A question for all Protestants being lead by the Holy Spirit

[Xavierlives]

Deliberate misrepresentation of what I’ve said in this thread?

We can learn, from the Apostolic succession, as well as those things written for them to teach us.

Aren’t you in law school? Did they just hand you the school books, or did they issue school books with a certified instructor to teach you? Would the instructor have been enough, or did the books help you understand what the instructor taught you?

No. I graduated from law school a while back. RecentIy I was studying to practice law in Texas. But to your point. In my Bar review, they just handed me books and said, “Good Luck.” There was no instructor. As for law school, as in any colleges, there were a wide variety of professors. Some had books (and used them heavily), but one wrote his own course material. One class didn’t have textbooks because the area of law was not heavily taught.

So, as to you comparison to apostolic teaching and succession, I think your comparison is somewhat flawed. Flawed because man’s law is constantly changing while God’s law is constant. If I have a question about law now, after law school, guess what? I can’t call my professors. I can only going to the books.

It’s really that simple.

The extras, ‘we can toss the epsitles’, are just misrepresentations to maintain the view being espoused.

No they are extremes of the same thought. Of course we aren’t going to ignore the epistles. But back to the point, I don’t necessarily disagree with your Great Commission assessment. I think we need to understand we all play an important role in that commission. Not all are teachers. Not all are pastors. Each person has a role in that Commission and we must fill our role.

Do we read the documents of the country and appoint ourselves to be the authority, or do we go through the proper channels to gain certification? Would God have setup an authoritative Church requiring less than men?

 

[Xavierlives]

Again, you’re mistaken. I accept the Catholic Church as the Church Christ wanted, and established. The unifying points are in scriptures. The Church was meant to be one. There was no difference in the Churches in scriptures. In a way, those ‘new’ Churches are a man made tradition, just as scriptures are the ‘final authority’ and that scriptures should be interpreted by each individual. Christ built the first Church. His was first and will be everlasting.

Exactly. You believe in the Catholic Church not a catholic church.

The Catholic Church is the ‘catholic Church’. Just as new interpretations were given to scriptures, new definitions of ‘Catholic’ are a new attempt to justify different teachings/doctrines of many denominations. It’s nothing I did, Christ built one Church and as I mentioned above, all the Churches in scriptures had the same teachings/doctrines. Your ‘beef’ is not with me…

I have no complaints. I do not reject you. You reject me. I believe that we are brothers in Christ, a separate branch of the same tree. The problem is, as you just stated, you want the Catholic Church to be the tree.

 

[CMatt25]

I do not reject you. You reject me. I believe that we are brothers in Christ, a separate branch of the same tree. The problem is, as you just stated, you want the Catholic Church to be the tree.

I agree. We are brothers in Christ. United in Him. Branches attached to Christ. Parts of one body. Our unity in Christ far outweighs our differences. Peace.

 

[shawn38]

The explain all the different teachings, from people all claiming guidance of the Holy Spirit? Give an example of that from scriptures.

I presume you meant “Please explain.” I’ve been explaining that all along, but you keep dismissing it saying that those are the authorities of the church Paul and etc keep referencing though the letter specifically state the “church in where ever.” The best example was from Titus 2 when speaking specifically of older women and they can train the younger women.

Christ told that to the offices of His Church and He said the even the gate of hell shall not prevail against it.

We could argue to we’re blue in the face about what this means and what the gates of hell shall not prevail against.

And the teaching is coming from the authoritative men of the Church, rightfully appointed.

No one said that the men teaching in the church were not authoritative. The authority by which they were teaching was given to them by the Holy Spirit which is teaching through them. But this authority is not confined to only church leaders.

Show me where Christ had the multitudes ‘teach’ or ‘preach’ under His authority? Not there.

Luke 20, Mark 11, Matt 21 same parable
Jn 5:27 And God has given Jesus the authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.
Jn 17:1-2 After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed: “Father, the time has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. 2For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life to all those you have given him.

By what authority was Jesus doing these things?

Matt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me

The Apostles appointed men and they appointed men, that’s Apostolic succession of offices from and through the authoritative Church.

Apostles made disciples which some of them became Deacons, bishops, and overseers. But they too were disciples.
The criteria for being an apostle was spelled out throughout the NT:
The apostles were: by the will of God (Eph 1:1, 1 Cor 1:1, 2 Tim 1:1, Col 1:1, 2 Cor 1:1), by the command of God (1 Tim 1:1), sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father (Gal 1:1), set apart for the gospel of God (Rom 1:1), servant of God (1:1, Titus 1:1), Have seen Jesus our Lord? (1 Cor 9:1), appointed an apostle and a teacher (Matt 28:16,2 Tim 1:11, 1 Tim 2:7), performed things that mark an apostle–signs, wonders and miracles (2 Cor 12:12), Have God working in their ministry (Gal 2:8), and were a witness of his resurrection." (Acts 1:22), Jesus gave them power and authority (Luke 9:1, 2 Cor 10:8, 2 Cor 13:10)

Without examples of someone in scriptures assuming an authority, it’s not correct.

1 Thess 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
1 Cor 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Eph 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

Mark 13:34 Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Are we not all servants of God called to do His will? Yes

Eph 5:24 Now as the church submits to Christ,

What is the church? Eph 1:23 The body of believers.
Rom 16:3-5 Salute Prisca and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus… And the church which is in their house.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Exactly. You believe in the Catholic Church not a catholic church.

I have no complaints. I do not reject you. You reject me. I believe that we are brothers in Christ, a separate branch of the same tree. The problem is, as you just stated, you want the Catholic Church to be the tree.

I’m not sure if you’re purposefully representing me incorrectly, or if I’m not making myself clear.

We are connected in our faith in Jesus, however the Church Christ built is the tree. I don’t agree that different teachings/doctrines are on the same ‘tree’, but then I’m not the judge, now or then. If you want to use ‘analogies’, then those branches broke off. They did come from the one tree, but don’t appear to be bearing the same ‘fruit’. Now, will those branches take root and grow into a ‘new’ tree? Again, I’m not the judge, now or then.

The Church had the fullness of truth, as taught by Christ Himself. Those Churches that ‘broke off’ took parts of the truth with them. Those parts came from the one Church. As those Churches broke off from one another, the teachings became more and more diluted as those that broke off from them, only took some parts with them. Some have referred to those things we agree on to be the ‘basics’, the problem is, I don’t find a distinction, or acceptance, of basics in scriptures. Paul said we’re to be of the same mind and judgment, of the same accord and he warned about those causing divisions, or dissensions.

So, for my own faith, I prefer to be with the one Church that has existed since the beginning and I believe that to be the Catholic Church. Scriptures support that, in my honest opinion. As I’ve already explained to you, I don’t see scriptural evidence of different Churches, with different applications of faith.

As you understand that we all have our own part in the great commission, it is all our responsibility to tell of that hope and joy within us, and that’s what I’m doing here. As Peter warns of those being led aside by the error of the unwise, I seek to stay on path with the wise and share what I believe to be truth to help others avoid being led aside. Do you think I shouldn’t express what I believe to be truth in Christ to others because they don’t agree with me, or the Church I believe Christ built? If so, explain how that fits into my part in the great commission?

As I’ve explained my part in the great commission, I still recognize the fact that Christ chose and appointed men over His Church, making it an authoritative Church, and as scriptures tell me, I am going to obey my ‘prelates’.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

I presume you meant “Please explain.” I’ve been explaining that all along, but you keep dismissing it saying that those are the authorities of the church Paul and etc keep referencing though the letter specifically state the “church in where ever.” The best example was from Titus 2 when speaking specifically of older women and they can train the younger women.

Just as we agree, parents are to instruct their children in the ways of our faith, older women were to ‘train’ the younger women. The point I keep trying to make is in referencing to ‘ordination’ or being appointed. Paul never told the older women to ‘train’ them, then ordain, or appoint them to a position within the Church.

Now, where did the older women receive their instructions? From the authority in the Church, Paul. We’re not to sit idlely by and do nothing, but we are limited from appointing ourselves to ‘leaders’ in the Church, or act authoritatively in the Church.

We can seek to do those things, but we must have the approval of the authorities in the Church.

No one said that the men teaching in the church were not authoritative. The authority by which they were teaching was given to them by the Holy Spirit which is teaching through them. But this authority is not confined to only church leaders.

Emphasis above is mine. I have repeatedly requested a scriptural support of that statement. Show me the scriptures where anyone ‘assumed’ an authority without the authorities appointed into the Church?

By what authority was Jesus doing these things?

Matt 28:18 Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me

Matthew 28 is Christ instructing those He chose and appointed. He told them in verse 18 where He had the authority to command them.

Mat 28:16 And the eleven disciples went into Galilee, unto the mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
Mat 28:17 And seeing him they adored: but some doubted.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.
Mat 28:19 Going therefore, teach ye all nations: baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost.
Mat 28:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. And behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

Apostles made disciples which some of them became Deacons, bishops, and overseers. But they too were disciples.
The criteria for being an apostle was spelled out throughout the NT:
The apostles were: by the will of God (Eph 1:1, 1 Cor 1:1, 2 Tim 1:1, Col 1:1, 2 Cor 1:1), by the command of God (1 Tim 1:1), sent not from men nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father (Gal 1:1), set apart for the gospel of God (Rom 1:1), servant of God (1:1, Titus 1:1), Have seen Jesus our Lord? (1 Cor 9:1), appointed an apostle and a teacher (Matt 28:16,2 Tim 1:11, 1 Tim 2:7), performed things that mark an apostle–signs, wonders and miracles (2 Cor 12:12), Have God working in their ministry (Gal 2:8), and were a witness of his resurrection." (Acts 1:22), Jesus gave them power and authority (Luke 9:1, 2 Cor 10:8, 2 Cor 13:10)

1 Thess 4:2 For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.
1 Cor 11:1 Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.
1 Eph 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children

Mark 13:34 Even as a man who going into a far country, left his house; and gave authority to his servants over every work, and commanded the porter to watch.

Are we not all servants of God called to do His will? Yes

Eph 5:24 Now as the church submits to Christ,

What is the church? Eph 1:23 The body of believers.
Rom 16:3-5 Salute Prisca and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus… And the church which is in their house.

As you said, ‘Apostles made disciples which some of them became Deacons, bishops, and overseers.’ Apostles did this, then the men they appointed did this, then those did it and so on and so on. That’s Apostolic succession. There was no one in the line that ‘assumed’ the authority upon themself, and in my opinion, no one should have done that since.

All those are instructions to the authorities appointed/ordained into the Church. Even though Prisca and Aquila were not appointed/ordained through the imposition of hands, they worked under the direct supervision of those in Apostolic succession. Their ‘title’ is mentioned, ‘helpers’. They could not impose hands and appoint one in a position of authority.

We all are servants, but we haven’t been appointed/ordained to do anything on our own. We have been instructed to obey our prelates. Those prelates were appointed/ordained through the imposition of hands.

 

[shawn38]

As you understand that we all have our own part in the great commission, it is all our responsibility to tell of that hope and joy within us, and that’s what I’m doing here.

Earlier you stated:

Again, who is the audience Christ is speaking too in Matthew 28?

Ok, the Apostles

So do you feel that the entire great commission is applicable to only the apostles (church authority), but only bits and pieces apply to all others in Christ?

If one feels that their part of the great commission is to express the hope and truth (which they should) in Christ, such as yourself, where would one derive that authority if not in a position of church authority? The promised Spirit was a free gift from God. The Spirit is truth. So we received the Truth as a free gift. If we had not received the Truth, we would not know the truth. Are we then to keep the truth within ourselves? No. So it’s by the authority of the Truth that we speak the truth.

I am a convert from Protestantism to Catholicism. I was not ‘stuck’. I prayed, read scriptures, researched and reflected.

If you prayed, read scriptures, researched, and reflected, what was the role of the Holy Spirit in all this?

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Earlier you stated:

So do you feel that the entire great commission is applicable to only the apostles (church authority), but only bits and pieces apply to all others in Christ?

If one feels that their part of the great commission is to express the hope and truth (which they should) in Christ, such as yourself, where would one derive that authority if not in a position of church authority? The promised Spirit was a free gift from God. The Spirit is truth. So we received the Truth as a free gift. If we had not received the Truth, we would not know the truth. Are we then to keep the truth within ourselves? No. So it’s by the authority of the Truth that we speak the truth.

If you prayed, read scriptures, researched, and reflected, what was the role of the Holy Spirit in all this?

We have ‘our’ part in the great commission, that is limited to exclude those things requiring authority; i.e. ‘ordaining/appointing’ other to positions of authority. Are all Apostles, are all prophets, are all doctors?

We are to obey those in authority, so the things we do must be under their direction.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

If you prayed, read scriptures, researched, and reflected, what was the role of the Holy Spirit in all this?

He led me to the Catholic Church, by the gifts of wisdom, understanding, intellect, guidance, piety, strength of faith and fear of the Lord (fear of being separated from the Lord).

Through those gifts, I recognize my place in the scheme of things. I cannot ordain/appoint, teach, make doctrinal decisions, etc.

I can share that which fills me with joy and comfort.

 

[shawn38]

Even though Prisca and Aquila were not appointed/ordained through the imposition of hands, they worked under the direct supervision of those in Apostolic succession. Their ‘title’ is mentioned, ‘helpers’.

But the list goes on long after Prisca and Aquila:

Rom 16:6Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ.Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss.

They could not impose hands and appoint one in a position of authority.

Healings with and without the laying on of hands
Matt 8:8 Jesus healed the centurians servant without they laying on of hands.
Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Mark 3:… “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored

Gift of Tongues with and without the laying on of hands
Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tonguesa as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Receiving the Holy Spirit with and without the laying on of hands
Acts 19:4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them,
Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

1 Tim 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands

Acts 9:17 Disciples had the ability to lay hands on people:
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul …something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized

If the apostles were to go out and make disciples as the great commissions states, then did all those in Rom 16 also have the ability?

What defines a disciple?

 

[shawn38]

He led me to the Catholic Church, by the gifts of wisdom, understanding, intellect, guidance, piety, strength of faith and fear of the Lord (fear of being separated from the Lord)…

The “He” you are mentioning would be the Holy Spirit?

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

But the list goes on long after Prisca and Aquila:

Rom 16:6Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junias, my relatives who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. 8Greet Ampliatus, whom I love in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, tested and approved in Christ.Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the brothers with them. 15Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss.

Healings with and without the laying on of hands
Matt 8:8 Jesus healed the centurians servant without they laying on of hands.
Mark 6:5 And he could there do no mighty work, save that he laid his hands upon a few sick folk, and healed them.
Mark 3:… “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored

Gift of Tongues with and without the laying on of hands
Acts 2:4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tonguesa as the Spirit enabled them.
Acts 19:6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.

Receiving the Holy Spirit with and without the laying on of hands
Acts 19:4 Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them,
Acts 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.

1 Tim 5:22 Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands

Acts 9:17 Disciples had the ability to lay hands on people:
Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul …something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized

If the apostles were to go out and make disciples as the great commissions states, then did all those in Rom 16 also have the ability?

What defines a disciple?

Lots of examples, not one example of someone receiving an authority position in the Church…

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

The “He” you are mentioning would be the Holy Spirit?

You didn’t recognize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in my answer?

 

[Xavierlives]

I’m not sure if you’re purposefully representing me incorrectly, or if I’m not making myself clear.

I think your is rather clear and I do not feel I am trying to misrepresent you. But it starkly clear to me that we are talking about being in two different places. I share the view that Catholics and protestants can one day recognize that we are branches of the same tree. We have not fallen away and started a new plant. We are not bearing different fruit. We are of the same tree. The problem is, I view the tree as Christ, you view the tree as the church. You can substitute vine for tree and suddenly we are using scripture (amazing).

We are connected in our faith in Jesus, however the Church Christ built is the tree. I don’t agree that different teachings/doctrines are on the same ‘tree’, but then I’m not the judge, now or then. If you want to use ‘analogies’, then those branches broke off. They did come from the one tree, but don’t appear to be bearing the same ‘fruit’. Now, will those branches take root and grow into a ‘new’ tree? Again, I’m not the judge, now or then.

The real problem with your analysis is Mormons are connected by a faith in Christ, but we know there is a different end result there. You are right though, it will all come out in the wash, it is unfortunate there can’t be unity until then.

The Church had the fullness of truth, as taught by Christ Himself. Those Churches that ‘broke off’ took parts of the truth with them. Those parts came from the one Church. As those Churches broke off from one another, the teachings became more and more diluted as those that broke off from them, only took some parts with them. Some have referred to those things we agree on to be the ‘basics’, the problem is, I don’t find a distinction, or acceptance, of basics in scriptures. Paul said we’re to be of the same mind and judgment, of the same accord and he warned about those causing divisions, or dissensions.

The differences are rather simple. What is not in the Word is not equal to the Word. It doesn’t mean they aren’t important or shouldn’t play a role, but they are not equal.

So, for my own faith, I prefer to be with the one Church that has existed since the beginning and I believe that to be the Catholic Church. Scriptures support that, in my honest opinion. As I’ve already explained to you, I don’t see scriptural evidence of different Churches, with different applications of faith.

And that is great. We claim the same origin. We can run hand-in-hand through a field of daisies knowing we share the same Word, the same Jesus, the same message, the same resurrection.

As you understand that we all have our own part in the great commission, it is all our responsibility to tell of that hope and joy within us, and that’s what I’m doing here. As Peter warns of those being led aside by the error of the unwise, I seek to stay on path with the wise and share what I believe to be truth to help others avoid being led aside. Do you think I shouldn’t express what I believe to be truth in Christ to others because they don’t agree with me, or the Church I believe Christ built? If so, explain how that fits into my part in the great commission?

As I’ve explained my part in the great commission, I still recognize the fact that Christ chose and appointed men over His Church, making it an authoritative Church, and as scriptures tell me, I am going to obey my ‘prelates’.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

I think your is rather clear and I do not feel I am trying to misrepresent you. But it starkly clear to me that we are talking about being in two different places. I share the view that Catholics and protestants can one day recognize that we are branches of the same tree. We have not fallen away and started a new plant. We are not bearing different fruit. We are of the same tree. The problem is, I view the tree as Christ, you view the tree as the church. You can substitute vine for tree and suddenly we are using scripture (amazing).

The real problem with your analysis is Mormons are connected by a faith in Christ, but we know there is a different end result there. You are right though, it will all come out in the wash, it is unfortunate there can’t be unity until then.

A vine is a separate plant, at least you should see my yard…

Oh, you want to exclude someone? I had thought about how you’re including Mormons, JWs, etc. They claim the same Christ and they would expect a branch. It’s the same thing, even as errored as they are, they have a small part of the truth, at least they would claim it and believe it. Welcome to Catholicism.

The differences are rather simple. What is not in the Word is not equal to the Word. It doesn’t mean they aren’t important or shouldn’t play a role, but they are not equal.

Where in scriptures does it say that? Don’t bother, it’s not there. We have Paul, who is clear about dissensions, divisions and being of the same mind and judgement, of the same accord, and holding to the traditions whether spoken or written.

Where are scriptural examples of one faith, with different applications? They’re not there either.
Xavierlives;6502117:

And that is great. We claim the same origin. We can run hand-in-hand through a field of daisies knowing we share the same Word, the same Jesus, the same message, the same resurrection.

 

[po18guy]

Hold on now. So you are telling me the Catholic stance on the Great Commission is it was spoken to those select people?

If so, I dare ask one question: why include it in the Bible?

For the Apostles’ successors and leaders of the Church. Remember that literacy was low in the ancient world. What good is a bible (which did not then exist) or any scripture, if you can’t read?

If you look for it in the NT, you will see that much of what Jesus said was to the twelve. Empowering the masses with variable, individualistic teaching began some 1,500 years later.

 

[shawn38]

You didn’t recognize the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit in my answer?

I didn’t want any misunderstandings as to the “He.”

You received seven gifts of the Holy Spirit outside the CC? Interesting!

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

I didn’t want any misunderstandings as to the “He.”

You received seven gifts of the Holy Spirit outside the CC? Interesting!

What’s really interesting is that He led me to the Catholic Church.

 

[Xavierlives]

A vine is a separate plant, at least you should see my yard…

Oh, you want to exclude someone? I had thought about how you’re including Mormons, JWs, etc. They claim the same Christ and they would expect a branch. It’s the same thing, even as errored as they are, they have a small part of the truth, at least they would claim it and believe it. Welcome to Catholicism.
Xavierlives;6502117:

The differences are rather simple. What is not in the Word is not equal to the Word. It doesn’t mean they aren’t important or shouldn’t play a role, but they are not equal.

Where in scriptures does it say that? Don’t bother, it’s not there. We have Paul, who is clear about dissensions, divisions and being of the same mind and judgement, of the same accord, and holding to the traditions whether spoken or written.

Well this is where we will always disagree. In contract law, there is a thing called the four-corners doctrine. The general principle is everything you need to know about the contract can and should be found withing the four corners of the paper. As a protestant, I follow the four corners doctrine.

Where are scriptural examples of one faith, with different applications? They’re not there either.

 

[denwiles]

Wheather it be The Catholic chuch or 36,000 Protestant denominations we are all united in the fact that we all believe in the the Apostles Creed. Jesus is God, Came in the flesh Born of the Virgin Mary, Died on the Cross for our sins, Rose on the third day and now sits at the right hand of the father. We need to all Love each other as Christ whould have us. I do agree however that we are to be united and of one mind and spirit. The Catholic Church is united! Many were saying in Pauls day I follow Paul, others were saying I follow Peter and still others were saying I follow Appollos. Paul rebuked them and said is Christ divided? We all need to follow Christ! The problem is that many don’t want to come under the Authority of the church so they break off and do their own thing.