Names of Jesus – Day 21 – Carpenter

On August 12, 2008September 11, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, Devotionals, Salvation, Scriptures4 Comments

Is this picture too precious or what? What a beautiful depiction of the Lord’s mission on earth! It goes well with today’s name of Jesus – Carpenter!

~Mark 6:3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.

We can assume that Joseph taught Jesus the carpenter trade as a child. I can see Jesus playing beside Joseph’s workbench, can’t you? As He matured into a teenager, I can see Him working side-by-side with Joseph to earn a living for the family. Jesus used His carpentry skills in His teachings.

~Matthew 7:24-27 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: (24) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. (25) And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: (26) And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. (27)

Notice that Jesus said whoever hears His words and heeds His words is building his faith upon the Rock. The Carpenter knows how to build a house and He also knows what type of foundation is best. Christ likened our faith in Him as one who builds his house upon a rock. That house is solid and is unshakable – even when the rains came, the floods came and the winds blew! Now that’s a solid house! When we liken this visual picture to our own spiritual lives, we must ask ourselves if our faith in Christ is as unshakeable. Are you certain of your faith? Are you certain that you are going to Heaven when you die? Are you certain beyond a shadow of a doubt? Be honest with yourself. The Word says,

~1 Corinthians 10:4 And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.

Jesus Christ is the Rock on which we must build our house of faith! As a catholic, I build my faith on the catholic church. I had always been taught that Peter is this rock. However, this is contrary to many Scriptures. When the Scriptures contradict a religious belief, one must make a decision for one’s self. Do I believe God’s Holy Word or do I believe what I have been taught by my religious leaders?

Our Carpenter, Jesus Christ, longs to help us build our house of faith, my friend. He longs for us to build it upon Him.

~John 5:39-40 Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (39) And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (40)

Won’t you search the Word of God and learn from the Great Carpenter how to build your house of faith upon the Rock?

~Matthew 11:28-30 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. ( 28 ) Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. (29) For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (30)

Christ’s salvation does not involve burdens. I had a heavy burden of sin upon my shoulders as a catholic. The catholic church never removed my heavy burden. But the day I truly met the Carpenter, He took that burden completely away. With no exaggeration, I felt a hundred pounds lighter the moment I accepted Christ as my Saviour according to the Scriptures. I repented of my sins and changed direction in my life. It was at this point that I began to build my house of faith upon the Rock as my Carpenter taught me in His Word! Praise the God of Glory and Mercy!

Names of Jesus – Day 20 – Deliverer

On August 8, 2008September 12, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, Devotionals, Encouragement, Salvation, Scriptures4 Comments

While looking at this graphic, one can get the feeling of being delivered from harm’s way. Searching the Scriptures for this name of our Saviour really blessed me! My spirit was encouraged and lifted up!

~2 Samuel 22:2 And he said, The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer;

~Psalm 18:2 The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.

~Psalm 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: thou art my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God.

~Psalm 70:5 But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O LORD, make no tarrying.

~Psalm 144:2 My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I trust; who subdueth my people under me.

~Romans 11:26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Noah Webster defines the word deliverer as:

1. One who delivers; one who releases or rescues; a preserver.

Christ releases us from the sin debt that mankind has owed since the fall of Adam and Eve! The catholic church would have you believe that the catholic’s debt is not fully paid until after he is released from purgatory. However, that is a work and is not covered under the Grace of God. The Word says:

~Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Therefore, to the one who believes that Christ’s payment for our sin debt is not enough but one must add penance and indulgences with purgatory, then that person is under the sin debt for certain. But Christ said that He released us from this debt, my friend!

The word deliverer also means “rescues.” Oh what a precious picture in the mind’s eye! We are rescued from burning in hell! Like the graphic above, Christ’s payment for our sins rescues us from eternal punishment! We no longer need to work our way to heaven because the payment is paid and our salvation is secure in His hands!

And lastly, the last definition for deliver is “preserver.” Oh my! Our salvation is preserved by Christ, Himself! God is not a mere man who can fail us. He is the God of Glory and securely holds our salvation forever!

~Luke 17:33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

~2 Timothy 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

~Jude 1:1 Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

There is nothing else that needs to be done for our salvation. Christ died once for all. He paid the price once for all. When we repent and believe in Him, we need only do it once for all eternity. Jesus, our Deliverer, has our salvation securely in His hand!

Are You a Nicolaitan?

On August 7, 2008August 6, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, Scriptures, Traditions4 Comments

In Christ’s letters to the churches as given to John, we see that twice the Nicolaitans are mentioned.

~Revelations 2:6 But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.

~Revelations 2:15 So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, which thing I hate.

This interested me. When God says He hates something, we should take note, right? The Word tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 that all of Scripture:

1. has been given to us by the inspiration of God,
2. is profitable for doctrine
3. for reproof
4. for correction
5. for instruction in righteousness
6. so we may be complete
7. and thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

~2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (16) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (17)

Notice that no where is it recorded that we are to glean from church tradition or the doctrines of the magisterium! In fact, it is quite the opposite. Christ, Himself, said that He hates the doctrine of the Nicolaitans! The word Nicolaitan is interpreted: Niko “to conquer, to overthrow,” and laos, “the people or laity.” So Christ said He hated the doctrine of those who conquered the people/laity! Somewhere in the church ages, a heretical doctrine arose of separation between those that were preaching and those that were not. Furthermore, it seems that this conquering over the laity placed the preachers in a special category – a hierarchy, if you will. Apparently, this “doctrine” must have been underway while Peter was yet living because he spoke of something similar:

~1 Peter 5:2-3 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (2) Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (3)

What a prime example of the hierarchy of the catholic church. They have a semblance of feeding the flock of God but it is not with the Word of God. It is through magisterium, sacred tradition and THEN the Scriptures IF the Scriptures coincided with the aforementioned! Secondly, the catholic hierarchy has forced its membership to follow the dogmas and “sacred” traditions so as to keep them under bondage. This bondage is exactly what Christ came to free mankind from! I never felt free in Christ when I was a catholic. But I did feel as though I was under bondage. I felt a heavy weight upon my shoulders just as Christian did in Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan. Every catholic should read this book. It is the book most sold next to the Bible. (John Bunyan uses an allegory style of writing to portary a lost sinner who finds salvation without any influence from various religions but by using the Word of God.) Thirdly, the catholic hierarchy most certainly fits in this description of being “lords over God’s heritage”! This is the conquering of the laity that Jesus said He hates! There is no head over the church but Christ.

~1 Corinthians 11:3 But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God.

~Ephesians 4:15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

~Ephesians 5:23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.

If Peter were the first pope, then he would have made mention of this hierarchy in his letters. But instead, Peter stated that he was an elder just like the other elders.

~1 Peter 5:1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

Instead of heeding God’s Word as exhorted in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the catholic church has taken the doctrines of the Nicolaitans and lorded over the laity – adding burden after burden of dogma, sacraments, rules, etc. The poor catholic doesn’t know whether he is coming or going when it comes to his salvation. He does not have peace but an immense burden of sin on his shoulders. How tragic this is when Christ is so willing to give that peace which goes beyond understanding!

~Philippians 4:7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Do you have that peace, dear catholic? I do not speak up against catholic doctrine because I hate the catholics! I speak up because I once was in darkness and served the catholic church as it was entrenched in me from an early age. I served out of ignorance. But the blessed Word of God has been given to us to instruct us of all doctrine. The catholic church has incorporated various dogmas into its religion and added extra doctrine that is not spoken of in the Bible thus nullifying 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

The catholic church preaches heresy and goes against the Word of God in many areas. Its hierarchy has forced its membership (laity) to submit to them or else be condemned. I do not speak lies but back all that I write on this blog with the Scriptures, the Truth! I do this so that maybe one searching catholic will read here one day and will realize that he has been led astray by the false teachers of the catholic church.

I have been cussed out and spoken evil of in the last couple of weeks by catholics who post comments at my blog. The comments are not posted because some are vile. They do not encourage the lost to seek but instead support heresy. Some accuse me of being an enemy of the catholic church. This comment reminded me of:

~Galatians 4:16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

If I have stirred the pot, then I say, “Good!” I hope and pray that one catholic will be freed from the lies of the catholic church and will be set free as Christ wants us to be set free!

~John 8:32-36 And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (32) They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? (33) Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. (34) And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. (35) If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (36)

The catholic church would have you believe that salvation is only found in the church. However, Jesus taught that it was Him, the Son, that shall make you free! And in the same breath, Jesus provides assurance of this “Ye shall be free indeed.” No doubts, no wondering, no purgatory, nothing more, nothing less!

The Certainty of Truth

On July 19, 2008September 2, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, ScripturesLeave a comment

THE CERTAINTY OF TRUTH

~Luke 1:4 That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.

As Luke begins this glorious Gospel, he states a clear objective, “That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.” This presents for our consideration a simple, yet profound, principle. Truth is absolute and certain. God wants us to know THE CERTAINTY OF TRUTH.

This detail is of definite importance in our day, as truth is usually considered to be anything but certain. Many present truth as being relative; and thus, its meaning will depend on our circumstances or situations. Rather than being fixed and unchanging, truth is often seen to be in a state of flux or evolution. Others seem to genuinely believe that some truth is outdated or irrelevant because it clashes with contemporary thinking. Still others assume that cultures or traditions make truth irrelevant. Yet this is not the message of the Word of God. The Bible’s purpose is to help us know “the certainty” of truth. God’s Word, like God Himself, is forever unchanging. This is one of the foundational doctrines of Scripture. God is faithful, and He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word is likewise forever “settled in heaven” (Psalm 119:89). Our view of truth will greatly affect the way we receive it, believe it, and obey it. Knowing THE CERTAINTY OF TRUTH helps strengthen our confidence in the promises and principles of the Bible.

Because we know the “certainty of those things” wherein we have been taught, we can believe them without reservation. It is the work of Satan to cast doubt on the integrity of the Word of God. Unfortunately, the devil has many assistants in his cause to delude those who might waver from their steadfastness, including those who claim to be Bible scholars or teachers. Classrooms and pulpits today are occupied with false prophets who undermine “the certainty” of the Holy Scriptures. Rather than presenting the Bible as a Book of “certainty,” they take the position that it contains error or contradiction. According to these heretics, it then falls upon us to determine which parts are true, which are uninspired, and which are symbolic, even if they are presented as factual. This is nonsense. God’s Word is to be taught and received as truth that can be accepted and believed with “certainty.”

Source: Standing in the Gap: A devotional thought by Pastor Smith of Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Assurance of Salvation

On July 17, 2008September 2, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, ScripturesLeave a comment

As a catholic, I never once had full assurance that I would go to heaven after I died. My faith was based on being a member of the catholic church, keeping the sacraments, going to confession, receiving communion and doing good works. All these things were based on what I was personally responsible for doing. No where in my faith was I looking to Jesus to be the sole provider of my salvation. It was not by His work on the cross but my ability to perform all those things I spoke of.

~Deuteronomy 28:66 And thy life shall hang in doubt before thee; and thou shalt fear day and night, and shalt have none assurance of thy life:

This verse pretty much sums up how I felt about my faith as a catholic. My life was hanging in doubt. I did not have full assurance of salvation. And I most certainly did fear day and night because I knew that I did not possess a relationship with God.

But the Word of God says that those who accept Christ’s complete work for salvation on the cross (and His work only) can have full assurance of their salvation.

~Isaiah 32:17 And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

It is the work of righteousness that brings peace. This cannot refer to our works of righteousness because Isaiah says:

~Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

There is only One whose works are considered righteous and those are the works of God. Christ became sin for us so that His Father would look upon us and see His (Christ’s) righteousness not ours.

~2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Therefore, our salvation is based on Christ’s righteousness, not our own. If one would go to purgatory, what does that do with the righteousness of Jesus Christ? Is it not enough? Ah, but the Word says that Jesus’ righteousness is the ONLY thing that will allow us into heaven because that is all the Father sees!

Even in Paul’s time, people tried to include their own works in their redemption. However, Paul admonished and said:

~Galatians 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

If we are to depend upon our own doings or the doings of others, then we will never have full assurance of our salvation. Who is to say that a loved one can pray you out of purgatory? Who is to say that enough masses are going to be said on your behalf to shorten your time in purgatory? Do you really want to find out only once you die? Wouldn’t you want this settled before you die? All this is left to hands of others. Is that a secure place for your salvation and the assurance it brings? Not at all!

~Acts 17:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.

~Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

~Hebrews 10:22a Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith,

Faith does not bring us a partial assurance or a hope so assurance – but it brings us full assurance because it is not up to us or anything that we do. It is all up to the finished work of Jesus Christ! Can you not see that? Man’s arms will fail us, my friend.

And lastly, the ever popular verses:

~Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

~Ephesians 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

There is nothing that can be done on our part that will add to or even complete what Christ has done for us. It’s like taking a gift from a dear friend and saying, “Oh thank you, now let me add a little to that gift and change it a bit and then I will be happy!” Christ’s work was complete. There is nothing to add to the perfect redemption and work of the cross. The work you do after salvation brings glory to God. But the works you do prior to salvation are no better in God’s eyes than Cain’s work – and we all know that God rejected Cain’s sacrifice.

My friend, there is no assurance in the catholic church and the salvation it claims to have. There is no name under heaven whereby we can be saved except for that of Jesus Christ. If salvation could only be obtained through the catholic church, then this would have been stated in the Bible in the Book that recorded the beginnings of the church.

(Act 4:10) Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.

(Act 4:12) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

How can you fall for doctrine and theory without question? God would not hide a topic as important as the salvation of mankind. He has made it available to the masses through the Bible. Not through the catholic church!

I pray you can understand these verses because they are packed with the power of God, not of man!

~Hebrews 12:22-29 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, (22) To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, (23) And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (24) See that ye refuse not him that speaketh. For if they escaped not who refused him that spake on earth, much more shall not we escape, if we turn away from him that speaketh from heaven: (25) Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. (26) And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. (27) Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: (28 ) For our God is a consuming fire. (29)

The Path to Heaven

On July 6, 2008September 2, 2008 By KateIn ScripturesLeave a comment

Community service, helping the poor, working in a soup kitchen, giving money to good causes – these are all very good things! These are all very needful things. In fact, Christ taught us to help those less fortunate than we are. This should be at the top of every human being’s list of important things. However, none of these good deeds will change our standing with God.

God says that:

~Isaiah 64:6 But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

~Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

There is not one person on this earth who can say he/she is without any sin at all. If you have stolen anything, you are a thief. If you have told even a little white lie, you are a liar. If you have looked at another woman with desire, the Bible says you are an adulterer in your heart. If you admit to doing any of these things (and each represents breaking one of the Ten Commandments), then by your own admission you are a lying thief and adulterer. God gave us the Ten Commandments so that we could realize that we are sinners.

Man has the ability to discern for himself that he is a sinner. God has placed that ability in each of us. We know when we have done wrong. In turn, we try to make up for it by doing good things. These good things, in and of themselves, are good but they cannot make up for our sins. These works cannot save us from God’s impending judgment. That is the reason God sent Christ to die for our sins because we could never do enough good works to make up for our sin.

If you look at most religions today, there is some type of works involved. One either has to do penance or good works to cover his sin. This is not a new concept. Cain tried to cover his rebellion toward God’s will by offering a sacrifice from his garden rather than what God had commanded, which was a spotless lamb.

~Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: (8 ) Not of works, lest any man should boast. (9)

~Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

~2 Timothy 1:9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Why, then, does mankind have the need to push the works-based salvation agenda? It is because of the same pride that Cain had. No one is going to tell me how I’m going to live my life. No one is going to tell me that I can’t go to heaven my way. My offering is just as good as his!

The truth of the matter is that there is nothing that we can do to earn heaven. You cannot earn a gift. Ephesians 2:8 is quite clear that salvation is a gift. You cannot work for a gift. You can work for money – you can work for food – but you cannot work for a gift. This is the simple truth. The Father gave mankind a gift through His Son. What kind of a gift was He? He paid the penalty for our sins. God knew we could not do it on our own. We sin every single day. There’s no way that a tally could be kept comparing our good works against our sins! That is silly and the Word of God does not support that.

~2 Thessalonians 2:10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

Just what is the truth? Where can this truth be found? Who has the truth? Jesus had the answers to these questions:

~John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

We cannot work our way to heaven, my friend. We have a choice – do we accept this gift that the Father has given to us through Christ Jesus? Or, do we continue to work our way to heaven and find out at the judgment that we are wrong? The Lord Jesus Christ paid our penalty with His own blood! We have been saved from judgment and its accompanying penalty which is eternity burning in hell.

~Romans 5:9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

Once you have settled your salvation and accepted Christ’s blood as payment for your sins, you receive the Holy Spirit and you are reunited with God. You are a new creature – you are born again. After salvation, you then begin to serve a new Master, the Lord God. A servant works hard for his master and so should we for our Master.

~Hebrews 9:14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

The works we did prior to salvation were dead works – they amounted to nothing. But now we serve the living God and our work for Him should be evident. The world should know that we are Christians by our works – not works need for salvation but works that come after salvation.

James talks about the works that come after salvation.

~James 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

~James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Notice it is works along with faith and not works alone. Remember the account of the Good Samaritan? That was an excellent example of someone saying they had faith but their works did not prove it.

One cannot be saved without faith, Ephesians 2:8-9 make that quite clear. Therefore, after salvation one should be working for the Master. One should be witnessing to others and sharing the Gospel. One should be the “light” in a very dark world. Anyone who says they are born again and yet doesn’t do anything to serve the Lord should check out his spiritual barometer.

It is ashame that there are many who believe that their works go hand-in-hand with their salvation. If they only compared their beliefs with the Word of God, they would see that they are sincerely wrong. To state such a thing is to say that Christ’s death was not enough – the Father’s gift was not enough – and that we have to “add” our works to the salvation process. To do so takes away from the Perfect Lamb of God.

What are the Traditions of Men?

On July 2, 2008September 9, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, Scriptures1 Comment

The catholic church and its leaders will be accountable to God for much. Most of catholic beliefs stem from the traditions of men – but they call it sacred tradition. There is nothing sacred about contradicting what God has said in His Word. In fact, the Bible calls it blasphemy!

~Matthew 23:23-24 Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone. (23) Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. (24)

Romanism is famous for straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel. The poor catholic is bombarded with sacraments, prayers, penances, indulgences, traditions, catechism, etc. but their leaders are just as lost as they are. They pray the rosary and much words but yet never speak to God.

~Matthew 6:7 But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

The Word of God is the whole law – it brings judgment upon us and reveals our sin to us – it shows us the mercy of God and His salvation to us – and shows us how to be saved, through faith and that not of ourselves, it is a gift of God not of works lest any man should boast!

Does this not sound like the catholics picked up exactly what the Jews/Pharisees were doing? Romanism has its members wrapped up in doing just that.

~Galatians 1:14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

~Matthew 15:2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread.

~Matthew 15:3 But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?

~Matthew 15:6 And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.

~Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

~Mark 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

~Mark 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.

~Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

~Colossians 2:8 Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Peter himself encouraged the believers to do as the prophets had done and to search diligently for themselves and not to take the word of mere man.

~1 Peter 1:10 Of which salvation the prophets have enquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you:

~1 Peter 1:11 Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.

~1 Peter 1:12 Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.

~1 Peter 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

~1 Peter 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

~1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;

~1 Peter 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

~1 Peter 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:

~1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

~1 Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

~1 Peter 1:24 For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away:

~1 Peter 1:25 But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

If Peter was the first pope as the catholics proclaim, why would he encourage the believer to be “in the Word” and to search things out and to obey those who followed after the Word and not after the traditions of men? What Peter exhorts the believer to do here is totally in contradiction to what the catholic church claims.

How can you follow after a church that teaches so many things that are contrary to what God’s Word says? Where do you draw the line?

Confession to a priest?

On June 30, 2008September 2, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, Scriptures2 Comments

The catholic church teaches that sins must be confessed to a priest. Let’s take a look at this doctrine and prove it against the Scriptures. The catechism states:

“One who desires to obtain reconciliation with God and with the Church, must confess to a priest all the unconfessed grave sins he remembers after having carefully examined his conscience.” Pg. 374, #1493

“Confession to a priest is an essential part of the sacrament of Penance:” Pg. 365, #1456 “It is called the sacrament of confession, since the disclosure or confession of sins to a priest is an essential element of this sacrament. Pg. 357, #1424 (See also Pg. 374, #1493).

What does the Bible teach on this subject? If it is to be important enough to be considered a sacrament, surely there will be something supporting such in the Scriptures.

“I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. ” Psalm 32:5 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 “Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” Psalm 51:2-3

The Christian does not have to confess his sin to anyone but God because Jesus’ blood has given us access to God’s throne.

“Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus…” Hebrews 10:19

Because of the sinless blood that Jesus Christ shed on the cross, we have the authority to go straight to the throne of God for forgiveness. The Word gives a perfect example in the New Testament.

~Acts 8:18-22 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, (18 ) Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost. (19) But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee, because thou hast thought that the gift of God may be purchased with money. (20) Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God. (21) Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. (22)

Here was the perfect opportunity for the doctrine of confession to a priest. Did Peter command that Simon confess his sins to him? No, he commanded Simon to repent and pray to God to forgive him! Precept upon precept – when have you heard a catholic tell you that he has faithfully compared the doctrines of the catholic church to the Word of God? I have never heard this. What I have heard is quoting from catholic books and writings. This is not doing an independent and thorough study. It is like comparing apples to oranges. Instead, why not take your catechism and compare it to God’s Word? If you stand on God’s Word, what have you lost? But if you stand on catholic catechism and God says you were wrong, you have lost eternal life. That is a severe price to pay for being lazy and not studying matters out for yourself.

Dogma Versus Scripture

On June 18, 2008September 2, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, ScripturesLeave a comment

The Catholic Church teaches:

“Holy Mother Church is extremely concerned for the faithful departed. She has decided to intercede for them to the fullest extent in every Mass and abrogates every special privilege in this matter” (Vatican II, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Apostolic Constitution on the Revision of Indulgences, V, Indulgences not Attached to Things and Places, Norms, 20, p. 87).

“The Church offers the Paschal Sacrifice [the Mass] for the Dead so that … the dead may be helped by the prayers and the living may be consoled by hope” (Vatican II, The Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, General Instruction on the Roman Missal, VIII, Masses for the Dead, 335, p. 197).

The Scriptures say:

~Hebrews 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

There is no hope for the unbeliever after death according the Hebrews 9:27.

~2 Corinthians 5:6 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:

~2 Corinthians 5:8 We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

God is clear that once we die, we go into His presence. To the unbeliever, presence before God means it is a time of judgment and condemnation. But to the born-again Christian, there is no condemnation at our death. We do not go to purgatory – we do not go anywhere else but Heaven to be with Christ.

~Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

How can sacred tradition and magisterium totally contradict what God’s Word says? Who do you obey?

~Acts 5:29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men.

Why would a loving God, full of mercy and kindness, keep hidden such an important thing like salvation? Why would He leave His Word to be interpreted by only a few when His Gospel message is open to all? Why would God only allow topics of such importance as salvation and eternal life in the hands of men? Would He not at least record it somewhere in His Word? He has – yet the catholic church is bound and determined to bind its members in chains and place them under a yoke that Christ freed them from!

When in doubt dear catholic reader, open the Word of God and be freed!

Prayers to Mary

On June 11, 2008September 2, 2008 By KateIn Catholicism, Scriptures5 Comments

One of my catholic readers wrote to me and told me that catholics do not pray TO the Virgin Mary and that I could not prove that they do. Although a previous blog post covered this topic, I thought I would let you readers determine for yourself whether the catholics do or don’t pray TO Mary. These are but a few.

But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. ~Matthew 6:6

Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? ~Matthew 26:53

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. ~Matthew 6:9

And he said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. ~Luke 11:2

No where did Christ tell us to pray to anyone else but the Father. But yet the catholic prayers below leave no doubt to the reader that they pray TO Mary.

No one deserves our prayers, worship and admiration than God. No where did any of the people in the Bible pray to anyone other than to God Himself. Just in Psalms alone, David made it clear that he prayed right to the Source – he did not have to go through Abraham, Moses or any of the early fathers of the faith.

My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. ~Psalm 5:3

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and give ear unto my cry; hold not thy peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. ~Psalm 39:12

O thou that hearest prayer, unto thee shall all flesh come. ~Psalm 65:2

But as for me, my prayer is unto thee, O LORD, in an acceptable time: O God, in the multitude of thy mercy hear me, in the truth of thy salvation. ~Psalm 69:13

Let my prayer come before thee: incline thine ear unto my cry; ~Psalm 88:2

But unto thee have I cried, O LORD; and in the morning shall my prayer prevent thee. ~Psalm 88:13

Hear my prayer, O LORD, and let my cry come unto thee. ~Psalm 102:1

But yet read a few of the prayers that catholics pray TO Mary. How can the catholic reader I spoke of say that they do not pray TO Mary?

THE HAIL MARY

Hail Mary full of Grace, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed are Thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of Thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God; pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

HAIL, HOLY QUEEN

Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy! our life, our sweetness and our hope! To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve; to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears. Turn then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary!

My Queen, My Mother

My Queen, My Mother, I offer myself entirely to Thee. And to show my devotion to Thee, I offer Thee this day, my eyes, my ears, my mouth, my heart, my whole being without reserve. Wherefore, good Mother, as I am thine own, keep me, guard me as Thy property and possession. Amen

The Angelus

The angel of the Lord declared unto Mary. And she conceived of the Holy Ghost. Hail Mary, …
Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done unto me according to Thy word. Hail Mary, …
And the Word was made Flesh. And dwelt among us. Hail Mary, …
Pray for us, O holy Mother of God. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

The Memorare

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession, was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O Mother of the Word incarnate, despise not my petitions, but, in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen.

Regina Coeli (Caeli)
Queen of Heaven

O, queen of heaven, rejoice! Alleluia. For He whom thou didst merit to bear, Alleluia, Hath arisen as He said, Alleluia. Pray for us to God, Alleluia. Rejoice and be glad, O Virgin Mary. Alleluia. For the Lord hath risen indeed. Alleluia. Oremus

Prayer to the Virgin Mary for Assistance

O, most beautiful flower of Mount Carmel, Fruit of the Vine, splendorous of Heaven. Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O, Star of the Sea, help me and show herein you are my mother. O, Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succour me in my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power, O, show me here you are my mother. O, Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee. Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. Amen.

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. ~Acts 5:29

Maranatha – Awaiting Christ's Return

Category: Scriptures

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Dogma Versus Scripture

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Prayers to Mary

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