Church Age
The Dark Ages
From the teaching of Apostle Mary Banks
After the last of the apostles died, the Church entered what is called the Dark Ages. The early Church had been guided by the doctrine the apostles received, and pastors and elders poured that revelation into the people, raising up more ministers to the glory of God. This was God's order for His Church, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone.
When that apostolic guidance was no longer leading the Body of Christ, the Church went into a long season of obscurity with very few great moves of the Spirit. Paul had warned that after his departing grievous wolves would enter in, and that in the latter times some would depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils. Apostolic order was set aside, and false doctrines were brought into the household of faith.
The division that followed has made the truth hard for many to discern. Yet the call has not changed: to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints, and to continue stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine, as the first Church did.
The scriptures
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.