What Divides Catholics and Protestants?

Disciple wrote:

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As usual. More concerned with sarcasm than the word of God. I expect no less from you.

You are unable or unwilling to learn?

How sad...

Say the Truth wrote:

After nearly 1700 posts on the topic, I think I've discovered what divide Catholics and Protestants: Satan, the Slanderer.

It is sad that we do this to each other. I am sure that our Savior is sad over us who say that we love him...do not practice what he teaches...to love one another.

keltec 9mm wrote:

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Seems rather illogical,if their fate is sealed, why bother praying for them? In addition, the title of the quote by C.S.Lewis is,
"Why I believe in purgatory."
Sadly, sola scriptura is Christianity with half the pages missing.

Yes, you are right. It is illogical to pray for them. Yet, that is what we do. There is no command, example or necessary inference of it being so, or having any desired effect. The parable/account of Lazarus and the Rich Man show us that we can do nothing for them, nor can they come to us. What people teach is unauthorized superstition; so yes, it is illogical.

The Bible says we will be judged according to our works (Mat. 16:27; 2 Cor. 11:15; 2 Tim. 4:14; Rev. 20:12-13). The final scripture I cited (Rev. 20:12-13) is referring to the judgment. And the Bible tells us that, "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment." (Heb. 9:27) In other words, there is no way to change their fate. We must try to make the change and pray for each other while we are still here, Keltec. And that is why God's [not man's] truth needs to be taught. Only God's truth can save us, and we are to give an account to the Word of God (who is Christ).

Why should I care why that man believes in purgatory? Is he inspired? Are his teachings scriptural, or does he lean to his own understanding? Did you even think to question his views? Again, you scoff at those who live by the word of God, Keltec; even as you continue to to cite the works of uninspired men who have no authority.

Even if you do not yet agree with what Christianity is teaching, you should at least have enough respect for the word of God so as to not insult its tenants. Namely that, "Man is not to live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God." (Mat. 4:4)

You would fault God's people for living by His holy word?

Paul N wrote:

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This is true, in order to get to Jesus, you have to go to the Mother. This is what all the saints in the Catholic Church said. Scripture says to seek the pearl, the treasure, Mary is this treasure. Every person in this world could be saved if they only would pray to Mary for Her intercession, how can the Son deny His Mother?
Christ said many times, "The more you love My Mother, the more I will love you."

Where did He say this?

^id like to know the scripture too, please.

Disciple wrote:

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He is THE ONLY MEDIATOR between man and God.
We pray to God through Christ, but as Christ was God on earth, the Word made flesh, He receives our prayers also.

I will preach to the converted here.

Bom Dia Disciple

Jesus’ direct examples of how to pray are all to God.

We as Disciple's followers of Jesus are called to imitate his actions be like him.

How did Jesus pray, will it was always to God never a created being.

How did he teach his disciples to pray?
He taught them to pray to God only and to make our requests in prayer by his name only.

What is the biblical definition of Pray? It is communicating, offering praise, offering adoration, petitions etc to one who is not our presenc but are in another realm I.E. the being dwells in the heavenly realms.

Prayer biblically is an act of Worship that is why in all 200+ examples of Prayer in the Bible they are all to God. We are to worship God only and pray is An act of Worship.

Not because I say so but because the WORD says so.

Blessings.

Olderndirt wrote:

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To say that most Catholics aren't knowlegable of the scriptures is presumptuous for one that isn't a Catholic. Because you think scripture is all one needs for salvation and spend more time trying to decifer scripture than Catholics who not only rely on scripture but on traditional worship and historical study of 2000 years of our existance makes you think you know more about scripture than Catholics. It's our book. It was written by the first Christians and followed by the first church for about 1400 years. It is the same book used by my church in 2008.

If this is so, then why does your church not look like the early First Century church that we read about in the Bible. Again, you are citing dogma that you will not be able to back up scripturally. And no, Catholics are not that knowledgable of the sciptures. They never have been, and they will never be taught to be. Why? Because the more they read the scriptures, then the more they break ranks from and see through the lies of the Magesterial teachings. The everyday Catholic's ignorance of the scriptures is the key to their leadership's power. This is not an insult so much as it is common knowledge. What is tradition if it is not based upon the traditions taught by Christ and His apostles.

Also, 1700 (maybe a little less) or so years of tradition does not make the Catholic Church any more/less legitimate. Pagan faiths, including Hinduism have been around longer than Chrsitanity. Does that make them a more legitimate faith? I think not! And with all due respect, it's God's book for His people. It is not 'your' book. You didn't write it. You didn't provide it. God did. The only thing the Catholics might have done, at the most, is help bring together what was already in existence. They did not bring it into being.
Peace

sunnstorms wrote:

Jesus called Mary mother, not grandmother

LOLLLL...

Olderndirt wrote:

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Have you sold all that you have and given it to the poor yet???
I assume you have never sinned with your eyes. Scripture tells us to pluck them out if that's the case.

I'll take that as a, "You've never taken a class on Hermeneutics or figurative language?"

You're proving my point.
Stop taking offense and try to settle down. We're not enemies here, OND.

sunnstorms wrote:

Very good post, Disciple. I agree with you that the "Reverends", "Doctors", "Bishops" and all other titles are basically and ego trip. We are all the same in the eyes of God. Some are called to be teachers, but the teacher is nothing without the student.

Thanks Sunnstorms.
However, I must inform you that the position of Bishop is entirely scriptural. Not as you see them in the Catholic Church, mind you, but Bishops (i.e. Elder/Shepherd/Pastor) are the overseers of the local churches. There are no presiding bishops or ranking of bishops though; and there definitely are no Cardinals, Popes or Reverends. These are all man-made titles used to elevate ambitious men.

MiddleWay wrote:

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You are unable or unwilling to learn?
How sad...

You will find me a more than apt debator if you wish to discuss the scriptures, MiddleWay. However, you "appear" to hide your ignorance between flippancy and sarcasm. Thus avoiding the true issues at hand.

You attempted to make a weak point, and I merely asked you to expound upon or enlighten us as to your point. How said that you were not able to do so. This is not the first time you have done such a thing. Hence, my insinuation that you rely more on sarcasm and wit than you do the word of God.
Peace

JOHN wrote:

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It is sad that we do this to each other. I am sure that our Savior is sad over us who say that we love him...do not practice what he teaches...to love one another.

Hello John.
Tell me, my friend:

How can we love Him if we do not know what He teaches? The Bible tells us that there are "False apostles and deceitful workers who transform themselves into apostles of Christ." It also said that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light and his ministers pretend to be ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:13-15). As the Bible is true, then Satan is truly at work, while pretending to be some sort of representative of Christ. So tell me, if we cannot rely on the word of God as the standard through which to determine these false teachings and their lies, then how will we know what to believe?

What would you advise?

Question Keltec (as you certainly seem like one of the most knowledgeable Catholic here).

What must I do to be saved?

Good post Disciple. It seems that most here do not rely on God's Holy Scriptures. Most just want to be critical or should I say down right devilish. I am a Calvinist, but I have no desire to be cruel nor hateful to anyone that does not agree with me. Jesus said that they cannot come to me unless the Father draws them.(John 6:44) God's Word also says they they are spiritually blind and dead in thier trespasses. Only our Soveriegn Holy God can open the blind eyes, heal the deaf ears and change the heart. Ezekial 11:19 We are saved by His soveriegn grace that opened our eyes to His Holy Word that brought about saving faith in our Lord Jesus Christ for God's glory. Preach the Word; Exalt the name of Christ; Give God the glory. Do it in Love.
www.brotherskeepermissions.com

go to mass every sunday and turn your sons over to the homosexual priests and turn a blind eye.

John I am Baptist and trust me, we do not want to throw stones in this area. The SBC has diluted the gospel so drastically that most deacons in the SBC have never read the Baptist confession of faith. By the way if you investigate this topic enough, you will find plenty of skeletons in the Protestant Churches. Let's keep to the scriptures. Romans says that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. I want all to come to the saving knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ and this is His means for His glory.
www.brotherskeepermissions.com

john hannity wrote:

go to mass every sunday and turn your sons over to the homosexual priests and turn a blind eye.

Well you have just become persona non grata in this forum. Take your hatred elsewhere.

Are you Catholic say the truth?

Disciple, thank you for your correction about bishops.

If it is not in the bible then it is of man, therefore subject to suspicion. If you cannot answer a question about your faith with a scripture to back you up, then your answer is without merit. We MUST be able to prove any sprirtual teaching by examining the Word of God.

Disciple wrote:

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Hello John.
Tell me, my friend:
How can we love Him if we do not know what He teaches? The Bible tells us that there are "False apostles and deceitful workers who transform themselves into apostles of Christ." It also said that Satan transforms himself into an angel of light and his ministers pretend to be ministers of righteousness (2 Cor. 11:13-15). As the Bible is true, then Satan is truly at work, while pretending to be some sort of representative of Christ. So tell me, if we cannot rely on the word of God as the standard through which to determine these false teachings and their lies, then how will we know what to believe?
What would you advise?

We have to look at what unites us instead of what devides us. Yes the Bible is the Holy word of God, and all Christians look to it as such. But if you look there are so many ways of looking at Holy Scripture. But if you remember our lord treated the Semarians (I know I misspelled this), who were looked upon by the Jews as heretics. He treated them with respect and love. We need to treat each other with the same respect and love. It is also dangerious to suspect others are being guided by satan instead of Christ because we do not agree with the other. I am a member of the Catholic Church, I would never tell anyone that I felt they were outside of God's church just because they were not Catholic. I say this out of respect for all that profess to be Christian.