where the pastor came from. Wait, don’t the Bible – especially KJV, mention the pastor and bishop? Yes, they do, but these words are not found in the original Scriptures – nor are they translatable words from the original Scriptures. This is a well documented and established historical fact. King James ordered many poorly translated words and text, that helped solidify his role, as being the head over the “Church of England” (a.k.a. the “Anglican Church.)” We will be writing more about this at some point. Also see our article “The Truth Behind the King James Bible.”
At the end of your life, you will stand before God, and He will hold you accountable about the choices you made in life. The excuse this is what men taught me will not wash – not when you had His Word all along. He will ask you if you served Him – or your “church.” He will ask you if you served Him – or your pastor or priest. He will ask if you served Him – or a system of rules and traditions that His own Son died on the cross to redeem you from. He will ask you if you served Him – or the friends you made in the “church system.” He will ask if served Him – or if you served duty. He will ask if you served genuine love – or if you went through the motions. One thing you can count on – He will not ask whether you were Catholic or Protestant.