Posted on 05/24/2013 6:25:25 AM PDT by Gamecock
Notice alms giving with Cornelius including in being recognized by the angel. Why did the angel mention it at all.
ACTS 10:10" In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion of the Italian Cohort, as it was called. 2 He was a devout man who feared God with all his household; he gave Alms generously to the people and prayed constantly to God. 3 One afternoon at about three o’clock he had a vision in which he clearly saw an angel of God coming in and saying to him, “Cornelius.” 4 He stared at him in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?” He answered, “Your prayers and your ALMS have ascended as a memorial before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa for a certain Simon who is called Peter; 6 he is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.” 7 When the angel who spoke to him had left, he called two of his slaves and a devout soldier from the ranks of those who served him, 8 and after telling them everything, he sent them to Joppa."
Well, it has been my experience that the Catholics I know, do not read the Bible, know the Bile, or understand the ministry of the Holy Spirit.
How is that a generalization?
I am a person who reads the word of God, and has been transformed by the power of God, thru the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who points to the ways of our Lord (Jesus), by way of the blood of Jesus.
I have attended a Catholic Mass. I was not allowed to take communion, because I was told I was not a Christian-since I was not Catholic.
Since that time I have learned that Catholics do not study the Bible. I know this because often it has been confided to me that Catholics are told not to read the Bible for themselves, because they will not understand it- so they have to be told what to think.
I find that sad. If they love Jesus, they should read the Bible and fall in love, every day. WHY deny them the chance to curl up in bed, with the Bible, at the end of the day?
Or to wake up and find direction? And open their Bible and just read?
The Holy Spirit leads us into all understanding of the Word- and THAT is Biblical. John 16:12
So if they have Holy Spirit, as given to them by the Preist- then how is it that they do not have the power to understand what they read?
I just wish for the church to let the people go- and be free to discover God for themselves and have a personal relationship with Jesus...the author of salvation.
Because that is the only hope we have over the darkness. One word: Jesus.
Does that make me a “charismatic”?
Under Luther's doctrine of "the Bible alone," you're free to interpret Scripture as you see fit. So be it. But there are many requirements for salvation in Scripture, some normative and some essential.
* * *
Let me try a somewhat hypothetical example. Take a non-Christian, raised by communist parents (like my cousins), who has been told all sorts of lies about Christians, and who has absolutely no interest in reading a Bible or going to church.
In his confused state of mind, which is really no fault of his, he muddles through life, trying to do good, to the best of his ability.
If he really is trying to do good, yet does not have explicit faith in Christ as His Savior, do you really believe that God will condemn him to hell?
I don't, because this would be unjust. Injustice is contrary to God's nature. God is Goodness and Justice Itself.
The first calling down of the Holy Spirit is over the bread and wine that will immediately, through the consecration become the body and blood of Christ.
The second calling down of the Holy Spirt is over the congregation, the people of God.
Sad, sad, sad...You don't call down the Holy Spirit...No one can call down the Holy Spirit...
If this is Catholic teaching, it is just astounding how the ignorance about Christianity pervades the Catholic religion...
In order to solve their problems, many people resort to fortune tellers and tarot cards. But only Jesus saves and we must bear witness to this! He is the only one."
I'm willing to bet if you really tried to find out what Popes actually said (vs. what you think or what you've been told they say or don't say) you'd find some other quotes as well.
I am soooo with you. I’m frustrated at this whole mess.
I think if they're fair-minded, Protestants here will admit that this can happen with Protestants as well. Each Protestant has their own take on things based on their personal interpretation of Scripture.
With Catholics, I think you will also find differences because not all Catholics know Catholic teaching 100% and are therefore misinformed (I'm sure I sometimes say things that aren't accurate wrt Church teaching).
I just think we're going to find this in every denomination.
Have you received the Sacrament of Holy Orders and have the additional graces to do this?
Priest have received the Sacrament and do have the additional graces.
Priest have received the Sacrament and do have the additional graces.
That's ridiculous...And actual Christians are indwelt with the Holy Spirit...To claim to 'call down the Holy Spirit' to watch over the people of the church is so phoney it would be comical if it wasn't so sad that people actually believe this...
The Holy Spirit is already here, in and amongst his people...This fake theology dupes people into believing that mere men have some sort of mystical power that they don't have...
Correct me if I am wrong, but the doctrine of the Christian Church (no matter the denomination) is Salvation through Faith. Not that it is my problem, but if atheists don’t have any faith, how can they be saved?
‘xactly!
Not that I am not looking forward to them being saved, of course.
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