There is no buying and selling of any sort in the things of God. Though we have our treasure-chest, it is not made up of purchase-money, as of a religion that has its price. On the monthly day, if he likes, each puts in a small donation; but only if it be his pleasure, and only if he be able: for there is no compulsion; all is voluntary. These gifts are, as it were, piety’s deposit fund. For they are not taken thence and spent on feasts, and drinking-bouts, and eating-houses, but to support and bury poor people, to supply the wants of boys and girls destitute of means and parents, and of old persons confined now to the house; such, too, as have suffered shipwreck; and if there happen to be any in the mines, or banished to the islands, or shut up in the prisons, for nothing but their fidelity to the cause of God’s Church, they become the nurslings of their confession.

Tertullian. 1885. “The Apology.” In Latin Christianity: Its Founder, Tertullian, edited by Alexander Roberts, James Donaldson, and A. Cleveland Coxe, translated by S. Thelwall, 3:46. The Ante-Nicene Fathers. Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Company.

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” – Jesus  (Matthew 16:18)

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Jesus (Matthew 28:19–20)

Did you know that the Biblical writings from the BC (BCE) predicted a coming “Servant/Messiah” who would bring God’s word to the nations world over? Did you know that Jesus claimed to be that Messiah and claimed that His message would go to the nations world over? Did you know that Jesus predicted both good and bad players in His multicultural kingdom? Did you know Jesus said His kingdom is not of this world? And yet the gates of hell would not prevail against it.

The rest is history….