Does the Catholic Church teach from the Bible?

[DebChris]

Scripture tells us not to quibble. Strife is a luxury that Christians cannot afford. One of the dangers that anybody who receives the charisms needs to guard against is spiritual pride. These gifts are indeed given for the building up of the community.
The Apostles were indeed sent. Every Catholic is sent forth to love and serve the Lord at the end of the Mass. Mass means to be sent forth. Before the Apostles were sent, they answered God’s call. Jesus said, “Come,” and they left all they had to follow Him.
As followers of Christ, we continue to learn what Jesus taught His Disciples. These teachings, the Tradition of the Church, is entrusted to the teaching authority of the Church, the magisterium and protected intact by the Holy Spirit. In time, it was recognized that these teachings needed to put into writing. And so we have the Canon of the New Testament. Together, Tradition, the written Word, and the Magisterium form a tripod in which each works in unity. None stands alone.
I recommend the book, Where is that in the Bible? It begins with a 6 word sentence demonstrating the confusion that can arise when individuals rely on their own interpretation of God’s Word. Early Christians submitted to the teachings of the Apostles. We are called to do likewise.
The Catholic Church in America uses the New American Bible, with its endorsement from Pope Paul VI, for liturgical services. Other countries including England, Australia, African nations, and countries in the Middle East use the Revised Standard Version. Catholic means Universal. No matter where I travel in the world I know that I will receive the same authentic teachings as the Earliest Christians. When I receive the Eucharist at Mass, the Source and Summit of my Faith, I know that I am receiving Jesus Christ and allowing Him to transform me into the person He would have me be.
God is the potter. I am the clay, the work of His hands.

One of the greatest things about my Catholic Faith is its richness. The general precepts are simple enough. However I can never reach the its depths. There is always something to learn and discover. I can read about the lives of the Saints and their struggles. There are a myriad of devotions that I might choose to follow within my own lifetime, each helping me to discover a new and different aspect of my God. The closer I draw to God, the more I am compelled by Christ to share my life and my Faith. The way I draw closer to God is through my prayer life within the Church.

 

[ProVobis]

Well I’ll go to our house: thanks GF. KJV says “they”, NIV ( which I tend to rely on) says “the disciples”. But The Greek (Interlinear) text says “THOSE GOING FORTH”. I’ll have to double-check my NIV in future!

In my experience, those interlinears have less freedom to be creative. I’d go with it.

 

[IanGE]

Scripture tells us not to quibble. Strife is a luxury that Christians cannot afford. One of the dangers that anybody who receives the charisms needs to guard against is spiritual pride. These gifts are indeed given for the building up of the community The Apostles were indeed sent. Every Catholic is sent forth to love and serve the Lord at the end of the Mass. Mass means to be sent forth Before the Apostles were sent, they answered God’s call. Jesus said, “Come,” and they left all they had to follow Him.
As followers of Christ, we continue to learn what Jesus taught His Disciples. These teachings, the Tradition of the Church, is entrusted to the teaching authority of the Church, the magisterium and protected intact by the Holy Spirit. In time, it was recognized that these teachings needed to put into writing. And so we have the Canon of the New Testament. Together, Tradition, the written Word, and the Magisterium form a tripod in which each works in unity. None stands alone.
I recommend the book, Where is that in the Bible? It begins with a 6 word sentence demonstrating the confusion that can arise when individuals rely on their own interpretation of God’s Word. Early Christians submitted to the teachings of the Apostles. We are called to do likewise.
The Catholic Church in America uses the New American Bible, with its endorsement from Pope Paul VI, for liturgical services. Other countries including England, Australia, African nations, and countries in the Middle East use the Revised Standard Version. Catholic means Universal. No matter where I travel in the world I know that I will receive the same authentic teachings as the Earliest Christians. When I receive the Eucharist at Mass, the Source and Summit of my Faith, I know that I am receiving Jesus Christ and allowing Him to transform me into the person He would have me be.
God is the potter. I am the clay, the work of His hands.

One of the greatest things about my Catholic Faith is its richness. The general precepts are simple enough. However I can never reach the its depths. There is always something to learn and discover. I can read about the lives of the Saints and their struggles. There are a myriad of devotions that I might choose to follow within my own lifetime, each helping me to discover a new and different aspect of my God. The closer I draw to God, the more I am compelled by Christ to share my life and my Faith. The way I draw closer to God is through my prayer life within the Church.

Heaven forfend that I come across as Spiritually proud! On the contrary my witness is based on "if an idiot like me, blasphemer, drunk, serial divorcee can be showered with Grace, Love and Charisma from my forgiving Lord, how much more will the outpouring be on you good guys! It is a heart-wrenching appeal to ALL to share in the fullness of the Lord.
And I would never DARE to even trust MY interpretation of God’s Word. John 14:26 resonates: “But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will TEACH YOU ALL THINGS.” So often, the Lord gives me an answer as Chapter and verse; I simply read and accept what is written, I don’t conjecture, translate, pick holes in the etymology, its plain enough if I just accept. Sometimes the Lord may indicate which Bible He wants me to use, but usually it does not matter, the Holy Spirit irons out mistranslations of His own words after all. Again, this is not a boast but encouragement to all that the Holy Spirit is waiting: ask!
Decades ago the leader of our Catholic Charismatic group confessed to us with a giggle: she had asked the Lord a personal (HARD) question and added, “Lord, could you give me chapter and verse from the Bible as you give Ian.” Immediately she was given a verse from 2 Timothy. Joan, head teacher in a Catholic school, scoffed, “what nonsense, there aren’t TWO Timothys.” The following sunday she was reader at Mass and said, “guess what the first reading was? You guessed it: that particular verse from 2 TIMOTHY!” Who says the Lord doesn’t have a sense of humour?
PS Deb, if I am sent after mass, does that make me an apostle?

 

[Pinoycat]

Before you jump at my throat, I know that this is where we get our dogmas, rules, etc. My question pertains more to Sunday school.

It was just pointed out to me, by a Baptist, that all we (Catholics) do is read the same Bible stories at church, so we never really learn anything new. Naturally I jumped to defend the Church, but after I thought about it, it’s kind of true.

In Sunday school, not once did we ever look at or read from the Bible. We were taught how church and the sacraments work and how to complete them, not why we even do them in the first place. In eighth grade, about 3 weeks before my confirmation, I was given a Bible. That was great, except for the fact that we never opened them, except to write our names on the inside cover.

This does not make any sense to me, especially since how powerful the Bible is. It has really opened my eyes and helped me better understand my faith. My friends that are Baptist, Protestant, etc. know the Bible very well, and they can recite verses as quickly as they can prayers.

I think the teachers should stress reading the Bible and actually understanding why we do things and where we got them from, instead of reviewing what to do at confirmation everyday.

The Bible is compiled according to the Sacred Tradition of the Church. We are encouraged by the Church to read the Bible as it is declared by the Church as our Sacred book. The Bible will help us to increase our morality, and spiritual needs. But we are not allowed to interpret the Bible on our own. Many of us, fond to read the bible, and many of them tempted to interpret it. We should read the bible and understand it with the guidance of the Church. Keep in mind that bible is not an ordinary book, it is God’s word that its hard to understand on our own.

 

[DebChris]

…
PS Deb, if I am sent after mass, does that make me an apostle?

Actually I was thinking about that after I wrote it. Sometimes the Lord gives me words and the understanding afterward.
As Christians each of us has a part in the Holy Priesthood. As the Catechism tells us, even under the Old Covenant, God chose “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Within the people of Israel, God set aside the tribe of Levi for liturgical purposes. The faithful exercise their baptismal priesthood, each according to their own vocation, in Christ’s mission as priest, prophet,and king. (CCC1549). While the common priesthood of the faithful is exercised by the unfolding of baptismal grace, the ministerial priesthood is at the service of the common priesthood. The ministerial priesthood is a means by which Christ unceasingly builds up and leads his Church (CCC1547).
The ordained ministry makes visible the presence of Christ as head of the Church (CCC 1549), acting in the name of the whole Church when presenting to God the prayer of the whole Church (CCC1552).
The ordained priesthood, therefore, represents Christ as part of the direct succession of Apostles. They minister the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist by which we are fed. Fed by the Eucharist, we receive Christ into ourselves. Unlike ordinary food that transforms into the creature that consumes it, we are transformed by the Eucharist into Christ. We carry Christ “into the marketplace.” As Christ sent the Apostles to preach the Word, we do become apostles called to proclaim God’s Word to those we meet. As we read the priest (earlier reference to St. John), the world reads us. St. Francis tells us, “Preach always and if necessary use words.”

The Bible is compiled according to the Sacred Tradition of the Church. We are encouraged by the Church to read the Bible as it is declared by the Church as our Sacred book. The Bible will help us to increase our morality, and spiritual needs. But we are not allowed to interpret the Bible on our own. Many of us, fond to read the bible, and many of them tempted to interpret it. We should read the bible and understand it with the guidance of the Church. Keep in mind that bible is not an ordinary book, it is God’s word that its hard to understand on our own.

We definitely understand Scripture according to the guidance of the Church. There are actually few verses that are dogmatically interpreted which does leave quite a bit of leeway in how we personally understand the scriptures and apply them to our lives. I have been directed in the past to use Lectio Divina as a part of my journalling. The verse becomes the first line of the entry, but there should be no judgement of what follows. Monks often meditate on a single verse throughout the day and the different nuances of meaning that verse may provide.
Our reading of scripture should never lead us to act contrary to Church teaching nor will Church teaching lead us to act in a manner contrary to what scripture tells us. If a prophecy, or prompting, that we receive contradicts either, then it is not from God.

 

[IanGE]

As Christ sent the Apostles to preach the Word, we do become apostles called to proclaim God’s Word to those we meet. As we read the priest (earlier reference to St. John), the world reads us. St. Francis tells us, “Preach always and if necessary use words.”

We definitely understand Scripture according to the guidance of the Church. There are actually few verses that are dogmatically interpreted which does leave quite a bit of leeway in how we personally understand the scriptures and apply them to our lives. I have been directed in the past to use Lectio Divina as a part of my journalling. The verse becomes the first line of the entry, but there should be no judgement of what follows. Monks often meditate on a single verse throughout the day and the different nuances of meaning that verse may provide.
Our reading of scripture should never lead us to act contrary to Church teaching nor will Church teaching lead us to act in a manner contrary to what scripture tells us. If a prophecy, or prompting, that we receive contradicts either, then it is not from God./QUOTE]

Thank you, Deb. But quoting from CCCC fails to move me as I doubt its validity. The second commandment of God forbids us from MAKING graven images, let alone worshipping them. Yet statues abound in our churches: in so many I hurt to see a paltry few candles before Jesus’ statue, yet our Lady has her own son et lumier show! To use the church’s dictum: “falsus in unum falsus in ubique” But then again, we are warned not to consult with the dead, yet there are throngs kneeling before dead saints’ statues, begging for intercession. Jesus pleads, “I am the way and the truth”; “come to ME all who are troubled and I will give you rest.” . I was so surprised when Born Again that I didn’t need to ask the Deacon to ask the priest to ask St. Joseph to ask Our Lady to ask her Son to intercede for me. I could speak directly to God - and He SPOKE BACK! So far as I’m concerned if a prophecy or teaching contradicts the WORD OF GOD alone it is not from God. Tortuous derivations are invalid. I notice that derivations of Limbo and Purgatory, together with statues, are quietly being put aside. Good signs. But we atill have Hell for Mortal Sins and missing sunday mass is a doctrinal mortal sin: where is that in the Bible? I know the Commandment is to KEEP HOLY the Sabbath day - the whole day, not just a half-hour low mass then the rest of the day hoolieing. On the other hand, hoolieing while thanking God for the joy of hoolieing is OK by me.
Jesus instructs us that looking lustfully is already adultery, or calling your brother “raca” in anger is on the same level as murder. Sin is sin, and whether we go to Hell is the Lord’s judgement. Paul says “I am not allowed to judge MYSELF for that is the Lord’s prerogative” yet we judge some to be Saints and others buried in unconsecrate ground (do they still do that?). Not so long ago cremation was verboten cos it would be impossible for scattered ashes to be be reconstituted for resurrection. Hung, drawn and quartered also denied a sinner resurrection from the dead.
50 years ago my baby died in my arms and I went off God. I started to write a book proving that God didn’t exist, FROM THE BIBLE - and let me tell you that is possible using tortuous derived interpretations of God’s Word. But even in mid-angst the Lord showed me a vision of my own Catholic mum on her knees before the family altar every night, being comforted through her prayers. The the vision expanded to reveal thousands of women, men, children - all obtaining relief and comfort from the God I was trying to deny. I had the thought “would you deny all these millions of people the comfort of their faith?” And a sub-thought, “when you find something better to offer them, then advocate that.” Twenty-one years later I was led to being Born Again and was led by the Holy Spirit back to church. Yes, at last I found something better, not just better - THE BEST. I close with Jesus words from John 3: “unless you are born again (anew, from above) you will not SEE the Kingdom of God”; “unless you are born again you will not ENTER the Kingdom of God.” Don’t blame me: those are the Boss’ Words. I am not being judgemental, I’m pleading: “the Kingdom of God is at (within reach of your) hand.”
Jesus Loves you, so does His Father and the Holy Spirit - who are all the same, anyway!

 

[cruiseladytexas]

It seems to me that when someone wants to know why the Catholic Church does not teach from the Bible (which we do) or teach the Bible (which we do), they really mean “why don’t Catholics memorize Bible verses?”.

Catholics know much more of the Bible than they even realize if they have faithfully attended Mass. But, (myself included), we have no need to memorize verses. That being said, most of us can paraphrase the Bible and undertand it’s meaning at least as much as someone who has merely memorized those same passages. I appreciate having a Church authority to help me understand the Bible. I don’t have to become my own (fallible)interpreter.

I study the Bible all of the time, completed FTCM, which included more than 50 hours of Bible study, and I continue to take Bible classes for lay people and deacons at the local seminary, 36 hours a year, plus 20 hours in the summer, plus weekly Bible study during the fall and winter. So, I consider myself fairly educated on the Bible.

However, I cannot quote the Bible verbatum nor do I desire to ever start memorizing passages.

 

[smiddle]

Well, this thread took an unexpected turn. Lol thank you to all who actually answered/explained the real question of the thread! I have actually learned something

 

[IanGE]

It seems to me that when someone wants to know why the Catholic Church does not teach from the Bible (which we do) or teach the Bible (which we do), they really mean “why don’t Catholics memorize Bible verses?”.

Catholics know much more of the Bible than they even realize if they have faithfully attended Mass. But, (myself included), we have no need to memorize verses. That being said, most of us can paraphrase the Bible and undertand it’s meaning at least as much as someone who has merely memorized those same passages. I appreciate having a Church authority to help me understand the Bible. I don’t have to become my own (fallible)interpreter.

I study the Bible all of the time, completed FTCM, which included more than 50 hours of Bible study, and I continue to take Bible classes for lay people and deacons at the local seminary, 36 hours a year, plus 20 hours in the summer, plus weekly Bible study during the fall and winter. So, I consider myself fairly educated on the Bible.
However, I cannot quote the Bible verbatum nor do I desire to ever start memorizing passages.

When I was first Born Again I mixed with members of the Full Gospel Businessmens’ Association who tend to hurl Scriptural bombs at each other (in the words of the [late?] Archbishop of Canterbury). Despite A levels and a Dip HE on RK, I felt iggerant and set about reading the Gospel through twice, plus daily “Gospel in a year” readings. Then I was gently reminded that I don’t have to PROVE to other people what a good Christian I am: I only have to prove it to my boss, my Lord, my Friend and Brother, Jesus the Christ. And He knows exactly where I am on the mountain of Faith!
But then I learned that when Jesus said “I will give you the Words” you can set your watch by it! At first I used to be given Chapter and verse in answer to a (hard) question or prayer, Gradually it became Chapter only - and some Chapters are loooong, I had to read the lot before a line or verse went CHING! Nowadays, I am reminded of a verse, but I have to look it up in a concordance (or Strongs) to make sure I quote it right. If I have difficulty finding the reference I am slowly learning that the Lord doesn’t want me to hurl that particular Scriptural bomb at somebody! Occasionally because the Lord doesn’t want me upsetting someone; more usually the Lord is just telling me to stop showing off!

 

[IanGE]

[No message]

 

[agnes_therese]

Jesus also said, “wherever two or more are gathered in MY NAME there also I AM.” Don’t know what He makes of the current concept of gathering in the name of Rome, Canterbury, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecosatl ET AL.
I simply pray that the Church would return JESUS and the Word of GOD to centre stage.

I can’t speak for the others you list, but Catholics DO gather in the name of Our Lord. And if you don’t think Jesus and the Word of God are “center stage,” I have to wonder how much attention you pay at Mass.

 

[ProVobis]

It seems to me that when someone wants to know why the Catholic Church does not teach from the Bible (which we do) or teach the Bible (which we do), they really mean “why don’t Catholics memorize Bible verses?”.

I’d ask which of 50 English Bible translations should we use for memorizing. I could understand possibly memorizing some LV verses but how often can we apply them in today’s world?

 

[IanGE]

I can’t speak for the others you list, but Catholics DO gather in the name of Our Lord. And if you don’t think Jesus and the Word of God are “center stage,” I have to wonder how much attention you pay at Mass.

O, I pay attention to the readings, Sister Aggie, and listen with my heart if the Sermon is off-the-cuff and of the Spirit. Often the pulpit is used to unload doctrine, dogma, condemnation and then I switch off. At Communion I come alive and invariably return to my pew floating on cloud nine. The rest is formula stuff, written God knows when and repeated like mantras; the hymns are ABOUT God, usually. Charismatic meetings, if the Spirit is allowed to lead, are vibrantly alive and still conducted as described by St. Paul in Corinthians etc. ALL participate by sharing a reading, a prophecy, singing either in Tongues as the Spirit moves or spontaneous paeans of praise and love songs TO the Lord.
I used to be led to mass by fear of mortal sin and hellfire and brimstone if I missed a Sunday mass. I look forward to Charismatic meetings, eager to discover what wonders and beautiful surprises the Lord will bless us with. As Paul Yongie-Chow, pastor of the largest church assembly in the world in Korea says, “if you don’t see at least one miracle every sunday, to what God are you praying?”. I yearn to see the signs of the believers demonstrated in all our churches, confirming the Word of God and drawing unhappy people to Jesus in love. A couple of popes have tentatively sponsored Charismatic Renewal but the spark seems to have quenched at birth. Why, one wonders. The Holy Spirit is freely available to ALL, sitting patiently like a wallflower waiting to be asked. We Charismatics aren’t specially selected, we are simple twits who ASKED!

 

[THEYEHOVAH]

(name removed by moderator);9414218:

.

Which Church were you led back to? Is it the Catholic Church, I ask as you constantly caricature and misrepresent Catholic teaching.

Also attempting to use the Bible to disprove Catholicism is an exercise fraught with difficulty. You most certainly are been judgemental on many occasions in this post alone. You have judged Catholic teaching to be in several instances unBiblical just to cite the most obvious example of that.

I was led back to JESUS and the understanding that God is my Father by the Holy Spirit. THEY commanded me to stay in the Catholic church.
I did say I was attempting to disprove GOD using the Bible. Disproving Catholicism using the Bible is easy, cos the word does not exist anywhere. Jesus used a compound word “ekklesian” ([Those] called out), for some reason not choosing “temple” or “synagogue” (both Greek words) or building but referring to PEOPLE. The contemporary Jewish historian, Josephus, refers to them as "they call themselves CHRISTIANS. . Jesus also said, “wherever two or more are gathered in MY NAME there also I AM.” Don’t know what He makes of the current concept of gathering in the name of Rome, Canterbury, Methodist, Baptist, Pentecosatl ET AL.
It seems I am, in your words, justified by citing "the most obvious (unbiblical) example. Falsus in unam falsus in ubique… I am not knocking Catholics: the Church has u-turned and apologised for many of its actions: cruelty of monks and nuns in Catholic schools (I went to one in that unfortunate heyday!), Copernicus, eating meat on fridays etc etc. I simply pray that the Church would return JESUS and the Word of GOD to centre stage.

Jesus and God are centre stage AND MUCH HAS BEEN ADDED OBSCURING THE TRUTH. <3+WENDY

 

[THEYEHOVAH]

(name removed by moderator)
Forum Master

I am amazed at “the tone” you choose–are you uncomfortable! We have here people–communicating directly with OUR FATHER! Are you defending CHURCH or JESUS.
If you defend CHURCH you are not CHURCH.

If you defend JESUS CHRIST you are CHURCH. Do not panic when ADDITIONS TO THE TRUTH are questioned–such questioning is truly the SPIRIT HOLY of the–CATHOLIC CHURCH! <3+

 

[THEYEHOVAH]

Put on the whole armor of God–the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness–THROUGH JESUS, the belt of Truth, shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD. THIS IS A COMMAND. IT IS NEEDED. MANY, MANY BELIEVERS HAVE BEEN LOST BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT–THE WORD. It must be done peaceably, IN TRUTH, not OUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS BUT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS UPHELD BELIEVING IN OUR SALVATION. Salvation from what? I talked to a man believing everyone was SAVED. He was CATHOLIC. He was so “SAFE” in his Catholic FAITH that he had no IDEA that others were unsaved. He does NOT know the WORD.

And by that I do NOT mean “memorizaTion”–cross is “T.” I mean UNDERSTANDING.

Do NOT RELY ON OTHERS TO INTERPRET FOR YOU. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TEACHING WORKS. THIS IS AGAINST THE APOSTLES. You MUST enter the kingdom not relying on man or one “someone else’s Holy SpiriT”–YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT. Or you will be like one of the ten virgins, only one of the five who SLEPT while the others WERE FILLED. You CANNOT RELY–ON OTHERS. THEY OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO RELY ON YOU. <3+

When I was first Born Again I mixed with members of the Full Gospel Businessmens’ Association who tend to hurl Scriptural bombs at each other (in the words of the [late?] Archbishop of Canterbury). Despite A levels and a Dip HE on RK, I felt iggerant and set about reading the Gospel through twice, plus daily “Gospel in a year” readings. Then I was gently reminded that I don’t have to PROVE to other people what a good Christian I am: I only have to prove it to my boss, my Lord, my Friend and Brother, Jesus the Christ. And He knows exactly where I am on the mountain of Faith!
But then I learned that when Jesus said “I will give you the Words” you can set your watch by it! At first I used to be given Chapter and verse in answer to a (hard) question or prayer, Gradually it became Chapter only - and some Chapters are loooong, I had to read the lot before a line or verse went CHING! Nowadays, I am reminded of a verse, but I have to look it up in a concordance (or Strongs) to make sure I quote it right. If I have difficulty finding the reference I am slowly learning that the Lord doesn’t want me to hurl that particular Scriptural bomb at somebody! Occasionally because the Lord doesn’t want me upsetting someone; more usually the Lord is just telling me to stop showing off!

 

[clem456]

Put on the whole armor of God–the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness–THROUGH JESUS, the belt of Truth, shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD. THIS IS A COMMAND. IT IS NEEDED. MANY, MANY BELIEVERS HAVE BEEN LOST BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT–THE WORD. It must be done peaceably, IN TRUTH, not OUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS BUT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS UPHELD BELIEVING IN OUR SALVATION. Salvation from what? I talked to a man believing everyone was SAVED. He was CATHOLIC. He was so “SAFE” in his Catholic FAITH that he had no IDEA that others were unsaved. He does NOT know the WORD.

And by that I do NOT mean “memorizaTion”–cross is “T.” I mean UNDERSTANDING.

Do NOT RELY ON OTHERS TO INTERPRET FOR YOU. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TEACHING WORKS. THIS IS AGAINST THE APOSTLES. You MUST enter the kingdom not relying on man or one “someone else’s Holy SpiriT”–YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT. Or you will be like one of the ten virgins, only one of the five who SLEPT while the others WERE FILLED. **You CANNOT RELY–ON OTHERS. THEY OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO RELY ON YOU. ** <3+

I’m a little confused. You say we should not rely on others, but others should rely on us? I am confused there, can you elaborate?

 

[Godfollower]

Put on the whole armor of God–the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of righteousness–THROUGH JESUS, the belt of Truth, shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, wielding the sword of the Spirit, which is the WORD OF GOD. THIS IS A COMMAND. IT IS NEEDED. MANY, MANY BELIEVERS HAVE BEEN LOST BECAUSE OF INABILITY TO WIELD THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT–THE WORD. It must be done peaceably, IN TRUTH, not OUR OWN RIGHTEOUSNESS BUT THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF JESUS UPHELD BELIEVING IN OUR SALVATION. Salvation from what? I talked to a man believing everyone was SAVED. He was CATHOLIC. He was so “SAFE” in his Catholic FAITH that he had no IDEA that others were unsaved. He does NOT know the WORD.

And by that I do NOT mean “memorizaTion”–cross is “T.” I mean UNDERSTANDING.

Do NOT RELY ON OTHERS TO INTERPRET FOR YOU. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TEACHING WORKS. THIS IS AGAINST THE APOSTLES. You MUST enter the kingdom not relying on man or one “someone else’s Holy SpiriT”–YOU HAVE TO HAVE IT. Or you will be like one of the ten virgins, only one of the five who SLEPT while the others WERE FILLED. You CANNOT RELY–ON OTHERS. THEY OUGHT TO BE ABLE TO RELY ON YOU. <3+

Really? “Do not rely on others to interpret for you”? Huh. And yet the Bible tells us otherwise.

[29]And the Spirit said to Philip: Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. [30] And Philip running thither, heard him reading the prophet Isaias. And he said: Thinkest thou that thou understandest what thou readest?

[31] ***Who said: And how can I, unless some man shew me? ***And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. [32] And the place of the scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb without voice before his shearer, so openeth he not his mouth. [33] In humility his judgment was taken away. His generation who shall declare, for his life shall be taken from the earth? [34] And the eunuch answering Philip, said: I beseech thee, of whom doth the prophet speak this? of himself, or of some other man? [35] Then Philip, opening his mouth, and beginning at this scripture, preached unto him Jesus.

[36] And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water; and the eunuch said: See, here is water: what doth hinder me from being baptized? [37] And Philip said: If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answering, said: I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [38] And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch: and he baptized him. [39] And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing.

Acts 8:29-39.

Indeed, Scripture plainly says that “no prophecy of scripture is made by private interpretation” (2 Peter 1:20).

So, I’m sorry, but you’re mistaken. The Bible clearly teaches us that the Apostles (and therefore their successors, the bishops) have the authority to teach us. This is a clear teaching, not to be contradicted by some guy with a divinity degree from a mail-order catalog who wants to be the guy everyone follows. Jesus appointed a church to teach us, and He gave it the authority to teach.

 

[rymichael]

The whole Mass and everything we do is from the Bible. Try and do a little bit more research, a good book is The Lamb’s Supper by Scott Hahn, it explains the Mass and how every single part of it is from scripture.

 

[IanGE]

BTW I didn’t write that, Wendy did, but I find her words perfectly clear. If, by gnomic, you mean incomprehensible, I for one comprehend. Please read John 3 and Jesus’ gentle words in answer to Nicodemus. Unless you are Born Again you will neither see nor enter the Kingdom of God. You might have meant ‘Gnostic’ but there is no secret understanding given to special people. The Holy Spirit will teach you ALL things. Ask HIM! And ask the Catholic Church (and a few others) why they don’t advocate (maybe thats too polite a word) Jesus’ recommendation to be Born Again?
[/quote]