It’s amazing how some of us can read the word of God that says do not fornicate, commit adultery, lie, still, bear false witness, be a drunkard, be a fraud, be a conman etc and know we do some of these things on a regular basis and yet are not in the least bit disturbed. We are commanded by God to preach the truth but never to compromise for any reason .We are to love everyone, but love does not mean that we should stop hating sin. . As true believers, we must stand uncompromisingly against the works of flesh, darkness and works of Satan. Many Christians think that just because it says in one verse that 'if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord then you will be saved', all they need to do is just that and they will be saved.
But often they forget that devils do the same For Eg. In Luke 4:41 .....'And devils also came out of many, crying out, and saying, Thou art Christ the Son of God. And he rebuking them suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Christ. As believers, we are commanded by God to "COME OUT FROM AMONG THEM, and BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD. Christianity is not a Sunday affair Nor a momentary emotional experience but a daily love affair with Jesus Christ and a lifetime commitment.
Many have prophesied "in the name of the LORD" (Deut. 18:22), but "they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the LORD" (Jer. 23:16).
God commands us to SEPARATE from the sinful world and not to help them by befriending their wickedness. There are many wicked people who keep one foot in Gods word and another foot in devils world and enjoy everything in the world like heathens yet they say they are Christians. I am not condemning anyone nor offending anyone but as a believer we have an obligation to tell truth and to rebuke sin judge righteously by being a Godly example pursuing righteousness. God wants us to always speak the truth. It is almost impossible to reveal the truth to those who follow a lie and those who believe the lies comfort themselves with each other. Such people encourage each other to believe the lies they have been taught” He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness, deceit etc . The truthful lip shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight" (PROVERBS 12:17,19,22).
We are reminded in1 Corinthians 10:21 that Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's table, and of the table of devils.
Many church goers who are as lost as those who will not set foot in a church. Satan does not mind if you are religious or lukewarm hearted as long as you don’t obey Gods commandments and laws and have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
There are some Christians who say “He goes to church and he is a nice Guy and a type of spiritual man” but these are people in this world who see no harm in committing fornication, lying, being dishonest, cheating, causing injustice etc. So many people today think they are doing something good for the Lord but they are actually doing it for the Devil. These people present an outward appearance of holiness daily and still serve as a poor Christian witness and stumbling block for others (Matthew 23:27-28). To live as a Christian, is not just professing by mouth but to live accordingly as much as possible.
Devil and its demons are working relentlessly to corrupt & to deceive others. But people often forget that devil also goes for church to create confusion and division, discouragement, to take the people away from God or to manipulate us and hinder our work for God and the growth of our faith, distract us with evil imaginations from growing in the Lord and serving Him, to doubt God’s Word in perverted interpretations to present false gospel by twisted truth, to influence worldly way instead of godly ways, to justify their false doctrines, to break the commandments and laws of God.
There are many pretend to be godly men and women and appear to be solid Christian believer .However, their “fruit” eventually reveals them to be the opposite of what they claimed to be and they a form of godliness. In this, they follow the example of Satan, “And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve” (2 Corinthians 11:14-15).
Here is what the scriptures say:
I Peter 5:8, “Be of sober spirit be on the alert. Your adversary the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, sneaking someone to devour.”
James 2:19 says, “You believe that God is one. You do well! The demons also believe, and shudder‟.”
II Tim. 3:5 says that these people are, "holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; avoid such men as these.”
Ephesians 6:12 says, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."
Bible says in II Cor. 11:13-15: "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, it not surprising if his servants disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their deeds.”
1st John, Chapter 2:3 and we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments. 4 If someone claims, “I know God,” but doesn’t obey God’s commandments, that person is a liar and is not living in the truth. 5 But those who obey God’s word truly show how completely they love him. That is how we know we are living in him. 6 Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did.
Shaila Touchton's Despite of Differences, Come Unity in Jesus Christ!
Showing posts with label Catholic Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Catholic Church. Show all posts
They are Errors; faults which are unscriptural in almost every Church Denominations but Please don’t just attack or Pick on Catholic Church in everything!
I am not against any Protestant denominations nor catholic Church ; there are good people as well as bad people in every denomination. Paul is stating the main purpose of the ministry--whether apostles, prophets, evangelists or pastor-teachers--is for the express and central purpose of the edification of the body of Christ. Bringing unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God is also a purpose of the ministry, to bring unity to the body. Although differences of beliefs, doctrine, interpretation, and opinion may be held and expressed among believers, they should be expressed in love and fellowship with those who may differ.
1 Cor 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
This is the very important thing we all have to do "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."Matthew 22:36-40
1.Apostolic succession- the Baptist or Non denominational churches have no succession.
2. Most Baptist Denominations believe once one is saved
3. Baptists to partake in Lord’s Supper, and ob¬servance of the supper “when they desire.
4. The Baptist church was named after John the Baptist. John the Baptist was never a member of the church of the New Testament. The church was established after his death (Mat. 14:1; 16:16-18; Acts 2:1). We should call ourselves after Christ (Romans 16:16)
5. They say Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, They do not Baptize Infants they exclude them, they see the age of accountability for baptism, they do not confess sins with each other.
6. Baptists believe that prayer should only be made to God in the name of Christ but disregard that prayers can be made for saints as well.
7.Baptists believe that Bible is only the authority.
8. Baptists believe that priests are unscriptural.
9. They believe in all past, present, and future sins are forgiven .
10. They believe that they are born again and only they are saved
11. They believe that all have sinned.
12. The Baptist believes that they are automatically saved
13. Baptists do not have any Biblical traditions
14. Some Baptists do not believe True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Communion
15. Baptist do put a plain cross devoid of Christ, Catholic Church venerates Christ on the Cross as a sacrifice
16. Baptist believe that faith of parents will not save
17. They believe in KJV is true rest all false
18. They accuse that Catholics do not know Bible.
19. They do not believe in prayer to saints
20. Most of the Baptist churches interpret the scriptures according to their opinion
21. They do not have any icons or statutes because they think its idolatry
22. They deny purgatory
23. They believe that Mary was a sinful woman
24. They believe Praying rosary is non biblical
25. They accuse Catholic Church has church scandals and they forget their scandals within their church
26. They believe in 2 sacraments and discard 5 sacraments
27. They believe good works is not necessary.
28. They accuse that Catholics priests don’t marry
29.they believe in birth control, women as pastors.
30.They churches are not Governed scripturally. The Bible gives no authority to deacons. Nowhere does the Bible speak of “deacons who rule well,” because deacons are not rulers. Their qualifications are not ruling qualifications, but are the qualifications of servants to the pastors and congregations. Whereas pastors (also called elders and bishops) must be apt to teach and able to defend the flock from false teachers (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:4-13), deacons have no such requirement (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The common polity used among their congregations ignores these biblical truths, and allows men who are not qualified to be pastors to have authority equal to that of a pastor.
31 .Worldliness is rampant in their churches and schools.
Though there are godly people among them, the homes of the average church members are too often filled with rock music (secular and “Christian”), immodest dress, R-rated videos, and many other marks of a gross love of the world. Many of their schools are known as wild party schools, and the student fornicators and drunkards are not disciplined. Worldly dances are held on the campuses of many of their connected schools. Hundreds of their congregations host “Christian” rock concerts. More than 35 years ago, Evangelist John R. Rice warned, “The lewdness of the modern dance is now excused and the worldly viewpoint accepted in most of their colleges” (“Dancing in Southern Baptist Colleges,” Sword of the Lord, Sept. 5, 1969).
32 .They have charismatic’s beliefs like holy laugh, yelling, speaking in unknown tongues etc which is unscriptural
33. The vast majority of their churches refuse to exercise church discipline and it is impossible to have a biblically pure church without discipline.
34. Some of their evangelical rejects biblical separation.
35. All claiming to preach the Bible, yet wearing different names and teaching different doctrines.
36. Does God call all protestant preachers, then cause them to preach conflicting doctrines? Does God call Baptist preachers to preach, and then cause them to preach that immersion is the only kind of baptism, that only ordained Baptist preachers have the authority to baptize, the impossibility of apostasy, the miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit, and numerous other things? Then does God call a Methodist preacher to preach that sprinkling is baptism, and that you can fall from grace? Does God call both of them to preach these contradictory doctrines? John 17:20-23 and I Cor. 1:10-13 teach that he does not.
37. Their Churches stands for immersion only, impossibility of apostasy and close communion
38. Is Christ divided?" The apostle Paul asked the question in condemning division.
39. The Baptist Church or any protestant church is not the church you read about in the Bible. Baptist preachers, and all other preachers, take the Bible and read the word "church," but they do not comment on it. They leave the impression that it refers to "their" church. The Baptist preacher will read a passage with the word "church" in it, and apply it to the Baptist Church. The Methodist preacher will read the same passage and apply it to the Methodist Church. The Presbyterian preacher will read the same passage and apply it to the Presbyterian Church. It cannot refer to all of them. If these passages refer to the Baptist Church, it cannot refer to the Methodist, because they are two different institutions. To which one does it refer then? I am affirming that out of the 112 times that the word "church" is used in the New Testament, not one time does it refer to the Baptist Church, or to any other denomination. It talks about "the church," "the church of God," "the church of the first-born," "the churches of Christ," etc., but most of the time it just says "the church. “Which church? Which one is it? When the Bible uses the word "church" it just refers to one. Now which one is it? Calvary Chapel is a non-denominational church movement focused on the inerrancy of the Bible and the expository teaching from Genesis to Revelation.” From a statement of faith found on many of their sites, “nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their over emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ
40. If the word "church" never refers to the Baptist Church, then the Baptist Church is eliminated from the Bible. You know, of course, that the expressions "Baptist Church," "Baptist Churches," "Baptists," or "a Baptist" are not to be found in the Bible. We have now shown that the word "church" never refers to the Baptist Church In as much as the Baptists admit that you can be a member of the New Testament Church, the kingdom of God, before and without being a member of the Baptist Church, then it follows that the Baptist Church and the New Testament church are two different institutions, entered at two different times, by two different processes. That is exactly it. This is according to the Baptists, themselves. Therefore the Baptist Church cannot be the New Testament Church.
41. The New Testament Church was a visible church. The Jerusalem church was a visible church. It met for worship every Lord's day, yet was no denomination. The church at Corinth met upon the first day of the week, sang, prayed, had preaching, took the Lord's Supper, and contributed of their means, yet it was no denomination. Paul called it, "the church of God" and "the body of Christ." (1 Cor. 1:2; I Cor. 12:27).
We are pleading with people to be a member only of the Lord's church, the New Testament church, the kingdom of God, and NOT to be members of any denomination. Be a Christian and a Christian only.
42. We just noticed how the Baptists/protestants/Non denominational churches make Christians (?), members of the kingdom of God, then teach and encourage them to separate themselves from others in the kingdom of God by joining the Baptist Church, thus limiting and circumscribing themselves from all others whom they claim are members of the kingdom of God, too. Who is it that is narrow?!
43. Well Baptist Church or Non Denominational church or Pentecostals or any other protestant churches ', is not found in the Bible.
John the Baptist, it is reasoned, baptized Christ and others, and since he was sent from God, that made Christ and all others Baptists. Well, that made Baptists before they ever had a Baptist Church. Did you ever hear of a Baptist that was not a member of the Baptist Church? Yet, they admit themselves that the Baptist Church was not established until the ordaining of the twelve. John was not called Baptist in the same sense that people are called Baptist today. The expression "Baptist" is found only 15 times in the Bible. Every time it is "John the Baptist." Mark 6:14 says, "John the Baptizer." The Greek is "John, he who baptizes " or "the man who baptizes." There is the passage that tells why John was called "the Baptist"--because he baptized people. This distinguished him from all other Johns. Do you know that in the book of John you cannot find the word "Baptist"? The Apostle John never called John the Baptist, "the Baptist." It is only found 15 times in the Bible, and every time "John THE Baptist." The followers of Jesus Christ were never called Baptists. The followers of John were never called Baptists. Is it not peculiar that if John's baptizing folks made Baptists out of them that not one was ever referred to as a Baptist then, or thereafter? Not one time is anyone ever called Baptist in the Bible except John.Human names are condemned. (1 Cor. 1:12). "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" Again in Acts 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." Look at it, "There is none other name." Is it all right to use other names? Listen again, "There is none other name." Among human names (those not found in the Bible) I can think of none greater than that of Paul. Yet, if I were to present a check for my soul's salvation in the name of Paul at the judgment bar of God, he would have to say, "Not in the name of Paul, not in the name of Apollos, not in the name of Cephas, nor in the name of John the Baptist, for salvation is in none other name than Jesus Christ." This is the only "name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." This name exalts Christ. This is the name that we in the church of Christ are pleading for. Other names, or additional names are sinful. Wear the name of Christ and none other. (Phil. 2:9-11).
44. They are wrong in their plan of salvation. They teach that a person is saved by prayer. I could tell several incidents in which people were saved by prayer according to the Baptists/Pentecostals/Non denominational.
An alien sinner is not saved by prayer. John 9:31 says, "Now we know that God heareth not sinners, but if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth his will, him he heareth." It is God's will that we "obey the gospel" (II Thess. 1:8) . The gospel commands us to be baptized into Christ "for the remission of sins." (Gal. 3:27; Acts 2:38). We have not done God's will until we have been baptized into Christ. Hear Isaiah, "Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear." (Isa. 59:2). We are to pray for the lost, that's true (Rom. 10:1), but the gospel, not prayer, "is the power of God unto salvation." (Rom. 1:16).
Paul says in II Cor. 5:11, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." Some people try to persuade God to save the sinner, but Paul persuaded the sinner to obey God. God is willing to save all who will obey. (II Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11; I Tim. 2:4; Heb. 5:9). "God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have OBEYED from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being THEN made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18).
45. Baptists and most of their denominations teach that sinners are saved by faith only. They say, "All you have to do is believe, and He will save you." Article 5 of their Declaration of Faith, page 48, says that justification is "solely through faith." James says just the opposite, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24). Their doctrine of faith only breaks down on the chief rulers of John 12:42-43. "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Were the chief rulers saved? If you say "yes," then you disagree with the Apostle John for he says, "every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." (1 John 4:3). If you say they did not believe, then you disagree with the Apostle John again, for he says they "believed on Him." Sometimes Baptists try to dodge the force of this argument by saying they believed on, not in Him. The Greek is "eis," the strongest expression in this respect in the Greek language.
46 .They do not administer Bible baptism. John's baptism is out of date. In Acts 19:1-5 we find where Paul rebaptized twelve men who had received John's baptism. Aquila and Priscilla took a preacher who knew "only the baptism of John" and "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." (Acts 18:24-26).Baptists baptize people whom they claim already have received the remission of sins. "There is an actual, a real remission of sins when we believe in Christ--there is a declarative, formal, symbolic remission in baptism." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 13).The Bible plainly states that baptism is FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, (Acts 2:38), or to wash away sins (Acts 22:16).Baptists do not baptize a person into Christ, but rather, into the Baptist Church. They say any such person is in Christ before baptism. Hear Paul, "For as many of you as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:27) .Baptist baptism must be on a confession that one is already saved. Bible baptism puts a person into Christ where salvation is. (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:3; II Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4; II Tim. 2:10).
Inasmuch as Christian baptism is "for the remission of sins," or to "wash away sins," and to get "into Christ," or "put on Christ," and Baptists do not administer Christian baptism, as has just been pointed out, then it follows that those who obeyed the Baptist plan of Salvation have missed the Lord's plan of Salvation, and they are therefore not members of the New Testament Church, the Body of Christ, have not had their sins remitted, and are not saved.
47. They claim only they are saved. Many will say, "Oh but I know I'm saved." "Well, how do you know it?" "Oh, I just know it. I feel like I am." "What makes you feel like you are saved?" "Because I'm saved," they will say. Saved because they feel good, and feel good because they are saved. Such people prefer their feelings to anything the Bible says. I am not opposed to a person's feeling good about being a Christian, but I am opposed to a person claiming to be a Christian just because he feels good. Feelings are based on faith. If one will study the scriptures with an open mind rather than through feelings, you will then begin to feel different. You will feel that you should turn from the human organization, the Baptist Church and their all denominations and obey the gospel of Christ because the Bible teaches you to do that. Don't follow your feelings. FOLLOW THE BIBLE. FOLLOW CHRIST.
48. Their churches is unscriptural in organization they have rebelled against the one and only true church. The Baptist Church and their several protestant denominations has a minister whom they call "Pastor," and deacons, but no elders. The truth of the matter is this. pastors, bishops, presbyters, and elders are all the same and take the oversight of the flock. The deacons are servants of the church. The preacher is a minister or evangelist, not "the pastor" of a congregation.
Baptist preachers call themselves and have themselves called, "Reverend." (There are a few exceptions to this, but very few). This word is used one time in the entire Bible and then in connection with the name of God. (Psalm 111:9). When you see the man you believe on a par with God, call him "reverend.'` This also violates the principle laid down by our Savior in Matthew 23:5-12.
49. Protestant denomination’s have unscriptural in doctrine and they accuse of various doctrines in Catholic Church yet they are blind to see their own.They are wrong first in having a man-made doctrine at an. "This Declaration of Faith was framed many years ago by J. Newton Brown, D. D." (Baptist Church Manual, foot note, p. 43). Christ says in Matt. 15:9, "But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
The Baptist doctrine contradicts the Bible in reason. Ask a Baptist preacher, "What is the Baptist Doctrine?" It is "what a church believes the Bible to teach." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 41). I have pointed out that it is the distinctive features of the Baptist Church that make it Baptist instead of some other kind of Church Now ask, "Must I believe the Bible to be saved?" Answer, "Yes." "Must I believe Baptist Doctrine to be saved?" Answer, "No." Then, if I must believe the Bible to be saved, and must not believe Baptist Doctrine to be saved, then it follows that Baptist Doctrine is not Bible Doctrine. Jesus told the apostles to go preach the gospel and said, "He that believeth not shall be damned." When any preacher preaches things that you do not have to believe to be saved, you may rest assured that he is not preaching "the gospel," because you do have to believe "the gospel" to be saved. If a person can be saved without belonging to the Baptist Church and without believing Baptist Doctrine (that which is peculiar to Baptists), then why does the Baptist Church exist, and by whose authority? Baptists say they exist to save people, but how can this be, when a person can be saved and never hear of the Baptist Church? Friends, think about that seriously.
Baptist Doctrine contradicts the Bible in fact. "We believe that the salvation of sinners is WHOLLY of grace." (Baptist Church Manual, Article IV of the Declaration of Faith, p. 47). We are saved by HOPE, (Rom. 8:24), and Peter said BAPTISM saves us, (1 Peter 3:21). If this is true, then we are not saved WHOLLY or ENTIRELY by grace, but by hope and baptism also. Then this article of faith is false.In Article V on page 48, the Declaration of Faith declares that "justification, the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life . . . are SOLELY THROUGH FAITH." In the first place, this article of faith contradicts Article IV. How can salvation be WHOLLY of grace and at the same time SOLELY through faith? We have pointed out that we are saved by grace, faith, hope, the gospel, the word, repentance, confession, baptism, etc., but the expression "solely through faith" excludes everything except faith. The Bible certainly does not teach this. James 2:24 again, "not by faith only," therefore, this article contradicts Article IV and also the Word of God.
50.Their doctrine of apostasy is false. "We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end." (Article XI, p. 54). This is the doctrine of "once saved, always saved" and if a person "falls from grace," then they claim that he was not saved to start with. Consider II Peter 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment." Are these "real believers" more steadfast than angels?
Is it possible that Paul could be a cast-away? Paul thinks so, hear him, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Cor. 9:27). Was Paul a "real believer?" Paul said, "Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
Again, "Whosoever of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace." (Gal. 5:4). We are saved by grace. (Eph. 2:8) . Therefore, people can fall from that which saved them. Many Baptists do not believe this doctrine, but as long as they are Baptists they stand for it just the same.
51. They support democracy not a kingdom. The essentials of a kingdom are: a king, law, and subjects over which he rules. The king makes the laws, enforces the laws, and passes judgment on violators of the law. Officers are filled by appointment of the Thing. Since Christ has all authority in heaven and in earth and has been crowned "King of kings," He makes the laws; He will judge all violators of His laws in the Day of Judgment. A democracy is that form of government that the subjects by vote make the laws and elect their officers. I tell you to compare the Baptist Church with these two forms of government."The government of a church (the Baptist Church) is with its members. The churches must say . . . whether music shall be led by choirs, with the aid of instruments or not, etc., etc." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 39). This very plainly shows that the Baptist Church is democratic in its nature, but Christ established a kingdom.
In John 4:24 we learn that we must worship God "in spirit and in truth." In John 17:17 Jesus said, "thy word is truth." In Rom. 10:17 we read that "faith comes by hearing the word of God." Our worship, then, to be "in truth" must be as the truth directs. In Leviticus 10:1-2 we have an example of two boys, Nadab and Abihu, worshiping God, but because they did so in a "strange" way "which he commanded them not," the Lord took their lives. Again in I Chron. 15:13-15, David says, in reference to the method of bearing the ark of the covenant, ". . . God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order." Jer. 10:23 tells us "that it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps," and in Isa. 55:8-9, the Lord says, "my ways are not your ways, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways." God will not tolerate PRESUMPTION. We, simply mortal men, cannot worship God any way WE see fit, but must "seek Him after the due order." Remember, Jesus said. "In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments (that is, following the precepts) of men." (Matt. 15:9) . Which are you following, God or men?Baptists take Christ's place in adding to the church. The scriptures say "the LORD added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47). But Baptists VOTE to receive people into the church. There is not one place in the Bible that teaches us to vote to receive people into the church, nor to put them out, either.
Baptists talk about "Opening the doors of the church." No man, whether he be the Pope of Rome, or a Baptist preacher, can "open the doors" of the Lord's Church. Those doors were opened by the Apostle Peter in the long ago, and they stand ajar to this good time, and shall ever be open until the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall announce that time is no more. This is just more evidence that the Baptist Church is a human, man-made church. For if the, can "open and close the doors" then it is of men and not of God. They cannot open, nor close the doors of the New Testament Church.
Baptists take the authority to change the great commission. Christ said in Mark 16:15, 16, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Baptists teach, "he that believeth and is NOT baptized is saved already because of his faith." Thus, they promise the sinner salvation SHORT of the conditions upon which God promises it. Therefore, Baptists are standing on the promises and assurance of Baptist preachers and NOT ON THE PROMISES OF GOD. Which do you prefer to believe, Baptists, or Christ?Indeed, this is the real issue--who is king? Who is head? Who has all authority? In whom do you believe? Let me illustrate. Many times the church of Christ is accused of "believing in water." No, we do not believe in baptism as such, but in Jesus Christ. We practice baptism for the remission of sins, because Christ, in whom we believe, and who is our King and God, commanded it. To refuse His command, or the purpose for which He gave it is nothing short of rejecting Jesus Christ--"we will not that he should reign over us"-- at least in this respect. To simply follow Christ when you like it, is not to follow Him at all. You are your own King in such a case. That sets yourself above Jesus Christ, above His word. You sit in judgment over His Word, accept what you like and reject the rest if it is different from your feelings. Friends, such is not Christianity, but religious anarchy You do not have a right to "believe as you please," to choose the way you like to serve Him, but simply to humbly submit to Him who is Kind and Love, and is the creator of heaven and earth, and before whom we must all stand in a little while.Let me plead with you to renounce all denominational affiliations and humbly submit to Christ as Lord of lords, and King of kings. While we sing, just step out from your seat and come forward, confess your faith in Jesus as Lord, as you humbly repent of every sin, and be baptized for the remission of sin.
52. There were some good things about the Evangelical Churches. For one, there was much more of a community because it was a medium sized church (or about 200 members). There was plenty of opportunities to feel apart of something. People were engaging, drawing you in to these groups. If you were looking for a club to join, this was the place. Much of the teachings or lack of it, would just drive me in a rage. For instance, when the Pastor of this church would quote a scripture, he would leave parts of it out, especially if it could cause some kind of disagreement. It just made me really mad! To me, this church just was there to draw in the young people. They wanted everyone to feel welcome and one of their statements was something about how they didn’t care how you dressed.
53. Too many churches are aiming at doctrinal ambiguity and hoping to attract people by their atmosphere, cool worship, funny and yelling pastor, pastors, amneties, young crowd
54. .They preaches another Gospel. But is ignorance better than falsehood? Can the great God and Creator whose mighty acts and wondrous character confront us on every page of Scripture be reduced to a scant few beliefs? The simplicity of the gospel is precious, but its simplicity never robs it of its profundity. Place a rose in the hand of a child, and that child can see that it is a beautiful, fragrant flower, a gift of God. True doctrine teaches us about Christ, who is the Truth, the Word from above. When we teach and keep the truth about him, we are bound together in an eternal bond. The truth unites us to God and to each other.’
55. The church was allowing worldly practices into to church, and also allowing a minister to practice in a profession that the Bible clearly forbids.
56. Neither is Grace an excuse for Pastors to commit adultery and continue in the service of pastoring. Some of their pastors have given divorce and remarried again. The bible presents qualifications for elders and teachers. Grace has to do with our salvation, it’s not an excuse to live contrary to the word of God.
57. they have a notion of what a "Bible-believing" church looks like/feels like, in their minds, and they look for a Church that has that appearance and style.
It could be anything from a clapboard shack where everyone whoops and jumps and shouts in tongues, to a quiet, clean carpeted environment with an old man up front taking 45 minutes or so to exegete the Greek, while the kids go colour and hear Bible stories with the nice ladies in Sunday School.
58. They hate Catholic Church and pick on everything about Catholic Church, I John 3:15: "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Finally I can list on many errors which are unscriptural in every protestant denominations like how they pick about Catholic Church errors. There is no perfect church is this world. A "good" church is made up of imperfect people with a strong desire for God and His Word. But God didn't intend for us to be isolated from other believers, because we need each other. I love to stay in the Catholic Church as there are so much of divisions and chaos among the protestant churches. In the midst of life's struggles, we need the encouragement of other believers, and we need too the spiritual strength we get from public worship. The Bible says, "Let us not give up meeting together... but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day (of Christ's return) approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
But we also need to let others know about our faith in Jesus - and one of the ways we can do that is by being active in our church. The Bible says God wants us to grow closer to Him, and to become more like Christ in our character and our behavior. God desires that every believer lead a righteous, holy and pure life.
Philippians 4:8:Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
For more articles please http://biblicalproof4catholicfaith.blogspot.com/
Visit http://home.inreach.com/bstanley/ which will throw light in many truths about denominational divisions.
1 Cor 1:10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought. 11 My brothers, some from Chloe's household have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, "I follow Paul"; another, "I follow Apollos"; another, "I follow Cephas"; still another, "I follow Christ." 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul?
This is the very important thing we all have to do "Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?" And he said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets."Matthew 22:36-40
1.Apostolic succession- the Baptist or Non denominational churches have no succession.
2. Most Baptist Denominations believe once one is saved
3. Baptists to partake in Lord’s Supper, and ob¬servance of the supper “when they desire.
4. The Baptist church was named after John the Baptist. John the Baptist was never a member of the church of the New Testament. The church was established after his death (Mat. 14:1; 16:16-18; Acts 2:1). We should call ourselves after Christ (Romans 16:16)
5. They say Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, They do not Baptize Infants they exclude them, they see the age of accountability for baptism, they do not confess sins with each other.
6. Baptists believe that prayer should only be made to God in the name of Christ but disregard that prayers can be made for saints as well.
7.Baptists believe that Bible is only the authority.
8. Baptists believe that priests are unscriptural.
9. They believe in all past, present, and future sins are forgiven .
10. They believe that they are born again and only they are saved
11. They believe that all have sinned.
12. The Baptist believes that they are automatically saved
13. Baptists do not have any Biblical traditions
14. Some Baptists do not believe True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Communion
15. Baptist do put a plain cross devoid of Christ, Catholic Church venerates Christ on the Cross as a sacrifice
16. Baptist believe that faith of parents will not save
17. They believe in KJV is true rest all false
18. They accuse that Catholics do not know Bible.
19. They do not believe in prayer to saints
20. Most of the Baptist churches interpret the scriptures according to their opinion
21. They do not have any icons or statutes because they think its idolatry
22. They deny purgatory
23. They believe that Mary was a sinful woman
24. They believe Praying rosary is non biblical
25. They accuse Catholic Church has church scandals and they forget their scandals within their church
26. They believe in 2 sacraments and discard 5 sacraments
27. They believe good works is not necessary.
28. They accuse that Catholics priests don’t marry
29.they believe in birth control, women as pastors.
30.They churches are not Governed scripturally. The Bible gives no authority to deacons. Nowhere does the Bible speak of “deacons who rule well,” because deacons are not rulers. Their qualifications are not ruling qualifications, but are the qualifications of servants to the pastors and congregations. Whereas pastors (also called elders and bishops) must be apt to teach and able to defend the flock from false teachers (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:4-13), deacons have no such requirement (1 Timothy 3:8-13). The common polity used among their congregations ignores these biblical truths, and allows men who are not qualified to be pastors to have authority equal to that of a pastor.
31 .Worldliness is rampant in their churches and schools.
Though there are godly people among them, the homes of the average church members are too often filled with rock music (secular and “Christian”), immodest dress, R-rated videos, and many other marks of a gross love of the world. Many of their schools are known as wild party schools, and the student fornicators and drunkards are not disciplined. Worldly dances are held on the campuses of many of their connected schools. Hundreds of their congregations host “Christian” rock concerts. More than 35 years ago, Evangelist John R. Rice warned, “The lewdness of the modern dance is now excused and the worldly viewpoint accepted in most of their colleges” (“Dancing in Southern Baptist Colleges,” Sword of the Lord, Sept. 5, 1969).
32 .They have charismatic’s beliefs like holy laugh, yelling, speaking in unknown tongues etc which is unscriptural
33. The vast majority of their churches refuse to exercise church discipline and it is impossible to have a biblically pure church without discipline.
34. Some of their evangelical rejects biblical separation.
35. All claiming to preach the Bible, yet wearing different names and teaching different doctrines.
36. Does God call all protestant preachers, then cause them to preach conflicting doctrines? Does God call Baptist preachers to preach, and then cause them to preach that immersion is the only kind of baptism, that only ordained Baptist preachers have the authority to baptize, the impossibility of apostasy, the miraculous operation of the Holy Spirit, and numerous other things? Then does God call a Methodist preacher to preach that sprinkling is baptism, and that you can fall from grace? Does God call both of them to preach these contradictory doctrines? John 17:20-23 and I Cor. 1:10-13 teach that he does not.
37. Their Churches stands for immersion only, impossibility of apostasy and close communion
38. Is Christ divided?" The apostle Paul asked the question in condemning division.
39. The Baptist Church or any protestant church is not the church you read about in the Bible. Baptist preachers, and all other preachers, take the Bible and read the word "church," but they do not comment on it. They leave the impression that it refers to "their" church. The Baptist preacher will read a passage with the word "church" in it, and apply it to the Baptist Church. The Methodist preacher will read the same passage and apply it to the Methodist Church. The Presbyterian preacher will read the same passage and apply it to the Presbyterian Church. It cannot refer to all of them. If these passages refer to the Baptist Church, it cannot refer to the Methodist, because they are two different institutions. To which one does it refer then? I am affirming that out of the 112 times that the word "church" is used in the New Testament, not one time does it refer to the Baptist Church, or to any other denomination. It talks about "the church," "the church of God," "the church of the first-born," "the churches of Christ," etc., but most of the time it just says "the church. “Which church? Which one is it? When the Bible uses the word "church" it just refers to one. Now which one is it? Calvary Chapel is a non-denominational church movement focused on the inerrancy of the Bible and the expository teaching from Genesis to Revelation.” From a statement of faith found on many of their sites, “nor are we opposed to denominations as such, only their over emphasis of the doctrinal differences that have led to the division of the Body of Christ
40. If the word "church" never refers to the Baptist Church, then the Baptist Church is eliminated from the Bible. You know, of course, that the expressions "Baptist Church," "Baptist Churches," "Baptists," or "a Baptist" are not to be found in the Bible. We have now shown that the word "church" never refers to the Baptist Church In as much as the Baptists admit that you can be a member of the New Testament Church, the kingdom of God, before and without being a member of the Baptist Church, then it follows that the Baptist Church and the New Testament church are two different institutions, entered at two different times, by two different processes. That is exactly it. This is according to the Baptists, themselves. Therefore the Baptist Church cannot be the New Testament Church.
41. The New Testament Church was a visible church. The Jerusalem church was a visible church. It met for worship every Lord's day, yet was no denomination. The church at Corinth met upon the first day of the week, sang, prayed, had preaching, took the Lord's Supper, and contributed of their means, yet it was no denomination. Paul called it, "the church of God" and "the body of Christ." (1 Cor. 1:2; I Cor. 12:27).
We are pleading with people to be a member only of the Lord's church, the New Testament church, the kingdom of God, and NOT to be members of any denomination. Be a Christian and a Christian only.
42. We just noticed how the Baptists/protestants/Non denominational churches make Christians (?), members of the kingdom of God, then teach and encourage them to separate themselves from others in the kingdom of God by joining the Baptist Church, thus limiting and circumscribing themselves from all others whom they claim are members of the kingdom of God, too. Who is it that is narrow?!
43. Well Baptist Church or Non Denominational church or Pentecostals or any other protestant churches ', is not found in the Bible.
John the Baptist, it is reasoned, baptized Christ and others, and since he was sent from God, that made Christ and all others Baptists. Well, that made Baptists before they ever had a Baptist Church. Did you ever hear of a Baptist that was not a member of the Baptist Church? Yet, they admit themselves that the Baptist Church was not established until the ordaining of the twelve. John was not called Baptist in the same sense that people are called Baptist today. The expression "Baptist" is found only 15 times in the Bible. Every time it is "John the Baptist." Mark 6:14 says, "John the Baptizer." The Greek is "John, he who baptizes " or "the man who baptizes." There is the passage that tells why John was called "the Baptist"--because he baptized people. This distinguished him from all other Johns. Do you know that in the book of John you cannot find the word "Baptist"? The Apostle John never called John the Baptist, "the Baptist." It is only found 15 times in the Bible, and every time "John THE Baptist." The followers of Jesus Christ were never called Baptists. The followers of John were never called Baptists. Is it not peculiar that if John's baptizing folks made Baptists out of them that not one was ever referred to as a Baptist then, or thereafter? Not one time is anyone ever called Baptist in the Bible except John.Human names are condemned. (1 Cor. 1:12). "Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were ye baptized in the name of Paul?" Again in Acts 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." Look at it, "There is none other name." Is it all right to use other names? Listen again, "There is none other name." Among human names (those not found in the Bible) I can think of none greater than that of Paul. Yet, if I were to present a check for my soul's salvation in the name of Paul at the judgment bar of God, he would have to say, "Not in the name of Paul, not in the name of Apollos, not in the name of Cephas, nor in the name of John the Baptist, for salvation is in none other name than Jesus Christ." This is the only "name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved." This name exalts Christ. This is the name that we in the church of Christ are pleading for. Other names, or additional names are sinful. Wear the name of Christ and none other. (Phil. 2:9-11).
44. They are wrong in their plan of salvation. They teach that a person is saved by prayer. I could tell several incidents in which people were saved by prayer according to the Baptists/Pentecostals/Non denominational.
An alien sinner is not saved by prayer. John 9:31 says, "Now we know that God heareth not sinners, but if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth his will, him he heareth." It is God's will that we "obey the gospel" (II Thess. 1:8) . The gospel commands us to be baptized into Christ "for the remission of sins." (Gal. 3:27; Acts 2:38). We have not done God's will until we have been baptized into Christ. Hear Isaiah, "Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear." (Isa. 59:2). We are to pray for the lost, that's true (Rom. 10:1), but the gospel, not prayer, "is the power of God unto salvation." (Rom. 1:16).
Paul says in II Cor. 5:11, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." Some people try to persuade God to save the sinner, but Paul persuaded the sinner to obey God. God is willing to save all who will obey. (II Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11; I Tim. 2:4; Heb. 5:9). "God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have OBEYED from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being THEN made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18).
45. Baptists and most of their denominations teach that sinners are saved by faith only. They say, "All you have to do is believe, and He will save you." Article 5 of their Declaration of Faith, page 48, says that justification is "solely through faith." James says just the opposite, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24). Their doctrine of faith only breaks down on the chief rulers of John 12:42-43. "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Were the chief rulers saved? If you say "yes," then you disagree with the Apostle John for he says, "every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." (1 John 4:3). If you say they did not believe, then you disagree with the Apostle John again, for he says they "believed on Him." Sometimes Baptists try to dodge the force of this argument by saying they believed on, not in Him. The Greek is "eis," the strongest expression in this respect in the Greek language.
46 .They do not administer Bible baptism. John's baptism is out of date. In Acts 19:1-5 we find where Paul rebaptized twelve men who had received John's baptism. Aquila and Priscilla took a preacher who knew "only the baptism of John" and "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." (Acts 18:24-26).Baptists baptize people whom they claim already have received the remission of sins. "There is an actual, a real remission of sins when we believe in Christ--there is a declarative, formal, symbolic remission in baptism." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 13).The Bible plainly states that baptism is FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, (Acts 2:38), or to wash away sins (Acts 22:16).Baptists do not baptize a person into Christ, but rather, into the Baptist Church. They say any such person is in Christ before baptism. Hear Paul, "For as many of you as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:27) .Baptist baptism must be on a confession that one is already saved. Bible baptism puts a person into Christ where salvation is. (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:3; II Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4; II Tim. 2:10).
Inasmuch as Christian baptism is "for the remission of sins," or to "wash away sins," and to get "into Christ," or "put on Christ," and Baptists do not administer Christian baptism, as has just been pointed out, then it follows that those who obeyed the Baptist plan of Salvation have missed the Lord's plan of Salvation, and they are therefore not members of the New Testament Church, the Body of Christ, have not had their sins remitted, and are not saved.
47. They claim only they are saved. Many will say, "Oh but I know I'm saved." "Well, how do you know it?" "Oh, I just know it. I feel like I am." "What makes you feel like you are saved?" "Because I'm saved," they will say. Saved because they feel good, and feel good because they are saved. Such people prefer their feelings to anything the Bible says. I am not opposed to a person's feeling good about being a Christian, but I am opposed to a person claiming to be a Christian just because he feels good. Feelings are based on faith. If one will study the scriptures with an open mind rather than through feelings, you will then begin to feel different. You will feel that you should turn from the human organization, the Baptist Church and their all denominations and obey the gospel of Christ because the Bible teaches you to do that. Don't follow your feelings. FOLLOW THE BIBLE. FOLLOW CHRIST.
48. Their churches is unscriptural in organization they have rebelled against the one and only true church. The Baptist Church and their several protestant denominations has a minister whom they call "Pastor," and deacons, but no elders. The truth of the matter is this. pastors, bishops, presbyters, and elders are all the same and take the oversight of the flock. The deacons are servants of the church. The preacher is a minister or evangelist, not "the pastor" of a congregation.
Baptist preachers call themselves and have themselves called, "Reverend." (There are a few exceptions to this, but very few). This word is used one time in the entire Bible and then in connection with the name of God. (Psalm 111:9). When you see the man you believe on a par with God, call him "reverend.'` This also violates the principle laid down by our Savior in Matthew 23:5-12.
49. Protestant denomination’s have unscriptural in doctrine and they accuse of various doctrines in Catholic Church yet they are blind to see their own.They are wrong first in having a man-made doctrine at an. "This Declaration of Faith was framed many years ago by J. Newton Brown, D. D." (Baptist Church Manual, foot note, p. 43). Christ says in Matt. 15:9, "But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men."
The Baptist doctrine contradicts the Bible in reason. Ask a Baptist preacher, "What is the Baptist Doctrine?" It is "what a church believes the Bible to teach." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 41). I have pointed out that it is the distinctive features of the Baptist Church that make it Baptist instead of some other kind of Church Now ask, "Must I believe the Bible to be saved?" Answer, "Yes." "Must I believe Baptist Doctrine to be saved?" Answer, "No." Then, if I must believe the Bible to be saved, and must not believe Baptist Doctrine to be saved, then it follows that Baptist Doctrine is not Bible Doctrine. Jesus told the apostles to go preach the gospel and said, "He that believeth not shall be damned." When any preacher preaches things that you do not have to believe to be saved, you may rest assured that he is not preaching "the gospel," because you do have to believe "the gospel" to be saved. If a person can be saved without belonging to the Baptist Church and without believing Baptist Doctrine (that which is peculiar to Baptists), then why does the Baptist Church exist, and by whose authority? Baptists say they exist to save people, but how can this be, when a person can be saved and never hear of the Baptist Church? Friends, think about that seriously.
Baptist Doctrine contradicts the Bible in fact. "We believe that the salvation of sinners is WHOLLY of grace." (Baptist Church Manual, Article IV of the Declaration of Faith, p. 47). We are saved by HOPE, (Rom. 8:24), and Peter said BAPTISM saves us, (1 Peter 3:21). If this is true, then we are not saved WHOLLY or ENTIRELY by grace, but by hope and baptism also. Then this article of faith is false.In Article V on page 48, the Declaration of Faith declares that "justification, the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life . . . are SOLELY THROUGH FAITH." In the first place, this article of faith contradicts Article IV. How can salvation be WHOLLY of grace and at the same time SOLELY through faith? We have pointed out that we are saved by grace, faith, hope, the gospel, the word, repentance, confession, baptism, etc., but the expression "solely through faith" excludes everything except faith. The Bible certainly does not teach this. James 2:24 again, "not by faith only," therefore, this article contradicts Article IV and also the Word of God.
50.Their doctrine of apostasy is false. "We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end." (Article XI, p. 54). This is the doctrine of "once saved, always saved" and if a person "falls from grace," then they claim that he was not saved to start with. Consider II Peter 2:4, "For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment." Are these "real believers" more steadfast than angels?
Is it possible that Paul could be a cast-away? Paul thinks so, hear him, "But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Cor. 9:27). Was Paul a "real believer?" Paul said, "Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he fall.
Again, "Whosoever of you are justified by the law, ye are fallen from grace." (Gal. 5:4). We are saved by grace. (Eph. 2:8) . Therefore, people can fall from that which saved them. Many Baptists do not believe this doctrine, but as long as they are Baptists they stand for it just the same.
51. They support democracy not a kingdom. The essentials of a kingdom are: a king, law, and subjects over which he rules. The king makes the laws, enforces the laws, and passes judgment on violators of the law. Officers are filled by appointment of the Thing. Since Christ has all authority in heaven and in earth and has been crowned "King of kings," He makes the laws; He will judge all violators of His laws in the Day of Judgment. A democracy is that form of government that the subjects by vote make the laws and elect their officers. I tell you to compare the Baptist Church with these two forms of government."The government of a church (the Baptist Church) is with its members. The churches must say . . . whether music shall be led by choirs, with the aid of instruments or not, etc., etc." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 39). This very plainly shows that the Baptist Church is democratic in its nature, but Christ established a kingdom.
In John 4:24 we learn that we must worship God "in spirit and in truth." In John 17:17 Jesus said, "thy word is truth." In Rom. 10:17 we read that "faith comes by hearing the word of God." Our worship, then, to be "in truth" must be as the truth directs. In Leviticus 10:1-2 we have an example of two boys, Nadab and Abihu, worshiping God, but because they did so in a "strange" way "which he commanded them not," the Lord took their lives. Again in I Chron. 15:13-15, David says, in reference to the method of bearing the ark of the covenant, ". . . God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order." Jer. 10:23 tells us "that it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps," and in Isa. 55:8-9, the Lord says, "my ways are not your ways, for as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways." God will not tolerate PRESUMPTION. We, simply mortal men, cannot worship God any way WE see fit, but must "seek Him after the due order." Remember, Jesus said. "In vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments (that is, following the precepts) of men." (Matt. 15:9) . Which are you following, God or men?Baptists take Christ's place in adding to the church. The scriptures say "the LORD added to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47). But Baptists VOTE to receive people into the church. There is not one place in the Bible that teaches us to vote to receive people into the church, nor to put them out, either.
Baptists talk about "Opening the doors of the church." No man, whether he be the Pope of Rome, or a Baptist preacher, can "open the doors" of the Lord's Church. Those doors were opened by the Apostle Peter in the long ago, and they stand ajar to this good time, and shall ever be open until the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall announce that time is no more. This is just more evidence that the Baptist Church is a human, man-made church. For if the, can "open and close the doors" then it is of men and not of God. They cannot open, nor close the doors of the New Testament Church.
Baptists take the authority to change the great commission. Christ said in Mark 16:15, 16, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." Baptists teach, "he that believeth and is NOT baptized is saved already because of his faith." Thus, they promise the sinner salvation SHORT of the conditions upon which God promises it. Therefore, Baptists are standing on the promises and assurance of Baptist preachers and NOT ON THE PROMISES OF GOD. Which do you prefer to believe, Baptists, or Christ?Indeed, this is the real issue--who is king? Who is head? Who has all authority? In whom do you believe? Let me illustrate. Many times the church of Christ is accused of "believing in water." No, we do not believe in baptism as such, but in Jesus Christ. We practice baptism for the remission of sins, because Christ, in whom we believe, and who is our King and God, commanded it. To refuse His command, or the purpose for which He gave it is nothing short of rejecting Jesus Christ--"we will not that he should reign over us"-- at least in this respect. To simply follow Christ when you like it, is not to follow Him at all. You are your own King in such a case. That sets yourself above Jesus Christ, above His word. You sit in judgment over His Word, accept what you like and reject the rest if it is different from your feelings. Friends, such is not Christianity, but religious anarchy You do not have a right to "believe as you please," to choose the way you like to serve Him, but simply to humbly submit to Him who is Kind and Love, and is the creator of heaven and earth, and before whom we must all stand in a little while.Let me plead with you to renounce all denominational affiliations and humbly submit to Christ as Lord of lords, and King of kings. While we sing, just step out from your seat and come forward, confess your faith in Jesus as Lord, as you humbly repent of every sin, and be baptized for the remission of sin.
52. There were some good things about the Evangelical Churches. For one, there was much more of a community because it was a medium sized church (or about 200 members). There was plenty of opportunities to feel apart of something. People were engaging, drawing you in to these groups. If you were looking for a club to join, this was the place. Much of the teachings or lack of it, would just drive me in a rage. For instance, when the Pastor of this church would quote a scripture, he would leave parts of it out, especially if it could cause some kind of disagreement. It just made me really mad! To me, this church just was there to draw in the young people. They wanted everyone to feel welcome and one of their statements was something about how they didn’t care how you dressed.
53. Too many churches are aiming at doctrinal ambiguity and hoping to attract people by their atmosphere, cool worship, funny and yelling pastor, pastors, amneties, young crowd
54. .They preaches another Gospel. But is ignorance better than falsehood? Can the great God and Creator whose mighty acts and wondrous character confront us on every page of Scripture be reduced to a scant few beliefs? The simplicity of the gospel is precious, but its simplicity never robs it of its profundity. Place a rose in the hand of a child, and that child can see that it is a beautiful, fragrant flower, a gift of God. True doctrine teaches us about Christ, who is the Truth, the Word from above. When we teach and keep the truth about him, we are bound together in an eternal bond. The truth unites us to God and to each other.’
55. The church was allowing worldly practices into to church, and also allowing a minister to practice in a profession that the Bible clearly forbids.
56. Neither is Grace an excuse for Pastors to commit adultery and continue in the service of pastoring. Some of their pastors have given divorce and remarried again. The bible presents qualifications for elders and teachers. Grace has to do with our salvation, it’s not an excuse to live contrary to the word of God.
57. they have a notion of what a "Bible-believing" church looks like/feels like, in their minds, and they look for a Church that has that appearance and style.
It could be anything from a clapboard shack where everyone whoops and jumps and shouts in tongues, to a quiet, clean carpeted environment with an old man up front taking 45 minutes or so to exegete the Greek, while the kids go colour and hear Bible stories with the nice ladies in Sunday School.
58. They hate Catholic Church and pick on everything about Catholic Church, I John 3:15: "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
Finally I can list on many errors which are unscriptural in every protestant denominations like how they pick about Catholic Church errors. There is no perfect church is this world. A "good" church is made up of imperfect people with a strong desire for God and His Word. But God didn't intend for us to be isolated from other believers, because we need each other. I love to stay in the Catholic Church as there are so much of divisions and chaos among the protestant churches. In the midst of life's struggles, we need the encouragement of other believers, and we need too the spiritual strength we get from public worship. The Bible says, "Let us not give up meeting together... but let us encourage one another - and all the more as you see the Day (of Christ's return) approaching" (Hebrews 10:25).
But we also need to let others know about our faith in Jesus - and one of the ways we can do that is by being active in our church. The Bible says God wants us to grow closer to Him, and to become more like Christ in our character and our behavior. God desires that every believer lead a righteous, holy and pure life.
Philippians 4:8:Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
For more articles please http://biblicalproof4catholicfaith.blogspot.com/
Visit http://home.inreach.com/bstanley/ which will throw light in many truths about denominational divisions.
Why I am not Protestant (Non denominational, Baptist, pentacostal, etc)
According to recent statistics, in the United States alone, there are 327,717 Protestant churches and 19,863 Catholic churches. but despite the numerous individual congregations here and throughout the world, there’s really only one true church. Even though many have differences in doctrinal opinions or other characteristics, every church which is based on Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord is a part of the true church. Amazingly, there are thousands of different denominational and independent Christian churches who, for the most part, agree on the basic fundamentals of Christ, but who maintain their separate groups for relatively minor issues. They may not agree on all other matters of doctrine, interpretation, traditions, or the special emphasis placed on certain beliefs. True Church can be founded by Jesus Christ Himself in Mt 16:18, would be built on Simon Peter, Mt 16:18, would be defended by GOD Himself, Mt 16:18-19, would have authority given by Jesus Christ, Mt 16:19,18:17-18., would be guided by the Holy Spirit who will dwell within it, Jn 14:15-17, Act 15:28,16:6., would be one and undivided, Mk 3:24-25., would have one fold and one shepherd, Jn 10:16., would have Priests, Bishops, and Deacons, 1Tim 3:1-13, must have the Holy Communion celebration, Jn 6:42-70, Act 2:42, must be found in all nations, Mt 28:19, must be found in all centuries, Mt 28:20, Jesus Christ said He would be with His Church every day, in every year, until the end of the world, Mt 28:20, must offer celebrates the sacrifice of the Mass, and offers incense and a 'Pure Offering,' Malachi 1:11
1.They do not have Authority and Apostolic succession and they deny Pope as unscriptural and they deny that Peter’s Successors Claim Authority over the Church.
Before the Apostles passed on, they started a system, commanded by Jesus Christ, to pass the baton to successors. This was to insure the perpetuality of the Catholic Church which Jesus Christ founded. That system is called "Apostolic Succession”. it has Unbroken Line of Popes Throughout the Ages
Every Catholic Bishop can show his line of spiritual descent, that is, who consecrated him, who consecrated his consecrator, and so on, all the way back to the Apostles. Jesus Christ vested in the Apostles special authority. This special Apostolic authority has been passed down in unbroken succession through the Bishops of the Church for almost two thousand years, so that the present Bishops of the Church truly teach with the voice of Jesus Christ through the Apostles..( Matt. 10:1,40, Matt. 16:19; 18:18, Luke 9:1; 10:19, Luke 22:29, Luke 10:16, Eph. 2:20, John 13:20, Acts 1:15-26, Jn 20:21,Acts 1:20, Jn 17:22-23, Jn 21:15-17, Heb 3:1,Acts 15:22-27, 1 Tim. 4:14, Sirach 45:15, Acts 15:7, Numbers 3:3, 2 Cor. 1:21-22, Acts 14:23 ,Lk 24:49, Jn 12:49 ,Mt 28:19-20, Jn 20:22-23, 1Thess 2:4).
Jesus Christ addressed Peter and Peter only in these two verses. He gave Peter alone, the KEYS to the Kingdom of Heaven, and the power of "Binding and Loosening" of sins, or if you prefer, the "Sacrament of Reconciliation". Clearly, when Jesus addressed Peter only, and at the same time gave him a name change from Simon to Peter, he had appointed Peter as the "prime" Apostle. Later in Matt 18:18, Jesus gave the power of "Binding and Loosening" to all of the Apostles. After Jesus had risen from the dead, He appeared to all of the Apostles and again gave them the power of "Binding and Loosening" in John 20:22-23.
To further strengthen the "Primacy of Peter" Jesus addressed him only, in John 21:15-17, when He commanded him to "Feed My Sheep". As another example, Jesus commanded Simon-Peter to strengthen his brethren in Luke 22:31-32.
Peter acknowledged his primacy, when at the Council of Jerusalem, he stood up and said, "Brethren, you know that in early days GOD made choice among us, that through MY mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel and believe." Acts 15:7
Peter's statement was singular in that the truth of the Gospel would come from the primacy of the Catholic Church, and that primacy is the Papacy.
Now that we have a Church Hierarchy guided by the Holy Spirit, one of their primary duties is to hold periodic Church Councils. These Councils are called in order to define revealed truths in Scripture and to address rising heresy, and other problems of the time. The Councils are attended by the Pope and the Bishops.... And they are Biblical.
"Where there is no Governor, the people shall fall; but there is safety where there is much Council." Prov 11:14
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is Wise harkens unto Councils." Prov 12:15
"Designs are brought to nothing where there is no Council; but where there are many Counselors, they are established." Prov 15:22
(Prov 19:20, Prov 20:18, 1Macc 8:15-16, Isa 16:3)
Acts 15:12 - only after Peter (the Pope) speaks do Paul and Barnabas (bishops) speak in support of Peter's definitive teaching.
Acts 15:13-14 - then James speaks to further acknowledge Peter's definitive teaching. "Simeon (Peter) has related how God first visited..."
Rom. 15:20 - Paul says he doesn't want to build on "another man's foundation" referring to Peter, who built the Church in Rome.
1 Cor. 9:5 – Peter is distinguished from the rest of the apostles and brethren of the Lord.
1 Cor. 15:4-8 - Paul distinguishes Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to Peter from those of the other apostles. Christ appeared “to Cephas, then to the twelve.”
Gal.1:18 - Paul spends fifteen days with Peter privately before beginning his ministry, even after Christ's Revelation to Paul.
1 Peter 5:1 - Peter acts as the chief bishop by "exhorting" all the other bishops and elders of the Church.
1 Peter 5:13 - Some Protestants argue against the Papacy by trying to prove Peter was never in Rome. First, this argument is irrelevant to whether Jesus instituted the Papacy. Secondly, this verse demonstrates that Peter was in fact in Rome. Peter writes from "Babylon" which was a code name for Rome during these days of persecution. See, for example, Rev. 14:8, 16:19, 17:5, 18:2,10,21, which show that "Babylon" meant Rome. Rome was the "great city" of the New Testament period. Because Rome during this age was considered the center of the world, the Lord wanted His Church to be established in Rome.
2 Peter 1:14 - Peter writes about Jesus' prediction of Peter's death, embracing the eventual martyrdom that he would suffer.
2 Peter 3:16 - Peter is making a judgment on the proper interpretation of Paul's letters. Peter is the chief shepherd of the flock.
Matt. 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:44 - yet Peter, as the first, humbled himself to be the last and servant of all servants.
2. They have human founders .John Smyth, who originally was a bishop in the Church of England, left that church and fled to Holland. He, along with others, formed the first Baptist church around 1610.Now they have numerous Baptist Church divisions among themselves. Non-denominational is generally used to refer to one of two forms of independence: political or theological
Jesus Christ has only one bride, and she is the Church...Jeremiah 16:9, John 3:28-29, Revelation 18:23, 19:7-8, 21:9, Some would say the Church was founded in Matthew 16:18,but therin Jesus Christ said He 'will' build His Church on the 'rock' of Peter...Others say the Church was founded at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in Acts 2:1-47.However that was when the Apostles were given the knowledge, and wisdom, and authority, with which to build the Church upon the cornerstone,
which is Jesus Christ.
3. They have many divisions of the Body of Christ and so much confusion. "GOD is not the author of confusion..."1Corinthians 14:33. If GOD is not the author of 33,800+ confused splits in His Body, then who is? It is caused by the disobedience of his creatures."Has Christ been divided up?"1Corinthians 1:13."Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it."Psalms 127:1. Let no one lead you astray with empty words; for because of these things the wrath of GOD comes upon the children of disobedience. Do not, then, become partakers with them."
Ephesians 5:6-7"The Scribes and Pharisees have sat on the chair of Moses. ALL things, therefore, that they command you, observe and do. But do not act according to their works; for they talk but do nothing.” Matthew 23:2-3This is a command to be obedient regardless of individual feelings, and it comes from Jesus Christ.
4. They partake in Lord’s Supper and ob¬servance of the supper “when they desire and it’s a merely a symbol and some of them ignore the true presence of Christ and they accuse Catholics and forbid the drinking of wine during Lords supper.
Matt. 26:27,29; Mark 14:23,25; Luke 22:17-18; 1 Cor. 11:25-27 - Jesus instituted the Eucharist using wine and commanded us to "do this in remembrance of me." We know that Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Jewish seder meal, which required the use of wine. Yet some Protestant churches forbid drinking wine. Such a prohibition is not based on the Scriptures.
Luke 7:33-34 - God the Son drank wine and was accused of being a drunk. Are those Protestant churches that forbid the drinking of wine doing the same?
John 2:1-11 - Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine which was drunk at the wedding at Cana. Wine is a symbol of the life of the Church, in both the Eucharist and, here, the sanctification of the sacrament of marriage. Verse 10 also indicates that the people drank enough wine at the feast to the point that they might not have recognized good wine from bad wine. Yet Jesus creates for them more wine to drink.
1 Tim. 5:23 - Paul tells Timothy to drink not just water, but a little wine for the sake of his stomach and frequent ailments. If Paul under divine inspiration encourages the drinking of wine, why do some Protestant churches prohibit it?
Gen. 14:18 - Melchizedek offers a bread and wine sacrifice, and Jesus is the Priest in the same manner. Heb. 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:15,17.
Gen. 27:25 - Isaac brought Jacob wine, and he drank, with God's favor.
Neh. 8:10 - Nehemiah commands the faithful to drink sweet wine to celebrate the Lord and His holy day.
Psalm 104:15 - the Psalmist writes that "wine gladdens the heart of a man." God gave us the fruit of the vine to enjoy.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 - "drink your wine with a merry heart, for God approves what you do."
On the night of the Last Supper, He established the Priesthood, and commanded them to "Do this in remembrance of Me", thus perpetuating the Holy Eucharist, and fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 1:11. In John 20:22-23, He breathed upon them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained". He thus empowered them to act in His Person, in "Persona Christi", (2Cor 2:10). The priest had become the hands and the voice of Jesus Christ.
Please read Matt 9:8, "But when the crowds saw it, they were struck with fear, and glorified GOD WHO HAD GIVEN SUCH POWER TO MEN."
1Cor 10:16, "The cup of the blessing that we bless, IS IT NOT THE SHARING OF THEBLOODOF CHRIST? And the bread that we break, IS IT NOT THE PARTAKING OF THEBODYOF THE LORD?"
Could St. Paul have said this any clearer than he did here? Where did he say the "symbolic" sharing or the "symbolic" partaking? This verse is absolutely to the point, and there is not a hint of symbolism anywhere.
Did you notice the BLESSING THAT WE BLESS, and the BREAD THAT WE BREAK?
Here, Saint Paul clearly stated that he and the other Apostles have the authority and the power
(Acts 1:8,2:2-4) to call down "THE WORD" with their word, and the cup (of wine) is no longer wine, but the Blood of Christ, and the bread is no longer bread, but the Body of Christ.
5. They blame that there are scandals in Catholic Church. Jesus Christ warned us that there would be scandals in His Church. "Woe to the world because of scandals! For it must needs be that scandals come, but woe to the man through whom scandal does come!" Matthew 18:7
And He said to His disciples, "It is impossible that scandals should not come; but woe to him through whom they come." Luke 17:1
These are the words of Jesus Christ Himself. Did he say the Church is the source, or the cause of the scandals? No, He said a person is. Remember, the Catholic Church is not a hotel for saints, it is a hospital for sinners (Mark 2:17).
In Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus Christ described His Church, the Kingdom of Heaven, as being a “field of wheat and weeds,” showing that there would be good and bad, saints and sinners, and everyone in between, in the Church until the day when He returned to judge the nations. This means that, sadly, there will be members of His Church — including priests and bishops — who are notorious sinners. We can see this sad reality even at the very beginning of the Church in the person of the Apostle Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ to His enemies (Matthew 26:16-23 ; Luke 22:47-49), and Simon Peter, who denied the Lord three times (Matthew 26:34, 75).
Notice that even Christ's own hand-picked followers committed scandalous wickedness! Even so, this did not negate or disprove the truth that Christ transmitted to the world through His Apostles (Mark 16:15). As Christ promised, in spite of the weakness and sinfulness — indeed, the scandal — caused by priest and other Catholics, “the gates of hell will not prevail against” the Church.
Also there are also scandals among non-Catholic’s as well Please visit the web http://www.reformation.com/.
6. Did any of these denominations receive authority from Holy Scripture to form their own ecclesial communities?
"Behold I am against the prophets, said the Lord, who use their tongues, and say: The Lord said it. Behold I am against the prophets that have lying dreams, said the Lord, and tell them, and cause my people to err by their lying, and by their wonders, when I sent them not, nor commanded them, who have not profited this people at all, said the Lord."Jeremiah 23:31-32
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of."2Peter 2:1-2
"But these men deride whatever they do not know; and the things they know by instinct like the dumb beasts, become for them a source of destruction." 2Peter 2:12, Jude 1:10
7. They are the grumbling murmurers, haughty in speech, they cultivate people for the sake of gain and cause divisions.
These are grumbling murmurers walking according to their lusts. And haughty in speech, they cultivate people for the sake of gain. But as for you, beloved, be mindful of the words that have been spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, who kept saying to you that at the end of time there will come scoffers, walking impiously according to their lusts. These are they who set themselves apart, sensual men, not having the Spirit."Jude 1:16-19
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned: and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17-18
8. Many of them declare that the Holy Spirit is "teaching" them the truth. However, there can be only one truth.
How can the Holy Spirit be in each of the thousands of denominations teaching all of them opposing viewpoints? It is to be noted that all of the following denominations teach from the same Bible, so why the differences in teaching? Many doctrinal disputes which have arisen between them? There are approximately 37,000* non-Catholic Christian sects in the world today with more new ones appearing every week. All use the same Bible, yet each interpret it differently, and consequently they end up teaching "another Gospel" (Galatians 1:8-9). The sad part is that they all try to justify their existence, and thus their actions of further dividing the Body of Christ by claiming,
"The Holy Spirit Told Me".the teaching of Jesus Christ, as He called for "One Fold with One Shepherd" (John 10:16).
These divisions of the Body of Christ are in opposition to the teaching of Holy Scripture, so how could it ever be possible that the Holy Spirit is prompting those who cause them?
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, THAT YOU ALL SAY THE SAME THING; AND THAT THERE BE NO DISSENSIONS AMONG YOU, BUT THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECTLY UNITED IN ONE MIND AND IN ONE JUDGMENT."1Corinthians 1:10. See also 1Corinthians 11:17-22
"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."Matthew 12:25
"Anyone who advances and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, HAS NOT GOD; he who abides in the doctrine, he has both the Father and the Son."2John 1:9
"For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"1Peter 4:17
The Bible is very explicit that those who cause these divisions are not from GOD, so therefore, the Holy Spirit could not possibly be prompting them.
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of GOD; because many false prophets have gone forth into the world. By this is the spirit of GOD known: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh , is of GOD. AND EVERY SPIRIT THAT SEVERS JESUS, IS NOT OF GOD, BUT IS OF ANTICHRIST, of whom you have heard that He is coming, and now is already in the world."
1John 4:1-3
Satan will give you 99 truths if he can get you to swallow one lie.
Many things yet I have to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, has come, HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THE TRUTH. For He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He will hear He will speak, and THE THINGS THAT ARE TO COME HE WILL DECLARE TO YOU."
John 16:12-13
"We are of GOD. He who knows GOD listens to us; he who is not of GOD does not listen to us. BY THIS WE KNOW THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR."1John 4:6
There are three spirits, anyone one of which could be the one who is prompting a person.
1. There is first the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, and His prompting is from GOD.
2. Then there is the human spirit which manufactures the prompts through the imagination and other human traits.
3. Finally, there is the evil spirit and its prompting is straight from Satan.
The Spirit of truth is in the Church of truth, the Church which Jesus Christ founded.
How do we determine which Spirit is prompting each of us? Holy Scripture gives us the answer.
"And we are witnesses to these things, and SO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN TO ALL WHO OBEY HIM."Acts 5:32
All who obey Him are prompted by the Holy Spirit. The disobedient are prompted by one of the other spirits.
"Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls: that they may do this with joy and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you."Hebrews 13:17
This is a command from GOD. If GOD is first in your lives, it is a good sign that the Holy Spirit is prompting you.
9. Their Churches are wrong in teaching the plan of salvation.
They teach that a person is saved by prayer. I could tell several incidents in which people were saved by prayer according to the Baptists. One Sunday night three boys, who were alien sinners, a preacher, and myself, all engaged in prayer until the boys arose and confessed that they were saved.
An alien sinner is not saved by prayer. John 9:31 says, "Now we know that God heareth not sinners, but if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth his will, him he heareth." It is God's will that we "obey the gospel" (II Thess. 1:8) . The gospel commands us to be baptized into Christ "for the remission of sins." (Gal. 3:27; Acts 2:38). We have not done God's will until we have been baptized into Christ. Hear Isaiah, "Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear." (Isa. 59:2). We are to pray for the lost, that's true (Rom. 10:1), but the gospel, not prayer, "is the power of God unto salvation." (Rom. 1:16).
Paul says in II Cor. 5:11, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." Some people try to persuade God to save the sinner, but Paul persuaded the sinner to obey God. God is willing to save all who will obey. (II Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11; I Tim. 2:4; Heb. 5:9). "God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have OBEYED from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being THEN made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18).
10.They teach that sinners are saved by faith only.
They say, "All you have to do is believe, and He will save you." Article 5 of their Declaration of Faith, page 48, says that justification is "solely through faith." James says just the opposite, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24). Their doctrine of faith only breaks down on the chief rulers of John 12:42-43. "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Were the chief rulers saved? If you say "yes," then you disagree with the Apostle John for he says, "every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." (1 John 4:3). If you say they did not believe, then you disagree with the Apostle John again, for he says they "believed on Him." Sometimes Baptists try to dodge the force of this argument by saying they believed on, not in Him. The Greek is "eis," the strongest expression in this respect in the Greek language.
11.They do not administer Bible Baptism, they ignore the faith of parents, their limit to Baptism is Age accountability etc.
Within the pages of the Holy Scriptures you will find that there are a number of different baptisms. These different forms of Baptism are listed below.
Types of baptism
1) Baptism of repentance
2) Baptism into the body of Christ
3) Baptism in water
4)Baptism into the Holy Spirit
5. Baptism with Fire.
(Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:7-8, Luke 7:29-30, Luke 20:4, John 3:5, Romans 10: 9-13, Hebrews 10:22, Luke 12:50,Joel. 2:28, Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 1:13-17, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 5:26, Galatians 3:26-27, Acts 8:12-13, Acts 16:15, Acts 1:22)
John's baptism is out of date. In Acts 19:1-5 we find where Paul rebaptized twelve men who had received John's baptism. Aquila and Priscilla took a preacher who knew "only the baptism of John" and "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." (Acts 18:24-26).
Baptists baptize people whom they claim already have received the remission of sins. "There is an actual, a real remission of sins when we believe in Christ--there is a declarative, formal, symbolic remission in baptism." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 13).
The Bible plainly states that baptism is FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, (Acts 2:38), or to wash away sins (Acts 22:16).
Baptists do not baptize a person into Christ, but rather, into the Baptist Church. They say any such person is in Christ before baptism. Hear Paul, "For as many of you as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:27) .
Baptist baptism must be on a confession that one is already saved. Bible baptism puts a person into Christ where salvation is. (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:3; II Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4; II Tim. 2:10).
Inasmuch as Christian baptism is "for the remission of sins," or to "wash away sins," and to get "into Christ," or "put on Christ," and Baptists do not administer Christian baptism, as has just been pointed out, then it follows that those who obeyed the Baptist plan of Salvation have missed the Lord's plan of Salvation, and they are therefore not members of the New Testament Church, the Body of Christ, have not had their sins remitted, and are not saved.
Many will say, "Oh but I know I'm saved." "Well, how do you know it?" "Oh, I just know it. I feel like I am." "What makes you feel like you are saved?" "Because I'm saved," they will say. Saved because they feel good, and feel good because they are saved. Such people prefer their feelings to anything the Bible says. I am not opposed to a person's feeling good about being a Christian, but I am opposed to a person claiming to be a Christian just because he feels good. Feelings are based on faith. If you will study the scriptures with an open mind rather than through your feelings, you will then begin to feel different. You will feel that you should turn from the human organization, the Baptist Church and obey the gospel of Christ because the Bible teaches you to do that. Don't follow your feelings. FOLLOW THE BIBLE. FOLLOW CHRIST.
Where is this in the Bible? Not only will you not find this statement in the Bible, you will not find any of the phrases found in the Bible either. Show me where we even read the phrase, "accept Jesus." You will not find it. Show me where you will find the Bible say "personal Savior." You will not find it either. We ought to be concerned and see some red flags when we cannot find in the Bible the very phrases the religious world uses to teach people that they are saved. There must be a problem if I cannot find these things in the scriptures. Further, show me one example of someone accepting Jesus as their personal Savior. Not only will we not read in the Bible to accept Jesus as our personal Savior to be saved, but you do not read of a person saying that they did this.
Further, I believe we need to ask what this phrase means? What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior? How do I accept Jesus as my personal Savior? But how does one do this? Can I simply say the words that I accept Jesus as my personal Savior? Is this enough? Can the criminal or murderer do nothing more than utter simple words? Is this all that the Lord requires of me for salvation? Not only does it go against the scriptures, but it goes against our logic. Do we allow our criminals under our legal system to simply say that they are sorry and we let them go free? No, that is completely unacceptable. The criminal has to change his life, show true contrition, and obey the laws of our government before consideration will be given to be released into society again. So why do we believe that God will simply overlook all wrongs by saying sorry? Why do we think that sorry is what God has required of us? When someone wrongs us, is a simple statement of words enough? No, we want to see more than that. We want to see repentance and change. Well, so does the Lord. We should not think that God is some sort of push over that we can do what we want and give a tongue in cheek sorry and everything be okay.
All disciples are to be baptized. so Infants and children are disciples and hence they can be baptized. "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"(Matthew 28:18-19).
Paul places of children within covenant which he does, not on the basis of their profession of faith but merely that of a believing parent. As he states "or the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy"(1 Corinthians 7:14). Given such things as: holiness, receiving biblical guidance, kingdom membership, and the ability to give God acceptable praise it seems we cannot deny the status of disciple from the children of believers
It clear that the blessing and promise of salvation was not just for adults, but for children as well. And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself’” (Acts 2:38,39) the children mentioned here were young enough to still be considered under the protection and authority of their parents. Although this is only indirect Scriptural evidence, the fact that the Bible mentions that entire “households” were baptized does make it seem probable that children and infants were included.
“Now I did baptize the household of Stephanas …” (I Corinthians 1:16)
(An angel spoke to Cornelius saying) “Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is called Peter, brought here; and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, and all your household.” (Later, when Peter arrived at Cornelius’ household) “…he ordered them to be baptized.” (Acts 11:13b, 14; Acts 10:48a)
“And when she (Lydia of Thyatira) and her household had been baptized…” (Acts 16:31, 33b)
The Bible never gives one example of the baptism of a Christian child as an adult. when a child’s capacity to believe the Gospel is developed enough so that he can receive baptism. Neither does the Bible state that every child is in a “suspended state of salvation” until they have reached this age, which one would have to believe if he held to the “age of accountability” theory.
As we know through one man sin is entered the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men.” (Romans 5:12) For this reason “…there are none righteous, not even one” (i.e. not infants). (Romans 3:10) how are these young ones saved from the sin they have received from Adam’s race? They are saved through the regenerative power of baptism and the faith of the Church.
“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration (baptism) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)
Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.’” (John 3:5)
“…when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water, and corresponding to that, baptism now saves you.” (I Peter 3:20,21)
Circumcision, the sign of God’s covenant between the people of Abraham and Himself, was performed on every male child who was eight days old (Genesis 7:12).
Many see a direct parallel between circumcision and Christian baptism in Scriptural passages such as Colossians 2:11,12:
“And in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism…”
If baptism is the “New Testament circumcision” there can definitely be no objection to “sealing” the infant of a consecrated Christian family in Christ’s New Covenant.
b) Moses’ leading his people through the Red Sea is seen as an Old Testament foreshadowing of Christian baptism. The following New Testament passage clearly points to this:
“For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all at the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them, and that rock was Christ.” (I Corinthians 10:1-4).
It is worthwhile to note that “all were baptized” through Moses’ leadership in crossing over the Red Sea. He did not leave the infants or children on the shores of Egypt to become prey to the angry armies of Pharaoh because they were not old enough to believe in the promise of the Old Covenant. Rather, entrusted to the arms of their parents’ faith, they were carried through the “baptism of Moses.”
c) The saving of Noah’s entire family by the ark can also be seen as a prefigurement of a baptism which includes infants. All that needs to be said, as in the case of Moses’ passing through the Red Sea, is that the entire family was on board the ark. Why should we leave infants out of the ark of baptism?
“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better from him if with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
“For behold, when the sound of your greeting (Theotokos) reached my ears (Elizabeth), the baby (John the Baptist) leaped in my womb for joy.” (Luke 1:44)
“Infants are baptized for the remission of sins. What sins? Whenever have they sinned? In fact, of course, never. And yet: ‘No one is free from defilement.’ (Job 14:4) But defilement is only put away by the mystery of baptism. That is the reason why infants too are baptized.”
There is … one Lord, one faith, ONE baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4,5) If you have been baptized once, there is no need to be baptized again.
God includes the children of believers as members of this church.
The living God himself embraced the children of believers as members of his church. Genesis 17:7—"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."
Some Scriptures which support the possibility of an “infant faith” are these:
“Yet Thou are He who didst bring me forth from the womb; Thou didst make me trust when upon my mother’s breast.” (Psalm 22:9)
“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better from him if with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
Christian parents, this means that you must actively nurture your children in the Christian faith. You may not treat your children as neutral until they are "old enough to make their own decision." In baptism, God has laid claim to your child. Thus, you must train your children to respond with faith and obedience to the Christ of the covenant.
God deals with individuals, as well as with families. When God baptizes you into Christ, you become part of the Body of Christ, which is the worldwide family of God.
To get the full flavor of this truth, we ought to see the entire New Testament witness. Look at these verses one by one, remembering the normal meaning that any Jew or instructed Gentile would attach to the word "house" and let the cumulative force of these verses overwhelm you:
Matthew 10:12-14 "And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet."
Luke 19:9 "And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham’ “All baptized persons have a right to be instructed in the faith. The child down the street doesn't have this right, but ours do. The parents have taken a vow to raise that child "in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord."
When a baptized person strays away, we don't just let them go. They have a right to be exhorted, admonished, censured, disfellowshipped, and excommunicated as a last attempt to restore them to the flock. We do not pursue the children of the world in this way. But our own children have a right to this.
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1.They do not have Authority and Apostolic succession and they deny Pope as unscriptural and they deny that Peter’s Successors Claim Authority over the Church.
Before the Apostles passed on, they started a system, commanded by Jesus Christ, to pass the baton to successors. This was to insure the perpetuality of the Catholic Church which Jesus Christ founded. That system is called "Apostolic Succession”. it has Unbroken Line of Popes Throughout the Ages
Every Catholic Bishop can show his line of spiritual descent, that is, who consecrated him, who consecrated his consecrator, and so on, all the way back to the Apostles. Jesus Christ vested in the Apostles special authority. This special Apostolic authority has been passed down in unbroken succession through the Bishops of the Church for almost two thousand years, so that the present Bishops of the Church truly teach with the voice of Jesus Christ through the Apostles..( Matt. 10:1,40, Matt. 16:19; 18:18, Luke 9:1; 10:19, Luke 22:29, Luke 10:16, Eph. 2:20, John 13:20, Acts 1:15-26, Jn 20:21,Acts 1:20, Jn 17:22-23, Jn 21:15-17, Heb 3:1,Acts 15:22-27, 1 Tim. 4:14, Sirach 45:15, Acts 15:7, Numbers 3:3, 2 Cor. 1:21-22, Acts 14:23 ,Lk 24:49, Jn 12:49 ,Mt 28:19-20, Jn 20:22-23, 1Thess 2:4).
Jesus Christ addressed Peter and Peter only in these two verses. He gave Peter alone, the KEYS to the Kingdom of Heaven, and the power of "Binding and Loosening" of sins, or if you prefer, the "Sacrament of Reconciliation". Clearly, when Jesus addressed Peter only, and at the same time gave him a name change from Simon to Peter, he had appointed Peter as the "prime" Apostle. Later in Matt 18:18, Jesus gave the power of "Binding and Loosening" to all of the Apostles. After Jesus had risen from the dead, He appeared to all of the Apostles and again gave them the power of "Binding and Loosening" in John 20:22-23.
To further strengthen the "Primacy of Peter" Jesus addressed him only, in John 21:15-17, when He commanded him to "Feed My Sheep". As another example, Jesus commanded Simon-Peter to strengthen his brethren in Luke 22:31-32.
Peter acknowledged his primacy, when at the Council of Jerusalem, he stood up and said, "Brethren, you know that in early days GOD made choice among us, that through MY mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the Gospel and believe." Acts 15:7
Peter's statement was singular in that the truth of the Gospel would come from the primacy of the Catholic Church, and that primacy is the Papacy.
Now that we have a Church Hierarchy guided by the Holy Spirit, one of their primary duties is to hold periodic Church Councils. These Councils are called in order to define revealed truths in Scripture and to address rising heresy, and other problems of the time. The Councils are attended by the Pope and the Bishops.... And they are Biblical.
"Where there is no Governor, the people shall fall; but there is safety where there is much Council." Prov 11:14
"The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; but he that is Wise harkens unto Councils." Prov 12:15
"Designs are brought to nothing where there is no Council; but where there are many Counselors, they are established." Prov 15:22
(Prov 19:20, Prov 20:18, 1Macc 8:15-16, Isa 16:3)
Acts 15:12 - only after Peter (the Pope) speaks do Paul and Barnabas (bishops) speak in support of Peter's definitive teaching.
Acts 15:13-14 - then James speaks to further acknowledge Peter's definitive teaching. "Simeon (Peter) has related how God first visited..."
Rom. 15:20 - Paul says he doesn't want to build on "another man's foundation" referring to Peter, who built the Church in Rome.
1 Cor. 9:5 – Peter is distinguished from the rest of the apostles and brethren of the Lord.
1 Cor. 15:4-8 - Paul distinguishes Jesus' post-resurrection appearances to Peter from those of the other apostles. Christ appeared “to Cephas, then to the twelve.”
Gal.1:18 - Paul spends fifteen days with Peter privately before beginning his ministry, even after Christ's Revelation to Paul.
1 Peter 5:1 - Peter acts as the chief bishop by "exhorting" all the other bishops and elders of the Church.
1 Peter 5:13 - Some Protestants argue against the Papacy by trying to prove Peter was never in Rome. First, this argument is irrelevant to whether Jesus instituted the Papacy. Secondly, this verse demonstrates that Peter was in fact in Rome. Peter writes from "Babylon" which was a code name for Rome during these days of persecution. See, for example, Rev. 14:8, 16:19, 17:5, 18:2,10,21, which show that "Babylon" meant Rome. Rome was the "great city" of the New Testament period. Because Rome during this age was considered the center of the world, the Lord wanted His Church to be established in Rome.
2 Peter 1:14 - Peter writes about Jesus' prediction of Peter's death, embracing the eventual martyrdom that he would suffer.
2 Peter 3:16 - Peter is making a judgment on the proper interpretation of Paul's letters. Peter is the chief shepherd of the flock.
Matt. 23:11; Mark 9:35; 10:44 - yet Peter, as the first, humbled himself to be the last and servant of all servants.
2. They have human founders .John Smyth, who originally was a bishop in the Church of England, left that church and fled to Holland. He, along with others, formed the first Baptist church around 1610.Now they have numerous Baptist Church divisions among themselves. Non-denominational is generally used to refer to one of two forms of independence: political or theological
Jesus Christ has only one bride, and she is the Church...Jeremiah 16:9, John 3:28-29, Revelation 18:23, 19:7-8, 21:9, Some would say the Church was founded in Matthew 16:18,but therin Jesus Christ said He 'will' build His Church on the 'rock' of Peter...Others say the Church was founded at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in Acts 2:1-47.However that was when the Apostles were given the knowledge, and wisdom, and authority, with which to build the Church upon the cornerstone,
which is Jesus Christ.
3. They have many divisions of the Body of Christ and so much confusion. "GOD is not the author of confusion..."1Corinthians 14:33. If GOD is not the author of 33,800+ confused splits in His Body, then who is? It is caused by the disobedience of his creatures."Has Christ been divided up?"1Corinthians 1:13."Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it."Psalms 127:1. Let no one lead you astray with empty words; for because of these things the wrath of GOD comes upon the children of disobedience. Do not, then, become partakers with them."
Ephesians 5:6-7"The Scribes and Pharisees have sat on the chair of Moses. ALL things, therefore, that they command you, observe and do. But do not act according to their works; for they talk but do nothing.” Matthew 23:2-3This is a command to be obedient regardless of individual feelings, and it comes from Jesus Christ.
4. They partake in Lord’s Supper and ob¬servance of the supper “when they desire and it’s a merely a symbol and some of them ignore the true presence of Christ and they accuse Catholics and forbid the drinking of wine during Lords supper.
Matt. 26:27,29; Mark 14:23,25; Luke 22:17-18; 1 Cor. 11:25-27 - Jesus instituted the Eucharist using wine and commanded us to "do this in remembrance of me." We know that Jesus instituted the Eucharist at the Jewish seder meal, which required the use of wine. Yet some Protestant churches forbid drinking wine. Such a prohibition is not based on the Scriptures.
Luke 7:33-34 - God the Son drank wine and was accused of being a drunk. Are those Protestant churches that forbid the drinking of wine doing the same?
John 2:1-11 - Jesus' first miracle was turning water into wine which was drunk at the wedding at Cana. Wine is a symbol of the life of the Church, in both the Eucharist and, here, the sanctification of the sacrament of marriage. Verse 10 also indicates that the people drank enough wine at the feast to the point that they might not have recognized good wine from bad wine. Yet Jesus creates for them more wine to drink.
1 Tim. 5:23 - Paul tells Timothy to drink not just water, but a little wine for the sake of his stomach and frequent ailments. If Paul under divine inspiration encourages the drinking of wine, why do some Protestant churches prohibit it?
Gen. 14:18 - Melchizedek offers a bread and wine sacrifice, and Jesus is the Priest in the same manner. Heb. 5:6,10; 6:20; 7:15,17.
Gen. 27:25 - Isaac brought Jacob wine, and he drank, with God's favor.
Neh. 8:10 - Nehemiah commands the faithful to drink sweet wine to celebrate the Lord and His holy day.
Psalm 104:15 - the Psalmist writes that "wine gladdens the heart of a man." God gave us the fruit of the vine to enjoy.
Ecclesiastes 9:7 - "drink your wine with a merry heart, for God approves what you do."
On the night of the Last Supper, He established the Priesthood, and commanded them to "Do this in remembrance of Me", thus perpetuating the Holy Eucharist, and fulfilling the prophecy of Malachi 1:11. In John 20:22-23, He breathed upon them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained". He thus empowered them to act in His Person, in "Persona Christi", (2Cor 2:10). The priest had become the hands and the voice of Jesus Christ.
Please read Matt 9:8, "But when the crowds saw it, they were struck with fear, and glorified GOD WHO HAD GIVEN SUCH POWER TO MEN."
1Cor 10:16, "The cup of the blessing that we bless, IS IT NOT THE SHARING OF THEBLOODOF CHRIST? And the bread that we break, IS IT NOT THE PARTAKING OF THEBODYOF THE LORD?"
Could St. Paul have said this any clearer than he did here? Where did he say the "symbolic" sharing or the "symbolic" partaking? This verse is absolutely to the point, and there is not a hint of symbolism anywhere.
Did you notice the BLESSING THAT WE BLESS, and the BREAD THAT WE BREAK?
Here, Saint Paul clearly stated that he and the other Apostles have the authority and the power
(Acts 1:8,2:2-4) to call down "THE WORD" with their word, and the cup (of wine) is no longer wine, but the Blood of Christ, and the bread is no longer bread, but the Body of Christ.
5. They blame that there are scandals in Catholic Church. Jesus Christ warned us that there would be scandals in His Church. "Woe to the world because of scandals! For it must needs be that scandals come, but woe to the man through whom scandal does come!" Matthew 18:7
And He said to His disciples, "It is impossible that scandals should not come; but woe to him through whom they come." Luke 17:1
These are the words of Jesus Christ Himself. Did he say the Church is the source, or the cause of the scandals? No, He said a person is. Remember, the Catholic Church is not a hotel for saints, it is a hospital for sinners (Mark 2:17).
In Matthew 13:24-30 Jesus Christ described His Church, the Kingdom of Heaven, as being a “field of wheat and weeds,” showing that there would be good and bad, saints and sinners, and everyone in between, in the Church until the day when He returned to judge the nations. This means that, sadly, there will be members of His Church — including priests and bishops — who are notorious sinners. We can see this sad reality even at the very beginning of the Church in the person of the Apostle Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Christ to His enemies (Matthew 26:16-23 ; Luke 22:47-49), and Simon Peter, who denied the Lord three times (Matthew 26:34, 75).
Notice that even Christ's own hand-picked followers committed scandalous wickedness! Even so, this did not negate or disprove the truth that Christ transmitted to the world through His Apostles (Mark 16:15). As Christ promised, in spite of the weakness and sinfulness — indeed, the scandal — caused by priest and other Catholics, “the gates of hell will not prevail against” the Church.
Also there are also scandals among non-Catholic’s as well Please visit the web http://www.reformation.com/.
6. Did any of these denominations receive authority from Holy Scripture to form their own ecclesial communities?
"Behold I am against the prophets, said the Lord, who use their tongues, and say: The Lord said it. Behold I am against the prophets that have lying dreams, said the Lord, and tell them, and cause my people to err by their lying, and by their wonders, when I sent them not, nor commanded them, who have not profited this people at all, said the Lord."Jeremiah 23:31-32
"But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of."2Peter 2:1-2
"But these men deride whatever they do not know; and the things they know by instinct like the dumb beasts, become for them a source of destruction." 2Peter 2:12, Jude 1:10
7. They are the grumbling murmurers, haughty in speech, they cultivate people for the sake of gain and cause divisions.
These are grumbling murmurers walking according to their lusts. And haughty in speech, they cultivate people for the sake of gain. But as for you, beloved, be mindful of the words that have been spoken beforehand by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, who kept saying to you that at the end of time there will come scoffers, walking impiously according to their lusts. These are they who set themselves apart, sensual men, not having the Spirit."Jude 1:16-19
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which you have learned: and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." Romans 16:17-18
8. Many of them declare that the Holy Spirit is "teaching" them the truth. However, there can be only one truth.
How can the Holy Spirit be in each of the thousands of denominations teaching all of them opposing viewpoints? It is to be noted that all of the following denominations teach from the same Bible, so why the differences in teaching? Many doctrinal disputes which have arisen between them? There are approximately 37,000* non-Catholic Christian sects in the world today with more new ones appearing every week. All use the same Bible, yet each interpret it differently, and consequently they end up teaching "another Gospel" (Galatians 1:8-9). The sad part is that they all try to justify their existence, and thus their actions of further dividing the Body of Christ by claiming,
"The Holy Spirit Told Me".the teaching of Jesus Christ, as He called for "One Fold with One Shepherd" (John 10:16).
These divisions of the Body of Christ are in opposition to the teaching of Holy Scripture, so how could it ever be possible that the Holy Spirit is prompting those who cause them?
"Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of Our Lord Jesus Christ, THAT YOU ALL SAY THE SAME THING; AND THAT THERE BE NO DISSENSIONS AMONG YOU, BUT THAT YOU MAY BE PERFECTLY UNITED IN ONE MIND AND IN ONE JUDGMENT."1Corinthians 1:10. See also 1Corinthians 11:17-22
"Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."Matthew 12:25
"Anyone who advances and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ, HAS NOT GOD; he who abides in the doctrine, he has both the Father and the Son."2John 1:9
"For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?"1Peter 4:17
The Bible is very explicit that those who cause these divisions are not from GOD, so therefore, the Holy Spirit could not possibly be prompting them.
"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are of GOD; because many false prophets have gone forth into the world. By this is the spirit of GOD known: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh , is of GOD. AND EVERY SPIRIT THAT SEVERS JESUS, IS NOT OF GOD, BUT IS OF ANTICHRIST, of whom you have heard that He is coming, and now is already in the world."
1John 4:1-3
Satan will give you 99 truths if he can get you to swallow one lie.
Many things yet I have to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when HE, THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, has come, HE WILL TEACH YOU ALL THE TRUTH. For He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He will hear He will speak, and THE THINGS THAT ARE TO COME HE WILL DECLARE TO YOU."
John 16:12-13
"We are of GOD. He who knows GOD listens to us; he who is not of GOD does not listen to us. BY THIS WE KNOW THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH AND THE SPIRIT OF ERROR."1John 4:6
There are three spirits, anyone one of which could be the one who is prompting a person.
1. There is first the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, and His prompting is from GOD.
2. Then there is the human spirit which manufactures the prompts through the imagination and other human traits.
3. Finally, there is the evil spirit and its prompting is straight from Satan.
The Spirit of truth is in the Church of truth, the Church which Jesus Christ founded.
How do we determine which Spirit is prompting each of us? Holy Scripture gives us the answer.
"And we are witnesses to these things, and SO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT, WHOM GOD HAS GIVEN TO ALL WHO OBEY HIM."Acts 5:32
All who obey Him are prompted by the Holy Spirit. The disobedient are prompted by one of the other spirits.
"Obey your prelates and be subject to them. For they watch as being to render an account of your souls: that they may do this with joy and not with grief. For this is not expedient for you."Hebrews 13:17
This is a command from GOD. If GOD is first in your lives, it is a good sign that the Holy Spirit is prompting you.
9. Their Churches are wrong in teaching the plan of salvation.
They teach that a person is saved by prayer. I could tell several incidents in which people were saved by prayer according to the Baptists. One Sunday night three boys, who were alien sinners, a preacher, and myself, all engaged in prayer until the boys arose and confessed that they were saved.
An alien sinner is not saved by prayer. John 9:31 says, "Now we know that God heareth not sinners, but if any man be a worshipper of God and doeth his will, him he heareth." It is God's will that we "obey the gospel" (II Thess. 1:8) . The gospel commands us to be baptized into Christ "for the remission of sins." (Gal. 3:27; Acts 2:38). We have not done God's will until we have been baptized into Christ. Hear Isaiah, "Your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid His face from you, that He will not hear." (Isa. 59:2). We are to pray for the lost, that's true (Rom. 10:1), but the gospel, not prayer, "is the power of God unto salvation." (Rom. 1:16).
Paul says in II Cor. 5:11, "Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men." Some people try to persuade God to save the sinner, but Paul persuaded the sinner to obey God. God is willing to save all who will obey. (II Peter 3:9; Titus 2:11; I Tim. 2:4; Heb. 5:9). "God be thanked that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have OBEYED from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you, being THEN made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18).
10.They teach that sinners are saved by faith only.
They say, "All you have to do is believe, and He will save you." Article 5 of their Declaration of Faith, page 48, says that justification is "solely through faith." James says just the opposite, "Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only." (James 2:24). Their doctrine of faith only breaks down on the chief rulers of John 12:42-43. "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God." Were the chief rulers saved? If you say "yes," then you disagree with the Apostle John for he says, "every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God." (1 John 4:3). If you say they did not believe, then you disagree with the Apostle John again, for he says they "believed on Him." Sometimes Baptists try to dodge the force of this argument by saying they believed on, not in Him. The Greek is "eis," the strongest expression in this respect in the Greek language.
11.They do not administer Bible Baptism, they ignore the faith of parents, their limit to Baptism is Age accountability etc.
Within the pages of the Holy Scriptures you will find that there are a number of different baptisms. These different forms of Baptism are listed below.
Types of baptism
1) Baptism of repentance
2) Baptism into the body of Christ
3) Baptism in water
4)Baptism into the Holy Spirit
5. Baptism with Fire.
(Mark 16:16, Matthew 28:19, Luke 3:7-8, Luke 7:29-30, Luke 20:4, John 3:5, Romans 10: 9-13, Hebrews 10:22, Luke 12:50,Joel. 2:28, Romans 6:3-4, 1 Corinthians 1:13-17, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:27, Ephesians 5:26, Galatians 3:26-27, Acts 8:12-13, Acts 16:15, Acts 1:22)
John's baptism is out of date. In Acts 19:1-5 we find where Paul rebaptized twelve men who had received John's baptism. Aquila and Priscilla took a preacher who knew "only the baptism of John" and "expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly." (Acts 18:24-26).
Baptists baptize people whom they claim already have received the remission of sins. "There is an actual, a real remission of sins when we believe in Christ--there is a declarative, formal, symbolic remission in baptism." (Baptist Church Manual, p. 13).
The Bible plainly states that baptism is FOR THE REMISSION OF SINS, (Acts 2:38), or to wash away sins (Acts 22:16).
Baptists do not baptize a person into Christ, but rather, into the Baptist Church. They say any such person is in Christ before baptism. Hear Paul, "For as many of you as have been BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST have put on Christ." (Gal. 3:27) .
Baptist baptism must be on a confession that one is already saved. Bible baptism puts a person into Christ where salvation is. (1 Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18; Eph. 1:3; II Cor. 5:17; Rom. 6:4; II Tim. 2:10).
Inasmuch as Christian baptism is "for the remission of sins," or to "wash away sins," and to get "into Christ," or "put on Christ," and Baptists do not administer Christian baptism, as has just been pointed out, then it follows that those who obeyed the Baptist plan of Salvation have missed the Lord's plan of Salvation, and they are therefore not members of the New Testament Church, the Body of Christ, have not had their sins remitted, and are not saved.
Many will say, "Oh but I know I'm saved." "Well, how do you know it?" "Oh, I just know it. I feel like I am." "What makes you feel like you are saved?" "Because I'm saved," they will say. Saved because they feel good, and feel good because they are saved. Such people prefer their feelings to anything the Bible says. I am not opposed to a person's feeling good about being a Christian, but I am opposed to a person claiming to be a Christian just because he feels good. Feelings are based on faith. If you will study the scriptures with an open mind rather than through your feelings, you will then begin to feel different. You will feel that you should turn from the human organization, the Baptist Church and obey the gospel of Christ because the Bible teaches you to do that. Don't follow your feelings. FOLLOW THE BIBLE. FOLLOW CHRIST.
Where is this in the Bible? Not only will you not find this statement in the Bible, you will not find any of the phrases found in the Bible either. Show me where we even read the phrase, "accept Jesus." You will not find it. Show me where you will find the Bible say "personal Savior." You will not find it either. We ought to be concerned and see some red flags when we cannot find in the Bible the very phrases the religious world uses to teach people that they are saved. There must be a problem if I cannot find these things in the scriptures. Further, show me one example of someone accepting Jesus as their personal Savior. Not only will we not read in the Bible to accept Jesus as our personal Savior to be saved, but you do not read of a person saying that they did this.
Further, I believe we need to ask what this phrase means? What does it mean to accept Jesus as your personal Savior? How do I accept Jesus as my personal Savior? But how does one do this? Can I simply say the words that I accept Jesus as my personal Savior? Is this enough? Can the criminal or murderer do nothing more than utter simple words? Is this all that the Lord requires of me for salvation? Not only does it go against the scriptures, but it goes against our logic. Do we allow our criminals under our legal system to simply say that they are sorry and we let them go free? No, that is completely unacceptable. The criminal has to change his life, show true contrition, and obey the laws of our government before consideration will be given to be released into society again. So why do we believe that God will simply overlook all wrongs by saying sorry? Why do we think that sorry is what God has required of us? When someone wrongs us, is a simple statement of words enough? No, we want to see more than that. We want to see repentance and change. Well, so does the Lord. We should not think that God is some sort of push over that we can do what we want and give a tongue in cheek sorry and everything be okay.
All disciples are to be baptized. so Infants and children are disciples and hence they can be baptized. "And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit"(Matthew 28:18-19).
Paul places of children within covenant which he does, not on the basis of their profession of faith but merely that of a believing parent. As he states "or the unbelieving husband is made holy because of his wife, and the unbelieving wife is made holy because of her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy"(1 Corinthians 7:14). Given such things as: holiness, receiving biblical guidance, kingdom membership, and the ability to give God acceptable praise it seems we cannot deny the status of disciple from the children of believers
It clear that the blessing and promise of salvation was not just for adults, but for children as well. And Peter said to them, ‘Repent and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children, and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself’” (Acts 2:38,39) the children mentioned here were young enough to still be considered under the protection and authority of their parents. Although this is only indirect Scriptural evidence, the fact that the Bible mentions that entire “households” were baptized does make it seem probable that children and infants were included.
“Now I did baptize the household of Stephanas …” (I Corinthians 1:16)
(An angel spoke to Cornelius saying) “Send to Joppa, and have Simon, who is called Peter, brought here; and he shall speak words to you by which you will be saved, and all your household.” (Later, when Peter arrived at Cornelius’ household) “…he ordered them to be baptized.” (Acts 11:13b, 14; Acts 10:48a)
“And when she (Lydia of Thyatira) and her household had been baptized…” (Acts 16:31, 33b)
The Bible never gives one example of the baptism of a Christian child as an adult. when a child’s capacity to believe the Gospel is developed enough so that he can receive baptism. Neither does the Bible state that every child is in a “suspended state of salvation” until they have reached this age, which one would have to believe if he held to the “age of accountability” theory.
As we know through one man sin is entered the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men.” (Romans 5:12) For this reason “…there are none righteous, not even one” (i.e. not infants). (Romans 3:10) how are these young ones saved from the sin they have received from Adam’s race? They are saved through the regenerative power of baptism and the faith of the Church.
“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration (baptism) and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5)
Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.” (Acts 2:38)
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God.’” (John 3:5)
“…when the patience of God kept waiting in the days of Noah, during the construction of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through the water, and corresponding to that, baptism now saves you.” (I Peter 3:20,21)
Circumcision, the sign of God’s covenant between the people of Abraham and Himself, was performed on every male child who was eight days old (Genesis 7:12).
Many see a direct parallel between circumcision and Christian baptism in Scriptural passages such as Colossians 2:11,12:
“And in Him you were also circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, in the removal of the body of flesh by the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism…”
If baptism is the “New Testament circumcision” there can definitely be no objection to “sealing” the infant of a consecrated Christian family in Christ’s New Covenant.
b) Moses’ leading his people through the Red Sea is seen as an Old Testament foreshadowing of Christian baptism. The following New Testament passage clearly points to this:
“For I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed through the sea; and all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all at the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them, and that rock was Christ.” (I Corinthians 10:1-4).
It is worthwhile to note that “all were baptized” through Moses’ leadership in crossing over the Red Sea. He did not leave the infants or children on the shores of Egypt to become prey to the angry armies of Pharaoh because they were not old enough to believe in the promise of the Old Covenant. Rather, entrusted to the arms of their parents’ faith, they were carried through the “baptism of Moses.”
c) The saving of Noah’s entire family by the ark can also be seen as a prefigurement of a baptism which includes infants. All that needs to be said, as in the case of Moses’ passing through the Red Sea, is that the entire family was on board the ark. Why should we leave infants out of the ark of baptism?
“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better from him if with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
“For behold, when the sound of your greeting (Theotokos) reached my ears (Elizabeth), the baby (John the Baptist) leaped in my womb for joy.” (Luke 1:44)
“Infants are baptized for the remission of sins. What sins? Whenever have they sinned? In fact, of course, never. And yet: ‘No one is free from defilement.’ (Job 14:4) But defilement is only put away by the mystery of baptism. That is the reason why infants too are baptized.”
There is … one Lord, one faith, ONE baptism.” (Ephesians 4:4,5) If you have been baptized once, there is no need to be baptized again.
God includes the children of believers as members of this church.
The living God himself embraced the children of believers as members of his church. Genesis 17:7—"I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you."
Some Scriptures which support the possibility of an “infant faith” are these:
“Yet Thou are He who didst bring me forth from the womb; Thou didst make me trust when upon my mother’s breast.” (Psalm 22:9)
“And whoever causes one of these little ones who believe to stumble, it would be better from him if with a heavy millstone hung around his neck, he had been cast into the sea.” (Mark 9:42)
Christian parents, this means that you must actively nurture your children in the Christian faith. You may not treat your children as neutral until they are "old enough to make their own decision." In baptism, God has laid claim to your child. Thus, you must train your children to respond with faith and obedience to the Christ of the covenant.
God deals with individuals, as well as with families. When God baptizes you into Christ, you become part of the Body of Christ, which is the worldwide family of God.
To get the full flavor of this truth, we ought to see the entire New Testament witness. Look at these verses one by one, remembering the normal meaning that any Jew or instructed Gentile would attach to the word "house" and let the cumulative force of these verses overwhelm you:
Matthew 10:12-14 "And when you go into a household, greet it. If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whoever will not receive you nor hear your words, when you depart from that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet."
Luke 19:9 "And Jesus said to him, 'Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham’ “All baptized persons have a right to be instructed in the faith. The child down the street doesn't have this right, but ours do. The parents have taken a vow to raise that child "in the nurture and the admonition of the Lord."
When a baptized person strays away, we don't just let them go. They have a right to be exhorted, admonished, censured, disfellowshipped, and excommunicated as a last attempt to restore them to the flock. We do not pursue the children of the world in this way. But our own children have a right to this.
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http://biblicalproof4catholicfaith.blogspot.com/
How should we dressup for Church?
"It is plain that God wants most of our flesh covered..The Bible informs us that Adam and Eve had on no covering, and after they sinned, they were ashamed. I don’t think they were ashamed together, but they were afraid that God would see them, for they hid together from God. We are told to dress modestly (I Timothy 2:9).One of the most obvious ways we can obey that command is to look differently from the world.
The serious Christian will not follow the fashions of the sinful world. God has said, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (II Corinthians 6:17).
The Bible clearly states that we are to show reverence to God and to the things that represent His person and presence. Since the church is the house of God Our dressing be modest in the sanctuary and should always be respectful and reverent towards God
Jonah 3:5 Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them.
2 Kings 1:1 And when King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and entered the house of the LORD.
Rev 11:3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.
Jeremiah 6:26 O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes; Mourn as for an only son, A lamentation most bitter. For suddenly the destroyer Will come upon us.
Daniel 9:3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.
Luke 10:13 Woe to you , Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
The previous verses describe how people in the past dressed to please the Lord. They dressed in sackcloth to humble themselves before the Lord. Sackcloth is dark goat hair used in making sacks, and worn in times of mourning.
I Peter 3:3-4 says "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit
1 Thes 4:1-5 ‘Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.’
The following are Bible verses have to do with those who dress up to impress other people.
Mark 12:38 In His teaching He was saying:"Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places,
Matt 23:5 But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (I Timothy 2:9-10)
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:12)
Those whose hearts are inclined toward God will make every effort to dress modestly, decently, and appropriately. Those whose hearts are included toward self will dress in a manner designed to draw attention to themselves with little or no regard for the consequences to themselves or others.
Further, by dressing in an immodest fashion, displaying her body for men to lust after, she causes her brothers in Christ to sin, something condemned by God (Matthew 5:27-29). If a woman’s heart is inclined toward godliness, she will wear clothing that is neither provocative nor revealing in public.
Now let us look at God’s attitude towards nakedness as expressed in the Bible.
Exodus 32:25And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies
The Lord said that nakedness is shameful.
Exodus 20:26Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
If nakedness was not an area of great concern to the Lord, then He would not have given the issue so much attention. He made sure to cover all avenues to ensure that the nakedness of His people would not be exposed.
Isaiah 20:4So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
Again the word shame is used…
Genesis 9:22-25, tells the story of Noah and his sons, and how he cursed Canaan because he saw him naked.
Leviticus 18:7-20
Speaks about uncovering the nakedness of someone that is not your wife or husband, God said to do so is wickedness.
God’s feelings on the subject of nakedness in the Bible are consistent. Nakedness is an abomination.
Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
In Proverbs 7:10 and it reads - "And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart."
"Mini-clothes are symbolic of those girls who want to seduce a man..." Conversely, formfitting dresses, gauchos and pants, and various forms of nakedness as "swim suits," shorts, sun suits, bare chests, slit skirts, mini skirts, unbuttoned shirts and blouses, etc., send a message about wrong inner character. Why would anyone professing Christ appear in a state of dress that Scripture associates with a fallen nature, drunkenness, demon possession, debauchery, degradation, idolatry, loose morals, being a prisoner, being carnal and shameful?" The devil, the fashion designer of this world and he is trying to strip us of every thread of dignity and most of us have allowed him to do just that. We should therefore promote covering, for it was pleasing to God and not little coverings that would possibly lead to support nudity that is in favor for the devil. The shorter the coverings the nearer it promotes the fashion of the devil.
John 21:7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
When Jesus met Peter he was naked, but after a relationship was established with Christ, he was clothed from head to foot with the rode of Christ’s righteousness.
Luke 8:27-3527 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
28 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
When the man who was possessed with devils met Jesus, he was naked. But after an encounter with Jesus, the Bible said that the man was clothed and in his right mind. Amen.
We love to wear the name Christian, we want to be called by his name, but that is it. Many are saying by rebelling against the spoken word, "You don't tell me what to do Lord. I will wear what I want, I will wear what I feel comfortable in." The women of this world, both Christians and non-Christians a like are allowing the perverted corrupted minds of this age to undress them. Our priority as a Christian is the biblical not the cultural. "...blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Ph 2:15)
Godly men and women should conduct themselves in purity and humility—this includes how they dress. That is what God demands.
The serious Christian will not follow the fashions of the sinful world. God has said, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,” (II Corinthians 6:17).
The Bible clearly states that we are to show reverence to God and to the things that represent His person and presence. Since the church is the house of God Our dressing be modest in the sanctuary and should always be respectful and reverent towards God
Jonah 3:5 Then the people of Nineveh believed in God; and they called a fast and put on sackcloth from the greatest to the least of them.
2 Kings 1:1 And when King Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth and entered the house of the LORD.
Rev 11:3 And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for twelve hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth.
Jeremiah 6:26 O daughter of my people, put on sackcloth and roll in ashes; Mourn as for an only son, A lamentation most bitter. For suddenly the destroyer Will come upon us.
Daniel 9:3 So I gave my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth and ashes.
Luke 10:13 Woe to you , Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.
The previous verses describe how people in the past dressed to please the Lord. They dressed in sackcloth to humble themselves before the Lord. Sackcloth is dark goat hair used in making sacks, and worn in times of mourning.
I Peter 3:3-4 says "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit
1 Thes 4:1-5 ‘Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust like the heathen, who do not know God.’
The following are Bible verses have to do with those who dress up to impress other people.
Mark 12:38 In His teaching He was saying:"Beware of the scribes who like to walk around in long robes, and like respectful greetings in the market places,
Matt 23:5 But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments.
“Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (I Timothy 2:9-10)
“Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world;” (Titus 2:12)
Those whose hearts are inclined toward God will make every effort to dress modestly, decently, and appropriately. Those whose hearts are included toward self will dress in a manner designed to draw attention to themselves with little or no regard for the consequences to themselves or others.
Further, by dressing in an immodest fashion, displaying her body for men to lust after, she causes her brothers in Christ to sin, something condemned by God (Matthew 5:27-29). If a woman’s heart is inclined toward godliness, she will wear clothing that is neither provocative nor revealing in public.
Now let us look at God’s attitude towards nakedness as expressed in the Bible.
Exodus 32:25And when Moses saw that the people were naked; (for Aaron had made them naked unto their shame among their enemies
The Lord said that nakedness is shameful.
Exodus 20:26Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
If nakedness was not an area of great concern to the Lord, then He would not have given the issue so much attention. He made sure to cover all avenues to ensure that the nakedness of His people would not be exposed.
Isaiah 20:4So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt.
Again the word shame is used…
Genesis 9:22-25, tells the story of Noah and his sons, and how he cursed Canaan because he saw him naked.
Leviticus 18:7-20
Speaks about uncovering the nakedness of someone that is not your wife or husband, God said to do so is wickedness.
God’s feelings on the subject of nakedness in the Bible are consistent. Nakedness is an abomination.
Romans 12:2 says, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
In Proverbs 7:10 and it reads - "And, behold, there met him a woman with the attire of an harlot, and subtle of heart."
"Mini-clothes are symbolic of those girls who want to seduce a man..." Conversely, formfitting dresses, gauchos and pants, and various forms of nakedness as "swim suits," shorts, sun suits, bare chests, slit skirts, mini skirts, unbuttoned shirts and blouses, etc., send a message about wrong inner character. Why would anyone professing Christ appear in a state of dress that Scripture associates with a fallen nature, drunkenness, demon possession, debauchery, degradation, idolatry, loose morals, being a prisoner, being carnal and shameful?" The devil, the fashion designer of this world and he is trying to strip us of every thread of dignity and most of us have allowed him to do just that. We should therefore promote covering, for it was pleasing to God and not little coverings that would possibly lead to support nudity that is in favor for the devil. The shorter the coverings the nearer it promotes the fashion of the devil.
John 21:7Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved saith unto Peter, It is the Lord. Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he girt his fisher's coat unto him, (for he was naked,) and did cast himself into the sea.
When Jesus met Peter he was naked, but after a relationship was established with Christ, he was clothed from head to foot with the rode of Christ’s righteousness.
Luke 8:27-3527 And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in the tombs.
28 Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.
When the man who was possessed with devils met Jesus, he was naked. But after an encounter with Jesus, the Bible said that the man was clothed and in his right mind. Amen.
We love to wear the name Christian, we want to be called by his name, but that is it. Many are saying by rebelling against the spoken word, "You don't tell me what to do Lord. I will wear what I want, I will wear what I feel comfortable in." The women of this world, both Christians and non-Christians a like are allowing the perverted corrupted minds of this age to undress them. Our priority as a Christian is the biblical not the cultural. "...blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world" (Ph 2:15)
Godly men and women should conduct themselves in purity and humility—this includes how they dress. That is what God demands.
Which Scripture Verse Was The Catholic Church Founded ?
Adam had only one bride, and her name was Eve...
Genesis 4:1
Eve was created by GOD from a rib removed from
the side of the 'sleeping' Adam...
Genesis 2:21-24
Jesus Christ is the last Adam...
1Corinthians 15:45
Jesus Christ has only one bride, and she is the Church...
Jeremiah 16:9, John 3:28-29, Revelation 18:23, 19:7-8, 21:9
The only Bride of Christ was created while Jesus Christ 'slept' on the cross.
"...but one of the soldiers opened His side with a lance,
and immediately there came out blood and water."
John 19:34
The Old Testament prefigures the New Testament in so many ways.
Both brides were created through openings in the side,
through the rib cage, and next to the hearts of the two Adam's.
Some would say the Church was founded in Matthew 16:18,
but therin Jesus Christ said He 'will' build His Church on the 'rock' of Peter...
Others say the Church was founded at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in Acts 2:1-47.
However that was when the Apostles were given the knowledge, and wisdom, and authority, with which to build the Church upon the cornerstone,
which is Jesus Christ.
Genesis 4:1
Eve was created by GOD from a rib removed from
the side of the 'sleeping' Adam...
Genesis 2:21-24
Jesus Christ is the last Adam...
1Corinthians 15:45
Jesus Christ has only one bride, and she is the Church...
Jeremiah 16:9, John 3:28-29, Revelation 18:23, 19:7-8, 21:9
The only Bride of Christ was created while Jesus Christ 'slept' on the cross.
"...but one of the soldiers opened His side with a lance,
and immediately there came out blood and water."
John 19:34
The Old Testament prefigures the New Testament in so many ways.
Both brides were created through openings in the side,
through the rib cage, and next to the hearts of the two Adam's.
Some would say the Church was founded in Matthew 16:18,
but therin Jesus Christ said He 'will' build His Church on the 'rock' of Peter...
Others say the Church was founded at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles in Acts 2:1-47.
However that was when the Apostles were given the knowledge, and wisdom, and authority, with which to build the Church upon the cornerstone,
which is Jesus Christ.
Why I am Proud of the Catholic Church and to be Catholic?
Why I am Proud of the Catholic Church and to be Catholic?
1.Catholic Church was prefigured by Old Testament prophets.
2.Catholic Church has a Holy Founder in Jesus Christ.
3.Catholic Church was built upon the Rock of Peter and the foundation of the Apostles.
4.God guaranteed that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against it.
5.Jesus Christ said it would last forever, as He would be with it always.
6.Therefore it can be found in every day, in every century, from the time He said it.
7.Jesus Christ left His legacy, the Kingdom of GOD, His Church, to the care of the Apostles.
8.Catholic Church is guided by the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:28
9.Catholic Church is a living Church.
10.Catholic Church is the Mystical Body of Christ.
11.Catholic Church can neither be confused nor separated from its head.
12.The thread of the Church is woven throughout Holy Scripture.
Catholic Church is a Christ based Church, whereas the Bible is Catholic Church based.
13.Catholic Church has all of the pieces to the puzzle.
14.Catholic Church is indefectible. Ephesians 5:27
15.Catholic Church is The Bride of Christ.
16.Catholic Church is infallible in matters of faith and morals since it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
17.Catholic Church is infallible in its teaching of Holy Scripture since it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
18.Catholic Church fits the blueprint laid out for it in Holy Scripture.
19.Catholic Church is a visible Church that could not be hidden.
20.Jesus Christ would be the invisible head and we, the body of His Church.
21.His Church would cover the earth. Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8.
22.GOD appointed a visible Father Figure to shepherd His flock on earth, as He had always done.
23.Catholic Church is the Pillar and the Foundation of Truth. 1Timothy 3:15
24.Catholic Church alone has the fullness of truth.
25.GOD's Church would have an hierarchal form of government.
26.GOD's Church would have Bishops, Priests, and Deacons within it.
27.Catholic Church has a system of Apostolic Succession in order to perpetuate the visible Church on earth.
28.Catholic Church is traceable through an unbroken line of Apostolic Succession all the way back to St. Peter.
29This unbroken line is shown in secular encyclopedias as well as Catholic archives.
30.Catholic Church has a succession of truth in teaching all the way from 31.Jesus Christ down to present day Bishops.
32.Catholic Church is almost 1500 years older than the oldest Protestant church.
33.Catholic Church has the authority to abolish or enforce rules of conduct, through binding and loosing.
34.Catholic Church has the authority to forgive or to retain sins, through binding and loosing. John 20:21-23
35.Catholic Church teaches that we are not automatically saved, but our salvation depends upon us as well.
36.Catholic Church has the authority to form Councils when needed, in order to settle the issues that arise. Acts 15
37.Catholic Church was given the authority to decide the Canons of both the Old and New Testaments of Scripture.
38.Catholic Church decided the Canon of both testaments by infallible decision of several Councils.
39.Catholic Church more finely develops revealed public revelation.
40.Catholic Church does not twist Scripture to conform to its teachings. It conforms its teaching to Scripture.
41.Catholic Church has faithfully copied and preserved Holy Scripture down through the ages.
42.Catholic Church has known that The Word was Heard and not Read by the masses before the printing press.
43.Catholic Church has the final authority. Matthew 18:15-18
44.Catholic Church holds many traditions which are followed by Catholics and Protestants alike.
45.Catholic Church is an "And" Church, not "Or".
46.Catholic Church is a teaching Church as commanded by Holy Scripture.
47.Catholic Church is consistent in its teaching and does not 'flip-flop' as do other churches for the whims of people.
48.Catholic Church faithfully feeds the sheep as commanded by Jesus Christ.
49.Catholic Church is rock solid and unchanging in its teaching.
50.Catholic Church stands upon a solid three legged stool, of Scripture, of Apostolic Tradition, and the Magisterium.
51.Catholic Church is the guardian of both Sacred Scripture and of Sacred Tradition.
52.Catholic Church has the True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Matthew 26:26
53.The Apostles knew that the truth was in Jesus Christ and in His one true Church.
54.Catholic Church has Eucharistic Adoration.
55.Catholic Church offers a clean oblation around the world and around the clock, in the Holy Mass. Malachi 1:11
56.In every minute of every day, a Mass is being celebrated somewhere.
57.Catholic Church venerates Christ on the Cross as a sacrifice and not just a plain cross devoid of Christ.
58.Catholic Church preaches the Gospel to the whole world. Matthew 24:14
59.Catholic Church has produced many thousands of Holy Saints.
60.The Church venerates the Mother of GOD. Luke 1:26-56
61.The Church venerates the Saints who have done so much for it.
62.The Mother of GOD is also the Mother of the Church. John 19:26-27
63.Catholic Church has all seven Sacraments.
64.Catholic Church treats marriage as a Sacrament.
65.Catholic Church has an annulment procedure.
66.Catholic Church has many varied Devotions.
67.Catholic Church can be found by its name, the Catholic Church, in thousands of early writings.
68.Catholic Church can be shown from these same writings that it is the same Church which Jesus Christ founded.
69.Catholic Church houses the remains of all of the Apostles and Gospel writers.
70.Catholic Church is the New Jerusalem.
71.Catholic Church is our Mother Church.
72.Catholic Church has withstood the ravages of thousands of detractors and heretics from its very foundation.
73.Catholic Church has performed many successful exorcisms.
74.Catholic Church is unbending and unmovable in its pro-life stance.
75.Catholic Church has scores of separate services of help. 1Corinthians 12:28
76.Catholic Church preaches the Word of GOD to the entire world through E.W.T.N. and other resources.
77.Catholic Church tries to unite all of Christianity into one fold.
78.Catholic Church has incredible openness.
79.Catholic Church Has provided us with a comprehensive catechism.
80.Catholic Church has a vast influx of intellectuals.
81.Catholic Church has had a spectacular growth, with over one billion Catholics in the world now.
82.Catholic Church has the Holy Spirit dwelling within it.
83.Catholic Church has humbled itself by apologizing to GOD for the past sins of some of its members.
84.Catholic Church is the most outspoken advocate of morality on earth.
85.Catholic Church has issued so many beautiful Papal documents which are guidelines for the whole world.
86.Catholic Church has the largest collection of authentic Christian documents in the world in the Vatican archives.
87.Catholic Church is the last refuge for those who are persecuted.
88.Catholic Church is because the "Pillar and the foundation of truth" has said so.
89.Catholic Church is because common sense tells us so.
90.Catholic Church is the undisputed leader of Christianity in the world.
91.Catholic Church is its own City-State, and is represented in the United Nations. Acts 1:8
92.When Rome speaks, the whole world listens.
93.Catholic Church is the only Christian Church which proclaims Jubilee years.
94.Circumstantial evidence points to the Catholic Church and only the Catholic Church.
95.The Catholic Church hears and listens carefully to Jesus Christ, her founder.
96.Catholic Church always has what the world is lacking.
We know because The Catholic Church is the Most Hated Christian Church in the World.
Just as the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ, so she naturally must follow the trials and tribulations of her founder and Head. His physical body endured an unmerciful persecution and scourging, and so must His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church, endure the same.
A comparison between Jesus Christ and His Mystical Body. They are one and cannot be separated.
What happened to the One also happens to the other.
Jesus Christ persecuted..................................His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church persecuted...
They rebelled against His Authority......................They rebel against its Authority. 2Peter 2:10
They said Crucify Him.........................................They have tried to destroy it for 2000 years.
He is called Beelzebub..........................................It is run by Satan. Matthew 10:25.
He is a false messiah............................................It is a false church. Luke 22:70-71
He called Himself the Son of GOD.......................It claims it was founded by GOD, Matthew 16:18.
He called Himself Truth.......................................It claims to be infallible, 1Timothy 3:15.
He called Himself King........................................It says it is the only true Church, Matthew 16:18.
He could not sin...................................................It has no spot or wrinkle, Ephesians 5:27.
He was not be believed by many...........................It is not believed by many. Luke 22:67
He was denied by many........................................It is denied by many. Luke 22:57-60
Not understanding Him, they walked away...........Not understanding it, they walk away. John 6:66
He had false accusers...........................................It has false accusers. Mark 14:56-59
He was mocked....................................................It is mocked. Luke 23:35-37
He was scandalized..............................................It is scandalized. Luke 17:1-2
He was hated without a cause...............................It is hated without a cause. John 15:18-25
His accuser, Judas, died.......................................Its accusers die, but still, the Church lives on.
His enemies would stumble and fall......................Its enemies stumble and fall. John 18:6
We have no king but Caesar.................................We have no need of it, as we have the Bible.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth?............Can anything good come from Rome? John 1:46
They cried out, "Not this one but Barabbas".........It is also rejected by the world. John 15:18-25
He bore His Cross................................................It bears a cross also, the cross of persecution.
He died on the Cross............................................It has thousands of martyrs, many on crosses.
1970 years later, He lives, stronger than ever........1970 years later, it lives, stronger than ever.
However, no matter how hard the persecutors try...
His Kingdom will last forever, Daniel 7:14, Hebrews 1:8.
His Church will last until the end of the world as promised by Him in Matthew 28:20.
"BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN YOU POWER TO TREAD UPON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS, AND OVER ALL THE MIGHT OF THE ENEMY; AND NOTHING SHALL HURT YOU."
Luke 10:19
"Do not be a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks AND TO THE CHURCH OF GOD"
1Corinthians 10:32
Anyone who persecutes the Catholic Church has made himself/herself a stumbling block to the Church of GOD. It is a clear violation of Holy Scripture.
"For I am the least of the Apostles, and I AM NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED AN APOSTLE, BECAUSE I PERSECUTED THE CHURCH OF GOD." 1Corinthians 15:9
"Do not be surprised, brethren, IF THE WORLD HATES YOU." 1John 3:13
"IF THE WORLD HATES YOU, KNOW THAT IT HATED ME BEFORE YOU.
IF YOU WERE OF THE WORLD, THE WORLD WOULD LOVE ITS OWN. BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, THEREFORE THE WORLD HATES YOU.
REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU: NO SERVANT IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU ALSO; IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY WORD, THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO.
BUT ALL OF THESE THINGS THEY WILL DO TO YOU FOR MY NAME'S SAKE, BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW HIM WHO SENT ME.
IF I HAD NOT COME AND SPOKEN TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE NO EXCUSE FOR THEIR SIN. HE WHO HATES ME HATES MY FATHER ALSO. IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM WORKS SUCH AS NO ONE ELSE HAS DONE, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE SEEN, AND HAVE HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER;
BUT THAT THE WORD WRITTEN IN THEIR LAW MAY BE FULFILLED, 'THEY HAVE HATED ME WITHOUT CAUSE', (Psalms 35:19)".
John 15:18-25
I would say that Jesus Christ said it all in these verses written with the inspired pen of Saint John wouldn't you?
Name another Church which is attacked so much on a daily basis as is the Catholic Church?
Jesus Christ warned us, "You will be HATED BY ALL NATIONS for My Name's sake."
Matthew 24:9
"Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake. REJOICE AND EXULT, BECAUSE YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN; for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12
Everytime you see someone persecuting the Catholic Church, or speaking falsely against her, be happy, because those people are merely helping Catholics to gain their eternal reward in Heaven.
It is a promise from Jesus Christ Himself.
Peter's commission:
Here are some of the attributes of Jesus Christ which He passed on and shared with Peter by working through him...
Jesus is: Peter is:
The Good Shepherd, John 10:11-14 Shepherd of the Church, John 21:17
The Door of the Sheep, John 10:7 John 20:21-23, 21:17
The Rock, 1Corinthians 10:4 Matthew 16:18
The Foundation, 1Corinthians 3:11 Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 2:20
The Key Holder, Revelation 3:7 Matthew 16:19
Infallible, John 14:6 Luke 10:16, 22:28-32
The Recipient of GOD's Word, John 5:30 Matthew 16:17, Acts 15:7
Having the Authority, Matthew 28:18 Matthew 18:15-20, Acts 2:14-40, 15:7
A Worker of Miracles, Mark 2:2-12 Acts 3:6-12, 5:15
Able to raise the dead, John 11:43-44 Acts 9:36-42
The Invisible Head of His Church, Eph 5:23-24 The Visible Head of Christ's Church, Matt 16:18
What is the History of Your Church?
Church Year Established Founder Where Established
Catholic 33 Jesus Christ Jerusalem
Orthodox 1054 Schismatic Catholic
Bishops Constantinople
Lutheran 1517 Martin Luther Germany
Anabaptist 1521 Nicholas Storch &
Thomas Munzer Germany
Anglican 1534 Henry VIII England
Mennonites 1536 Menno Simons Switzerland
Calvinist 1555 John Calvin Switzerland
Presbyterian 1560 John Knox Scotland
Congregational 1582 Robert Brown Holland
Baptist 1609 John Smyth Amsterdam
Dutch Reformed 1628 Michaelis Jones New York
Congregationalist 1648 Pilgrims and Puritans Massachusetts
Quakers 1649 George Fox England
Amish 1693 Jacob Amman France
Freemasons 1717 Masons from four lodges London
Methodist 1739 John & Charles
Wesley England
Unitarian 1774 Theophilus Lindey London
Methodist Episcopal 1784 60 Preachers Baltimore, MD
Episcopalian 1789 Samuel Seabury American Colonies
United Brethren 1800 Philip Otterbein &
Martin Boehn Maryland
Disciples of Christ 1827 Thomas & Alexander
Campbell Kentucky
Mormon 1830 Joseph Smith New York
Methodist Protestant 1830 Methodist United States
Church of Christ 1836 Warren Stone &
Alexander Campbell Kentucky
Seventh Day Adventist 1844 Ellen White Washington, NH
Christadelphian (Brethren
of Christ 1844 John Thomas Richmond, VA
Salvation Army 1865 William Booth London
Holiness 1867 Methodist United States
Jehovah's Witnesses 1874 Charles Taze Russell Pennsylvania
Christian Science 1879 Mary Baker Eddy Boston
Church of God in Christ 1895 Various churches of God Arkansas
Church of Nazarene c. 1850-1900 Various religious bodies Pilot Point, TX
Pentecstal 1901 Charles F. Parkham Topeka, KS
Aglipayan 1902 Gregorio Aglipay Philippines
Assemblies of God 1914 Pentecostalism Hot Springs, AZ
Iglesia ni Christo 1914 Felix Manalo Philippines
Four-square Gospel 1917 Aimee Semple
McPherson Los Angeles, CA
United Church of Christ 1961 Reformed and
Congregationalist Philadelphia, PA
Calvary Chapel 1965 Chuck Smith Costa Mesa, CA
United Methodist 1968 Methodist and United
Brethren Dallas, TX
Born-again c. 1970s Various religious bodies United States
Harvest Christian 1972 Greg Laurie Riverside, CA
Saddleback 1982 Rick Warren California
Non-denominational c. 1990s various United States
(This article source is from http://home.inreach.com/bstanley/)
1.Catholic Church was prefigured by Old Testament prophets.
2.Catholic Church has a Holy Founder in Jesus Christ.
3.Catholic Church was built upon the Rock of Peter and the foundation of the Apostles.
4.God guaranteed that the Gates of Hell would not prevail against it.
5.Jesus Christ said it would last forever, as He would be with it always.
6.Therefore it can be found in every day, in every century, from the time He said it.
7.Jesus Christ left His legacy, the Kingdom of GOD, His Church, to the care of the Apostles.
8.Catholic Church is guided by the Holy Spirit. Acts 15:28
9.Catholic Church is a living Church.
10.Catholic Church is the Mystical Body of Christ.
11.Catholic Church can neither be confused nor separated from its head.
12.The thread of the Church is woven throughout Holy Scripture.
Catholic Church is a Christ based Church, whereas the Bible is Catholic Church based.
13.Catholic Church has all of the pieces to the puzzle.
14.Catholic Church is indefectible. Ephesians 5:27
15.Catholic Church is The Bride of Christ.
16.Catholic Church is infallible in matters of faith and morals since it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
17.Catholic Church is infallible in its teaching of Holy Scripture since it is guided by the Holy Spirit.
18.Catholic Church fits the blueprint laid out for it in Holy Scripture.
19.Catholic Church is a visible Church that could not be hidden.
20.Jesus Christ would be the invisible head and we, the body of His Church.
21.His Church would cover the earth. Matthew 28:19, Acts 1:8.
22.GOD appointed a visible Father Figure to shepherd His flock on earth, as He had always done.
23.Catholic Church is the Pillar and the Foundation of Truth. 1Timothy 3:15
24.Catholic Church alone has the fullness of truth.
25.GOD's Church would have an hierarchal form of government.
26.GOD's Church would have Bishops, Priests, and Deacons within it.
27.Catholic Church has a system of Apostolic Succession in order to perpetuate the visible Church on earth.
28.Catholic Church is traceable through an unbroken line of Apostolic Succession all the way back to St. Peter.
29This unbroken line is shown in secular encyclopedias as well as Catholic archives.
30.Catholic Church has a succession of truth in teaching all the way from 31.Jesus Christ down to present day Bishops.
32.Catholic Church is almost 1500 years older than the oldest Protestant church.
33.Catholic Church has the authority to abolish or enforce rules of conduct, through binding and loosing.
34.Catholic Church has the authority to forgive or to retain sins, through binding and loosing. John 20:21-23
35.Catholic Church teaches that we are not automatically saved, but our salvation depends upon us as well.
36.Catholic Church has the authority to form Councils when needed, in order to settle the issues that arise. Acts 15
37.Catholic Church was given the authority to decide the Canons of both the Old and New Testaments of Scripture.
38.Catholic Church decided the Canon of both testaments by infallible decision of several Councils.
39.Catholic Church more finely develops revealed public revelation.
40.Catholic Church does not twist Scripture to conform to its teachings. It conforms its teaching to Scripture.
41.Catholic Church has faithfully copied and preserved Holy Scripture down through the ages.
42.Catholic Church has known that The Word was Heard and not Read by the masses before the printing press.
43.Catholic Church has the final authority. Matthew 18:15-18
44.Catholic Church holds many traditions which are followed by Catholics and Protestants alike.
45.Catholic Church is an "And" Church, not "Or".
46.Catholic Church is a teaching Church as commanded by Holy Scripture.
47.Catholic Church is consistent in its teaching and does not 'flip-flop' as do other churches for the whims of people.
48.Catholic Church faithfully feeds the sheep as commanded by Jesus Christ.
49.Catholic Church is rock solid and unchanging in its teaching.
50.Catholic Church stands upon a solid three legged stool, of Scripture, of Apostolic Tradition, and the Magisterium.
51.Catholic Church is the guardian of both Sacred Scripture and of Sacred Tradition.
52.Catholic Church has the True Presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist. Matthew 26:26
53.The Apostles knew that the truth was in Jesus Christ and in His one true Church.
54.Catholic Church has Eucharistic Adoration.
55.Catholic Church offers a clean oblation around the world and around the clock, in the Holy Mass. Malachi 1:11
56.In every minute of every day, a Mass is being celebrated somewhere.
57.Catholic Church venerates Christ on the Cross as a sacrifice and not just a plain cross devoid of Christ.
58.Catholic Church preaches the Gospel to the whole world. Matthew 24:14
59.Catholic Church has produced many thousands of Holy Saints.
60.The Church venerates the Mother of GOD. Luke 1:26-56
61.The Church venerates the Saints who have done so much for it.
62.The Mother of GOD is also the Mother of the Church. John 19:26-27
63.Catholic Church has all seven Sacraments.
64.Catholic Church treats marriage as a Sacrament.
65.Catholic Church has an annulment procedure.
66.Catholic Church has many varied Devotions.
67.Catholic Church can be found by its name, the Catholic Church, in thousands of early writings.
68.Catholic Church can be shown from these same writings that it is the same Church which Jesus Christ founded.
69.Catholic Church houses the remains of all of the Apostles and Gospel writers.
70.Catholic Church is the New Jerusalem.
71.Catholic Church is our Mother Church.
72.Catholic Church has withstood the ravages of thousands of detractors and heretics from its very foundation.
73.Catholic Church has performed many successful exorcisms.
74.Catholic Church is unbending and unmovable in its pro-life stance.
75.Catholic Church has scores of separate services of help. 1Corinthians 12:28
76.Catholic Church preaches the Word of GOD to the entire world through E.W.T.N. and other resources.
77.Catholic Church tries to unite all of Christianity into one fold.
78.Catholic Church has incredible openness.
79.Catholic Church Has provided us with a comprehensive catechism.
80.Catholic Church has a vast influx of intellectuals.
81.Catholic Church has had a spectacular growth, with over one billion Catholics in the world now.
82.Catholic Church has the Holy Spirit dwelling within it.
83.Catholic Church has humbled itself by apologizing to GOD for the past sins of some of its members.
84.Catholic Church is the most outspoken advocate of morality on earth.
85.Catholic Church has issued so many beautiful Papal documents which are guidelines for the whole world.
86.Catholic Church has the largest collection of authentic Christian documents in the world in the Vatican archives.
87.Catholic Church is the last refuge for those who are persecuted.
88.Catholic Church is because the "Pillar and the foundation of truth" has said so.
89.Catholic Church is because common sense tells us so.
90.Catholic Church is the undisputed leader of Christianity in the world.
91.Catholic Church is its own City-State, and is represented in the United Nations. Acts 1:8
92.When Rome speaks, the whole world listens.
93.Catholic Church is the only Christian Church which proclaims Jubilee years.
94.Circumstantial evidence points to the Catholic Church and only the Catholic Church.
95.The Catholic Church hears and listens carefully to Jesus Christ, her founder.
96.Catholic Church always has what the world is lacking.
We know because The Catholic Church is the Most Hated Christian Church in the World.
Just as the Catholic Church is the Body of Christ, so she naturally must follow the trials and tribulations of her founder and Head. His physical body endured an unmerciful persecution and scourging, and so must His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church, endure the same.
A comparison between Jesus Christ and His Mystical Body. They are one and cannot be separated.
What happened to the One also happens to the other.
Jesus Christ persecuted..................................His Mystical Body, the Catholic Church persecuted...
They rebelled against His Authority......................They rebel against its Authority. 2Peter 2:10
They said Crucify Him.........................................They have tried to destroy it for 2000 years.
He is called Beelzebub..........................................It is run by Satan. Matthew 10:25.
He is a false messiah............................................It is a false church. Luke 22:70-71
He called Himself the Son of GOD.......................It claims it was founded by GOD, Matthew 16:18.
He called Himself Truth.......................................It claims to be infallible, 1Timothy 3:15.
He called Himself King........................................It says it is the only true Church, Matthew 16:18.
He could not sin...................................................It has no spot or wrinkle, Ephesians 5:27.
He was not be believed by many...........................It is not believed by many. Luke 22:67
He was denied by many........................................It is denied by many. Luke 22:57-60
Not understanding Him, they walked away...........Not understanding it, they walk away. John 6:66
He had false accusers...........................................It has false accusers. Mark 14:56-59
He was mocked....................................................It is mocked. Luke 23:35-37
He was scandalized..............................................It is scandalized. Luke 17:1-2
He was hated without a cause...............................It is hated without a cause. John 15:18-25
His accuser, Judas, died.......................................Its accusers die, but still, the Church lives on.
His enemies would stumble and fall......................Its enemies stumble and fall. John 18:6
We have no king but Caesar.................................We have no need of it, as we have the Bible.
Can anything good come out of Nazareth?............Can anything good come from Rome? John 1:46
They cried out, "Not this one but Barabbas".........It is also rejected by the world. John 15:18-25
He bore His Cross................................................It bears a cross also, the cross of persecution.
He died on the Cross............................................It has thousands of martyrs, many on crosses.
1970 years later, He lives, stronger than ever........1970 years later, it lives, stronger than ever.
However, no matter how hard the persecutors try...
His Kingdom will last forever, Daniel 7:14, Hebrews 1:8.
His Church will last until the end of the world as promised by Him in Matthew 28:20.
"BEHOLD, I HAVE GIVEN YOU POWER TO TREAD UPON SERPENTS AND SCORPIONS, AND OVER ALL THE MIGHT OF THE ENEMY; AND NOTHING SHALL HURT YOU."
Luke 10:19
"Do not be a stumbling block to Jews and Greeks AND TO THE CHURCH OF GOD"
1Corinthians 10:32
Anyone who persecutes the Catholic Church has made himself/herself a stumbling block to the Church of GOD. It is a clear violation of Holy Scripture.
"For I am the least of the Apostles, and I AM NOT WORTHY TO BE CALLED AN APOSTLE, BECAUSE I PERSECUTED THE CHURCH OF GOD." 1Corinthians 15:9
"Do not be surprised, brethren, IF THE WORLD HATES YOU." 1John 3:13
"IF THE WORLD HATES YOU, KNOW THAT IT HATED ME BEFORE YOU.
IF YOU WERE OF THE WORLD, THE WORLD WOULD LOVE ITS OWN. BUT BECAUSE YOU ARE NOT OF THE WORLD, BUT I HAVE CHOSEN YOU OUT OF THE WORLD, THEREFORE THE WORLD HATES YOU.
REMEMBER THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO YOU: NO SERVANT IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER. IF THEY HAVE PERSECUTED ME, THEY WILL PERSECUTE YOU ALSO; IF THEY HAVE KEPT MY WORD, THEY WILL KEEP YOURS ALSO.
BUT ALL OF THESE THINGS THEY WILL DO TO YOU FOR MY NAME'S SAKE, BECAUSE THEY DO NOT KNOW HIM WHO SENT ME.
IF I HAD NOT COME AND SPOKEN TO THEM, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE NO EXCUSE FOR THEIR SIN. HE WHO HATES ME HATES MY FATHER ALSO. IF I HAD NOT DONE AMONG THEM WORKS SUCH AS NO ONE ELSE HAS DONE, THEY WOULD HAVE NO SIN. BUT NOW THEY HAVE SEEN, AND HAVE HATED BOTH ME AND MY FATHER;
BUT THAT THE WORD WRITTEN IN THEIR LAW MAY BE FULFILLED, 'THEY HAVE HATED ME WITHOUT CAUSE', (Psalms 35:19)".
John 15:18-25
I would say that Jesus Christ said it all in these verses written with the inspired pen of Saint John wouldn't you?
Name another Church which is attacked so much on a daily basis as is the Catholic Church?
Jesus Christ warned us, "You will be HATED BY ALL NATIONS for My Name's sake."
Matthew 24:9
"Blessed are you when men reproach you, and persecute you, and speaking falsely, say all manner of evil against you, for My sake. REJOICE AND EXULT, BECAUSE YOUR REWARD IS GREAT IN HEAVEN; for so did they persecute the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11-12
Everytime you see someone persecuting the Catholic Church, or speaking falsely against her, be happy, because those people are merely helping Catholics to gain their eternal reward in Heaven.
It is a promise from Jesus Christ Himself.
Peter's commission:
Here are some of the attributes of Jesus Christ which He passed on and shared with Peter by working through him...
Jesus is: Peter is:
The Good Shepherd, John 10:11-14 Shepherd of the Church, John 21:17
The Door of the Sheep, John 10:7 John 20:21-23, 21:17
The Rock, 1Corinthians 10:4 Matthew 16:18
The Foundation, 1Corinthians 3:11 Matthew 16:18, Ephesians 2:20
The Key Holder, Revelation 3:7 Matthew 16:19
Infallible, John 14:6 Luke 10:16, 22:28-32
The Recipient of GOD's Word, John 5:30 Matthew 16:17, Acts 15:7
Having the Authority, Matthew 28:18 Matthew 18:15-20, Acts 2:14-40, 15:7
A Worker of Miracles, Mark 2:2-12 Acts 3:6-12, 5:15
Able to raise the dead, John 11:43-44 Acts 9:36-42
The Invisible Head of His Church, Eph 5:23-24 The Visible Head of Christ's Church, Matt 16:18
What is the History of Your Church?
Church Year Established Founder Where Established
Catholic 33 Jesus Christ Jerusalem
Orthodox 1054 Schismatic Catholic
Bishops Constantinople
Lutheran 1517 Martin Luther Germany
Anabaptist 1521 Nicholas Storch &
Thomas Munzer Germany
Anglican 1534 Henry VIII England
Mennonites 1536 Menno Simons Switzerland
Calvinist 1555 John Calvin Switzerland
Presbyterian 1560 John Knox Scotland
Congregational 1582 Robert Brown Holland
Baptist 1609 John Smyth Amsterdam
Dutch Reformed 1628 Michaelis Jones New York
Congregationalist 1648 Pilgrims and Puritans Massachusetts
Quakers 1649 George Fox England
Amish 1693 Jacob Amman France
Freemasons 1717 Masons from four lodges London
Methodist 1739 John & Charles
Wesley England
Unitarian 1774 Theophilus Lindey London
Methodist Episcopal 1784 60 Preachers Baltimore, MD
Episcopalian 1789 Samuel Seabury American Colonies
United Brethren 1800 Philip Otterbein &
Martin Boehn Maryland
Disciples of Christ 1827 Thomas & Alexander
Campbell Kentucky
Mormon 1830 Joseph Smith New York
Methodist Protestant 1830 Methodist United States
Church of Christ 1836 Warren Stone &
Alexander Campbell Kentucky
Seventh Day Adventist 1844 Ellen White Washington, NH
Christadelphian (Brethren
of Christ 1844 John Thomas Richmond, VA
Salvation Army 1865 William Booth London
Holiness 1867 Methodist United States
Jehovah's Witnesses 1874 Charles Taze Russell Pennsylvania
Christian Science 1879 Mary Baker Eddy Boston
Church of God in Christ 1895 Various churches of God Arkansas
Church of Nazarene c. 1850-1900 Various religious bodies Pilot Point, TX
Pentecstal 1901 Charles F. Parkham Topeka, KS
Aglipayan 1902 Gregorio Aglipay Philippines
Assemblies of God 1914 Pentecostalism Hot Springs, AZ
Iglesia ni Christo 1914 Felix Manalo Philippines
Four-square Gospel 1917 Aimee Semple
McPherson Los Angeles, CA
United Church of Christ 1961 Reformed and
Congregationalist Philadelphia, PA
Calvary Chapel 1965 Chuck Smith Costa Mesa, CA
United Methodist 1968 Methodist and United
Brethren Dallas, TX
Born-again c. 1970s Various religious bodies United States
Harvest Christian 1972 Greg Laurie Riverside, CA
Saddleback 1982 Rick Warren California
Non-denominational c. 1990s various United States
(This article source is from http://home.inreach.com/bstanley/)
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