The Immaculate Conception is about the conception of the Virgin Mary not of Jesus.
In Genesis 3:15 God tells of the offspring to come and that God will put enmity between Mary and Satan and between Her seed and his. Blocking the stain of original sin.
Now on the simpler side of this, the bible tells us that nothing good can come from sin so if the Blessed Virgin Mary had the stain of original then Jesus would have come from sin and would not be good.
So a decision has to be made, either the Virgin Mary was without sin and Jesus is good or Jesus came from sin and Jesus is not good?
Well, unless someone can show the scripture that states good can come from sin?
If Christians can believe that God created the Universe, Raised up from the dead, healed the sick, and gave sight to the blind are they doubting he can make 1 woman be born without original sin?
Matthew 14:31 And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
MYTH #19 Catholics try to work their way to heaven
Catholics believe what is stated in Ephesians 2:8-12, we are saved by Grace alone "through" faith, we also believe that Faith without words is dead (James 2:24)
The bible isnt "either or" it is "and and with".
The bible talks about good works and that they are apart of having and living your faith.
Also anywhere in the bible were it discusses judgment it mentions our judgment will be based on our works and what we have done.
Matthew 5:16
So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
John 10:32
Jesus answered them: Many good works I have shewed you from my Father; for which of these works do you stone me?
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them.
1 Timothy 2:10
But as it becometh women professing godliness, with good works.
1 Timothy 6:18
To do good, to be rich in good works, to give easily, to communicate to others,
Revelations 22:12 Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to his works.
The bible isnt "either or" it is "and and with".
The bible talks about good works and that they are apart of having and living your faith.
Also anywhere in the bible were it discusses judgment it mentions our judgment will be based on our works and what we have done.
Matthew 5:16
So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
John 10:32
Jesus answered them: Many good works I have shewed you from my Father; for which of these works do you stone me?
Ephesians 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus in good works, which God hath prepared that we should walk in them.
1 Timothy 2:10
But as it becometh women professing godliness, with good works.
1 Timothy 6:18
To do good, to be rich in good works, to give easily, to communicate to others,
Revelations 22:12 Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to every man according to his works.
MYTH #18 The Pope is/was a Nazi
Pope Benedict the XVI (Joseph Ratzinger) was required to join the Nazi youth as all German males were. It was join or jail. Exacly like the selective service requirements in the United States. On a mans 18th birthday in the United States they must sign up for the selective service or face up to 3 years in jail.
The story behind Joseph Ratzinger's vocation
The story behind Joseph Ratzinger's vocation
Saturday, June 25, 2011
MYTH #17 Mary is NOT the Mother of God
Yes Mary is the mother of God.
Luke 1:43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
In the same way that your mother gave birth to you as a complete person, body soul and spirit.
Jesus was 100% human and 100% God, When he was born he was both and the Blessed Virgin bore him as a child.
Does this mean that she gave birth to his divinity as God? No. No more than your mother created your soul but she is still your mother.
In the way a wine bottle holds wine. The bottle didnt make the wine but even without the wine inside it is still considered a wine bottle.
No one says the bottle only carried the grapes and not the wine.
Luke 1:43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
In the same way that your mother gave birth to you as a complete person, body soul and spirit.
Jesus was 100% human and 100% God, When he was born he was both and the Blessed Virgin bore him as a child.
Does this mean that she gave birth to his divinity as God? No. No more than your mother created your soul but she is still your mother.
In the way a wine bottle holds wine. The bottle didnt make the wine but even without the wine inside it is still considered a wine bottle.
No one says the bottle only carried the grapes and not the wine.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
MYTH #16 Catholics are Idol worshipers and worship statues.
Catholics Worship God alone.
When someone in your family is not among the living you toss them in a hole or bury them with a grave marker so you know who they are maybe a picture so you remember them? Statues are used the same way. They are not worshiped.
God doesnt say we cant have statues, in fact he commanded some be built.
Exodus 25:18
Thou shalt make also two cherubims of beaten gold, on the two sides of the oracle.
Numbers 21:9
Moses therefore made a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: which when they that were bitten looked upon, they were healed.
Solomon had Statues in the Temple
1Kings 7:[27] And he made ten bases of brass, every base was four cubits in length, and four cubits in breadth, and three cubits high. [28] And the work itself of the bases, was intergraven: and there were gravings between the joinings. [29] And between the little crowns and the ledges were lions, and oxen, and cherubims: and in the joinings likewise above: and under the lions and oxen, as it were bands of brass hanging down.
God approved of the Temple, statues and all
1Kings 9:[3] And the Lord said to him: I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, which thou hast made before me: I have sanctified this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever, and my eyes and my heart shall be there always.
When someone in your family is not among the living you toss them in a hole or bury them with a grave marker so you know who they are maybe a picture so you remember them? Statues are used the same way. They are not worshiped.
God doesnt say we cant have statues, in fact he commanded some be built.
Exodus 25:18
Thou shalt make also two cherubims of beaten gold, on the two sides of the oracle.
Numbers 21:9
Moses therefore made a brazen serpent, and set it up for a sign: which when they that were bitten looked upon, they were healed.
Solomon had Statues in the Temple
1Kings 7:[27] And he made ten bases of brass, every base was four cubits in length, and four cubits in breadth, and three cubits high. [28] And the work itself of the bases, was intergraven: and there were gravings between the joinings. [29] And between the little crowns and the ledges were lions, and oxen, and cherubims: and in the joinings likewise above: and under the lions and oxen, as it were bands of brass hanging down.
God approved of the Temple, statues and all
1Kings 9:[3] And the Lord said to him: I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, which thou hast made before me: I have sanctified this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever, and my eyes and my heart shall be there always.
MYTH #15 The Eucharist (communion) is only Symbolic, it is not really Jesus in the host.
In John 6:35-end Jesus is speaking very litterally, so much so in John 6:66 he even lets some of his disciples just walk away, asking if what he said "Does this shock you?"
In fact St. Paul says that you can die if you approach the bread and the cup in an unworthy manner.
In 1Corinthians 11:27-29 states that if you approach the bread and the cup in an unworthy manner you become guilty of Christs death and could being death to yourself.
1Corinthians 11:27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup.29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
So if the Eucharist is only a symbol how does a symbol have power to pronounce judgment and condemnation for disrespecting a piece of bread and a chalice of wine?
Based on this it would seem that those who believe the Eucharist is only a symobol may be worshiping a false god.
I know in Greek and Roman Mythology this occurs but as Christians we are bound to the 10 commandments of having no God other than God.
The only way 1Corinthians 11:27-29 make sense is if the bread and the wine are truly Christ.
In addition is there a single verse that states the Eucharist is only a symbol.
In fact St. Paul says that you can die if you approach the bread and the cup in an unworthy manner.
In 1Corinthians 11:27-29 states that if you approach the bread and the cup in an unworthy manner you become guilty of Christs death and could being death to yourself.
1Corinthians 11:27 Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will have to answer for the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A person should examine himself, and so eat the bread and drink the cup.29 For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body, eats and drinks judgment on himself.
So if the Eucharist is only a symbol how does a symbol have power to pronounce judgment and condemnation for disrespecting a piece of bread and a chalice of wine?
Based on this it would seem that those who believe the Eucharist is only a symobol may be worshiping a false god.
I know in Greek and Roman Mythology this occurs but as Christians we are bound to the 10 commandments of having no God other than God.
The only way 1Corinthians 11:27-29 make sense is if the bread and the wine are truly Christ.
In addition is there a single verse that states the Eucharist is only a symbol.
MYTH #14 Catholics are cannibals
Christians have never believed The Eucharist was symbolic.
Christians have always known the Eucharist to be the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ himself.
Here we see that when Jesus appeared to his disciples they only recognized him through the breaking of the bread.
~~~~"he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him"
Luke 24:29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. 31 With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.
~~~~The short version is Jesus the "Lamb" of God and therefore as a Lamb consuming his body and blood is not cannibalism.
He was also the "Lamb" for the passover meal. Ever notice at the last supper they never mention the passover lamb? That's because it is Jesus, he is the lamb.
John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
~~~~The longer story, Jesus is the "Prefect" sacrifice. He is the Victim, The Priest and God. As the Victim he is the "Lamb". As the Priest he is making an atonement for our sins to God and as God he has mercy on us and forgives us.
In the Old Testament and the New, the wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So if you sinned you had to bring an unblemished lamb to the Priest and the lamb would die in your place (this is also where confession to a Priest comes from).
Leviticus 6:6 "Then he shall bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your valuation, for a guilt offering,
Leviticus 6:7 and the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for any one of the things which he may have done to incur guilt."
Leviticus 6:18 'Every male among the sons of Aaron may eat it; it is a permanent ordinance throughout your generations, from the offerings by fire to the LORD. Whoever touches them will become consecrated.'"
~~~~Now, for the passover lamb. Jewish tradition (Jesus was a Jew) the sacrificial lamb that was prepared for the passover meal was to be consumed completely by all who were present at one sitting.
Exodus 12:46 "It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, nor are you to break any bone of it.
NOTE: Two important facts in the scripture.
1) "It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house" -- This is why we consume the Eucharist at Mass and we are not permitted to take it outside the Church (Except for the Sick).
2)"nor are you to break any bone of it" and notice -- John 19:33 but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.
The tradition of sharing the Lamb is that if you and I were sitting there sharing the lamb we are bonded by it because you and I have the same lamb in us. So just like Jesus says in John 6:
John 6:56 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
Christians have always known the Eucharist to be the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ himself.
Here we see that when Jesus appeared to his disciples they only recognized him through the breaking of the bread.
~~~~"he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him"
Luke 24:29 But they urged him, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening and the day is almost over.” So he went in to stay with them. 30 And it happened that, while he was with them at table, he took bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them. 31 With that their eyes were opened and they recognized him, but he vanished from their sight.
~~~~The short version is Jesus the "Lamb" of God and therefore as a Lamb consuming his body and blood is not cannibalism.
He was also the "Lamb" for the passover meal. Ever notice at the last supper they never mention the passover lamb? That's because it is Jesus, he is the lamb.
John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming to him and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
~~~~The longer story, Jesus is the "Prefect" sacrifice. He is the Victim, The Priest and God. As the Victim he is the "Lamb". As the Priest he is making an atonement for our sins to God and as God he has mercy on us and forgives us.
In the Old Testament and the New, the wages of sin is death.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
So if you sinned you had to bring an unblemished lamb to the Priest and the lamb would die in your place (this is also where confession to a Priest comes from).
Leviticus 6:6 "Then he shall bring to the priest his guilt offering to the LORD, a ram without defect from the flock, according to your valuation, for a guilt offering,
Leviticus 6:7 and the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for any one of the things which he may have done to incur guilt."
Leviticus 6:18 'Every male among the sons of Aaron may eat it; it is a permanent ordinance throughout your generations, from the offerings by fire to the LORD. Whoever touches them will become consecrated.'"
~~~~Now, for the passover lamb. Jewish tradition (Jesus was a Jew) the sacrificial lamb that was prepared for the passover meal was to be consumed completely by all who were present at one sitting.
Exodus 12:46 "It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house, nor are you to break any bone of it.
NOTE: Two important facts in the scripture.
1) "It is to be eaten in a single house; you are not to bring forth any of the flesh outside of the house" -- This is why we consume the Eucharist at Mass and we are not permitted to take it outside the Church (Except for the Sick).
2)"nor are you to break any bone of it" and notice -- John 19:33 but coming to Jesus, when they saw that He was already dead, they did not break His legs.
The tradition of sharing the Lamb is that if you and I were sitting there sharing the lamb we are bonded by it because you and I have the same lamb in us. So just like Jesus says in John 6:
John 6:56 "He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him.
MYTH #13 Catholics need to submerge not sprinkle when they baptize baptism isnt even required
Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved: but he that believeth not shall be condemned.
1Peter 3:20 Which had been some time incredulous, when they waited for the patience of God in the days of Noe, when the ark was a building: wherein a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water. 21 Whereunto baptism being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ezechiel 36:25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.
Acts 2:38 But Peter said to them: Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, invoking his name.
1Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
I can not find 1 verse that says you can be saved without being Baptized or that you must be submerged.
1Peter 3:20 Which had been some time incredulous, when they waited for the patience of God in the days of Noe, when the ark was a building: wherein a few, that is, eight souls, were saved by water. 21 Whereunto baptism being of the like form, now saveth you also: not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the examination of a good conscience towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ezechiel 36:25 "Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols.
26 "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.. 27 "I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you will be careful to observe My ordinances.
Acts 2:38 But Peter said to them: Do penance, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of your sins: and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Acts 22:16 And now why tarriest thou? Rise up, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, invoking his name.
1Corinthians 12:13 For in one Spirit were we all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Gentiles, whether bond or free; and in one Spirit we have all been made to drink.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
I can not find 1 verse that says you can be saved without being Baptized or that you must be submerged.
MYTH #12 Catholics are not Christian
This one truly puzzles me. Catholics are not only the 1st Christians but every Catholic is a born again Christian.
In accordance with scripture every Catholic has been baptized how Jesus and the Apostles instructed.
For information about if baptisim is required, full submersion or sprinkling see MYTH #13
In accordance with scripture every Catholic has been baptized how Jesus and the Apostles instructed.
For information about if baptisim is required, full submersion or sprinkling see MYTH #13
MYTH #11 Catholics keep Jesus on the Cross even though he has risen
Jesus wanted us to remember his sacifice. "Do this in memory of me" he says.
So why do Catholics have Jesus on the Cross? Well because that's what has been done from the start. It is even in the bible. We see in Galatians that there was a "public portrayal" of Jesus' crucifixion.
Galatians 3:1 O stupid Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
1Corinthians 15:12 But if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Corinthians 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised.
1Corinthians 1:23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
So why do Catholics have Jesus on the Cross? Well because that's what has been done from the start. It is even in the bible. We see in Galatians that there was a "public portrayal" of Jesus' crucifixion.
Galatians 3:1 O stupid Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
1Corinthians 15:12 But if Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how can some among you say there is no resurrection of the dead?
1Corinthians 15:13 If there is no resurrection of the dead, then neither has Christ been raised.
1Corinthians 1:23 but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
MYTH #10 Catholics pray to/worship Dead Saints, there is one mediator which is Jesus
Catholics worship God alone.
Prayer on the behalf of others is throughout the bible.
As Christians we are all co-heirs with Jesus and and part of his body we are all co-redeemers and co-mediators.
Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
1Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it
2Thess 2:14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
Acts 8:24 And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."
1Timothy 2:1 I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men:
****The Saints are Alive.****
Mark 12:27
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You therefore do greatly err.
The bible tells us the Prayer of a Righteous person does much. Who more Righteous than the Mother of God and the Saints?
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked: and he will hear the prayers of the just.
James 5:16
Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
Revelations 8:4 And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.
Prayer on the behalf of others is throughout the bible.
As Christians we are all co-heirs with Jesus and and part of his body we are all co-redeemers and co-mediators.
Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
1Corinthians 12:27 Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it
2Thess 2:14 He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ
Acts 8:24 And Simon answered, "Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me."
1Timothy 2:1 I desire therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all men:
****The Saints are Alive.****
Mark 12:27
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You therefore do greatly err.
The bible tells us the Prayer of a Righteous person does much. Who more Righteous than the Mother of God and the Saints?
Proverbs 15:29
The Lord is far from the wicked: and he will hear the prayers of the just.
James 5:16
Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
Revelations 8:4 And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.
MYTH #9 Catholics added books to the bible.
The Christian bible is the complete bible with all 73 books. The Protestant bible only has 66 because Martin Luther removed 7 of them.
The books Protestants will call the Apocrypha are actually called deuterocanonical books Tobit,Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 & 2 Maccabees. The Catholic bible also include chapters in the books of Esther and Daniel not found in the Protestant Bibles. They will say Catholics added them but they have always been in the Bible.
They can be found in the Greek Septuagint bible used by Jesus and the Apostles and the Codex Sinaiticus bible, the oldest surviving bible. http://codexsinaiticus.org/en/
The Greek Orthodox Church has had these books in their bibles since their split in 1054, 500 years before the council of Trent. They are also found in the dead sea scrolls from the 2nd century B.C. Kind of hard to say Catholics added them when they have been there all along.
Even the original king James 1611 Bible contained 73 books.
The only record of Hanukkah is in the deuterocanonical books of 1 and 2 Maccabees.
1Machabees 4:56 And they kept the dedication of the altar eight days, and they offered holocausts with joy, and sacrifices of salvation, and of praise. 57 And they adorned the front of the temple with crowns of gold, and escutcheons, and they renewed the gates, and the chambers, and hanged doors upon them. 58 And there was exceeding great joy among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away. 59 And Judas, and his brethren, and all the church of Israel decreed, that the day of the dedication of the altar should be kept in its season from year to year for eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu, with joy and gladness.
2Machabees 10:6
And they kept eight days with joy, after the manner of the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long before they had kept the feast of the tabernacles when they were in the mountains, and in dens like wild beast.
New American Bible Bible
Ok, well what I have established in my posting was that the books have always been considered scripture. So with that being said we then turn to 2Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"
A little history on the Protestant (Hebrew) Canon of the bible.
This canon was compiled at the Council of Jamnia in 90AD. At this time the Jews had been all but destroyed by the Romans and had no temple or religion (destroyed in 70AD).
The Christians were gaining a strong foothold and the Jews wanted a distinct canon separate from the Christian Canon which was the Greek Septuagint. The rules for inclusion in the Hebrew Canon was that the manuscripts had to be written in Hebrew and in Judea.
Well with the findings of the Dead Sea Scrolls we can see that these books were in-fact part of the original Old Testament before Jamnia.
Jesus quotes from the book Tobit:
Tobit 4:9 You will be storing up a goodly treasure for yourself against the day of adversity
Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
And the next verse also:
Tobit 4:11 Almsgiving is a worthy offering in the sight of the Most High for all who practice it.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
One of the most used verse Protestants cling to comes from the deuterocanonical book Sirach.
Romans 3:23 "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
That comes from the Book of Sirach 8:5 "Shame not a repentant sinner; remember, we all are guilty."
The deuterocanonical should not be confused with the true apocraphal books like the book of Thomas, Ponchus Pilot, etc.
The books Protestants will call the Apocrypha are actually called deuterocanonical books Tobit,Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch, 1 & 2 Maccabees. The Catholic bible also include chapters in the books of Esther and Daniel not found in the Protestant Bibles. They will say Catholics added them but they have always been in the Bible.
They can be found in the Greek Septuagint bible used by Jesus and the Apostles and the Codex Sinaiticus bible, the oldest surviving bible. http://codexsinaiticus.org/en/
The Greek Orthodox Church has had these books in their bibles since their split in 1054, 500 years before the council of Trent. They are also found in the dead sea scrolls from the 2nd century B.C. Kind of hard to say Catholics added them when they have been there all along.
Even the original king James 1611 Bible contained 73 books.
The only record of Hanukkah is in the deuterocanonical books of 1 and 2 Maccabees.
1Machabees 4:56 And they kept the dedication of the altar eight days, and they offered holocausts with joy, and sacrifices of salvation, and of praise. 57 And they adorned the front of the temple with crowns of gold, and escutcheons, and they renewed the gates, and the chambers, and hanged doors upon them. 58 And there was exceeding great joy among the people, and the reproach of the Gentiles was turned away. 59 And Judas, and his brethren, and all the church of Israel decreed, that the day of the dedication of the altar should be kept in its season from year to year for eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month of Casleu, with joy and gladness.
2Machabees 10:6
And they kept eight days with joy, after the manner of the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that not long before they had kept the feast of the tabernacles when they were in the mountains, and in dens like wild beast.
New American Bible Bible
Ok, well what I have established in my posting was that the books have always been considered scripture. So with that being said we then turn to 2Timothy 3:16 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,"
A little history on the Protestant (Hebrew) Canon of the bible.
This canon was compiled at the Council of Jamnia in 90AD. At this time the Jews had been all but destroyed by the Romans and had no temple or religion (destroyed in 70AD).
The Christians were gaining a strong foothold and the Jews wanted a distinct canon separate from the Christian Canon which was the Greek Septuagint. The rules for inclusion in the Hebrew Canon was that the manuscripts had to be written in Hebrew and in Judea.
Well with the findings of the Dead Sea Scrolls we can see that these books were in-fact part of the original Old Testament before Jamnia.
**Just a couple quotes by Jesus and St. Paul from the deuterocanonicals**
Jesus quotes from the book Tobit:
Tobit 4:9 You will be storing up a goodly treasure for yourself against the day of adversity
Matthew 6:20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.
And the next verse also:
Tobit 4:11 Almsgiving is a worthy offering in the sight of the Most High for all who practice it.
Matthew 5:16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
One of the most used verse Protestants cling to comes from the deuterocanonical book Sirach.
Romans 3:23 "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"
That comes from the Book of Sirach 8:5 "Shame not a repentant sinner; remember, we all are guilty."
The deuterocanonical should not be confused with the true apocraphal books like the book of Thomas, Ponchus Pilot, etc.
MYTH #8 The Rosary is not Biblical
The Rosary is very scriptural.
After we reaffirm our beliefs with the Apostles creed, we then open with the "Our Father" prayer, reflect on a part of the life of Christ, then scripture, then a petition to the Virgin Mary to pray for all sinners, the close with glorifying the Trinity.
So we Praise God, remember Jesus, recite scripture, ask for intercession, glorify the Trinity.
~~~Hail Mary, Full of Grace the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among women
Luke 1:28
And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
~~~and blessed is the fruit of thy womb (Jesus)
Luke 1:42
And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
~~~Holy Mary(Luke 1:28) Mother of God
Luke 1:43
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
~~~Pray for us Sinners now
2Corinthians 9:14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
James 5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
~~~and in the hour of our death.
Revelations 8:4 And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.
Amen!
Acts 1:14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with {the} women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
After we reaffirm our beliefs with the Apostles creed, we then open with the "Our Father" prayer, reflect on a part of the life of Christ, then scripture, then a petition to the Virgin Mary to pray for all sinners, the close with glorifying the Trinity.
So we Praise God, remember Jesus, recite scripture, ask for intercession, glorify the Trinity.
~~~Hail Mary, Full of Grace the Lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among women
Luke 1:28
And the angel being come in, said unto her: Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.
~~~and blessed is the fruit of thy womb (Jesus)
Luke 1:42
And she cried out with a loud voice, and said: Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.
~~~Holy Mary(Luke 1:28) Mother of God
Luke 1:43
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?
~~~Pray for us Sinners now
2Corinthians 9:14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
James 5:16 Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
~~~and in the hour of our death.
Revelations 8:4 And the smoke of the incense of the prayers of the saints ascended up before God from the hand of the angel.
Amen!
Acts 1:14 These all with one mind were continually devoting themselves to prayer, along with {the} women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
MYTH #7 Peter is not the first Pope he was not the leader of the Church.
We, as Catholics, are taught that St. Peter was the leader of the Christian Church, The Vicar of Christ (Christ's representative on earth). However some Non-Catholics says that St. Peter was just one of the Apostles and never the leader of the Church.
Well, let's check scripture and see:
Matthew 16:18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
We see here that Jesus chose St. Peter as his Rock to build his Church on and he gave him he "Keys to the Kingdom".
Some will say that Peter (Petros) in Greek means small pebble not "Rock" which is true, but Jesus didnt speak Greek, he spoke Aramaic and he called St. Peter "Cephas" which means "Rock". In Greek Petros (Pebble) is masculine and Petra (Rock) is Feminie, the translators couldnt use the Feminine to describe a Male so they went with the masculine Petros. When confronted by someone who says the "Greek" translation of "Petros" is Pebble be sure to remind them that Jesus didnt speak Greek.
But is this all we've got to prove St. Peter is the leader? No, there is much more.
We see here that at Pentecost, it is Peter among the 11 that is the voice to the Jews.
Acts 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
Here after ending a debate about the Gentiles, as the leader of the Church he reminds the Apostles that God chose him to be the voice of the Gentiles as well:
Act 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.
After Jesus' resurrection, Jesus again officially hands all authority of his flock to St. Peter:
John 21:15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
16 He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." (Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep."
Is this all? Nope, there is more.
Who was the first person Mary Magdalene told of Jesus rising from the dead? St. Peter!
John 20:2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."
Peter addresses the crowds:
Acts 1:15 During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said,
Who did Ananias and his wife Sapphira answer to? St. Peter of course.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart so that you lied to the holy Spirit and retained part of the price of the land?
Well, let's check scripture and see:
Matthew 16:18 And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
We see here that Jesus chose St. Peter as his Rock to build his Church on and he gave him he "Keys to the Kingdom".
Some will say that Peter (Petros) in Greek means small pebble not "Rock" which is true, but Jesus didnt speak Greek, he spoke Aramaic and he called St. Peter "Cephas" which means "Rock". In Greek Petros (Pebble) is masculine and Petra (Rock) is Feminie, the translators couldnt use the Feminine to describe a Male so they went with the masculine Petros. When confronted by someone who says the "Greek" translation of "Petros" is Pebble be sure to remind them that Jesus didnt speak Greek.
But is this all we've got to prove St. Peter is the leader? No, there is much more.
We see here that at Pentecost, it is Peter among the 11 that is the voice to the Jews.
Acts 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd: "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.
Here after ending a debate about the Gentiles, as the leader of the Church he reminds the Apostles that God chose him to be the voice of the Gentiles as well:
Act 15:7 After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them: "Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe.
After Jesus' resurrection, Jesus again officially hands all authority of his flock to St. Peter:
John 21:15 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs."
16 He then said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep."
17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." (Jesus) said to him, "Feed my sheep."
Is this all? Nope, there is more.
Who was the first person Mary Magdalene told of Jesus rising from the dead? St. Peter!
John 20:2 So she ran and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and told them, "They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don't know where they put him."
Peter addresses the crowds:
Acts 1:15 During those days Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers (there was a group of about one hundred and twenty persons in the one place). He said,
Who did Ananias and his wife Sapphira answer to? St. Peter of course.
Acts 5:3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart so that you lied to the holy Spirit and retained part of the price of the land?
MYTH #6 The Catholic Church is not Biblical
The Catholic Church is better supported by scripture than any other Christian Church. The Catholic Church is the only Christian Church created by Jesus with it's beginnings in the book of Acts 2 when Pentecost occurred.
It is the only Church that has had an unbroken line of Apostolic Succession up to the current Pope, Pope Benedict XVI
Here is some scripture to support the Catholic Church, do you have any other Church that can stand up to the test of scripture as well as the Catholic Church?
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
~~The Church is Visible
Jesus said his Church would be "the light of the world." He then noted that "a city set on a hill cannot be hid" (Matt. 5:14). This means his Church is a visible organization. It must have characteristics that clearly identify it and that distinguish it from other churches. Jesus promised, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). This means that his Church will never be destroyed and will never fall away from him. His Church will survive until his return.
Among the Christian churches, only the Catholic Church has existed since the time of Jesus. Every other Christian church is an offshoot of the Catholic Church. The Eastern Orthodox churches broke away from unity with the pope in 1054. The Protestant churches were established during the Reformation, which began in 1517. (Most of today’s Protestant churches are actually offshoots of the original Protestant offshoots.)
If we wish to locate the Church founded by Jesus, we need to locate the one that has the four chief marks or qualities of his Church. The Church we seek must be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
~~The Church Is "One"
(Rom. 12:5, 1 Cor. 10:17, 12:13, CCC 813–822)
Jesus established only one Church, not a collection of differing churches (Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican, and so on). The Bible says the Church is the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:23–32). Jesus can have but one spouse. His Church also teaches just one set of doctrines, which must be the same as those taught by the apostles (Jude 3). This is the unity of belief to which Scripture calls us (Phil. 1:27, 2:2).
~~The Church Is "Holy"
(Eph. 5:25–27, Rev. 19:7–8, CCC 823–829)
By his grace Jesus makes the Church holy, just as he is holy. This doesn’t mean that each member is always holy. Jesus said there would be both good and bad members in the Church (John 6:70), and not all the members would go to heaven (Matt. 7:21–23).
~~The Church Is "Catholic"
(Matt. 28:19–20, Rev. 5:9–10, CCC 830–856)
Jesus’ Church is called catholic ("universal" in Greek) because it is his gift to all people. He told his apostles to go throughout the world and make disciples of "all nations" (Matt. 28:19–20).
For 2,000 years the Catholic Church has carried out this mission, preaching the good news that Christ died for all men and that he wants all of us to be members of his universal family (Gal. 3:28).
The Church Jesus established was known by its most common title, "the Catholic Church," at least as early as the year 107, when Ignatius of Antioch used that title to describe the one Church Jesus founded. Ignatius was a disciple of St. John the apostle.
~~The Church Is "Apostolic"
(Acts 1:23-26, Eph. 2:19–20, CCC 857–865)
The Church Jesus founded is apostolic because he appointed the apostles to be the first leaders of the Church, and their successors were to be its future leaders. The apostles were the first bishops, and, since the first century, there has been an unbroken line of Catholic bishops faithfully handing on what the apostles taught the first Christians in Scripture and oral Tradition (2 Tim. 2:2).
Jesus assured the apostles and their successors, the popes and the bishops, "He who listens to you listens to me, and he who rejects you rejects me" (Luke 10:16). Jesus promised to guide his Church into all truth (John 16:12–13).
It is the only Church that has had an unbroken line of Apostolic Succession up to the current Pope, Pope Benedict XVI
Here is some scripture to support the Catholic Church, do you have any other Church that can stand up to the test of scripture as well as the Catholic Church?
One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church.
~~The Church is Visible
Jesus said his Church would be "the light of the world." He then noted that "a city set on a hill cannot be hid" (Matt. 5:14). This means his Church is a visible organization. It must have characteristics that clearly identify it and that distinguish it from other churches. Jesus promised, "I will build my Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18). This means that his Church will never be destroyed and will never fall away from him. His Church will survive until his return.
Among the Christian churches, only the Catholic Church has existed since the time of Jesus. Every other Christian church is an offshoot of the Catholic Church. The Eastern Orthodox churches broke away from unity with the pope in 1054. The Protestant churches were established during the Reformation, which began in 1517. (Most of today’s Protestant churches are actually offshoots of the original Protestant offshoots.)
If we wish to locate the Church founded by Jesus, we need to locate the one that has the four chief marks or qualities of his Church. The Church we seek must be one, holy, catholic, and apostolic.
~~The Church Is "One"
(Rom. 12:5, 1 Cor. 10:17, 12:13, CCC 813–822)
Jesus established only one Church, not a collection of differing churches (Lutheran, Baptist, Anglican, and so on). The Bible says the Church is the bride of Christ (Eph. 5:23–32). Jesus can have but one spouse. His Church also teaches just one set of doctrines, which must be the same as those taught by the apostles (Jude 3). This is the unity of belief to which Scripture calls us (Phil. 1:27, 2:2).
~~The Church Is "Holy"
(Eph. 5:25–27, Rev. 19:7–8, CCC 823–829)
By his grace Jesus makes the Church holy, just as he is holy. This doesn’t mean that each member is always holy. Jesus said there would be both good and bad members in the Church (John 6:70), and not all the members would go to heaven (Matt. 7:21–23).
~~The Church Is "Catholic"
(Matt. 28:19–20, Rev. 5:9–10, CCC 830–856)
Jesus’ Church is called catholic ("universal" in Greek) because it is his gift to all people. He told his apostles to go throughout the world and make disciples of "all nations" (Matt. 28:19–20).
For 2,000 years the Catholic Church has carried out this mission, preaching the good news that Christ died for all men and that he wants all of us to be members of his universal family (Gal. 3:28).
The Church Jesus established was known by its most common title, "the Catholic Church," at least as early as the year 107, when Ignatius of Antioch used that title to describe the one Church Jesus founded. Ignatius was a disciple of St. John the apostle.
~~The Church Is "Apostolic"
(Acts 1:23-26, Eph. 2:19–20, CCC 857–865)
The Church Jesus founded is apostolic because he appointed the apostles to be the first leaders of the Church, and their successors were to be its future leaders. The apostles were the first bishops, and, since the first century, there has been an unbroken line of Catholic bishops faithfully handing on what the apostles taught the first Christians in Scripture and oral Tradition (2 Tim. 2:2).
Jesus assured the apostles and their successors, the popes and the bishops, "He who listens to you listens to me, and he who rejects you rejects me" (Luke 10:16). Jesus promised to guide his Church into all truth (John 16:12–13).
MYTH #5 Purgatory is found no where in the bible
Like "Trinity", the word "Purgatory" is not found in the bible but the belief or purgatory is.
Purgatory exists not only in Catholic Belief but the Jews and Muslims also believe in a place of cleansing.
OLD TESTAMENT
Zechariah 13:9 I will bring the one third through fire, and I will refine them as silver is refined, and I will test them as gold is tested. They shall call upon my name, and I will hear them. I will say, "They are my people," and they shall say, "The LORD is my God."
Malachi 3:2 And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like the fuller's herb:
Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit refining and cleansing the silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold, and as silver, and they shall offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice.
NEW TESTAMENT
1Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
1Corinthians 3:13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.
1Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
1Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Revelation 21:27 and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Addtional scripture that supports Purgatory
Purgatory
Mt 5:48 - be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect
Heb 12:14 - strive for that holiness without which cannot see God
Jam 3:2 - we all fall short in many respects
Rev 21:27 - nothing unclean shall enter heaven
Jam 1:14-15 - when sin reaches maturity gives birth to death
2Sam 12:13-14 - David, though forgiven, still punished for his sin
Mt 5:26 - you will not be released until paid last penny
Mt 12:32 - sin against Holy Spirit unforgiven in this age or next
Mt 12:36 - account for every idle word on judgment day
2Macc 12:44-46 - atoned for dead to free them from sin
1Cor 3:15 - suffer loss, but saved as through fire
1Pet 3:18-20; 4:6 - Jesus preached to spirits in prison
2Tim 1:16-18 - Paul prays for dead friend Onesiphorus
1Cor 15:29-30 - Paul mentions people baptizing for the dead
Purgatory exists not only in Catholic Belief but the Jews and Muslims also believe in a place of cleansing.
OLD TESTAMENT
Zechariah 13:9 I will bring the one third through fire, and I will refine them as silver is refined, and I will test them as gold is tested. They shall call upon my name, and I will hear them. I will say, "They are my people," and they shall say, "The LORD is my God."
Malachi 3:2 And who shall be able to think of the day of his coming? and who shall stand to see him? for he is like a refining fire, and like the fuller's herb:
Malachi 3:3 And he shall sit refining and cleansing the silver, and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and shall refine them as gold, and as silver, and they shall offer sacrifices to the Lord in justice.
NEW TESTAMENT
1Corinthians 3:12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
1Corinthians 3:13 each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.
1Corinthians 3:14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
1Corinthians 3:15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Revelation 21:27 and nothing unclean, and no one who practices abomination and lying, shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
Addtional scripture that supports Purgatory
Purgatory
Mt 5:48 - be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect
Heb 12:14 - strive for that holiness without which cannot see God
Jam 3:2 - we all fall short in many respects
Rev 21:27 - nothing unclean shall enter heaven
Jam 1:14-15 - when sin reaches maturity gives birth to death
2Sam 12:13-14 - David, though forgiven, still punished for his sin
Mt 5:26 - you will not be released until paid last penny
Mt 12:32 - sin against Holy Spirit unforgiven in this age or next
Mt 12:36 - account for every idle word on judgment day
2Macc 12:44-46 - atoned for dead to free them from sin
1Cor 3:15 - suffer loss, but saved as through fire
1Pet 3:18-20; 4:6 - Jesus preached to spirits in prison
2Tim 1:16-18 - Paul prays for dead friend Onesiphorus
1Cor 15:29-30 - Paul mentions people baptizing for the dead
MYTH #4 Priests should be married
Priests willing take the vow of celibacy. It comes from Scripture.
1Corinthians 7:32 But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;
Matthew 19:10 The disciples [!] said to Him, "If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry."
Matthew 19:11 But He said to them, "Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.
Matthew 19:12 "For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it."
Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they [fn] have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
1Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1Corinthians 7:2 But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband.
1Corinthians 7:7 Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.
1Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I.
1Corinthians 7:32 But I want you to be free from concern. One who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord;
Matthew 19:10 The disciples [!] said to Him, "If the relationship of the man with his wife is like this, it is better not to marry."
Matthew 19:11 But He said to them, "Not all men can accept this statement, but only those to whom it has been given.
Matthew 19:12 "For there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother's womb; and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men; and there are also eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. He who is able to accept this, let him accept it."
Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they [fn] have kept themselves chaste. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These have been purchased from among men as first fruits to God and to the Lamb.
1Corinthians 7:1 Now concerning the things about which you wrote, it is good for a man not to touch a woman.
1Corinthians 7:2 But because of immoralities, each man is to have his own wife, and each woman is to have her own husband.
1Corinthians 7:7 Yet I wish that all men were even as I myself am. However, each man has his own gift from God, one in this manner, and another in that.
1Corinthians 7:8 But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I.
MYTH #3 You're not suppose to Baptize Babies
As a Child, Parents make decisions for you. The decide what you eat, where you live, what time you go to bed. God gave them the authority to make important decisions in your life and that includes baptism.
Baptizing Babies
Many Non-Catholics will swear it's not in the bible and no one ever baptized a baby in the bible. Well let's see what the bible does say......
While the bible doesnt come right out and say "I command thee to baptize babies" it does demonstrate that babies and children were and should be baptized.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Well since the sacrament of Baptism is required by Jesus to enter the kingdom of heaven (being born again) Catholics do not prevent children from coming to him, we baptize them.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
In many places in the bible entire families and house holds were baptized, no one was left out no matter the age.
1Corinthains 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanus; besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
Acts 16:15 After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.
So, Catholics baptize babies and do not prevent Children from coming to Jesus. Maybe we should be asking Non-Catholics why they dont baptize babies?
Baptizing Babies
Many Non-Catholics will swear it's not in the bible and no one ever baptized a baby in the bible. Well let's see what the bible does say......
While the bible doesnt come right out and say "I command thee to baptize babies" it does demonstrate that babies and children were and should be baptized.
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14 but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."
Well since the sacrament of Baptism is required by Jesus to enter the kingdom of heaven (being born again) Catholics do not prevent children from coming to him, we baptize them.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit.
In many places in the bible entire families and house holds were baptized, no one was left out no matter the age.
1Corinthains 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanus; besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
Acts 16:15 After she and her household had been baptized, she offered us an invitation, "If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my home," and she prevailed on us.
So, Catholics baptize babies and do not prevent Children from coming to Jesus. Maybe we should be asking Non-Catholics why they dont baptize babies?
MYTH #2 Catholics Worship Mary
Catholics Worship God alone, we venerate the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Romans 13:7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Tradition aside, Protestants should be venerating The Blessed Virgin according to scripture since they say they listen to the bible alone.
1st they need to call her blessed.
Luke 1:48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
2nd if Jesus is our Brother, by default that makes Mary our Mother and what does God tell us about our Parents?
Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
3rd the blessed Virgin Mary was at every single milestone of Jesus.
Before his conception (Angel announces she will carry Jesus in her womb)
His Birth
His Circumcision (Presentation at the Temple)
His first Miracle(Water to Wine)
Sermon on the Mount
His trial
His scourging
His Crucifixion
His Death
His burial
His Resurrection
His Ascension
and at the Birth of the Church at Pentecost.
No other person in the bible comes close to being that involved with Christ, so I think she deserves the veneration that Catholics show her. Why Non Catholics do not is the real mystery? Good lord, even the Muslims venerate the Blessed Mother nearly as much as Catholics.
Romans 13:7 Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Tradition aside, Protestants should be venerating The Blessed Virgin according to scripture since they say they listen to the bible alone.
1st they need to call her blessed.
Luke 1:48 for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed;
2nd if Jesus is our Brother, by default that makes Mary our Mother and what does God tell us about our Parents?
Exodus 20:12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
3rd the blessed Virgin Mary was at every single milestone of Jesus.
Before his conception (Angel announces she will carry Jesus in her womb)
His Birth
His Circumcision (Presentation at the Temple)
His first Miracle(Water to Wine)
Sermon on the Mount
His trial
His scourging
His Crucifixion
His Death
His burial
His Resurrection
His Ascension
and at the Birth of the Church at Pentecost.
No other person in the bible comes close to being that involved with Christ, so I think she deserves the veneration that Catholics show her. Why Non Catholics do not is the real mystery? Good lord, even the Muslims venerate the Blessed Mother nearly as much as Catholics.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The Rapture is false
You want to be left behind, here is why.
St. Paul tells us that "those who are alive and who are left"
~~~~1Thess 4:16 Then we who are alive, who are left, shall be taken up together with them in the clouds to meet Christ, into the air, and so shall we be always with the Lord.
Jesus tells us when he returns it will be like the Days of Noah and the Days of Lot.
Who were taken first? The sinners.
Who was alive and left after the great flood and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah? Noah and his family and lot and his family.
~~~~Luke 17:26 And as it came to pass in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. 27 They did eat and drink, they married wives, and were given in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark: and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it came to pass, in the days of Lot: they did eat and drink, they bought and sold, they planted and built. 29 And in the day that Lot went out of Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. 30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man shall be revealed.
~~~~Matthew 24:37
And as in the days of Noe, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Jesus tells us:
~~~~Matthew 24:13 "But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.
~~~~1Corinthians 15:52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
The last Trumpet comes well after the Tribulation Period
See Revelations 8,9 and 10
Hebrews says he will come again to bring salvation to those waiting for him....
~~~~Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Monday, June 20, 2011
MYTH #1 You dont need a Priest to confess your sins.
This myth is pretty dumbfounding to me. When I was a fundamentalist Christian I blurted this out to Catholics all the time. Even after my conversion to Catholicsm I still resited.
Until I realized why confession is important and why confess to others was even more important.
CONFESSION TO A PRIEST IN THE BIBLE:
~~~~The Bible tells us God gave "Men" (plural) the power to forgive sins on earth.
Matthew 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. 7 And he arose, and went into his house. 8 And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that gave such power to men.
~~~~Jesus gave us the "Ministry" of Reconciliation.
2Corinthians 5:17 If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away, behold all things are made new. 18 But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ; and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins; and he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.
~~~~The Apostles are Christ's ambassadors (and the Priests by Proxy):
2Corinthians 5:20 For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us. For Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.
~~~~St. James tells us to confess to one another:
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
~~~~St. James tells us that when one is sick call the Priests to pray over him, anoint him and because of this the lord forgives his sins:
James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should
pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord,
15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
~~~~The Old Testament tells us that an atonement is made by the Priest to the Lord and his sins will be forgiven:
Leviticus 6:7 and the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for any one of the things which he may have done to incur guilt."
Leviticus 16:30 For on that day [the priest] shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, [that] you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
Numbers 15:28 And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD for the person who commits an error, when he sins unwittingly, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.
~~~~Jesus gave the Apostles the Authority as well. Why would he give them this authority if they were never to use it?
John 20:23 "If you forgive the sins of any, {their sins} have been forgiven them; if you retain the {sins} of any, they have been retained."
~~~~St. Paul even forgave sins:
2Corinthians 2:10 But one whom you forgive anything, I {forgive} also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, {I did it} for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
Until I realized why confession is important and why confess to others was even more important.
CONFESSION TO A PRIEST IN THE BIBLE:
~~~~The Bible tells us God gave "Men" (plural) the power to forgive sins on earth.
Matthew 9:6 But that you may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then said he to the man sick of palsy,) Arise, take up thy bed, and go into thy house. 7 And he arose, and went into his house. 8 And the multitude seeing it, feared, and glorified God that gave such power to men.
~~~~Jesus gave us the "Ministry" of Reconciliation.
2Corinthians 5:17 If then any be in Christ a new creature, the old things are passed away, behold all things are made new. 18 But all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Christ; and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 For God indeed was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, not imputing to them their sins; and he hath placed in us the word of reconciliation.
~~~~The Apostles are Christ's ambassadors (and the Priests by Proxy):
2Corinthians 5:20 For Christ therefore we are ambassadors, God as it were exhorting by us. For Christ, we beseech you, be reconciled to God.
~~~~St. James tells us to confess to one another:
James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful.
~~~~St. James tells us that when one is sick call the Priests to pray over him, anoint him and because of this the lord forgives his sins:
James 5:14
Is anyone among you sick? He should summon the presbyters of the church, and they should
pray over him and anoint (him) with oil in the name of the Lord,
15 and the prayer of faith will save the sick person, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed any sins, he will be forgiven.
~~~~The Old Testament tells us that an atonement is made by the Priest to the Lord and his sins will be forgiven:
Leviticus 6:7 and the priest shall make atonement for him before the LORD, and he will be forgiven for any one of the things which he may have done to incur guilt."
Leviticus 16:30 For on that day [the priest] shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, [that] you may be clean from all your sins before the LORD.
Numbers 15:28 And the priest shall make atonement before the LORD for the person who commits an error, when he sins unwittingly, to make atonement for him; and he shall be forgiven.
~~~~Jesus gave the Apostles the Authority as well. Why would he give them this authority if they were never to use it?
John 20:23 "If you forgive the sins of any, {their sins} have been forgiven them; if you retain the {sins} of any, they have been retained."
~~~~St. Paul even forgave sins:
2Corinthians 2:10 But one whom you forgive anything, I {forgive} also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, {I did it} for your sakes in the presence of Christ,
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