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St. Paul Was Not Ashamed of the Gospel — Are We?
Archdiocese of Washington ^ | 10-16-17 | Msgr. Charles Pope

Posted on 10/17/2017 8:10:47 AM PDT by Salvation

St. Paul Was Not Ashamed of the Gospel — Are We?

October 16, 2017

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome

St. Paul writes this in today’s reading from the Letter to the Romans: “I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes” (Rom 1:16).

“Gospel” here refers to the whole of the New Testament rather than merely the four Gospels. The gospel is the apostolic exhortation, the proclamation of the apostles of what Jesus taught and said and did for our salvation. This proclamation was recorded and collected in the letters of the apostles Paul, Peter, James, John, and Jude, and in what later came to be called the four Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The gospel is the transformative word of the Lord proclaimed by the apostles in obedience to the command of the Lord,

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age (Matt 28:19-20).

Of these apostles (“sent ones”) Jesus says this:

Very truly I tell you, whoever receives the one I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me (Jn 13:20).

So the gospel is the authoritative and transformative proclamation of the Lord’s word through the apostles in totality. Of this full and received message St. Paul says he is not ashamed, though he has suffered for preaching it; others have suffered and even been killed for it!

Can we say the same? Are we unashamed of the gospel? Sadly, too many people are to some extent ashamed of the gospel. Even among practicing Catholics and clergy, there are too many who promote a compromised, watered-down message rather than boldly, joyfully, and confidently proclaiming the full gospel.

St. Paul says that he is not ashamed of the gospel. What about us? Are we confident and uncompromising in proclaiming the gospel or are we ashamed and fearful? Do we compromise the gospel in order to avoid the scorn of an unbelieving, sin-sick world? Do we stand up without shame and proclaim the truth with love and confidence?

Are we ashamed of the gospel or are we joyful and confident?

This song says, “You should be a witness! Stand up and be a witness for the Lord!”


TOPICS: Apologetics; Catholic; History; Theology
KEYWORDS: catholic
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To: aMorePerfectUnion
As it turns out, Mary is not God.

Is Mary the mother of Jesus Christ?

Is Jesus Christ God?

If you answer, "Yes", to both of the above questions;

Is Mary the Mother of God?

101 posted on 10/17/2017 8:30:37 PM PDT by ebb tide (We have a rogue curia in Rome.)
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To: ealgeone
HM ismamprayer TO Mary.

It is a request that Mary pray to God for someone.

However, if one believes that Mary is a goddess or deity it would be sin. One should avoid proximity to temptation to avoid sin, especially if one has a history of such sin. One should not assume another has the same sin as oneself.
102 posted on 10/17/2017 8:34:00 PM PDT by af_vet_1981 (The bus came by and I got on, That's when it all began.)
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To: ealgeone
"Jesus is not crushing Satan through Mary. He's crushing Satan on His own...no help needed from ANYONE"

Amen

Romans 16:20 "The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet."

103 posted on 10/17/2017 8:36:28 PM PDT by mitch5501 ("make your calling and election sure:for if ye do these things ye shall never fall")
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To: mitch5501

How did Jesus get there to crush Satan’s head without Mary, his Mother?

Surely, Christ was born and raised.......???


104 posted on 10/17/2017 8:42:13 PM PDT by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
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To: ebb tide

“If you answer, “Yes”, to both of the above questions;

... then Mary is still not God.


105 posted on 10/17/2017 9:18:54 PM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: ealgeone

The problem with your post is your assumption that anything not mentioned in Scripture is not permissible. We’ve been over this before. This premise is wrong, because the NT records only vignettes of the *beginning* of the Church as led by the Holy Spirit, and not the *whole* of it.

You also assume that the teaching of the Apostles consists solely of 27 books of text, firmly excluding their oral teaching and their practice, their example. This stance I, paradoxically, unBiblical, since the NT authors repeatedly tell us to cling to the Tradition, that which is handed down by the Apostles both in writing and by preaching and practice, which is the example are to follow.

This is why so much Apostolic teaching is unknown go you.

It is significant, too, that you assume that most of the early Church was wrong about most things. It’s as if Christ’s promises were null.

We may not get past that. Sad.

Pray for me please-— family situation.

Peace.


106 posted on 10/18/2017 4:45:40 AM PDT by Mrs. Don-o (God is not the Author of Confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints --1 Cor 14:33)
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To: af_vet_1981
The Hail Mary prayer is a prayer TO Mary.

Again, all prayer is directed to God....not created beings.

The examples we have in the NT of believers praying for one another or asking for prayer are between believers still on earth. These are not directed to saints who've departed this earth.

107 posted on 10/18/2017 5:03:02 AM PDT by ealgeone
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To: Mrs. Don-o
The problem with your post is your assumption that anything not mentioned in Scripture is not permissible. We’ve been over this before. This premise is wrong, because the NT records only vignettes of the *beginning* of the Church as led by the Holy Spirit, and not the *whole* of it.

Yes, we've been over this before. If we allow Roman Catholicism's "Tradition" based on the multi conflicting ECFs, then we have to allow the Mormon their writings, the Muslim their writings, etc.

We only have one set of books declared to be Scripture.

You also assume that the teaching of the Apostles consists solely of 27 books of text, firmly excluding their oral teaching and their practice, their example. This stance I, paradoxically, unBiblical, since the NT authors repeatedly tell us to cling to the Tradition, that which is handed down by the Apostles both in writing and by preaching and practice, which is the example are to follow.

You presume the "Tradition" Roman Catholics rely upon contains the oral teaching of the Apostles. You cannot confirm that.

For that matter, none of us have that. It would be impossible to collect that....though it would be nice to have all of Paul's sermons on tape/disc!

If Rome places so much value on the ECFs...why didn't they incorporate them into the NT Canon at Trent? I've asked that numerous times and no Roman Catholic has given a satisfactory answer.

We can learn from the NT what the "traditions" the Apostles were talking about. BTW...it's only in three places traditions are addressed in the affirmative. In 10 places they are addressed in the negative usually by Christ in referring to the rules set up by the Pharisees. Might want to take note of that one.

It is significant, too, that you assume that most of the early Church was wrong about most things. It’s as if Christ’s promises were null.

I have no problems with the early Church, especially what we see in Scripture. What I do have a problem with is Rome's rendition of what happened after the 1st century. So much of Roman Catholicism cannot be found in the very early church. We see it developing in the 3rd century at the earliest.

Prayers to God for your unspoken request!

108 posted on 10/18/2017 5:15:04 AM PDT by ealgeone
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To: mitch5501

Amazing isn’t it? The book Rome claims to have given us is ignored on so many basic questions.


109 posted on 10/18/2017 5:15:53 AM PDT by ealgeone
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To: ealgeone
The Hail Mary prayer is a prayer TO Mary.

The Hail Mary is a request to Mary that she pray to God for sinners.

Perhaps this is a different point of view between those who have faith that Mary and other saints are in the presence of God and others who do not have that faith.

Again, all prayer is directed to God....not created beings.

And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground; And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.

...

Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth. My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly. The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life. If thou canst answer me, set thy words in order before me, stand up. Behold, I am according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay. Behold, my terror shall not make thee afraid, neither shall my hand be heavy upon thee. Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me. Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths. Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man.


Genesis, Catholic chapter nineteen, Protestant verses one to two,
Job, Catholic chapter thirty three, Protestant verses one to twelve,
as authorized, but not authored, by King James


The examples we have in the NT of believers praying for one another or asking for prayer are between believers still on earth. These are not directed to saints who've departed this earth.

There is no positive example of many things in the scriptures. It requires judgement as to whether it is wrong or not.

For example, there is no positive example of artificial birth control methods. Do you agree that is sin ?

There are no positive examples of anyone commemorating birthdays each year. Is that some kind of idolatry, unduly worshipping someone other than God each year ?


110 posted on 10/18/2017 5:58:24 AM PDT by af_vet_1981 (The bus came by and I got on, That's when it all began.)
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To: Mrs. Don-o

“since the NT authors repeatedly tell us to cling to the Tradition,

Post those traditions that are the official list referred to in the NT.

... or just tell the truth that no one knows.

You are arguing that phrase is a blank check to mean whatever Rome claims.

It is not. It is undefined.


111 posted on 10/18/2017 6:44:11 AM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Mrs. Don-o

“most of the early Church was wrong about most things. ”

It doesn’t exist before 100ad. There is no proof an Apostle taught any of the things we discuss.


112 posted on 10/18/2017 6:46:38 AM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: Mrs. Don-o

“Pray for me please-— family situation.

Prayers up.


113 posted on 10/18/2017 6:47:13 AM PDT by aMorePerfectUnion
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To: ebb tide

There is a reason that the (man made) phrase “God the Son” is not found in the scriptures (that Rome claims to have compiled).

The Son is OF God. Peter said that God hath MADE this same Jesus both Lord and Christ. David said under inspiration that THE LORD said unto MY Lord, .....(Elizabeth called Mary the mother of her Lord, not the mother of her God. After his resurrection, Jesus Christ told Mary Magdalene that he would ascend to his Father and to her Father, and to his God, and to her God).

Paul said that God was IN Christ reconciling the world unto himself. Your church insists that the flesh of Christ is God, separate and distinct.

The Son of God declared that the Father was in him doing the works, and giving him the WORDS to speak. Yet the Son of God declared the he was IN the Father.

Paul said that in HIM we live and move and have our being.

Where is the Father NOT at, if thou canst tell?

Does the blood of the mother go directly into the unborn child, and vice versa?

Are you ebb tide of Free Republic, or Free Republic the ebb tide?

I am not ashamed of the points I’ve given you to ponder (or even respond to).


114 posted on 10/18/2017 6:49:16 AM PDT by Zuriel (Acts 2:38,39....Do you believe it?)
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To: af_vet_1981
You do realize in your examples that the communication is between people on earth??

Also, as a Romam Catholic I find it interesting you used the KJV and not the Douay Rheims. Why?

115 posted on 10/18/2017 7:22:53 AM PDT by ealgeone
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To: ealgeone
You do realize in your examples that the communication is between people on earth??

Yes, which is why I wrote that perhaps the impediment is some have faith that Mary and the saints are in the presence of the LORD while others do not believe that.

Also, as a Romam Catholic I find it interesting you used the KJV and not the Douay Rheims. Why?

For a Protestant, is the KJV considered the Word of God ?

For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.

First Corinthians, Catholic chapter nine, Protestant verses nineteen to twenty three,
as authorized, but not authored, by King James

116 posted on 10/18/2017 9:27:18 AM PDT by af_vet_1981 (The bus came by and I got on, That's when it all began.)
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To: af_vet_1981
I personally use the NASB and The Greek.

Again, the examples we have in the NT are people praying to God.

It never ceases to amaze that Romam Catholics don't have the confidence to take their prayers directly to God as we're shown by Christ and the NT writers.

117 posted on 10/18/2017 9:46:48 AM PDT by ealgeone
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To: aMorePerfectUnion

1) WHAT doesn’t exist before 100 AD?

2) Why doesn’t abundant historic evidence constitute proof?


118 posted on 10/18/2017 10:00:25 AM PDT by Mrs. Don-o (God is not the Author of Confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints --1 Cor 14:33)
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To: Mrs. Don-o

The sermons of the Apostles.


119 posted on 10/18/2017 10:05:00 AM PDT by ealgeone
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To: aMorePerfectUnion
The main elements of Apostolic Tradition are these:
  1. Of first importance: the writing, transmission, and Canon of the Scriptures themselves

  2. Apostolic Succession and hierarchical structure (Bishops, Priests, Deacons)

  3. Liturgical prayer, esp. the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and Eucharistic realism

  4. Spiritual life nourished by the Sacraments

  5. Constant sharing of spiritual goods in the Communion of Saints/Mystical Body of Christ

  6. Honoring of the Saints and of Mary, benefiting from their intercession

  7. Our own constant intercession benefiting the living and the dead

  8. Incarnational/Sacramental view of reality

  9. Confidence in the Holy Spirit's guidance of the Church (as guaranteed by the promise of Christ) and thus the authority and holiness of her official doctrines (Magisterium)

That constitutes a preliminary outline of what comprises capital-T Tradition. We need to analyze the ante-Nicene Fathers as sources, as well as ancient churches which have preserved lines of custody, transmission, and succession.

Keep in mind that the early creeds and synods, and the Nicene Council, historically *preceded* the canon of Scripture: the canon was formed based on what the Church already believed in her creeds: these creeds provided the criteria to test the authenticity of various purported Scriptures (and not vice-versa),

Therefore to accept Scripture is to accept Tradition.

Hit the delete button on Tradition, and Scripture disappears from your screen.

I think a decent place to "see" the content is in Denzinger's compendium of dogma. (Google: sources of catholic dogma denzinger). It's a fairly thick book.

The creeds are another way to "see" the content. I like how the catechism puts the creeds side by side and we can "see" how they developed.

There. That's a start.

120 posted on 10/18/2017 10:32:30 AM PDT by Mrs. Don-o (God is not the Author of Confusion, but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints --1 Cor 14:33)
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