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Conclusion from Peru and Mexico
email from Randall Easter | 25 January 2008 | Randall Easter

Posted on 01/27/2008 7:56:14 PM PST by Manfred the Wonder Dawg

January 25, 2008

ESV Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

In recent days I have spent time in Lima and Sullana Peru and Mexico City and I have discovered that people by nature are the same. Man has a heart that is inclined to selfishness and idolatry. Sin abounds in the remotest parts of the land because the heart is desperately wicked. Thousands bow before statues of Mary and pray to her hoping for answers. I have seen these people stare hopelessly at Mary icons, Jesus icons, and a host of dead saints who will do nothing for them. I have talked with people who pray to the pope and say that they love him. I talked with one lady who said that she knew that Jesus was the Savior, but she loved the pope. Thousands bow before Santa Muerte (holy death angel) in hopes that she will do whatever they ask her. I have seen people bring money, burning cigarettes, beer, whiskey, chocolate, plants, and flowers to Santa Muerte in hopes of her answers. I have seen these people bowing on their knees on the concrete in the middle of public places to worship their idol. Millions of people come into the Basilica in Mexico City and pay their money, confess their sins, and stare hopelessly at relics in hope that their sins will be pardoned. In America countless thousands are chained to baseball games, football games, material possessions, and whatever else their heart of idols can produce to worship.

My heart has broken in these last weeks because the God of heaven is not honored as he ought to be honored. People worship the things that are created rather than worshiping the Creator. God has been gracious to all mankind and yet mankind has hardened their hearts against a loving God. God brings the rain on the just and unjust. God brings the beautiful sunrises and sunsets upon the just and unjust. God gives good gifts unto all and above all things he has given his Son that those who would believe in him would be saved. However, man has taken the good things of God and perverted them unto idols and turned their attention away from God. I get a feel for Jesus as he overlooked Jerusalem or Paul as he beseeched for God to save Israel. When you accept the reality of the truth of the glory of God is breaks your heart that people would turn away from the great and awesome God of heaven to serve lesser things. Moses was outraged by the golden calf, the prophets passionately preached against idolatry, Jesus was angered that the temple was changed in an idolatrous business, and Paul preached to the idolaters of Mars Hill by telling them of the unknown God.

I arrived back at home wondering how I should respond to all the idolatry that I have beheld in these last three weeks. I wondered how our church here in the states should respond to all of the idolatry in the world. What are the options? First, I suppose we could sit around and hope that people chose to get their life together and stop being idolaters. However, I do not know how that could ever happen apart from them hearing the truth. Second, I suppose we could spend a lifetime studying cultural issues and customs in hope that we could somehow learn to relate to the people of other countries. However, the bible is quite clear that all men are the same. Men are dead in sin, shaped in iniquity, and by nature are the enemies of God. Thirdly, we could pay other people or other agencies to go and do a work for us while we remain comfortably in the states. However, there is no way to insure that there will be doctrinal accuracy or integrity. If we only pay other people to take the gospel we will miss out on all of the benefits of being obedient to the mission of God. Lastly, we could seek where God would have us to do a lasting work and then invest our lives there for the glory of God. The gospel has the power to raise the dead in any culture and we must be willing to take the gospel wherever God would have us take it. It is for sure that our church cannot go to every country and reach every people group, so we must determine where God would have us work and seek to be obedient wherever that is.

It seems that some doors are opening in the Spanish speaking countries below us and perhaps God is beginning to reveal where we are to work. There are some options for work to be partnered with in Peru and there could be a couple of options in Mexico. The need is greater than I can express upon this paper for a biblical gospel to be proclaimed in Peru and Mexico. Oh, that God would glorify his great name in Peru and Mexico by using a small little church in a town that does not exist to proclaim his great gospel amongst a people who desperately need the truth.

I give thanks to the LORD for allowing me the privilege of going to these countries and broadening my horizons. The things that I have seen will be forever engraved upon my heart. I will long remember the pastors that I spent time with in Peru and I will never forget Adolfo who translated for me in Mexico. I will relish the time that I spent with Paul Washer and the others. When I think of church I will forever remember being on top of that mountain in Sullana at that church which had no electricity and no roof. I am convinced that heaven was looking down on that little church on top of that mountain and very few people on earth even know that it exist. Oh, God I pray that the things of this world will continue to grow dim and that God’s people will be caught up in his glorious presence.

Because of the truth: Pastor: J. Randall Easter II Timothy 2:19 "Our God is in heaven and does whatever He pleases."(Ps. 115:3) "He predestined us according to the good pleasure of His will."(Eph. 1:5) Those who have been saved have been saved for His glory and they are being made holy for this is the will of God. Are you being made holy? Spurgeon says, "If your religion does not make you holy it will damn you to hell."


TOPICS: Apologetics; Ministry/Outreach; Religion & Culture; Theology
KEYWORDS: evangelism; mexico; peru; reformed; truth
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To: papertyger; Manfred the Wonder Dawg
I use “RCC” as shorthand for what you call “the Catholic Church”, as it is based in and controlled from Rome.

The morning's first observation:

The facts are that there are many churches in communion with the See of Peter, only one of them is the Roman Catholic Church.

The other pertinent fact is that the Vatican does not "control" much. It guides, advises, instructs, attempts to assist, things of that kind.

So I would suggest that not only these inaccuracies but their persistence in the face of the ease with which the truth of these matters could be obtained, these "go to" the pathology argument, and get filed in the same file as the problem with nuance.

501 posted on 01/30/2008 4:46:37 AM PST by Mad Dawg (Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.)
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To: MarkBsnr

Good to know you are not devolving. Whew!

A quick review of the concept, but first a disclaimer: I know of “shopping list” of rewards promised by God, so you’ll have to look elsewhere for the virgins. Aisle 666 I think.

In Matthew 11:11 the Lord reveals there are “greater” and “lesser” saints in His kingdom, so not all are equivalent. This Truth is revealed again in Matthew 18:4.

Now let’s hear what the Lord says about rewarding his servants, from Matthew 25:14 and following:

“14 For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods.
15 And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18 But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.
19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.
20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
22 He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them.
23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
24 Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strowed:
25 And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine.
26 His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strowed:
27 Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury.
28 Take therefore the talent from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents.
29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath.
30 And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

To sum up - He is faithful in small things will be given more. Also, check out 1 Corinthians 6:1 - 8 speaks about the shame of Christians taking one another to earthly courts for “justice”, but it also reveals that saints will judge the world and the angels. We will have heavenly responsibilities, some greater than others; not all equivalent.


502 posted on 01/30/2008 5:46:35 AM PST by Manfred the Wonder Dawg (Test ALL things, hold to that which is True.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg

***Well, you’ve just about erased the entire Gospel in that one sentence. ***

That’s rather strange, given that your entire post does not quote a single word from the Gospel. You quote Paul extensively, and Peter once.

Reformed doctrine depends heavily on fragments of Paul and the occasional out of context verse from the OT. Perhaps in the pursuit of efficiency, Reformed Bibles have the rather inconvenient Gospels expunged. Lord knows that they don’t get read or understood by the Reformed.


503 posted on 01/30/2008 5:51:12 AM PST by MarkBsnr (I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg

***MB: I detect essence of first wife in many of your posts.

Dr. E.: I have no idea what that means.***

I believe you. Those of us who don’t have both feet planted firmly in the air do.


504 posted on 01/30/2008 5:52:36 AM PST by MarkBsnr (I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
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To: Mad Dawg

Good morning! Ah, perception is reality, isn’t it? I have no idea what the “See of Peter” is. Nor do I care to know how many other poor souls in non-RCCs are “in communion” with the RCC. But I am interested about this: Are churches that are “in communion” with the RCC considered part of “the Catholic Church”?

But I do read reports from all around the world about RCC outposts (I guess ya’ll consider “it” one church) that reveal CONTROL being exerted by bishops and the like, most of whom fawn over the man called by RCC folks as “Holy Father” - which is an abomination all in itself. Where they don’t possess control, such as in much of communist China, they are working with the government (standard MO) to gain it.


505 posted on 01/30/2008 5:54:48 AM PST by Manfred the Wonder Dawg (Test ALL things, hold to that which is True.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg

***You aren’t saved by believing that Christ saved you, Dr. E.

May I present someone who disagrees with you...

“Be not afraid; only belive.” — Mark 5:36

Even when the truth is staring a person in the face, STILL they deny it.

Ah, the power of deception.***

The Reformed have a significant talent in quoting Scripture as proof for something entirely out of context or else completely irrelevant to the subject at hand. We have seen what the doctrine of the Reformed is and it isn’t Christianity.


506 posted on 01/30/2008 5:54:59 AM PST by MarkBsnr (I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
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To: Dr. Eckleburg

“Celebrity Detox.”

It does have a doctor phil feel to it.

The Cognitive-behavioral therapy does not seem to be taking.

Perhaps we’ll hear something about mothers.

Let’s watch...


507 posted on 01/30/2008 5:55:22 AM PST by the_conscience (McCain/Thompson 08)
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To: Forest Keeper

***ALL scripture is God’s TRUTH.***

I see. Do you further claim that, for example, that 2 Chronicles 34 is equally as important and instructive as Matthew 5?

*** It is only your reasonable perception from personal experience. When we Reformers practice apologetics with Apostolics we frequently quote from Paul and the OT because THAT’S where many of the disagreements are. Apostolics generally don’t “like” Paul because he so often trashes your Tradition.***

That is false. We object to the misinterpretation of Paul and the wrong application of his words. We consider Paul to be pretty well on a par with Peter as the greatest of the Apostles, with all the others as lessers.

The parish I grew up in is called Sts. Peter and Paul. The Reformers tried to abscond with Paul and with St. Augustine by misinterpreting them both.


508 posted on 01/30/2008 6:05:01 AM PST by MarkBsnr (I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
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To: Uncle Chip

***Receiving the love of God is the key***

Interesting. I find myself in agreement with you here.


509 posted on 01/30/2008 6:06:15 AM PST by MarkBsnr (I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
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To: Forest Keeper; conservonator

“I asked him if that baby grew up to be a completely lost person whether it would be better for a Protestant to witness to him about the mercy and grace of Christ, or would it be better if the Protestant missionary left him alone. He said that such a person is the Church’s responsibility, whether the Church ever “finds” him or not, so it would be better for the person if the Protestant left him alone. I was rather taken aback and told him that I would certainly rather see a lost person become an Apostolic than to see him remain dead in his sins, if those were the only two choices.”

I can’t remember if I am the Orthodoxer you were speaking with, but I think I agree with whoever it was who spoke to you assuming they were making this rule to apply in Orthodox countries. I will say that unlike many Orthodox, I really don’t have any problem with the Latin Church baptizing people in Orthodox lands but then again, I have no doubts at all about the validity or efficacy of Latin sacraments or orders.


510 posted on 01/30/2008 6:13:43 AM PST by Kolokotronis (Christ is Risen, and you, o death, are annihilated!)
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To: Manfred the Wonder Dawg

Matthew 11:
11
Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

I think that “least” here refers to the “least” here on Earth referring to the status of individuals here.

And the talents refer to the gifts that He has given us in this world and to which we are answerable for at the Judgement.


511 posted on 01/30/2008 6:19:58 AM PST by MarkBsnr (I would not believe in the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.)
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To: MarkBsnr

You make an unsupportable assumption that the reward of talents is in and of this world. “The kingdom of heaven is like this” He said. We are given responsibilities for what we have (knowledge of Truth and material stuff) and what we do with them will be judged. But there’s not an absence of rewards in heaven:

“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve” (Jeremiah 17:10).

“Does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” (Proverbs 24:12)

“They will be paid back for the harm they have done.” (2 Peter 2:13)

“But they will have to give an account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.” (1 Peter 4:5)

In heaven we will worship God (Revelation 5:11-13), serve God (Revelation 7:15) and rule with God (Revelation 22:5). Service and ruling involve responsibilities, duties, effort, and creativity to do work well. This will be work with lasting accomplishment, unhindered by decay and fatigue, and enhanced by unlimited resources. Heaven will be a place of meaningful activity.

1. God promises great reward for those who have served him faithfully.

“The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your saints and those who reverence your name, both small and great-and for destroying those who destroy the earth” (Revelation 11:18).

2. God will reward every servant for this life’s labor.

“At that time each will receive his praise from God” (1 Corinthians 4:5).

3. God will reward generously.

“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life” (Matthew 19:29).

This is a promise of infinite return-a return far out of proportion to the amount invested.

4. God rewards what we do, not what we believe.

“For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.” (Matt. 16:27)

“God will give to each person according to what he has done.” (Romans 2:6)

“Because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.” (Ephesians 6:8)

5. God rewards us for kindness to the undeserving.

“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” (Luke 6:35)

6. God rewards us for caring for our brothers in need.

“I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41)

7. God rewards us when we care for those too poor or incapacitated to pay us back.

“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’” (Luke 14:12-14).

8. God rewards us for wise and productive use of the resources and opportunities he has given us.

“The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.’ His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’” (Matthew 25:20-21)

9. God rewards us for being persecuted for Christ.

“Blessed are you when men hate you, when they exclude and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their fathers treated the prophets.” (Luke 6:22-24)

10. God rewards us for identifying with those suffering for Christ, and for taking material loss.

“You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” (Hebrews 10:34-36)

11. God rewards us in the right time. (Deferred comp-God doesn’t settle all his accounts in October.)

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9).

THE REWARD OF RULERSHIP

1. God will reward greater service on earth with greater responsibility in heaven.

“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.’” (Matthew 25:21)

2. God will reward faithfulness in the “small things” of this life with leadership over big things in heaven.

“Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’” (Luke 19:17)

3. God will make Christians rulers over the earth.

“They will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.” (Revelation 20:6)

4. God will make Christians rulers over angels.

“Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!” (1 Corinthians 6:3)

5. God requires certain conditions be fulfilled in order for us to serve as rulers.

“If we endure, we shall also reign with him.” (2 Timothy 2:12)

“To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne.” (Revelation 3:21)

“To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations . . . just as I have received authority from my Father. I will also give him the morning star.” (Revelation 2:26-28)

CROWNS AS REWARDS

Crowns are a common symbol of ruling authority. Five crowns are specifically mentioned as rewards:

1. The Crown of Life-given for faithfulness to Christ in persecution or martyrdom.

“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

“Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer . . . Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

2. The Incorruptible Crown-given for determination, discipline and victory in the Christian life.

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25)

3. The Crown of Glory-given for faithfully representing Christ in a position of spiritual leadership (1 Pet. 5:1-4).

“To the elders among you, be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4)

4. The Crown of Righteousness-given for purifying and readying yourself to meet Christ at his return.

“The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Tim. 4:6-8)

5. The Crown of Rejoicing-given for pouring oneself into others in evangelism and discipleship.

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?” (1 Thessalonians 2:19)

“. . . my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown . . .” (Philippians 4:1)

There may be innumerable crowns and types of crowns, and rewards unrelated to crowns. They are all graciously given by the Lord Jesus, and earned through the faithful efforts of the believer. Our rewards are given not merely for our recognition, but for Christ’s eternal glory:

“The twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.’” (Revelation 4:10-11)

Though God’s glory is the highest and ultimate reason for any course of action, Scripture sees no contradiction between God’s eternal glory and our eternal good. On the contrary, glorifying God will always result in our greatest eternal good. Likewise, pursuing our eternal good, as he commands us to, will always glorify God.

LOSING OUR REWARDS

1. We can forfeit rewards from God by seeking them from men.

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:5-6)

“How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from the only God?” (John 5:44)

2. We can have rewards taken from us because of our unfaithfulness.

“Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him.” (Matthew 25:28-29)

3. We can become disqualified for rewards because of moral and spiritual compromise.

“No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.” (1 Corinthians 9:27)

4. We can lose rewards because of an unproductive life.

“If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:15)

5. We can lose rewards by carelessness and waste.

“Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.” (2 John 8)

6. We can have our rewards taken from us because of lack of attention to the obedient life.

“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.” (Revelation 3:11)


512 posted on 01/30/2008 6:30:33 AM PST by Manfred the Wonder Dawg (Test ALL things, hold to that which is True.)
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To: Running On Empty

Thank you for your kind words.


513 posted on 01/30/2008 6:41:50 AM PST by Between the Lines (I am very cognizant of my fallibility, sinfulness, and other limitations.)
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To: Uncle Chip
Wrong. Receiving the love of God is the key, and that love is so inextricably intertwined with His Word as found in the Holy Scriptures that they are inseparable.

You'd best be careful there, Chip. Scripture is certainly vitally important. But it is possible to become so focused on Scripture, that you forget what Scripture says is important: loving God and your neighbor.

As Jesus put it, You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life. (John 5:39-40)

This passage (and the context within which it is found) point out the danger of your position. Jesus is not Scripture. Scripture is not Jesus. Scripture helps us come to Jesus -- but it does not give us life. To have life, we must love God, and thus be known by God. We are to love one another as He loved us. That's the important stuff.

You're basically using selected Scriptural passages as a bludgeon to to tear down other Christians. And in so doing you seem to have lost the point of what Jesus taught, in very much the same way that the Pharisees did.

As it happens, there are a number of elements of Catholic doctrine with which I disagree. I'm not a Catholic. But it just so happens that we agree on the really important stuff: salvation through Jesus Christ, faith in God, loving our neighbors as ourselves, belief that the Scriptures are the word of God -- and so everything else is distinctly secondary.

The Catholics on this thread recognize this, too. Unfortunately, you and your friends are so focused on the cosmetic differences, that you seem to have missed the fact that you, too, agree with them on the important stuff.

By focusing on the differences, and by being remarkably unpleasant about it, your clique ends up doing a great deal of damage to the Body of Christ. You need to wise up, and get over yourselves.

514 posted on 01/30/2008 6:50:26 AM PST by r9etb
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To: r9etb; Dr. Eckleburg; Alex Murphy; alpha-8-25-02; blue-duncan; ears_to_hear; Forest Keeper; ...
Loving God is key. Nothing else really matters.

The greatest commandment is of course love "God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and your neighbor as yourself." (Jesus, circa 30A.D.) Have you ever fulfilled all that is commanded by that law even for a couple of hours? Do you put God above all 24/7? Do you love your neighbor as your self?

Tell me not to steal my neighbor's jet ski, that I can do. But Love him!?! What if your neighbor is a homosexual atheist with a body ravaged by AIDS? Do you love him? Will you take him a casserole? Bath him? Hold his hand as he dies? Heck, I don't even love my wife as myself and she treats me like a king.

When Christ told the rich young ruler to sell his possessions and follow Him was He really condemning material wealth or did our Saviour really hit the ruler where he failed to fulfill that law after boastfully claiming to have kept the whole law? The passage clearly teaches it was the later.

If you really say you love God with all your heart and your neighbor as your self you don't need Christ. You trust your ability to love God with ALL YOU HEART I put my trust in Christ who fulfilled that law perfectly and imputed that love to me.

515 posted on 01/30/2008 6:56:22 AM PST by Gamecock (Aaron had what every mega-church pastor craves: a huge crowd that gave freely and lively worship.)
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To: Manfred the Wonder Dawg

So-—the saints in heaven DO have responsibilities, after all.

Interesting.

And since in God and in heaven, time is not as it is on earth, those responsibilities certainly could be active continually and not just at the General Judgment.


516 posted on 01/30/2008 7:05:36 AM PST by Running On Empty ((The three sorriest words:"It's too late"))
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To: Gamecock

I believe you are splitting hairs.

The whole essence of God’s love for us is one of Gift and Response—God is the gift-giver, we are the responders and this glorious exchange has been echoing down the corridors of time since the Cross——or rather more accurately, since God promised a Redeemer in the Garden.


517 posted on 01/30/2008 7:09:51 AM PST by Running On Empty ((The three sorriest words:"It's too late"))
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To: Running On Empty

It’s not just a good idea; It’s The Law.


518 posted on 01/30/2008 7:14:50 AM PST by Gamecock (Aaron had what every mega-church pastor craves: a huge crowd that gave freely and lively worship.)
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To: Manfred the Wonder Dawg
I have talked with people who pray to the pope

I am not a Catholic, but I'm quite sure the Pope would be distressed at this practice.

519 posted on 01/30/2008 7:15:33 AM PST by MEGoody (Ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.)
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To: MEGoody

You are correct. And the Everyman-Catholic would tell that person to get his act together.


520 posted on 01/30/2008 7:19:48 AM PST by Running On Empty ((The three sorriest words:"It's too late"))
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