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While in a meeting, Dr. W. Elvin Hardy and Dr. Frank R. Babish asked the question; "How would you describe what the nature of a follower of Christ in the fewest words?" During that discussion, a number of possible phrases were discussed. They discussed variations of phrases already popular that were related to Christ. They also discussed phrases both past and present that were related to actions of active ministries and even missionaries. During that discussion they began to address a teaching that Dr. Babish had recently completed that was entitled “The Rock Nature.”
The teaching, being based upon Matthew 16: 13-18, referred to the theological discussion related to the most accurate definition from scripture relating to the rock upon which the Church of Jesus Christ was to be built.
Quoting from Dr. Babish’s teaching:
This is based on what Jesus said in these few verses we just read; “Upon this rock I will build my church.” What is the rock Jesus is talking about? Is it Peter for Jesus said to Peter, “Thou are Peter and upon this rock I will build my church?” For many years the early Christian Church believed that Jesus said that Peter was the rock upon which He, Jesus, would build His church. Except for the Catholic Church, churches today are teaching that Jesus was saying that He (Jesus) is the Rock. The question that I am asking is... is the church the rock that Jesus is talking about?” or is there a “Rock Nature" you and I must take upon ourselves? Are we to become partakers of this “Rock Nature?”
After praying, Drs. Hardy and Babish determined that indeed they would adopt “The Rock Nature” as the name to be used for this site and the work of this ministry because the true church is indeed the rock of the scripture and Christians are to take upon themselves the very nature of Jesus, Himself being the Rock of their faith, The Son of The Living God. |
