Denominations Dont Matter- Its all about Jesus

[nlm]

And an other amen.I don’t mean to say anything about myself, but yesterday after Mass we wnt to breakfast the finished our Christmas shopping. As I was at the check stand a woman came up to me and said “: you have the pretties smile:” Of course I was a bit embarassed and I thank her. She went on to say " what I see is Jesus’s love in your face". Now I was really amazed at that. I am telling you this because we are always a witness even with our smile.

I am not one bit surprised.Your kindness shows through your posts.May I relate something I experienced? It is once again proof that others, sometimes non-christians are watching and are noticing.After all, Christ did say that people would know us by the love we have for one another.I was at work one day and on one our our breaks, I found myself in the lunchroom with a young co-worker.She was very new in the department.She asked me if she could ask me a question.I said yes.She asked if I went to church.I said yes and asked why she was asking. She then asked if I was a Christian.After I said yes, she replied I taught so.When questionned about her response she said there was something different about me. She referred to “it"as a"peace"or “something”. She said I responded to situations differently then others.She also said I seemed to care more for those we served. I too was left a bit red faced. Not because of my Christianity but because I did not think others even noticed…but she did.She also asked about another co-worker’s spiritual background as we seemed to have much in common.I was able to confirm that this other person was indeed a fellow Christian.Her reply was,” I knew it"My hope and prayer is that in some small way,our daily witness has guided her journey to His door.God Bless.NLM

 

[Hiskid1973]

. She referred to “it"as a"peace"or “something”. She said I responded to situations differently then others.She also said I seemed to care more for those we served. I too was left a bit red faced. Not because of my Christianity but because I did not think others even noticed…but she did.She also asked about another co-worker’s spiritual background as we seemed to have much in common.I was able to confirm that this other person was indeed a fellow Christian.Her reply was,” I knew it"My hope and prayer is that in some small way,our daily witness has guided her journey to His door.God Bless.NLM

This, my brother, is just as it’s to be…This is carrying the fragrance of Christ…I’ll even bet that other christian is from another denomination than you are…This is how, when our works are burned, we end up with gold, silver and precious stones…How we were to those God has in our path…We live the gospel, it does not go unnoticed…Peace to you…

 

[nlm]

Amen…The older and maturer I get the dimmer this world becomes…I don’t want alot of ash when my works get burned…I want others to see more of Jesus and less of me…

Hello Hiskid, Your comment is an interesting one. Have you heard the song, Turn your face upon Jesus? It says the following: Turn your face upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
You are no doubt experiencing His glory and grace.One of our Pastors recently said that things which rot or rust are of no importance. They are the things which will be left behind.As you may have heard, we never see a U-Haul coming behind a hearse!!!God Bless. NLM

 

[nlm]

This, my brother, is just as it’s to be…This is carrying the fragrance of Christ…I’ll even bet that other christian is from another denomination than you are…This is how, when our works are burned, we end up with gold, silver and precious stones…How we were to those God has in our path…We live the gospel, it does not go unnoticed…Peace to you…

How did you know the "other"Christian was from a different denomination? In order to get away from labels I purposely did not mention that she was Roman Catholic while I am Wesleyan.We do "live"the Gospel indeed. God Bless NLM

 

[Carlan]

=nlm;5972211

Others on this forum have told me I was not well catechized.I have been told that even if my religious education came from nuns,priests( which it did) or even bishops, it may not be correct information.How discouraging is that?

---

Yes, well that would be. You know Nlm, when I meet someone like you who left the Church after so long and joined one of the separated denominations. It makes you wonder for sure. How could they, with that kind of background ? you ask.

Not to judge, the heart, that belongs to God. I surmise ,though, that a person with your Catholic education, who took it all in intellectually somehow was never able to take it all the way into the heart where it must be to grow in faith and love with God’s gift of sanctifying grace.I’ve heard that after leaving the Church, for what ever reason, some people somehow find themselves in another place and time,still floundering and reaching out in desperation and responding to the gift of God’s active grace and then it happens , many return to the Church of their birth, other people like you find another place.

To get a bit personal , I have a son who does not practice his faith. He has put God on the shelf. I know in my heart he believes and I trust that God will bring him home, it is not going to happen in my time , but it will happen in God’s time, God knows his heart and he knows exactly when he will be ready to move on that actual grace he provides for all of us. I trust God and ask him to bless you.Carlan
I

 

[Hiskid1973]

How did you know the "other"Christian was from a different denomination? In order to get away from labels I purposely did not mention that she was Roman Catholic while I am Wesleyan.We do "live"the Gospel indeed. God Bless NLM

Hey Bro…I kinda had a feeling…BTW How did she respond when you shared this with her ? Here’s the thing some view us a separated but in God’s eyes were not…I always think of the scriptures given to those who were saying I’m of Peter, I’m of Paul, I’m of Appolos…Can you imagine what would happen if we stopped biting and devouring each other…The encouragement and strength we could give each other, and the effect that would have on the lost around us…Remembering there are tares in all our churches…Great peace in Christ to you my dear brother on the faith…

 

[PJM]

My dear frends in Christ,

As I read these post I am filled with wonder. The Post are very Christian in thought and message, however they do not accurately address the OP COMMENT, which is seriously flawed.

Every Christian church, bar none, has it’s roots in the only Church founded by Christ, His Catholic Church, which history affirms was the ONLY Chrisitian Church for more than ONE THOUSAND YEARS.

Because all Christian churches are founded on God’s Inspired Word, the Holy Bible, it is necessary to point out that all Christian Churches OTHER THAN the Catholic Church are BUILT on a foundation of very soft, quickly shifting sand.

What am I saying

*My Foundation for such a “radical?” thought is: **2 Tim. 3:16 ***

DR Bible 3 16 "All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice:

KJB
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "

*Both “say the same thing.” The difference is Cathoics believe and practice it, while all Protestantants seemingly DO NOT:shrug: Other wise they COULD NOT have removed seven entire INSPIRED BOOKS from the Bible, nor many the many theological changes that they did.**The NATURAL CONSEQUENCE of this action is to, and HAS TOO, to various degrees lessen the validity of the message comming forth from these sources.

The NATURAL CONSEQUENCE of this then, is to affirm and confirm that THEE SINGLE TRUTH on all matters of Faith and Morals can and factually is found ONLY within the confines of the Catholic Church, where for example one can find, AND THE ONLY PLACE ONE CAN FIND, the Seven Sacraments all Instituted By Jesus Himself, practiced FULLY and as a source of grace not found outside the Catholic Church. ONLY in the Catholic Church does Christ remain in person, not “simply” in Spirit. Only in the Catholic Chuch is the Priesrhood and hirearchy of Christ Church still in existence and ONLY in the Catholic Church may one be assured of forgiveness of sins!*

John 20:22-23

**DR Bible: **When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

KJB

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained”

*Friends if you’re not going to accept even what you’re abbridged bible say’s how can you claim to be a “Bible Church?” How can you honestly and intellectually claim that all denominations “are Equal.” Clearly they are NOT!

Indeed there is greater parity among non-Catholic Christians, but do not find comfort in hiding here. God, and thee Truth as well as Jesus Himself can only be found in ONE Church, the Catholic Church, and God dedicated Himself to this truth.*

DR Bible: ** 17 14 I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them: because they are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world**. **And for them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. **

KJB Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. **And for them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. **

Keep in mind all of these Bible verses were written by the end of the First Century when there was ONLY Christ CC and ONLY the Catholic Bible!

Love and prayers, … sharing thee truth is too CHARITY.

 

[nlm]

---

Yes, well that would be. You know Nlm, when I meet someone like you who left the Church after so long and joined one of the separated denominations. It makes you wonder for sure. How could they, with that kind of background ? you ask.

Not to judge, the heart, that belongs to God. I surmise ,though, that a person with your Catholic education, who took it all in intellectually somehow was never able to take it all the way into the heart where it must be to grow in faith and love with God’s gift of sanctifying grace.I’ve heard that after leaving the Church, for what ever reason, some people somehow find themselves in another place and time,still floundering and reaching out in desperation and responding to the gift of God’s active grace and then it happens , many return to the Church of their birth, other people like you find another place.

To get a bit personal , I have a son who does not practice his faith. He has put God on the shelf. I know in my heart he believes and I trust that God will bring him home, it is not going to happen in my time , but it will happen in God’s time, God knows his heart and he knows exactly when he will be ready to move on that actual grace he provides for all of us. I trust God and ask him to bless you.Carlan
I

Hello Carlan.I think you are correct in some of your comments.From the age of 6 I attended parochial schools. All our religious education came from nuns and the priests. I remember God portrayed as a large eye peering through the clouds looking down at us. Pretty heavy stuff when you are 6 years old. I remember the nuns trying to get us to list our sins in preparation for our first confession in preparation for our first communion.I remember standing in line waiting to go to confession.How scared I was.This dimly light black box in a back corner of the church.Alone and waiting for that dreaded door to slide open.I can remember rehearsing my list of sins over and over again so I would not make a mistake.I can remember being warned by the nuns not to touch the host no matter what because it would bleed.This after all becomes the actual body and blood of Christ.Pretty impressive for a 6 year old.Most of what I remember from my religious education revolves around sin and a God who was quite prepared to punish me if I was not good. Everything it seemed had sin as a consequence. I remember my mother forgetting it was Friday and serving us meat.I remember thinking we were the worse people in the world for having sinned this way.I tell you this in response to your reference to my religious education. I could go on but I think you get the picture.
When I left the church I was 50 years old. It did not happen on one specific day or as a result of any one incident or event.I could no longer pretend to believe many of the fundamental beliefs of the church.I was living a lie.However I know the Holy Spirit lead me to the place I am now. The story is long so I won’t go into it at least not in this post.
As for your son.If he put God on the shelf,it tells you he believes in Him.That is a start. I am certain you instilled in him the fundamentals of the faith.Those will never go away.I am certain you will continue to show him by living your christian life what Christianity is all about. Many times it takes a major event in one’s life to bring one back to God.Often it’s a death or some other loss. Who knows what it will take but one thing for sure, God will never give up on him.Remember the prodigal son parable.Be assured of my prayers for his safe return to God.He will return…maybe sooner than you think.God Bless.NLM

 

[nlm]

My dear frends in Christ,

As I read these post I am filled with wonder. The Post are very Christian in thought and message, however they do not accurately address the OP COMMENT, which is seriously flawed.

Every Christian church, bar none, has it’s roots in the only Church founded by Christ, His Catholic Church, which history affirms was the ONLY Chrisitian Church for more than ONE THOUSAND YEARS.

Because all Christian churches are founded on God’s Inspired Word, the Holy Bible, it is necessary to point out that all Christian Churches OTHER THAN the Catholic Church are BUILT on a foundation of very soft, quickly shifting sand.

What am I saying

*My Foundation for such a “radical?” thought is: **2 Tim. 3:16 ***

DR Bible 3 16 "All scripture, inspired of God, is profitable to teach, to reprove, to correct, to instruct in justice:

KJB
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: "

*Both “say the same thing.” The difference is Cathoics believe and practice it, while all Protestantants seemingly DO NOT:shrug: Other wise they COULD NOT have removed seven entire INSPIRED BOOKS from the Bible, nor many the many theological changes that they did.**The NATURAL CONSEQUENCE of this action is to, and HAS TOO, to various degrees lessen the validity of the message comming forth from these sources.

The NATURAL CONSEQUENCE of this then, is to affirm and confirm that THEE SINGLE TRUTH on all matters of Faith and Morals* can and factually is found ONLY within the confines of the Catholic Church, where for example one can find, AND THE ONLY PLACE ONE CAN FIND, the Seven Sacraments all Instituted By Jesus Himself, practiced FULLY and as a source of grace not found outside the Catholic Church. ONLY in the Catholic Church does Christ remain in person, not “simply” in Spirit. Only in the Catholic Chuch is the Priesrhood and hirearchy of Christ Church still in existence and ONLY in the Catholic Church may one be assured of forgiveness of sins!

John 20:22-23

**DR Bible: **When he had said this, he breathed on them; and he said to them: Receive ye the Holy Ghost. And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

KJB

“And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost: Whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them: and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained. Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained”

*Friends if you’re not going to accept even what you’re abbridged bible say’s how can you claim to be a “Bible Church?” How can you honestly and intellectually claim that all denominations “are Equal.” Clearly they are NOT!

Indeed there is greater parity among non-Catholic Christians, but do not find comfort in hiding here. God, and thee Truth as well as Jesus Himself can only be found in ONE Church, the Catholic Church, and God dedicated Himself to this truth.*

DR Bible: ** 17 14 I have given them thy word, and the world hath hated them: because they are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouldst keep them from evil. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth. Thy word is truth. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world**. **And for them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. **

KJB Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. **And for them do I sanctify myself, that they also may be sanctified in truth. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. **

Keep in mind all of these Bible verses were written by the end of the First Century when there was ONLY Christ CC and ONLY the Catholic Bible!

Love and prayers, … sharing thee truth is too CHARITY.

When did Christ institute the Sacrament of the Extreme Unction or the Last Rights or the Sacrament of the sick?NLM

 

[Hiskid1973]

When did Christ institute the Sacrament of the Extreme Unction or the Last Rights or the Sacrament of the sick?NLM

That’s something I always wondered also…It must have been developed along the way…Like the petitioning of the dead in Christ with prayer requests…I never saw an example of it in from the original apostles in scripture…

 

[jmcrae]

This always wondered me, I’ve heard comments like this before from Catholic brethren…I never here Orthodox saying it…How do you know he is walking away from Jesus…What if he’s actually maturing in his faith on the journey he’s taking…Do you really know know the condition of his heart…I can see where this would put a guilt trip on immature believers…It keeps me busy enough with my own life…Now if he wanted turn away from being christian or get in to some strange cult then he needs help…Jesus said He will complete the work He starts in us…I just trust Him with that and just stick to being an encourager and praying for my brethren…

This presents an image of Christ as “invisible friend.” Jesus is a real Person; He is not an invisible friend.

Jesus is waiting for us in the Tabernacle, but if you put your back to the Tabernacle and walk away, then you are, in point of fact, walking away from Jesus.

They have no Tabernacles in Protestant churches - Jesus is not there, in any but the most spiritualized “invisible friend” sense.

 

[Hiskid1973]

This presents an image of Christ as “invisible friend.” Jesus is a real Person; He is not an invisible friend.

Jesus is waiting for us in the Tabernacle, but if you put your back to the Tabernacle and walk away, then you are, in point of fact, walking away from Jesus.

They have no Tabernacles in Protestant churches - Jesus is not there, in any but the most spiritualized “invisible friend” sense.

I guess we’ll find out on the other side where He was and where He wasn’t…I for myself don’t try to surmise where He is or isn’t…

 

[jmcrae]

When did Christ institute the Sacrament of the Extreme Unction or the Last Rights or the Sacrament of the sick?NLM

In Mark 6:13, we see the disciples going forth at Christ’s command to preach two by two, as along the way, we see them anointing the sick with oil. and healing them. Jesus must have instituted this Sacrament at some point prior to that, therefore.

In James 5:14-15, we see a clear description of the Sacrament of the Sick, where the sick person calls the priest (called a “presbyter” in most translations, to differentiate the Christian priesthood from the Levitical priesthood) and we see the priests praying over the sick person and anointing him with oil, just exactly as we see it being done in this Sacrament even today.

 

[Hiskid1973]

In Mark 6:13, we see the disciples going forth at Christ’s command to preach two by two, as along the way, we see them anointing the sick with oil. and healing them. Jesus must have instituted this Sacrament at some point prior to that, therefore.

In James 5:14-15, we see a clear description of the Sacrament of the Sick, where the sick person calls the priest (called a “presbyter” in most translations, to differentiate the Christian priesthood from the Levitical priesthood) and we see the priests praying over the sick person and anointing him with oil, just exactly as we see it being done in this Sacrament even today.

Interesting also is the authority the 70 had in the authority to minister…They were regular christians like you and I. I think we all agree on James 5…We even have that as part of our regular service each week…Not only the pastor but the elders anoint with oil
and pray for the good amount of people that come fwd…

 

[Hiskid1973]

"Sacrament of the Extreme Unction or the Last Rights or the Sacrament of the sick…Could someone share the actual wording of these two sacraments please ?

That’s one thing about this forum, we can actually respectfully discuss things with out being shut down or booted out for causing trouble…

 

[nlm]

This presents an image of Christ as “invisible friend.” Jesus is a real Person; He is not an invisible friend.

Jesus is waiting for us in the Tabernacle, but if you put your back to the Tabernacle and walk away, then you are, in point of fact, walking away from Jesus.

They have no Tabernacles in Protestant churches - Jesus is not there, in any but the most spiritualized “invisible friend” sense.

His presence is very real especially during our services.Remember ,He said where two or three would gather,He would be there.I respect that the Real Presence in the Eucharist is one way some people experience the presence of Jesus but I also believe His presence can be experienced in other ways.
Jesus is not invisible for me.He is very real.I saw Jesus in those I served in my role in health care for instance.Remember,He also said what we do for the least of His,it is to Him we have done it. Saint Benedict instructed his monks to welcome guests to their monasteries as though they were Jesus Himself.In my opinion,Jesus is in many other places besides the tabernacle.He said so Himself.God Bless.NLM

 

[jmcrae]

Interesting also is the authority the 70 had in the authority to minister.

Their authority came from Christ - it was He who sent them forth. They didn’t feel some kind of “burnin’ in the bosom” and go forth according to their own ideas. They were following specific instructions that came verbally and personally from Christ and from the Apostles.

They were regular christians like you and I.

No, they weren’t. They were hand-picked by the Apostles or else even by Christ Himself, to assist them in their ministry. These were not “the crowds” being sent forth to do this work, but a select group of 70 male persons, appointed to this work, vocationally.

 

[Hiskid1973]

No, they weren’t. They were hand-picked by the Apostles or else even by Christ Himself, to assist them in their ministry. These were not “the crowds” being sent forth to do this work, but a select group of 70 male persons, appointed to this work, vocationally.

I’ll have to ask that question on the other side , if they were just regular believers not having any leadership positions…I guess will find out on the other side who or who couldn’t be use in His great commission…

 

[nlm]

"Sacrament of the Extreme Unction or the Last Rights or the Sacrament of the sick…Could someone share the actual wording of these two sacraments please ?

That’s one thing about this forum, we can actually respectfully discuss things with out being shut down or booted out for causing trouble…

There is only one sacrament in this list of names.The reason I included these three names is that this sacrament has had these three names in my lifetime.I think I am correct in saying it is still referred to as the Sacrament of the sick. If this is incorrect,someone please let us know.Is anyone causing trouble? God Bless.NLM

 

[mark_a]

When i talk to some non catholic frinds about the history of the church where the bible came from etc all i get back is " Its all about Jesus and as long as we love him then thats all that matters" Are there any sughgested approaches coz I find that a real road block.

Ax 'em this:

With all else equal, are pro-choice and pro-life on equal footing with God?