sorry all, I guess I got a little defensive. Just Roman catholics are given such a bad name. No, there is nothing wrong with dw posting. But bep you're wrong, Bible isn't talking about the catholic church. Bible says Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
Hello David: I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus
I too was once a devout,and adamant catholic. I was an alterboy for 12 years,
I mowed the church ,pastorage, and cemetery grass, went to a catholic high school,
and revolved my life around my "church"
I even broke off an engaement and entered their cemetery, oops I meant seminary.
I was going to be a priest, and serve my church.
When I got there I was told that all of a sudden I could read the bible and understand it now-Wow what a miracle to be able to speak to God all of a sudden!
That was the beginning of the end for me, because I did begin to read the bible,
in fact: I began to study the scriptures fervently, and I began to find discrepancies
between what my "church" taught, and what the bible said.
Bible says Matthew 16:18
And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.
You quote a verse that the RCC uses often, but it is taken out of context, and is
missing meaning due to the difference in languages.
The Greek makes it plain that the "This Rock" that Jesus refered to was himself
and not Peter. The book of Acts shows us that Peter was a married man, and that
"gasp" he made mistakes concerning spiritual matters. Paul had to confront him
and point out his error.
The RCC teaches that "the faith of the one and only true church" is based upon:
1)tradition
Mar 7:7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Mar 7:8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
Mar 7:9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
2)the teachings of the vatican
I refer you to the above verses again
Rev 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
Rev 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
3)the scriptures
I find it amazing that what God had to say rates a distant 3'rd.
2Ti 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2Ti 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Please understand that I do not hate catholics, quite the opposite is true. I have
an agape love for them, and pray daily for them. It is not the people that I have a
problem with, but the heirary of personel that wish to maintaining a dominance
over people who sincerely wish to learn about our savior.
We were not made by God to be ruled over by man:
Rev 4:11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
We were made to worship and praise our lord, by our life and our life style, not
"earn our way into heaven" by our actions.
All those who I know that truely come to know Jesus not only as lord and savior,
but as their best friend, leave the RCC and join a bible believing church.
If this offends you I am sorry, but I do not appologize for telling you the truth that
can set you free in Jesus.
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
All bible teachers that I know, and trust, teach that the RCC is the mother harlot
spoken of in the book of Rev. I beg you to search the scriptures, and ask the
Lord to show you(with an open mind and heart) if what I have said is true.
respectfully and prayerfully your servant in Jesus
ravenloche (Rev.Joseph Barnhouse Sr.)