Hi to my Forum Friends,
In a discussion begun by a Roman Catholic Friend, titled "Originally Posted By" -- he is still attempting to sell his belief in Purgatory and praying for the dead as being Biblical. And, I continue to tell him that these traditions are found only in the Apocrypha -- and not in any of the 66 books of the Bible.
When he keeps copy/pasting his own post, over and over, declaring Purgatory and prayer for the dead to be Biblical -- instead of responding to serious questions regarding that post, I suggest that he is attempting to keep, "throwing it against the wall, hoping that something will stick."
He responds, "It's not about 'sticking on the wall.' Your opinion is not of any importance on the matter, really, because you are not (Roman) Catholic and clearly do not understand."
Of course, we all know that the phrase, "Throw it against the wall and see if it sticks" -- is a way of saying, "Bring it before the group, let's discuss it, and see if what you say or believe has any merit."
But, my Friend tells me, "Your opinion is not of any importance on the matter. . ."
This tells me that he is not interested in the truth -- that he will believe only what he has been told to believe by his Roman Catholic superiors. Okay. But, that is not how I fly! And, that is why I learn more in Bible Studies and Sunday School Classes -- than in a sermon. In the Bible Studies and Sunday School classes -- we can raise questions, make comments, discuss issues, etc. -- while in a sermon, Protestant or Roman Catholic, all one can do is to sit and listen, like a sponge.
We have a fantastic Wednesday Bible Study in my neighborhood. I wish some of you were here so that you could join in with us. Week before last, we were discussing John 13 and I mentioned that, although Jesus' washing the feet of His apostles showed His true humility -- Jesus was not meek. And, of course, a good discussion ensued.
But, the really funny thing about this, the ironic part -- is that when I went home from that Bible Study and checked my mail, my September 2012 issue of The Berean Call newsletter had arrived. When I opened it, the lead article is titled "Jesus Gets Tough" (http://www.thebereancall.org/c...-gets-tough-part-one) which opens with:
When writing or even thinking about the biblical Jesus, problems may arise. One of them occurs when we focus on just one of His attributes and lose sight of His many others. This can give us a distorted view of our Lord and Savior. It’s also possible for us to not even consider a particular attribute of His, which likewise can distort our true understanding of His character as revealed in Scripture. All of Christ’s attributes are related, and, of course, they are all perfect in every way. Moreover, Jesus is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). He doesn’t change. So, what's with this title -- "Jesus Gets Tough”?
Well, the title has to do primarily with our reaction when we read that Jesus acted or said something in a way that may startle us. We're surprised because we may not have considered that particular characteristic of our Lord, although it is clearly presented in Scripture.
My point in all of this, is that studying the Bible, discussing the Bible, even with those with whom you disagree -- can help all of us grow and mature in our knowledge of God's Word and its eternal message of salvation for each of us.
And, this is why every Christian should have his/her own personal Bible in hand when attending a worship service (or mass), Bible study (or catechism), or whatever your church may call the studies. Acts 17:11 tells us to test what we are being taught, by anyone -- against Scripture. How can one test against Scripture -- if one does not have a Bible in hand?
Next, my Friend tells me, "First, we don't 'take' a Missal to church. In the pews are books with the Scripture readings and hymns. That's all. As far as it being a distraction to read the Bible? I didn't say that at all. What I said was, we are at the service to LISTEN."
I have been a Christian believer in Baptist churches for about 25 years. I attended the Roman Catholic church for about 20 years before that. So, I guess I do have somewhat of a balanced view of both. Maybe today Roman Catholics do not take Missals to mass; although I would bet if you open the purses of the women -- or look in the pockets of the men -- you will find small Missals there. In my day, we did take our Missals to mass. Matter of fact, I still have two of them and a rosary. I keep them to remind me to thank God that I am now a "saved and sealed" Christian believer.
So, if today, the Roman Catholic church provides Missals, or whatever you call it now, in the pews -- that is good. But, still, how do you test the teachings (Acts 17:11) of the teacher against Scripture, if you do not have a Bible with you?
But, my Friend, you do tell me, "What I said was, we are at the service to LISTEN."
So, you go to mass to sit there and be a "spiritual Sponge Bob." Is that what you are saying? Do not question nor test what the priest says -- just absorb it and believe it? Let me refer you back to Acts 17:11 once again.
But, my Friend, if you, and our other Roman Catholic Friends, are happy in the Roman Catholic church -- I am happy for you. My only prayer for all of you will be that you have received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior -- and that you have found your salvation, your eternal life, through Him and not through the Pope, a priest, or a church organization.
God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,
Bill
