Comments on: The Catholic Church is God / Jesus Christ? Do they hold the doctrine of Jesus Christ?

By: The Architect

The Architect — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

The Catholic Church has never been the church of Jesus, but the most evil man to walk on earth, Paul of Tarsus.
+ + + Jesus, the true founder of the Gnostics / Nazareth + + +
Jesus and the disciples were the true founders of the Nazarenes and Gnostics.
See http://one-faith-of-god.org/new_testamen …
In essence Jesus taught through the Gnostic texts:
+ The God of the Old Testament, the "jealous god", the "vengeful god" which requires sacrifices, which required the blood and the war was Satan pretending to be god.
+ The true God is the father of all things, a loving God who never universal hatred of the screen that some of his creations.
+ Sadducee The high priests, religious leaders are hiding behind the white coats and the words of holiness, but in reality they were evil satanists who practiced black magic and human sacrifice.
+ The path to salvation is through self-knowledge and all knowledge, not the promotion of rituals and ignorance of double talking satanists.
+ + + Paul of Tarsus and Christianity + + +
Paul of Tarsus and Sadducee parasitic Jewish high priests are the religion of Christianity as a false scriptures as the "Bible", especially the New Testament. Paul hated women, hated with a passion and found it worse than slaves and pets.
See http://one-faith-of-god.org/new_testamen …
So when Catholic apologists, PR agents and medical benefits say that the true church and Christianity-which means the God of Paul, which is the devil who seeks to be God.
And when Christians quote the Bible that only men were the founders of Christianity, which refused to recognize the true teachings of Jesus in the Gnostic text.
+ + + WWJD? What Would Jesus? + + +
+ Jesus has been poorly represented continuously thanks to Paul of Tarsus in 2000 years.
+ It is hoped that people who openly pray for the sheep that the condiment to be ignorant, to say the name "Amen" in church, serpend god of the Egyptians, who celebrate Christmas on December 25 the feast of Saturnia (Satan) to wake the hell they catch.
+ Most people who falsely claim to be speaking on his behalf stop.

By: Sldgman

Sldgman — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

It's amazing how one can read the Bible, but do not understand.
Let's look at your quote from 1 Timothy:
"Forbidding to marry" - For Catholics, marriage is sacred and holy sacrament - a pact for life with another person. Only priests and nuns did not freely choose to marry.
"abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving" - Catholics abstain from meat as a sign of unity in the self-sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
At the time of Timothy, was that the religious prohibition of any of its members to marry or eat meat because they thought those things were bad.
There is no scripture that says we must pray to God only.
Priests given authority to forgive sins through Jesus Christ - John 20: 21-23.
Call no man father - not even his own father? Also, Paul called himself "father" Abraham and Jesus called a "father"
I suggest you join a church that really teaches the Bible - the Catholic Church

By: Regius Filius Deus

Regius Filius Deus — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

All the reformers without exception, identified the Roman Catholic "church" as the whore of Babylon and the Pope as the antichrist.
Unfortunately, reformers do not go far enough because it is limited to clean things up a bit and kept the hierarchical forms of management, develop temple style "services" and other practices are not scriptural. The church was, among other things, meet in a home as a group of friends or relatives who do not exercise authority over one another.
For more information about this: http://www.house-church.org (see What is a Church?) Http: / / http://www.ntrf.org
Tom

By: American Beauty

American Beauty — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

The Catholic Church is an impostor. Read Revelations to discover the great whore that is.

By: Daver

Daver — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

<> Yes, let's ... <> Mary is not food for worms, as was assumed in heaven in body and soul: Mary of the Assumption into Heaven Gen. 5:24, Heb. 11:5 - Enoch was taken bodily into heaven without dying. God becomes less of Mary the Ark of the New Partnership? 2 Kings 2:11-12, 1 Mac 2:58 - Elijah was taken up to heaven in chariot of fire. Jesus would not do less than His Blessed Mother. Psalm 132:8 - Arise, O Lord, and go to your resting place, you and the Ark (Mary) of your strength. Both Jesus and Mary were brought to the place of eternal rest in heaven. 2 Cor. 12:2 - Paul speaks of a man in Christ who was caught up to the third heaven. Mary was raised by God in heaven. Matt. 27:52-53 - When Jesus died and rose, the bodies of the saints were raised. Nothing in Scripture is opposed to the assumption of Mary into heaven. 1 Thess. 4:17 - who are in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Rev. 12:1 - we see Mary, the "woman" clothed with the sun. Rev. 6:9, whereas we only see the souls of the martyrs in heaven in Rev. 12:1 we see Mary, body and soul. 2 Thess. 2:15 - Paul teaches us that cling to the mouth (not just written) tradition. Apostolic tradition says Mary was assumed into heaven. While claiming the bones of the saints is a common practice these days (and have been especially important for the bones as Mary was the Mother of God), Mary bones were never claimed. This is because they were not available. Mary was taken body and soul into heaven. When it comes to intercessory prayer, the Bible clearly teaches that God wants: God responds to our wishes and subordinates Mediation / intercessory prayer 1 Tim 2:1-2 - because Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), many Protestants deny the Catholic belief that the saints on earth and in heaven can mediate our name. But before the teaching of Paul about Jesus as a "mediator," Paul urges supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be for everyone. Paul is therefore appealing to the mediation of others, in addition to Christ, the only mediator. Why? 1 Tim 2:3 - because this subordinate mediation is good and acceptable to God our Savior. Because God is our Father and we are His children, God invites us to participate in the role of Christ as mediator. 1 Tim. 2:5 - therefore, although Jesus is the only mediator between God and man, there are many intercessors (subordinate mediators). 1 Cor. 3:9 - God invites us to participate in the work of Christ because we are God's "fellow workers" and a family in the body of Christ. God wants his children to participate. The term used to describe "fellow workers" is sunergoi "which literally means, synergists, or cooperators with God in salvific matters. God does not need co-workers? Of course not, but this shows how much of Him as the Father loves his children. God wants us to work with him. Mark 16:20 - this is another example of how the Lord worked with them "(" sunergountos). God cooperates with us. His eternal love, inviting our participation. Rom. 8:28 - God "in the works for the good" (the Greek is "eis sunergei Agathon") those who love Him. We work as subordinate mediators. 2 Cor. 6:1 - "working together" (the Greek is "sunergountes") with him, do not accept his grace in vain. God allows us to participate in its work, because it does not need our help but because He loves us and wants us to exalt His Son. It's like the father who allowed his son join him in carrying groceries into the house. The father does not need help, but the child is invited to help raise the child in dignity and love. Heb. 12:1 - the "cloud of witnesses" (NEPhA marturon), which are surrounded by a large amphitheater witnessed the race from the earth, and actively participate and encourage us (the riders), in our race to salvation. 1 Peter 2:5 - we are a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices to God instructions. Therefore, under the head priest priests, but priests who participate in Christ's work of redemption. Rev. 1:6, 5:10 - Jesus made us a kingdom of priests to God. Priests intercede through Christ on behalf of the people of God. James 5:16, Proverbs 15:8, 29 - the prayers of the righteous (the saints) have powerful effects. For this reason, we ask your prayers. How much more powerful are the saints in heaven prayers, in which justice has been perfected. 1 Tim 2:5-6 - therefore, it is because Jesus Christ is the only mediator before God that we can be subordinate mediators. Jesus is the reason. The Catholic position thus gives more glory to Jesus. He does everything but loves us so much He desires our participation. To mediate specific instructions and examples of subordinates Mediation New Testament Matt. 5:44-45 - Jesus tells us to pray for (to mediate on behalf of) those who persecute us. God teaches us to mediate. Matt. 17:1-3, Mark 9:4, Luke 9:30-31 - Moses and Elijah appear late in the Transfiguration of Jesus in conversation with the presence of Peter, James and John (these may be the two "witnesses" John refers Rev. 11:3). Nothing in Scripture suggests that God never hates or short communication among those living in the sky and life on earth. On the contrary, God encourages communication within the communion of saints. Moses and Elijah appeared on the earth we also teach that the saints in heaven now with the ability to overcome our limitations in the earth. Matt. 26:53 - Jesus said that He may call upon the assistance of twelve legions of angels. If Jesus said he could request assistance from the holy angel - and he obviously would not be adoring to do - so can we, who need their help much more than Jesus, and without engaging in idolatry. And, in Mat. 22:30, Jesus said it would be "like angels in heaven." This means human saints (as the angel saints) may be called upon to help people on earth. God allows and encourages interaction between family members. Matt. 27:47,49; Mark 15:35-36 - The people think that Jesus asks Elijah for his intercession, and wait to see if Elijah comes to save Jesus from the cross. Matt. 27:52-53 - Jesus in the passion, many saints were raised and went to the city and presumably appear to interact with people, as Jesus did after his resurrection. Mark 11:24 - Jesus said that we ask in prayer, we will receive it. It is Jesus, and that through Jesus, to mediate. John 2:3 - Jesus knew that the wine is gone, but encourages and responds to the intercession of Mary. God wants our children and responds to mediation, because He is life and love God. John 2:5 - Mary intercedes on behalf of the people at the wedding and told them to do what Jesus said. Because Mary is our perfect model of faith, we intercede on behalf of our brothers and sisters. John 2:11 - in fact it was the intercession of Mary, who began the ministry of Jesus. Its time had not yet arrived, but Jesus responds to the intercession of Mary. Although we could do it all by himself, God wants to work with their children. Acts 12:7 - an angel strikes Peter in the face and wakes him up, releasing him from prison. The angel answered Pedro prayers. Rom. 15:30 - Paul commands of God's family to pray for him. If we are united together in one body of Christ, we can help each other. 2 Cor. 1:11 - Paul suggests that even more prayers and more people who pray, the better! Prayer is more effective when joined with others in prayer. 2 Cor. 9:14 - Paul says that the saints pray for the land the Corinthians. Subordinates who are the mediators in Christ. 2 Cor. 13:7,9 - Paul tells the elders to pray that the Corinthians can do right and improve. They participate in the mediation of Christ. Gal. 6:2,10 - Paul charges carry the burden of one another, and to do good to all, especially the family of faith. Eph. 6:18 - Paul commands of God's family to pray for one another. Eph. 6:19 - Paul commands the Ephesians to pray for him. If there is only one mediator, why did Paul ask your prayers? Phil. 1:19 - Paul recognizes the power of Philippians' earthly intercession. Will be awarded for their prayers and the Holy Spirit. Col. 1:3 - Paul says that he and the elders to pray for the Colossians. Subordination are mediators in the body of Christ. Col. 1:9 - Paul says that he and the elderly have not stopped praying for the Colossians, and, through the intercession, which may have wisdom. Col. 4:4 - Paul commands the Colossians to pray for the elders of the church so that God may open a door to the floor. Why did not Paul just leave God? Due to the mediation of subordination is acceptable and pleasing to God, and brings a change in the world. This is as mysterious as the Incarnation, but it's true. 1 Thess. 5:11 - Paul charges to encourage one another and build one another in the body of Christ. We do as mediators in Christ. 1 Thess. 5:17 - Paul says "pray constantly." If Jesus role as mediator subordinately does not apply to us, why pray at all? 1 Thess. 5:25 - Paul commands of God's family to pray for the elders of the Church. He wants our subordinate mediation. 2 Thess. 1:11 - Paul says to the family of God who prays for us. We participate in the mediation of Christ, because Christ wants this. 2 Thess. 3:1 - Paul calls the Thessalonians to pray for him, Silvanus and Timothy to that could be delivered. 1 Tim. 2:1-3 - Paul commands us to pray for all. Paul also states that these sentences are acceptable in the eyes of God. 2 Tim. 1:3 - Paul says: "I remember you constantly in my prayers." Philemon 22 - Paul is hope through the intercession of Philemon that he may be able to be with Philemon. Heb. 1:14 - the author writes, "Are they not all ministering spirits sent to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?" Hebrews 13:18-19 - the author urged the Hebrews to pray for the elderly so that they act in all things desirable. James 5:14-15-James said that the prayer of the priests during the patient will save the sick and forgive their sins. This is a powerful example of men forgiveness of sins and lead to the salvation of a person with the sacrament of the sick. James 5:16 - James teaches us to confess our sins to one another and pray for one another so that we can be healed. James 5:17-18 - James refers to God's answer to fervent prayer of Elijah no rain. He is teaching us about the effectiveness of our mediation. 1 John 5:14-15 - John is convinced that God will grant us what we ask according to God's will. 1 John 5:16-17 - our prayers for others, even God's call to give life to them and keep them from sinning. Our God is a living God who answers our personal prayers. 3 John 2 - John prays for Gaius' health and, therefore, a subordinate acts as mediator. Rev. 1:4 - this verse shows that the angels (in this case, the seven spirits) to give the grace and peace. For the grace and peace comes only from God, the angels are acting as mediators for God. Rev. 5:8 - the prayers of the saints (in heaven and earth) are presented to God by the angels and saints in heaven. This shows that the saints intercede for us before God, and also demonstrates that our prayers on earth are united with their prayers in heaven. (The "24 Elders" is said to refer to God's people - perhaps the 12 apostles and 12 tribes - and the "four living creatures" is said to refer to the angels.) Rev. 6:9-11 - the holy martyrs in heaven a cry aloud to God to avenge their blood on those who dwell on earth. "These are" imprecatory prayers "that are grounds for view of God (see prayer in Psalm 35:1 similar; 59:1-17, 139:19, Jer. 11:20, 15:15, 18:19; Zech.1 :12-13). This means that the saints in heaven pray for those on earth, and God answered their prayers (Rev. 8:1-5). Therefore, asking her intercession and protection. Rev. 8:3-4 - an angel in the sky blend of incense with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar before the throne of God, and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand the angel before God. These prayers "lifted" before God and obtain various types of ground activity. God responds to requests from their children, either by their children on earth or in heaven. Old Testament Gen. 20:17 - God responds to the intercession of Abraham and Abimelech healthy, and his wife and his slaves. Gen. 27:29, Num. 24:9 - Blessed is everyone who blesses you. If we bless others in prayer, we are also blessed. Exodus 32:11-14, 30-34, 34:9, Num. 14:17-20, 21:7-9 - there are many examples of God's answer to Moses' holy intercession. 1 Sam. 12:23 - Samuel said it would be sinning against God if you do not continue to intercede for the people of Israel. 1 Sam. 28:7-20 - the deceased prophet Samuel comes and talks with Saul, which is confirmed by Sir 46:13,20). 1 Sam. 28:7, 1 Chron. 10:13-14 - Saul practiced necromancy. He used half, not God, to search for the dead and therefore doomed. Saul of the practice is completely at odds with the Catholic understanding of Holy mediation, where God is the source and channel for all communications, and allowing their children to participate in this power. 2 Chron. 30:27 - the prayers of the priests and Levites came before the holy abode of God in heaven and answered. Tobit 12:12,15 - angels instead of Tobias and Sara prayers to the saint. This teaches us that angels are also our subordinate mediators. We ask the angels to take our prayers to God. Job 42:7-9 - Job prayed for three friends in sin and God heard working as a result of these prayers. Psalm 34:7 - The angel of the Lord gives to those who fear him. Psalm 91:11 - God will give His angels charge of you, on duty in all its forms. Psalm 103:20-21, 148:1-2 - angels and we ask your help in doing the will of God. Psalm 141:2 - David asks that his prayer be counted as incense before God. The prayers of the saints have powerful effects. Isaiah 6:6-7 - an angel touches Isaiah's lips and said that his sin is forgiven. The angel is a mediator under the effects of God forgiveness of sins in God's name. Jer. 7:16 - God recognizes people's ability to intercede, but refused to respond due to the hardness of heart. Jer. 15:1 - the Lord recognizes the power of intercession of Moses and Samuel. Jer. 37:3 - Sedequías king sends messengers to ask Jeremiah to intercede for the people, who could pray to God for them. Jer. 42:1-6 - the entire people of Israel before Jeremiah was asking his intercession, he was going to pray to the Lord for them. Baruch 3:4 - Baruch asks the Lord to hear the prayers of the dead of Israel. They can intercede on behalf of the people of God. Dan. 9:20-23 - Daniel intercedes on behalf of the people of both Israel confessing its sins and the sins of the people before God. Zac. 1:12-13 - an angel intercedes for the Judea and God responds favorably. 2 macc. 15:12-16 - Onias the high priest and the prophet Jeremiah was dead for centuries, and yet interact with the life of Judas Maccabees and pray for the holy people on earth. <> Wrong, oh so wrong: Jesus Christ given to his apostles authority to forgive sins John 20:21 - before He grants them the authority to forgive sins, Jesus says to the apostles, "as the Father sent me, so I send you." As Christ was sent by the Father to forgive sins, so Christ sends the apostles and their successors forgive sins. John 20:22 - the Lord "breathes" on the apostles, and then gives them the power to forgive and retain sins. The only other time in Scripture where God breathes on man in general is 2:7, when God "breathes" divine life in man. When this happens, a major transformation takes place. John 20:23 - Jesus says: "If you forgive the sins they are forgiven. If retengáis, they are held. "In order for the apostles to exercise this gift of forgiving sins, the penitents must orally confess their sins to the apostles because there are no readers. The text makes this very clear. Matt. 9:8 - this verse shows that God has given authority to forgive sins to "men". Thus, Protestants who acknowledge that the apostles had the authority to forgive sins (which this verse demonstrates) must prove that this gift ended with the apostles. Otherwise, the apostles' successors still possess this gift. Where in Scripture is the gift of authority to forgive sins away from the apostles or their successors? Matt. 9:6, Mark 2:10 - Christ forgave the sins that a man (not God) to convince us that the "Son of man" has authority to forgive sins on earth. Luke 5:24 - Luke notes that Jesus' authority to forgive sins is as a man, not God. The Gospel writers record this to convince us that God has given this authority to men. This authority has been transferred from Christ to the apostles and their successors. Matt. 18:18 - the apostles are given the authority to bind and loose. The authority to bind the government and released in time and includes the elimination of penalties due to sin. The Jews understood this since the birth of the Church. John 20:22-23, Matt. 18:18 - the power to transfer / retain sin is also the option to transfer / retain the punishment due to sin. If Christ's ministers can forgive the eternal penalty of sin, which may refer the temporal punishment of sin (called an "indulgence"). 2 Cor. 2:10 - Paul forgives in the presence of Christ (some translations refer to the presence of Christ as "in persona Christi"). Some say this may be a reference to sins. 2 Cor. 5:18 - the ministry of reconciliation was given to the ambassadors of the Church. This ministry of reconciliation refers to the sacrament of reconciliation, also called the sacrament of confession or penance. James 5:15-16 - in verse 15 we see that sins are forgiven by the priests in the sacrament of the sick. This is another example of man's authority to forgive sins on earth. Then in verse 16, James said: "Therefore, confess our sins to each other", referring to the men referred to in verse 15, the priests of the Church. 1 Tim. 2:5 - Christ is the only mediator, but he was free to decide how His mediation would be applied to us. The Lord chose the priests of God to carry out its work of forgiveness. Lev. 5:4-6, 19:21-22 - even in the Old Covenant, God used priests to forgive and atone for the sins of others. The need and practice of oral confession of sins James 5:16 - James clearly teaches us that we must "confess our sins to each other," not just privately to God. James 5:16 must be read in the context of James 5:14-15, which refers to the healing power (both physical and spiritual) of the priests of the Church. Therefore, when James says "therefore" in verse 16, which should refer to the men he was writing about in verses 14 and 15 - these men are the ordained priests of the Church to whom we must confess our sins. Acts 19:18 - many came to orally confess sins and divulge their sinful practices. Oral confession was the practice of the early Church as it is today. Matt. 3:6, Mark 1:5 - again, this shows people confessing their sins before others as a historical practice (here to John the Baptist). 1 Tim. 6:12 - this verse also refers to the historical practice of confessing sins and faith in the presence of many witnesses. 1 John 1:9 - if they are to confess our sins, God is faithful to us and forgive us and cleanse us. But we must confess our sins to one another. Num 5:7 - this shows the historical practice of publicly confessing sins, and making public restitution. 2 Sam. 12:14 - despite the fact that sin is forgiven, the punishment due for sin forgiven. David is forgiven but his child was still taken (the consequence of his sin). Neh. 9:2-3 - the Israelites was before the assembly and confessed sins publicly and interceded for each other. Lord. 4:26 - God tells us that he is not ashamed to confess our sins, and not to try to stem the flow of a river. Anyone who has experienced the sacrament of reconciliation understands the import of this verse. Baruch 1:14 - again, this shows that the people made the confession in the house of the Lord, before the assembly. 1 John 5:16-17, Luke 12:47-48 - there is a distinction between mortal and venial sins. This has been the teaching of the Catholic Church for 2000 years, but today, most Protestants no longer agree that there is such a distinction. Mortal sins lead to death and must be absolved in the sacrament of reconciliation. Venial sins need not be confessed to a priest, but the pious Catholic practice is to do in order to move forward on our path to holiness. Matt. 5:19 - Jesus teaches that breaking the least of commandments is venial sin (the person remains, but is saved in the kingdom), versus mortal sin (the person is not saved). <> According to the Bible, which is wrong: Elders of the Church is called "Fathers" and the faithful "children" Matt. 23:9 - Jesus said, "call no man father." Protestants, but using this verse in an attempt to demonstrate that it is wrong for Catholics to call priests "father." This is an example of "eisegesis" (imposing one's views in a way) as opposed to "exegesis" (extract the meaning of the adoption of its context). In this verse, Jesus was to discourage his followers to raise the scribes and Pharisees to the titles of "fathers" and "rabbis" because they were hypocrites. Jesus warns us not to raise any of our heavenly Father. Matt. 23:8 - in this teaching, Jesus also said not to call anyone teacher or rabbi as well. But do not Protestants call their teachers "teacher?" What about this Jesus? When Protestants say "call no man father", should also argue that we can not call any man, or teacher. Judges 17:10, 18:19 - priesthood and fatherhood have been identified together. Paternity means literally "the nature of communication," and like their parents to communicate the nature of their children and parents to communicate the spiritual nature of God for us, their children, through (hopefully) teaching and example. Eph. 3:14-15 - every family in heaven and on earth is the name of "Father." We are the parents in the Father. Acts 7:2; 22:1,1 John 2:13 - elders of the church are called "parents." Therefore, we must ask the question, "Why can not Protestants call their pastors" father? " 1 Cor. 4:15 - Paul writes, "I became your father in Christ Jesus." 1 Cor. 4:17 - Paul calls Bishop Timothy a beloved and faithful child in the Lord. 2 Cor. 12:14 - Paul describes his role as father to his "children" the Corinthians. Phil. 2:22 - Paul calls Timothy service to him as a child to a "father." 1 Thess. 2:11 - Paul compares the church ministry to elderly people as a father with his children. 1 Tim. 1:2,18, 2 Tim. 1:2-3 - Paul calls Timothy his true "child" in the faith and his son. Titus 1:4 - Paul calls Titus his true "child" in a common faith. Priests are our spiritual fathers in the family of God. Philemon 10 - Paul says that it has become the "father" of Onesimus. Heb. 12:7,9 - emphasizes our land "parents." But these are not only biological but also spiritual (the priests of the Church). 1 Peter 5:13 - Peter refers to himself as father by calling Mark his "son." 1 John 2:1,13,14 - John calls the elders of the church "fathers." 1 John 2:1,18,28, 3:18, 5:21, 3 John 4 - John calls members of the Church "children." 1 macc. 2:65 - Mattathias the priest tells his sons that Simeon will be their "father." Lord, Mary, the apostles and others refer to Spiritual Leaders as "Fathers" Matt. 3:9, Luke 3:8 - Jesus refers to Abraham as our father. " Mark 11:10 - the people cried out blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes! Luke 1:32 - the angel of God says that Jesus will be great and give the throne of his father David. Luke 1:55 - Mary says that He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his posterity forever. Luke 1:73 - Zechariah says the oath which He swore to our father Abraham. Luke 16:24,30 - Jesus in his parable about the rich man, says our "father" Abraham. John 4:12 - the Samaritan woman asks Jesus if He is greater than our father Jacob. John 7:22 - Jesus refers to "parents" who gave the Jewish practice of circumcision. John 8:56 - Jesus tells the Jews your "Father" Abraham rejoiced that he was to see my day. Acts 3:13,25; 5:30 - Peter teaches that the God of our fathers "glorified His servant Jesus and raised him to life. Acts 4:25 - Peter and John pray to God and relate to our "father" David. Acts 7:11-12, 15,19,38,44-45,51-52 - Stephen refers to our "fathers" in faith. Acts 7:32 - Stephen calls God the God of our fathers. " Acts 13:17,32,36, 24:14, 26:6, 28:17,25 - Paul also refers to the God of our fathers "in faith. Acts 22:3 - Paul says that he was educated under the strict law of our fathers. " Acts 22:14 - Ananias tells that the God of our fathers. " Rom. 4:1 - Paul calls Abraham our forefather. " Rom. 4:16-17 - Paul says that Abraham is the father of us all and the "father of many nations. Rom. 9:10 - Paul calls Isaac, a spiritual leader, our "ancestors." 1 Cor. 10:1 - Paul says that our "fathers" were all under the cloud, in reference to the Old Testament spiritual leaders. Gal. 1:14 - Paul says that he was jealous of the tradition of their "parents." 2 Tim. 1:3 - Paul, thank God to whom he serves with a clear conscience as well as their "fathers" in faith. Heb. 1:1 - God, the author spoke of old to our fathers. " Heb. 3:9 - the Holy Spirit says that his "parents" put me on probation. Heb. 8:9 - God says, not like the covenant I made with their "parents." James 2:21 - James says that he was our father Abraham justified by works when he offered his son Isaac? 1 Peter 1:18 - Peter said to have been rescued from the futile ways inherited from their "parents." 2 Peter 3:4 - Peter says that since the "fathers" fell asleep, all things have continued as they were from the beginning. Other examples where Jesus uses the word "Father" When Teaching Matt. 15:4-5, 19:19 - Jesus uses "father" when he teaches God's commandment to "Honor thy father and thy mother." Mark 7:10-12, Luke 18:20 - these are more examples of Jesus' father 'when honoring the teaching of our fathers and mothers. Eph. 6:2,4 - Paul also taught to honor his father and mother, said "parents," not to provoke their children. Matt. 10:21, 35.37, Mark 13:12 - Jesus said "father" is delivered to his son in recent days. Matt. 19:5; Mark 10:7,19 - Jesus says a man leave his father and mother and shall cleave to his wife. See also Eph. 5:31. Matt. 19:29, Mark 10:29-30 - Jesus says who has left the mother or father for His sake shall receive a hundredfold. Matt. 21:31 - Jesús usa "padre" cuando él enseña acerca de la parábola de los dos hijos y pregunta "¿quién hizo la voluntad de su" padre "? Lucas 6:23,26 - Jesús habla de recompensas y castigos en relación con lo que sus "padres" le hicieron a los profetas. Lucas 11:11 - Jesús dice que "padre" de los que dará a su hijo una serpiente cuando le pide un pescado. Lucas 11:47-48 - Jesús le dice a los abogados que son testigos de las hazañas de sus "padres". Lucas 14:26 - Jesús dice que debemos dejar a nuestros "padres" y las madres y llegar a él, o no podemos ser su discípulo. Lucas 15:12,17-18,20-22,27-29 - Jesús usa repetidamente "padre", cuando la enseñanza sobre el hijo pródigo. Lucas 16:27 - Jesús usa "padre", cuando la enseñanza sobre el hombre rico en el purgatorio. Juan 6:49,58 - Jesús dice que su "padre" comieron el maná en el desierto y murieron. <> Eso es bueno, Jesús llama a Satanás? Estoy seguro de que el Todopoderoso le agradezco. La Iglesia Católica es de Dios. La Iglesia Católica es Bíblica: Pedro es la Roca sobre la que está construida la Iglesia Marcos 3:16; Juan 1:42 - Jesús cambia el nombre de Simon "Kepha" en arameo, que literalmente significa "roca". Esta fue una cosa extraordinaria de Jesús de hacer, porque "roca" era ni siquiera un nombre en tiempos de Jesús. Jesús lo hizo, Simon no dar un nombre extraño, pero para determinar su nuevo estatus entre los apóstoles. Cuando Dios cambia el nombre de una persona, que cambia su estado. Gen. 17:5; 32:28; 2 Reyes 23:34; Hechos 9:4, 13:9 - por ejemplo, en estos versos, vemos que Dios cambia las siguientes nombres de personas y, en consecuencia, se convierten en especiales agentes de Dios: Abram a Abraham, Jacob, a Israel, Eliakim a Jehoiakim, Saúl a Paul. 2 Sam. 22:2-3, 32, 47; 23:3; 18:2,31,46 Salmo, 19:4, 28:1, 42:9; 62:2,6,7; 89:26; 94:22 ; 144:1-2 - en estos versos, Dios es también llamado "rock". Por lo tanto, a partir de estos versos, no católicos a menudo sostienen que Dios, y no Pedro, es la roca que se refiere a Jesús en Mat. 16:18. Este argumento no sólo ignora el significado de los textos aplicables, sino que también asume las palabras utilizadas en las Escrituras sólo puede tener un significado. Esto, por supuesto, no es cierto. For example: 1 Cor. 3:11 - Jesús es llamado el único fundamento de la Iglesia y, sin embargo, en Ef. 2:20, los apóstoles se llaman las bases de la Iglesia. Del mismo modo, en 1 Pedro 2:25, Jesús se llama el pastor del rebaño, pero en Hechos 20:28, los apóstoles son llamados los pastores del rebaño. Estos versos ponen de manifiesto que hay múltiples metáforas para la Iglesia, y que las palabras utilizadas por los escritores inspirados de la Escritura puede tener diversos significados. Los católicos de acuerdo en que Dios es la roca de la Iglesia, pero esto no significa que no puede otorgar esta distinción a Pedro y, a fin de facilitar la unidad que desea para la Iglesia. Matt. 16:18 - Jesús dijo en arameo, se le "Kepha" y en este "Kepha" edificaré mi Iglesia. En arameo, "kepha" significa una gran piedra, y "evna" significa poco guijarros. Algunos no católicos alegan que, debido a que la palabra griega para roca es "petra", que "Petros" que significa en realidad "una pequeña piedra" y, por tanto, Jesús estaba tratando de disminuir inmediatamente después de la bendición Pedro le llama por él una pequeña roca. Esto no sólo es absurdo en el contexto de Jesús la bendición de Pedro, Jesús hablaba arameo y utilizada "Kepha," no "evna". Petros utilizando para traducir Kepha se hizo simplemente para reflejar el nombre masculino de Pedro. Por otra parte, si el traductor Peter quería identificar como la "pequeña roca", él habría utilizado "lithos", que significa una pequeña piedra en griego. Also, Petros and petra were synonyms at the time the Gospel was written, so any attempt to distinguish the two words is inconsequential. Thus, Jesus called Peter the massive rock, not the little pebble, on which He would build the Church. (You don’t even need Matt. 16:18 to prove Peter is the rock because Jesus renamed Simon “rock” in Mark 3:16 and John 1:42!). Matt. 16:17 - to further demonstrate that Jesus was speaking Aramaic, Jesus says Simon "Bar-Jona." The use of "Bar-Jona" proves that Jesus was speaking Aramaic. In Aramaic, "Bar" means son, and "Jonah" means John or dove (Holy Spirit). See Matt. 27:46 and Mark 15:34 which give another example of Jesus speaking Aramaic as He utters in rabbinical fashion the first verse of Psalm 22 declaring that He is the Christ, the Messiah. This shows that Jesus was indeed speaking Aramaic, as the Jewish people did at that time. Matt. 16:18 - also, in quoting "on this rock," the Scriptures use the Greek construction "tautee tee" which means on "this" rock; on "this same" rock; or on "this very" rock. "Tautee tee" is a demonstrative construction in Greek, pointing to Peter, the subject of the sentence (and not his confession of faith as some non-Catholics argue) as the very rock on which Jesus builds His Church. The demonstrative (“tautee”) generally refers to its closest antecedent (“Petros”). Also, there is no place in Scripture where “faith” is equated with “rock.” Matt. 16:18-19 - in addition, to argue that Jesus first blesses Peter for having received divine revelation from the Father, then diminishes him by calling him a small pebble, and then builds him up again by giving him the keys to the kingdom of heaven is entirely illogical, and a gross manipulation of the text to avoid the truth of Peter's leadership in the Church. This is a three-fold blessing of Peter - you are blessed, you are the rock on which I will build my Church, and you will receive the keys to the kingdom of heaven (not you are blessed for receiving Revelation, but you are still an insignificant little pebble, and yet I am going to give you the keys to the kingdom). Matt. 16:18-19 – to further rebut the Protestant argument that Jesus was speaking about Peter’s confession of faith (not Peter himself) based on the revelation he received, the verses are clear that Jesus, after acknowledging Peter’s receipt of divine revelation, turns the whole discourse to the person of Peter: Blessed are “you” Simon, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to “you,” and I tell “you,” “you” are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church. I will give “you” the keys to the kingdom, and whatever “you” bind and loose on earth will be bound and loosed in heaven. Jesus’ whole discourse relates to the person of Peter, not his confession of faith. Matt. 16:13 - also, from a geographical perspective, Jesus renames Simon to rock in Caesarea Philippi near a massive rock formation on which Herod built a temple to Caesar. Jesus chose this setting to further emphasize that Peter was indeed the rock on which the Church would be built. Matt. 7:24 - Jesus, like the wise man, builds His house on the rock (Peter), not on grain of sand (Simon) so the house will not fall. Luke 6:48 - the house (the Church) built upon the rock (Peter) cannot be shaken by floods (which represent the heresies, schisms, and scandals that the Church has faced over the last 2,000 years). Floods have occurred, but the Church still remains on its solid rock foundation. Matt. 16:21 - it is also important to note that it was only after Jesus established Peter as leader of the Church that He began to speak of His death and departure. This is because Jesus had now appointed His representative on earth. John 21:15 - Jesus asks Peter if he loves Jesus "more than these," referring to the other apostles. Jesus singles Peter out as the leader of the apostolic college. John 21:15-17 - Jesus selects Peter to be the chief shepherd of the apostles when He says to Peter, "feed my lambs," "tend my sheep," "feed my sheep." Peter will shepherd the Church as Jesus’ representative. Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus also prays that Peter's faith may not fail and charges Peter to be the one to strengthen the other apostles - "Simon, satan demanded to have you (plural, referring to all the apostles) to sift you (plural) like wheat, but I prayed for you (singular) that your (singular) faith may not fail, and when you (singular) have turned again, strengthen your brethren. Acts 1,2,3,4,5,8,15 - no one questions Peter's authority to speak for the Church, declare anathemas, and resolve doctrinal debates. Peter is the rock on which the Church is built who feeds Jesus’ sheep and whose faith will not fail. Peter has the Keys of Authority over the Earthly Kingdom, the Church 2 Sam. 7:16; Psalm 89:3-4; 1 Chron.17:12,14 - God promises to establish the Davidic kingdom forever on earth. Matt. 1:1 - Matthew clearly establishes this tie of David to Jesus. Jesus is the new King of the new House of David, and the King will assign a chief steward to rule over the house while the King is in heaven. Luke 1:32 - the archangel Gabriel announces to Mary that her Son would be given "the throne of His father David." Matt. 16:19 - Jesus gives Peter the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." While most Protestants argue that the kingdom of heaven Jesus was talking about is the eternal state of glory (as if Peter is up in heaven letting people in), the kingdom of heaven Jesus is speaking of actually refers to the Church on earth. In using the term "keys," Jesus was referencing Isaiah 22 (which is the only place in the Bible where keys are used in the context of a kingdom). Isaiah 22:22 - in the old Davidic kingdom, there were royal ministers who conducted the liturgical worship and bound the people in teaching and doctrine. But there was also a Prime Minister or chief steward of the kingdom who held the keys. Jesus gives Peter these keys to His earthly kingdom, the Church. This representative has decision-making authority over the people - when he shuts, no one opens. See also Job 12:14. Rev. 1:18; 3:7; 9:1; 20:1 - Jesus' "keys" undeniably represent authority. By using the word "keys," Jesus gives Peter authority on earth over the new Davidic kingdom, and this was not seriously questioned by anyone until the Protestant reformation 1,500 years later after Peter’s investiture. Matt. 16:19 - whatever Peter binds or looses on earth is bound or loosed in heaven / when the Prime Minister to the King opens, no one shuts. This "binding and loosing" authority allows the keeper of the keys to establish "halakah," or rules of conduct for the members of the kingdom he serves. Peter's "keys" fit into the "gates" of Hades which also represent Peter’s pastoral authority over souls. Matt. 23:2-4 - the "binding and loosing" terminology used by Jesus was understood by the Jewish people. For example, Jesus said that the Pharisees "bind" heavy burdens but won't move ("loose") them with their fingers. Peter and the apostles have the new binding and loosing authority over the Church of the New Covenant. Matt. 13:24-52 -Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to a field, a mustard seed, leaven, and a net demonstrate that the kingdom Jesus is talking about is the universal Church on earth, not the eternal state of glory. Therefore, the keys to the "kingdom of heaven" refers to the authority over the earthly Church. Matt. 25:1-2 - Jesus comparing the kingdom of heaven to ten maidens, five of whom were foolish, further shows that the kingdom is the Church on earth. This kingdom cannot refer to the heavenly kingdom because there are no fools in heaven! Mark 4:26-32 - again, the "kingdom of God" is like the seed which grows and develops. The heavenly kingdom is eternal, so the kingdom to which Peter holds the keys of authority is the earthly Church. Luke 9:27 - Jesus says that there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the "kingdom of God." This kingdom refers to the earthly kingdom of Christ, which Jesus established by His death and resurrection on earth. Luke 13:19-20 - again, Jesus says the kingdom of God is like a mustard seed which grew into a tree. This refers to the earthly Church which develops over time, from an acorn to an oak tree (not the heavenly state of glory which is boundless and infinite). Matt 12:28; Mark 1:15; Luke 11:20; 17:21 - these verses provide more examples of the " kingdom of God" as the kingdom on earth which is in our midst. 1 Chron. 28:5 - Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord. This shows that the "kingdom of God" usually means an earthly kingdom. 1 Chron. 29:23 - Solomon sits on the throne of the Lord as king in place of King David. The throne of God refers to the earthly kingdom. Matt. 16:19 - Peter holds keys to this new Davidic kingdom and rules while the real King of David (Jesus) is in heaven. Luke 12:41-42 - when Peter asks Jesus if the parable of the master and the kingdom was meant just for the apostles or for all people, Jesus rhetorically confirms to Peter that Peter is the chief steward over the Master's household of God. "Who then, (Peter) is that faithful and wise steward whom his master will make ruler over His household..?" Ezek. 37:24-25 - David shall be king over them forever and they will have one shepherd. Jesus is our King, and Peter is our earthly shepherd. Peter's Keys and Papal Succession Jer. 33:17 - Jeremiah prophesies that David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the earthly House of Israel. Either this is a false prophecy, or David has a successor of representatives throughout history. Dan. 2:44 - Daniel prophesies an earthly kingdom that will never be destroyed. Either this is a false prophecy, or the earthly kingdom requires succession. Isa. 22:20 - in the old Davidic kingdom, Eliakim succeeds Shebna as the chief steward of the household of God. The kingdom employs a mechanism of dynastic succession. King David was dead for centuries, but his kingdom is preserved through a succession of representatives. Isa. 22:19 - Shebna is described as having an "office" and a "station." An office, in order for it to be an office, has successors. In order for an earthly kingdom to last, a succession of representatives is required. This was the case in the Old Covenant kingdom, and it is the case in the New Covenant kingdom which fulfills the Old Covenant. Jesus our King is in heaven, but He has appointed a chief steward over His household with a plan for a succession of representatives. Isa. 22:21 - Eliakim is called “father” or “papa” of God's people. The word Pope used by Catholics to describe the chief steward of the earthly kingdom simply means papa or father in Italian. This is why Catholics call the leader of the Church "Pope." The Pope is the father of God's people, the chief steward of the earthly kingdom and Christ's representative on earth. Isa. 22:22 - we see that the keys of the kingdom pass from Shebna to Eliakim. Thus, the keys are used not only as a symbol of authority, but also to facilitate succession. The keys of Christ's kingdom have passed from Peter to Linus all the way to our current Pope with an unbroken lineage for almost 2,000 years. Acts 1:20 - we see in the early Church that successors are immediately chosen for the apostles' offices. Just as the Church replaced Judas, it also replaced Peter with a successor after Peter's death. John 21:15-17; Luke 22:31-32 - Jesus' creation of Peter's office as chief shepherd with the keys passed to Linus, Cletus, Clement I, all the way to our current Holy Father. Matt. 23:2 - this shows that the Jews understood the importance of succession to the chair and its attendant authority. Here, Jesus respects Moses' seat ("cathedra") of authority which was preserved by succession. In the Church, Peter's seat is called the "cathedra," and when Peter's successor speaks officially on a matter of faith or morals, it may rise to the level of an "ex cathedra" (from the chair) teaching. Eph. 3:21 - this divine word tells us that Jesus Christ's Church will exist in all generations. Only the Catholic Church can prove by succession such existence. Our Protestant brothers and sisters become uncomfortable with this passage because it requires them to look for a Church that has existed for over 2,000 years. This means that all the other Christian denominations (some of which have been around even less than one year!) cannot be the church that Christ built upon the rock of Peter. The Church is Infallible and Supernatural Isa. 35:8, 54:13-17 - this prophecy refers to the Church as the Holy Way where sons will be taught by God and they will not err. The Church has been given the gift of infallibility when teaching about faith and morals, where her sons are taught directly by God and will not err. This gift of infallibility means that the Church is prevented from teaching error by the power of the Holy Spirit (it does not mean that Church leaders do not sin!) Acts 9:2; 22:4; 24:14,22 - the early Church is identified as the "Way" prophesied in Isaiah 35:8 where fools will not err therein. Matt. 10:20; Luke 12:12 - Jesus tells His apostles it is not they who speak, but the Spirit of their Father speaking through them. If the Spirit is the one speaking and leading the Church, the Church cannot err on matters of faith and morals. Matt. 16:18 - Jesus promises the gates of Hades would never prevail against the Church. This requires that the Church teach infallibly. If the Church did not have the gift of infallibility, the gates of Hades and error would prevail. Also, since the Catholic Church was the only Church that existed up until the Reformation, those who follow the Protestant reformers call Christ a liar by saying that Hades did prevail. Matt. 16:19 - for Jesus to give Peter and the apostles, mere human beings, the authority to bind in heaven what they bound on earth requires infallibility. This is a gift of the Holy Spirit and has nothing to do with the holiness of the person receiving the gift. Matt. 18:17-18 - the Church (not Scripture) is the final authority on questions of the faith. This demands infallibility when teaching the faith. She must be prevented from teaching error in order to lead her members to the fullness of salvation. Matt. 28:20 - Jesus promises that He will be with the Church always. Jesus' presence in the Church assures infallible teaching on faith and morals. With Jesus present, we can never be deceived. Mark 8:33 - non-Catholics sometimes use this verse to down play Peter's authority. This does not make sense. In this verse, Jesus rebukes Peter to show the import of His Messianic role as the Savior of humanity. Moreover, at this point, Peter was not yet the Pope with the keys, and Jesus did not rebuke Peter for his teaching. Jesus rebuked Peter for his lack of understanding. Luke 10:16 - whoever hears you, hears me. Whoever rejects you, rejects me. Jesus is very clear that the bishops of the Church speak with Christ's infallible authority. Luke 22:32 - Jesus prays for Peter, that his faith may not fail. Jesus' prayer for Peter's faith is perfectly efficacious, and this allows Peter to teach the faith without error (which means infallibly). John 11:51-52 - some non-Catholics argue that sinners cannot have the power to teach infallibly. But in this verse, God allows Caiaphas to prophesy infallibly, even though he was evil and plotted Jesus' death. God allows sinners to teach infallibly, just as He allows sinners to become saints. As a loving Father, He exalts His children, and is bound by His own justice to give His children a mechanism to know truth from error. 1 & 2 Peter - for example, Peter denied Christ, he was rebuked by his greatest bishop (Paul), and yet he wrote two infallible encyclicals. Further, if Peter could teach infallibly by writing, why could he not also teach infallibly by preaching? And why couldn't his successors so teach as well? Gen. to Deut.; Psalms; Paul - Moses and maybe Paul were murderers and David was an adulterer and murderer, but they also wrote infallibly. God uses us sinful human beings because when they respond to His grace and change their lives, we give God greater glory and His presence is made more manifest in our sinful world. John 14:16 - Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit would be with the Church forever. The Spirit prevents the teaching of error on faith and morals. It is guaranteed because the guarantee comes from God Himself who cannot lie. John 14:26 - Jesus promises that the Holy Spirit would teach the Church (the apostles and successors) all things regarding the faith. This means that the Church can teach us the right moral positions on such things as in vitro fertilization, cloning and other issues that are not addressed in the Bible. After all, these issues of morality are necessary for our salvation, and God would not leave such important issues to be decided by us sinners without His divine assistance. John 16:12 - Jesus had many things to say but the apostles couldn't bear them at that point. This demonstrates that the Church's infallible doctrine develops over time. All public Revelation was completed with the death of the last apostle, but the doctrine of God's Revelation develops as our minds and hearts are able to welcome and understand it. God teaches His children only as much as they can bear, for their own good. John 16:13 - Jesus promises that the Spirit will "guide" the Church into all truth. Our knowledge of the truth develops as the Spirit guides the Church, and this happens over time. 1 Cor. 2:13 – Paul explains that what the ministers teach is taught, not by human wisdom, but by the Spirit. The ministers are led to interpret and understand the spiritual truths God gives them over time. Eph. 4:13,15 – Paul indicates that attaining to the unity of the faith and the knowledge of the Son of God to mature manhood is a process. We are to grow up in every way into Christ. Doctrine (which means “teaching”) develops as we understand God’s Revelation. Acts 15:27-28 - the apostles know that their teaching is being guided by the Holy Spirit. He protects the Church from deception. Gal. 2:11-14 - non-Catholics sometimes use this verse to diminish Peter's evident authority over the Church. This is misguided. In this verse, Paul does not oppose Peter's teaching, but his failure to live by it. Infallibility (teaching without error) does not mean impeccability (living without sinning). Peter was the one who taught infallibly on the Gentile's salvation in Acts 10,11. With this rebuke, Paul is really saying "Peter, you are our leader, you teach infallibly, and yet your conduct is inconsistent with these facts. You of all people!" The verse really underscores, and not diminishes, the importance of Peter's leadership in the Church. Eph. 3:10 - the wisdom of God is known, even to the intellectually superior angels, through the Church (not the Scriptures). This is an incredible verse, for it tells us that God's infinite wisdom comes to us through the Church. For that to happen, the Church must be protected from teaching error on faith and morals (or she wouldn't be endowed with the wisdom of God). Eph. 3:9 - this, in fact, is a mystery hidden for all ages - that God manifests His wisdom through one infallible Church for all people. Eph. 3:20 - God's glory is manifested in the Church by the power of the Spirit that works within the Church's leaders. As a Father, God exalts His children to roles of leadership within the body of Christ. Eph. 5:23-27, Col. 1:18 - Christ is the head of the Church, His Bride, for which He died to make it Holy and without blemish. There is only one Church, just as Christ only has one Bride. Eph. 5:32- Paul calls the Church a "mystery." This means that the significance of the Church as the kingdom of God in our midst cannot be understood by reason alone. Understanding the Church also requires faith. "Church" does not mean a building of believers. That is not a mystery. Non-Catholics often view church as mere community, but not the supernatural mystery of Christ physically present among us. 1 Thess. 5:21 - Paul commands us to test everything. But we must have something against which to test. This requires one infallible guide that is available to us, and this guide is the Catholic Church, whose teachings on faith and morals have never changed. 1 Tim. 3:15 - Paul says the apostolic Church (not Scripture) is the pillar and foundation of the truth. But for the Church to be the pinnacle and foundation of truth, she must be protected from teaching error, or infallible. She also must be the Catholic Church, whose teachings on faith and morals have not changed for 2,000 years. God loves us so much that He gave us a Church that infallibly teaches the truth so that we have the fullness of the means of salvation in His only begotten Son. 1 John 4:6 – John writes that whoever knows God “listens to us” (the bishops and successors to the apostles). Then John writes “This is the way we discern truth and error. John does not say “reading the Bible is the way we discern truth and error.” But if listening to mere human beings helps us discern truth and error, God would have had to endow his chosen leaders with the special gift of infallibility, so that they would be prevented from teaching error. Matt. to Rev. - we must also note that not all Christian doctrines are explicit in Scripture (for example, the dogma of the Blessed Trinity). However, infallibility is strongly inferred from the foregoing passages. Non-Catholic Christians should ask themselves why they accept the Church's teaching on the three persons of the Trinity, the two natures of Christ in one divine person, and the New Testament canon of Scripture (all defined by the Catholic Church), but not other teachings regarding the Eucharist, Mary, the saints, and purgatory? The Church is Visible and One Matt. 5:14 - Jesus says a city set on a hill cannot be hidden, and this is in reference to the Church. The Church is not an invisible, ethereal, atmospheric presence, but a single, visible and universal body through the Eucharist. The Church is an extension of the Incarnation. Matt. 12:25; Mark 3:25; Luke 11:17 - Jesus says a kingdom divided against itself is laid waste and will not stand. This describes Protestantism and the many thousands of denominations that continue to multiply each year. Matt. 16:18 - Jesus says, "I will build my 'Church' (not churches)." There is only one Church built upon one Rock with one teaching authority, not many different denominations, built upon various pastoral opinions and suggestions. Matt. 16:19; 18:18 - Jesus gave the apostles binding and loosing authority. But this authority requires a visible Church because "binding and loosing" are visible acts. The Church cannot be invisible, or it cannot bind and loose. John 10:16 - Jesus says there must only be one flock and one shepherd. This cannot mean many denominations and many pastors, all teaching different doctrines. Those outside the fold must be brought into the Church. John 17:11,21,23 - Jesus prays that His followers may be perfectly one as He is one with the Father. Jesus' oneness with the Father is perfect. It can never be less. Thus, the oneness Jesus prays for cannot mean the varied divisions of Christianity that have resulted since the Protestant reformation. There is perfect oneness only in the Catholic Church. John 17:9-26 - Jesus' prayer, of course, is perfectly effective, as evidenced by the miraculous unity of the Catholic Church during her 2,000 year history. John 17:21 - Jesus states that the visible unity of the Church would be a sign that He was sent by God. This is an extremely important verse. Jesus tells us that the unity of the Church is what bears witness to Him and the reality of who He is and what He came to do for us. There is only one Church that is universally united, and that is the Catholic Church. Only the unity of the Catholic Church truly bears witness to the reality that Jesus Christ was sent by the Father. Rom. 15:5 - Paul says that we as Christians must live in harmony with one another. But this can only happen if there is one Church with one body of faith. This can only happen by the charity of the Holy Spirit who dwells within the Church. Rom. 16:17 - Paul warns us to avoid those who create dissensions and difficulties. This includes those who break away from the Church and create one denomination after another. We need to avoid their teaching, and bring them back into the one fold of Christ. 1 Cor. 1:10- Paul prays for no dissensions and disagreements among Christians, being of the same mind and the same judgment. How can Protestant pastors say that they are all of the same mind and the same judgment on matters of faith and morals? Eph. 1:22-23; 5:23-32; Col. 1:18,24 - again, the Church does not mean "invisible" unity, because Paul called it the body (not the soul) of Christ. Bodies are visible, and souls are invisible. Eph. 4:11-14 - God gives members of the Church various gifts in order to attain to the unity of the faith. This unity is only found in the Catholic Church. Eph. 4:3-5 - we are of one body, one Spirit, one faith and one baptism. This requires doctrinal unity, not 30,000 different denominations. Eph. 5:25 - the Church is the Bride of Christ. Jesus has only one Bride, not many. Eph. 5:30; Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 6:15 - we, as Christians, are one visible body in Christ, not many bodies, many denominations. Phil. 1:27 - Paul commands that we stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the Gospel. Phil. 2:2 - Paul prays that Christians be of the same mind, of one accord. Yet there are 30,000 different "Protest"ant denominations? Col. 1:18 - Christ is the Head of the one body, the Church. He is not the Head of many bodies or many sects. 1 Tim. 6:4 - Paul warns about those who seek controversy and disputes about words. There must be a universal authority to appeal to who can trace its authority back to Christ. 2 Tim. 2:14 - do not dispute about words which only ruin the hearers. Two-thousand years of doctrinal unity is a sign of Christ's Church. 2 Tim. 4:3 - this is a warning on following our own desires and not the teachings of God. It is not a cafeteria where we pick and choose. We must humble ourselves and accept all of Christ's teachings which He gives us through His Church. Rev. 7:9 - the heavenly kingdom is filled with those from every nation and from all tribes, peoples and tongues. This is "catholic," which means universal. 1 Peter 3:8 - Peter charges us to have unity of spirit. This is impossible unless there is a central teaching authority given to us by God. Gen. 12:2-3 - since Abram God said all the families of the earth shall be blessed. This family unity is fulfilled only in the Catholic Church. Dan. 7:14 - Daniel prophesies that all peoples, nations and languages shall serve His kingdom. Again, this catholicity is only found in the Catholic Church. 1 Cor. 14:33 - God cannot be the author of the Protestant confusion. Only the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church claims and proves to be Christ's Church. The Church is Hierarchical Matt. 16:18; 18:18 - Jesus uses the word "ecclesia" only twice in the New Testament Scriptures, which demonstrates that Jesus intended a visible, unified, hierarchical, and authoritative Church. Acts 20:17,28 - Paul refers to both the elders or priests ("presbyteroi") and the bishops ("episkopoi") of the Church. Both are ordained leaders within the hierarchical structure of the Church. 1 Cor. 12:28 - God Himself appoints the various positions of authority within the Church. As a loving Father, God gives His children the freedom and authority to act with charity and justice to bring about His work of salvation. Eph. 4:11 - the Church is hierarchical and includes apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers, all charged to build up the Church. The Church is not an invisible entity with an invisible foundation. Phil. 1:1 - Paul addresses the bishops and deacons of the Church. They can all trace their unbroken lineage back to the apostles. 1 Tim. 3:1; Titus 1:7 - Christ's Church has bishops ("episkopoi") who are direct successors of the apostles. The bishops can trace the authority conferred upon them back to the apostles. 1 Tim. 5:17; Titus 1:5; James 5:14 - Christ's Church also has elders or priests ("presbyteroi") who serve the bishops. 1 Tim. 3:8 - Christ's Church also has deacons ("diakonoi"). Thus, Jesus Christ's Church has a hierarchy of authority - bishops, priests and deacons, who can all trace their lineage back to Peter and the apostles. Exodus 28:1 and 19:6 – shows the three offices of the Old Testament priesthood (1). high priest – Aaron (Ex. 28:1); (2). Ministerial priests – Aaron’s sons (Ex. 19:6; 28:1); and (3). Universal priests – Israel (Ex. 19:6). The New Testament priesthood also has three offices: (1) High Priest – Jesus Christ (Heb. 3:1); (2) Ministerial priests – the ordained bishops and priests (Rom. 15:16; 1 Tim. 3:1,8; 5:17; Titus 1:7); and (3) Universal priests - all the baptized (1 Pet. 2:5,9; Rev. 1:6). It might help you to learn Catholic Dogma, you know - before you try bashing it.

By: tall_dru

tall_dru — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

Yes, there are a lot of principles of the Catholic Church that I disagree with. Praying to Mary is useless. She was a human being chosen by God to bear the Christ. We must only pray to God and Christ, not Mary. Also, some rituals are worthless unless they mean something to you. And a person can not get to heaven doing good things and participation in the sacraments! Acts 16:31 says believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved! Furthermore, Ephesians 2:8,9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, not you, is a gift from God that no one can boast. Priests can not forgive sins! Mary is not a mediator! This is tradition and not found anywhere in the real Bible. Being a good person can not get into heaven. You must have faith in Christ and follow Him. If no pope is not in the sky. Although he is the Pope, he is human like everyone else and has to rely on Christ to be in heaven. If the Pope did, then he is in heaven.

By: mark m

mark m — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

noooooooooope

By: PaulCyp

PaulCyp — Fri, 08 May 2009 15:13:14 +0000

"Now the Spirit speaks expressly, that in recent times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons"
Wow! What a powerful description of the religious faith! The Catholic Church, however, no names. Teaches what is taught in apostolic times. However, Protestantism does not appear until "recently". This is a modern tradition of men, which is characterized by doctrinal chaos. Christ indicated his intention to "all are one." Are Catholic. Protestants are not.
"Forbiding to marry"
In fact the Catholic Church holds marriage in high esteem, like the prohibition of divorce gives the Bible. Many churches Protesatant apparently think nothing of divorce, allowing free like the world does.
"and the command to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with gratitude those who believe and know the truth."
If you read the Bible you know that Jesus fully agree with fasting. Whenever the Apostles fasted and prayed before making important decisions, and Christ himself fasted for forty days. Do you suppose that he had not read the Bible? Oh wait! The Bible did not exist yet. The Catholic Church does not produce the Bible for another 350 years.
"No Mary, who is dead and food for the worms'
If you read the Bible that Christ said that those who follow it "never die." Are you calling him a liar?
"Priests do have the power to forgive sins?"
Jesus told the first priests of his Church, "whose sins you forgive, they are forgiven them." Fairly simple!
"and call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father which is in heaven"
Gee, maybe the apostles did not read the Bible, either, for Paul said "I became your father in preaching the word to you," and said that Peter is the father of Mark, because Mark catechized. Indeed, the next line of scripture that says "call no man your teacher." Have a teacher of the Word in your church?
"Mary is a mediator on behalf hands?"
No is no. She is just an advocate, as are all living Christians. If you read your Bible to know that there is only one mediator, and that the work of mediation was completed on the cross.