Christian or Catholic?

[Coconut]

It is time for the people of God to stop foolishly thinking it does`nt really matter what God has said. If you have friends in the RCC, tell them the truth.
It all comes down to what the Word of God says, and His Word says we cannot hold the truth and take part in unrighteousness. Rom 1:18
The 'dogma and tradition' of the RCC does not just seem to be a lie,
according to the Word of God it IS a lie, and as such an abomination to
God.


1Jo 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
1Jo 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth:
1Jo 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

 

[joepasque]

Does nobody here see the problem that this post is causing! No one can have a monopoly on truth as no one can say 'my way is correct and all others are WITHOUT DOUBT wrong'. When we profess a faith in Jesus Christ, we hope for our beliefs to spread and that more ppl be saved through the love of God. And yet at the same time, in this very post, we sit here destroying part of our own faith and heritage, whilst failing to spread Christ to those who do not know Him at all. I am not RCC, but I fail to see how attacking fellow believers aids our mission and helps ppl convert if all they see is a faith attacking its own followers. After all, we should face the fact that whilst there are differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, they are not as obvious as those between Christianity and Hinduism or Shinto for example. If we keep this attitude we shall not win souls. In short, by attacking fellow believers we are in fact preventing our main hope, a unification of the world under Christ, whatever differences there may be in that belief.

 

[jiggyfly]

Does nobody here see the problem that this post is causing! No one can have a monopoly on truth as no one can say 'my way is correct and all others are WITHOUT DOUBT wrong'. When we profess a faith in Jesus Christ, we hope for our beliefs to spread and that more ppl be saved through the love of God. And yet at the same time, in this very post, we sit here destroying part of our own faith and heritage, whilst failing to spread Christ to those who do not know Him at all. I am not RCC, but I fail to see how attacking fellow believers aids our mission and helps ppl convert if all they see is a faith attacking its own followers. After all, we should face the fact that whilst there are differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, they are not as obvious as those between Christianity and Hinduism or Shinto for example. If we keep this attitude we shall not win souls. In short, by attacking fellow believers we are in fact preventing our main hope, a unification of the world under Christ, whatever differences there may be in that belief.

There is a BIG difference between winning souls for the kingdom of God and gaining proselytes

 

[Coconut]

joepasque do not contradict the Word of God with foolish protests. God has the monolpoly on Truth, and He expects us to obey His Word.

Tit 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Tit 2:11 For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,
Tit 2:12 Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;
Tit 2:13 Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;
Tit 2:14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
Tit 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

 

[Fellowservant]

Does nobody here see the problem that this post is causing! No one can have a monopoly on truth as no one can say 'my way is correct and all others are WITHOUT DOUBT wrong'. When we profess a faith in Jesus Christ, we hope for our beliefs to spread and that more ppl be saved through the love of God. And yet at the same time, in this very post, we sit here destroying part of our own faith and heritage, whilst failing to spread Christ to those who do not know Him at all. I am not RCC, but I fail to see how attacking fellow believers aids our mission and helps ppl convert if all they see is a faith attacking its own followers. After all, we should face the fact that whilst there are differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, they are not as obvious as those between Christianity and Hinduism or Shinto for example. If we keep this attitude we shall not win souls. In short, by attacking fellow believers we are in fact preventing our main hope, a unification of the world under Christ, whatever differences there may be in that belief.

Is that what you want brother unification of the world? A friend of the world is an enemy of God. The only way we will see a unification of the world, is when Christ returns.. not before. Only the Antichrist will have a unification of the world, before the return of Christ.

{Quote joepasque}
In short, by attacking fellow believers we are in fact preventing our main hope
{End Quote}

Paul did not attack anyone, he warned them night and day with tears, not to be lead astray... he spoke the truth that the Holy Spirit gave him.

1Ti 4:1 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;
1Ti 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1Ti 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats,

We need to be carefull who's hands we're shaking...or we'll end up shaking the hands of seducing spirits, and doctrines from Satan.

I wont put my stamp of approval on this...no way, no how. And the Reformers did'nt either.

 

[Chad]

True Coconut. Joepasuqe, if you have a problem with true believers supporting the only Word of GOD then you have a problem with GOD. We speak Scripture, the Word of GOD proven to you and before your own eyes. You disregard the Word of GOD, then the Word of GOD tells us that those who don't believe it will perish. Sad, but true and the Word of GOD speaks for itself.

You are wrong, no one here is even allowed to share opinions, but only Truth when it comes to the Word of GOD. The RCC is a perversion of GOD's original Word. We do not support that insult towards our Creator.

Speaking Truth to reach out to those deceived by false doctrine is out of love not attacks as you claim. If you knew someone was deceived by false doctrine would you ignore this and not preach the Truth to them? Is that love?

 

[spirit1st]

If we see some dying,We must help.Many do not follow our LORD.But things made of hands.bow before men ,who may not even know GOD!We bow before our LORD AND MASTER,HE ALONE WE FOLLOW.THERE IS BUT ONE CHURCH.IT IS THE LORDS OWN BODY! HE GETS ALL THE GLORY AND HONOR!GOD IS NO REPECTER OF PERSONS.WE SHOULD NOT BE EITHER!
Many so called churches control there people!GOD CAME TO SET US FREE!
HE WILL TEACH AND LEAD US!IF WE LOVE HIM.WE WILL STUDY HIS LIVING WORD AND TRUST ONLY HIM!
1Pe 2:4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
1Pe 2:5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
Gal 6:8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Gal 6:18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Gal 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.

 

[jiggyfly]

If we see some dying,We must help.Many do not follow our LORD.But things made of hands.bow before men ,who may not even know GOD!We bow before our LORD AND MASTER,HE ALONE WE FOLLOW.THERE IS BUT ONE CHURCH.IT IS THE LORDS OWN BODY! HE GETS ALL THE GLORY AND HONOR!GOD IS NO REPECTER OF PERSONS.WE SHOULD NOT BE EITHER!
Many so called churches control there people!GOD CAME TO SET US FREE!
HE WILL TEACH AND LEAD US!IF WE LOVE HIM.WE WILL STUDY HIS LIVING WORD AND TRUST ONLY HIM!

Amen Spirit1st, Amen, one body with only one Head, Jesus.

 

[joepasque]

Two things. Firstly, to me accusing someone of praying a pagan prayer, as the original post to this thread said IS to attack their beliefs. To say this is not warning them night and day with tears. It is to attack and insult their beliefs. There is no way that that statement can be defended as anything else than a plain insult against the RCC, and that is unacceptable. With Elijah and the Baal worshippers, he showed them not by insulting them but by a miracle [edited by admin: no links without permission!] . We do not win over, or even attract RCC members to our cause by insulting them.
Secondly, to claim a Truth of God is to eradicate any chance that we might be wrong. DO NOT MISUNDERSTAND. I believe in Jesus Christ and in missionary efforts and that salvation is through grace because of his sacrifice on the cross and subsequent resurrection. However, you must be prepared, in however a small portion, to think that there is a slim chance that you/we are wrong, to whatever degree, and must at least accept other causes and religions as possibilities. For example, if I were in power in England I would not ban mosques or temples, even if I believe them to be false religions. Cultural and religious differences are to be respected and not insulted, though of course missionary efforts must be made. It is similar with RCC and Protestantism. Why should we insult their beliefs and completely disregard them when they follow the same Lord as us? Another example is a sermon prayer. In a persons churches a pastor/preacher/whatever prayers for support from the Holy Spirit in his sermon, and therefore that person will believe that his sermon is inspired and will follow his teaching. However, the same happens in Mormonism, so when a Mormon hears their sermon, they will believe it to be inspired and follow its teaching, even if it is different from what a mainstream Christian would hear (incidently I abhor Mormonism but recognise its right to exist). With these two viewpoints, neither can claim Truth objectively, and therefore no one has a monopoly on truth, whatever arguments they employ, because ultimately it will be a subjective decision (even if the debate is down to the interpretation of a particular passage or translation of a word). As a result, separate strains of the same faith will develop with backing from different interpretations of a text. However people hear think its the Truth, their faith is just a different interpretation of the same texts (pretty much) as RCC. I say this not as an insult, because it is exactly the same for me. I do say it though to again state the case that: No one has a monopoly on Truth, however much they think they do!
As a result, this thread just damages the perception the non-believer has of Christianity and the reputations of those who argue here help that damage. How does that win converts to Christ?

 

[Coconut]

Before you find yourself defending a 'religion' ....here are some questions you should ask yourself...(not skim over, but really ask, and require an answer of yourself)...the answers may help you reconsider wether or not you really want to carelessly refute the plain truth found in the Word of God.

Do you know God?

Do you know His word?

Do you know His voice?

Do you have the Spirit of God dwelling in you?

Do you love His Son above all?

Do you recognize the characteristics of false teachers as presented by the Bible?

Do you follow what you feel, or do you have a greater point of reference?

Do you test words you hear by the Word of God as written in the Bible?

Do you even care to test sermons you hear by the Word of God?

The true follower of Christ will not embrace, accept and tolerate anything the Bible clearly condemns.

The true follower of Christ, when shown he is in error according to the Word of GOD will repent of his error.

"He who practices the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God." John 3:21


But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent's cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if someone comes to you and preaches a Jesus other than the Jesus we preached, or if you receive a different spirit from the one you received, or a different gospel from the one you accepted, you put up with it easily enough. (thats a rebuke by Paul himself for NOT defending the faith) [2 Corinthians 11:3-4]

For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 2Pe 2:21

Agape Love (True Love) always involves responsibility.
We do not even know the meaning of love, unless we are committed to face Christs task and to take up His Cross.

No greater or deeper degree of depravity can be found than when men call evil, good; and then cherish it. amen.

 

[Chad]

The Truth is been shown, spoken and read. 100% Truth is the only thing welcomed at Talk Jesus Forums.

Thread locked.

God bless you all

 

[Chad]

I have re-opened this thread to allow *truthful, civilized discussion*

 

[MAJ52653]

I cannot help but feel uncomfortable about this. I think that catolicism has its place. I am from a protestant background and have attended catholic and protestant schools, methodist, baptist, Cof E, pentescostal and catholic churches. All these places in my experience held Christ at the centre of their faith, all followers either loved or desired to love God.

All were also different in their emphasis. It is my belief that if Jesus walked today he would value all and as he did in scripture and perhaps have something to say about the differences we create. For he spoke to elders who preached that specific rituals ought to be followed to be right with God and I think this is speaking to all the denominations of christianity who preach to one another as to what makes someone more christian in todays world.

Jesus said I am the way the truth and the life. No-one comes to the father except through me.

The catholic church that was the based in Europe that gave rise to protestantism, evangelical movements etc. I cannot believe that the souls of the past who followed christ faithfully in their devotion aren't with Christ at this very moment because they were unable to access the modern day christian beliefs. It doesn't make sense to me, focus on being christlike. He is our example. I know this won't be popular and I hope people see what I really mean to say and that it is written from the heartwhich craves unity and understanding.

Agreed. Catholics, Orthodox and Protestans all three agree on the Nicean and Apostles' Creed. And notice how many Protestant writers quote Catholic writers like St. Augustine in positive fashion.

 

[spirit1st]

Listen this may sound silly?
But it is very serious!



We are the body,HE is the head.
No one in the body or even all together , Can do anything , Without the head guiding them?
In other wards?

He alone we follow, It is very clear.
When anyone on earth, Be it the pope or a preacher or a teachers, Starts deciding for other how they should live or obey a person or people?

Then it is 100% wrong
All of us can judge evil and right!

We know if we are sinning?
Hopefully?
But,If we say ? We live by how chad or gary or the pope says we should live , Then ?

We are not following the LORD , But people!
Many groups set up men or women , And follow that person as if they were the SAVIOR, Our LORD JESUS CHRIST!


Many think more of where they go to church , than the LORD!
Some even fight against there brothers and sisters over there church?
As if it counts more than The BODY of our LORD!

This is very evil!
Belonging to a church or group can mean more to some than life its self!
Isn"t that SAD?

I see this much on many sites, So many follow people instead of our LORD!

I went to a camp meeting that lasted a few days!
A guy told me the pastor said this and that?

I said , Brother , that is not in the bible and gave the scriptures!
He said, but the pastor said!

I ask him ?

Are you going to follow the LORD or the pastor?

Now , it is true ? We can find scriptures to prove many points?
But not in TRUTH.
Al;l scripture to flow together in the new testament perfectly.

If one scripture counters another?
Then we must find out Why?
I think?

It is always our understanding lacking!
We have something out of place!
Because , I know and am certain, They fit perfectly together!

We can never toss out any scripture, never!
When we call ourselves a baptist or a church of GOD or any certain type?

We have in fact ,separated our selves from all other christains.


I went to a church once, The pastor ask me to go door to door with him?
I said ? Yes! but said? I will not lift up our church , but only the LORD!
He said? Forget it gary!

The point being? He was not interested in making the LORD JESUS CHRIST , the main point and there for Salvation to all we spoke with.
But wanted to get more into his church!

No doubt in my mind? Had he been willing to lift up our LORD?
He surly would have gain , more in the church!

We many times , defeat ourselves , by having the wrong motives!
Our motives Must always to lift HIM up first, Even in our praying!
His Word ,His desire .

Then , He blesses us!

 

[Chad]

Agreed. Catholics, Orthodox and Protestans all three agree on the Nicean and Apostles' Creed. And notice how many Protestant writers quote Catholic writers like St. Augustine in positive fashion.

You can agree all you want. I do not care who [sinners] quotes who [sinners]. I care what Jesus did and what GOD's Living Word, the Bible says. It is truth. You support false teachings? That's between you and GOD, but false teaching is not welcomed here.

In love, we rebuke and teach just as Scripture clearly says to do so. If one is too prideful and arrogant to confess their wrongs, that's their own problem. If one refuses to let go of the man-made religious non-sense, the deceit of the devil behind these things then we cannot force them to let go. I do not personally care to be labeled any denomination name, to be called Protestant or Baptist or Mormon or anything. I care to tell people I am a Christian and I love Jesus. I care to preach to them about the love of GOD in Christ and eternal life in Jesus. I care to teach and preach about forgiveness of sins through Jesus Christ alone.

Why on earth would people not just stick with the Word and Jesus? Why would one not care to truly give their heart to GOD and surrender themselves? It is foolishness if you ask me. Is someone going to "hail mary" in front of Jesus Christ in Heaven? No. Is someone going to do their rituals with the rosary in Heaven? No.

For the love of GOD...its all about Jesus. Show me one verse where GOD was concerned about calling this group Protestant, another group another denomination name, another group this or that. Show me ANY verse that says Mary can answer your prayers, show me any Scripture that mentions anything about the rosary. You get the point now.

2 Timothy 4:1-3

Preach the Word

1 I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at^[a] His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers;

 

[Ronda]

Chad
that is an awesome post - very timely for me to read as I have someone asking about catholics. Let me say that I know very little about that religion except my uncle paid to have my father prayed for AFTER he died. I am so grateful he was a Christian, but he told me never to give up, he knew I had prayed for him most my adult life.
Thanks again and keep up the good work!!!

 

[Jeffin]

Good post, Chad.

Mary was indeed a very good person and God chose her to be Jesus's earthly mother. But she is not someone to be prayed to and not even Joseph. Jesus had them as parents during his stay on earth, just as we have our parents. Yahweh is His father and we are given salvation through Jesus. He is the Way, the Truth and the Life and whoever believes in Him shall be saved.

 

[Chad]

The answer is in front of your face, you even quoted it.

"I care what Jesus did and what GOD's Living Word, the Bible says. It is truth"

What Scripture itself says is solely what I believe is truth from GOD. Its very simple and basic. No hidden secrets, no tricks, no swaying around with traditional man-made doctrines.

 

[SpiritLedEd]

The Catholic Church teaches that their tradition is equal to the Bible in importance. Isn't that similar to what the Jewish leaders of Jesus' day did? They took the Law of Moses and added some six hundred rules to it (the traditions of men).

Instead of condemning the Catholic Church and its teaching, we need to pray for them in the spirit of love. The winds of Holy Spirit change are blowing through the Catholic Church, a great shaking is beginning. The pedophile scandal was only the beginning of the beginning.


SLE

 

[mimihops]

I know of a lot of people who are put off being a Christian because of how Catholics stand on certain issues for eg contraception. My bro in law is currently volunteering in Africa for a few months and has said how angry he is that the Catholics there have banned condoms. The AIDS virus is spreading at a fast rate and peple are dying. His gf is working with children who have AIDS and is also angry. this is just an example but there are many more.
Not only that but scandals like rape and pornography amongst priests.