The Greek word for church essentially means congregation or assembly. Which is to say our understanding of the word as commonly translated “church” is accurate - a congregation of believers.
Ok I will attempt to disect your remark, maybe that way you will understand, OK?
SIGH!Ok, One last attempt to enlighten you. :banghead: Then I give up, Fair enough?Hi! I’ve often wondered why myself, until I learned from God’s church Was it from Our Bible or other writings of the RCC?why God does not do things the way we think it should be done. Duh…well maybe because he is GOD?It is there all along in His Word, the Bible. Nope, wrong, everything isn’t in the Bible.When I saw His revelation,And it was, waiting with bated breath? I cannot help but be struck in awe at the greatness of His wisdom.What exactly did he reveal to you? That the bible you were reading wasn’t the one approved by His Church? Anyway it was His wisdom as you interpet it, without anyone to guide you like it says should be done in My Bible and your bible also. Yes God agrees with you,in your mind! We are really nothing compared to Him!AMEN! SO TRUE! NO ARGUMENT THERE. YOU GOT “ONE” RIGHT I would love to share this with you guys but only if you would allow me to. No thanks we have the True God, he is enough for us. But thanks for your offer, go pedal your god somewhere else. Try the Baptist they may want to form another division of their religion, its about that time again It seems my referring to the Scriptures in this forum is always taken in a bad light.Yes that is true. I don’t even have to wonder why. But, I don’t think I could every make you understand. Lets’ try again: YOU are not a teacher of OUR Church! You are not a member of the Church, you are not a Child of the Catholic Church. We have Catholics that don’t understand our religion, we attempt to teach them and guess what, They want to learn, They listen! Not attempt to teach us! See the difference? I am amazed and wonder why you continue to attempt to twist God’s words. You come and say I want to learn and then attempt to teach us. I will finally say it flat out “How dumb is that?” Several of us "talk off thread and wonder about you. Are you for real? I respond back to you because I personally think theremaybe a wounded soul seeking the Real God. Why else come here to a Holy Place, this is Holy Ground. Then they remind me of the Devil’s many attempts to poison us. I am somewhat more charitable, I just think you are misguided and lacking God in your current life. Not that your god doesn’t talk to you. Somehow I am afraid he does.
God bless. IN ALL SINCERITY, MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALSO
SIGH!Welcome Kathy watch it, the “others” will accuse you of worshiping a “False God” and want to know where in the Bible do you find out His name is " :extrahappy: “Gos” :extrahappy:
YOU BETTER BELIEVE IT!!!
" So Kathy you are the one. We have a saying here in Texas Somebody go get a Rope!"I am the one who asked the question about: Is Jesus God? I am a Catholic …I did not mean to cause arguments in the threads, but for a simple explanation to Jonn 20:17 and Rev. 1:6 as Jesus calls God His God and Father. ( Please open the Bible to these chapters and read carefully). …This is a great site for Catholics and was wondering why a JW would be so interested to surf through our site? The only reason is he/she must be also looking for answers and I hope he/ she will find it in our Catholic faith.
I totaly agree with your post. I have been a Catholic for almost 64 years Today. I have been in computers since the beginning actually. (Hand made my first one from a Tandy Kit) I have never in my life went onto a Protestant site. Why Not? I wasn’t looking for anything. The people who come here are searching or maybe attemopting to save us. I find a mixture. When we fight it is normally with someone who wants to tell us how to think and believe. And they aren’t even members of our Church much less a teacher. The Nerve of somepeople. But you have to love them. They do mean well.Hi Rob, I’m really puzzled why you’re so upset about my posts. Why the bad-mouthing? I’ve only been giving my views and supporting it with Scripture. If you disagree with me, you can say so without getting hysterical about it. As the good book says, “People with a hot temper do foolish things; wiser people remain calm” (Prov. 14:17).
” You know, I could have answered back with this one from the wisest man that ever lived: “A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is” (Prov. 18:2). Although it would have beautifully supported the first verse I gave, I did not because I knew I would hurt your feelings.Hi Rob, I’m really puzzled why you’re so upset about my posts. Why the bad-mouthing?**I was correcting my brother as my Bible instructs me to do. ** I’ve only been giving my views and supporting it with Scripture.**Not God’s but your views We agree!
Have I insulted you or accused you of anything that I deserve your derogatory remarks? ** A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. Prov. 21-28 ** If you think my beliefs are of the devil and therefore I am destined for hell, then couldn’t you at least try to reason with me where I got it wrong, so that you can help save my soul? ** I told you the RCC is the Real Church, You know of the CCC, what else do you want from me? I do pray for you!
Don’t you think you are being selfish trying to save only yourself? **Nope!**Christ instructed His followers, to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” **And what makes you my neighbor rather than a serpent to be stomped on? **
Isn’t it an expression of love to reach out to someone who is in danger of losing his soul? ** Exorcism aren’t done by a lay person.“There are six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abonimation to him; Haughty eyes, a lying tongue**, and hands that shed innocent blood; A heart that plots wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, The false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers.” —Proverbs 6:16-19. You qualify for four. If the Lord hates you, how can I do less?
I’m sorry to have said Peter’s statement was for you.That is OK you were foolish!. Ever hear of Bozone layer? Bozone ( n.): The substance surrounding follish people that stops truth from penetrating. It shows little sign of breaking down in the near future. **
I was sure of it because you claim to be a follower of Christ. A real follower, Thank you **
What comes right before that statement is: “But have reverence for Christ in your hearts, and honor him as Lord.” Is that not for you? Nope!And then right after: “Keep your conscience clear, so that when you are insulted, those who speak evil of your good conduct as FOLLOWERS of Christ will become ashamed of what they say.”Well being that I am not ashamed. If the words you quoted are really God’s words for me that would mean that you are not a FOLLOWER of christ wouldn’t it? I hope you wouldn’t be too hasty in accusing and judging me whose only sin in your eyes is expressing beliefs that run contrary to yours. That is not your only sin in my eyes, foolish one who ignores God and His Church!
Yes – contrary to yours, that’s why I can’t be teaching about your religion, as you accuse me of doing. If I were, I would be quoting the CCC and teaching you about how good it is and how you must abide by its teachings. Contrary to True is what? A false, distorted religion. ** I was quoting Scripture and commenting on it. You should not be distressed by that as you consider yourself a member of the body of Christ. You were misquoting scripture and making it mean what you want. Only those not truly living according to His teachings would squirm at hearing His words for, “The word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It cuts all the way through, to where soul and spirit meet, to where joints and marrow come together. It judges the desires and thoughts of the heart.” A false witness will perish, and whoever listens to him will be destroyed forever. prov 21-28
**
Did I “come to learn and then attempt to teach”? I came to comment upon this saying by Augustine: “Seek not to understand that you may believe but believe that you may understand.” And I said God does not agree with him because God said, in His Word: “Listen to what is wise and try to understand it. Yes, beg for knowledge; plead for insight. Look for it as hard as you would for silver or some hidden treasure. If you do, you will know what it means to fear the LORD and you will succeed in learning about God. It is the LORD who gives wisdom; from him come knowledge and understanding” Prov. 2:2-6Actually,YOU have no idea what God agrees with. Don’t put words in God’s mouth. Most of proverbs are abtributed to King Solomon. If anything you are quoting his words. Nice aren’t they? I enjoy reading them and learning what Solomon and his followers wanted the Jews of that time to know.With this post, you brusquely accused me of taking that verse out of context and then left this disparaging remark: “To try to understand what is not understandable is foolish at the best." You know, I could have answered back with this one from the wisest man that ever lived: “A fool does not care whether he understands a thing or not; all he wants to do is show how smart he is” Prov. 18:2 King Solomon wasn’t the wisest man that ever lived, unless you count your opinion. Jesus Christ was! You also distort that proverb which actually says: “A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing his own opinions.” Prov. 18:2 To which I say
If you think you need your church to interpret Scripture, why not be honest about it and say so? I know I need my Church to interpret scriptures. Why follow false prophets? I follow Jesus’ Chuch and its teaching so I don’t err and condemn myself . ** Doesn’t everybody know that the RCC teaches that the church is “the final arbiter as to the interpretation of Scripture”? I can understand that, and have no problem with it.Good, because that is the truth. How could you distort that?Oh, maybe you would tell me that I am the Church. An illogical remark often used by protestants to get their way! I wasn’t forcing you to give an explanation, I “asked” you nicely to give me one, and only because you accused me of twisting God’s Word. **Yup!
**You judged me. **“If it quacks like a duck, and walks like a duck…”
I came here (and I sincerely thank this forum for allowing me in) to share views – and that includes listening to other people’s beliefs, not just giving my own. **Big of you there, guy! **I always try to be open-minded and consider the views of others. I do believe in Solomon’s wisdom, and he said: “He that answereth before he heareth, sheweth himself to be a fool, and worthy of confusion” (Prov. 18:13). And this one from Luc de Brabandere: “Our eyes see what they want to see; our ears hear what it’s nice to hear; and the worst type of deaf person is the one who wants to hear only one thing.” ** "Understanding is a fountain of life to those who have it, but folly brings punishment to fools. Prov. 17:22 . Hey, I am beginning to like “your” game! OMG am I becoming a protestant?Remember "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Prov. 17:13 **
When I considered the many religions we have in this world, and the thousands of differing churches that profess to believe in Jesus, I asked myself, “Why do people believe in the things they believe?” What I learned can be summed up with these words from Mark Twain: “In religion and politics…were not worth a brass farthing.”
**I knew you liked Mark Twain. You actually made me think of one of his sayings: "Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you please – Mark Twain **
…Don’t worry, I am for real. I’m not my own god. **I knew that! But you think you are! Putting words in my God’s mouth! **
I did not come around to explaining the trinity yet because every time I use Scripture, **I can’t wait! You think the scriptures don’t mention the trinity, Only you are wrong! Jesus does in the scriptures. **you accuse me of twisting its meaning. I cannot explain anything about God without going to the Scriptures **My question to you sincerely is: Who do you think you are, that “you” can explain GOD? **
P.S. — They are gods? Maybe Joseph Smith saw John 10:33-35 and like it so much that he did not throw it away like the rest of the Scriptures. ** The Mormans are a Joke! When they screwed up the Bible they really screwed it up! Joey Smith was a nut. **.
Were you talking to me?
Seriously, very good points! Actually Scripture can be used to defend the judgements made. We are allowed to reproach people who offend us. However, your wise counsel is well taken. I know I am not in error dur to em Defending the RCC. However I could be kinder. God Bless everyone.In order to retain some objectivity, I was not addressing my remarks to any people in particular. However, as they say, “If the shoe fits…”.
**In order to retain some objectivity, I was not addressing my remarks to any people in particular. However, as they say, “If the shoe fits…”.
The Holy Spirit works in mysterious ways, His miracles to perform.
Isn’t there a difference between discussing beliefs and making attacks?
Which one is this?
Isn’t there a difference between discussing beliefs and making attacks? And how many times do we have to try correcting them before it becomes a case of ‘beating it into their heads’ and then ‘beating them about the heads and shoulders’ because they differ from our own views?
Sure there is. We explain, explain again, defend and then attack because our Church is insulted, Our religion is Insulted and Our LORD is insulted! Some people worship a BOOK! Do yuo believe that? They have the “living God” to worship and they rather worship a bunch of writings. SHAME !:tsktsk: **
How much beating is too much? When do our passions need to be controlled? When my lord says to me "it is enough, rest now my good and faithful servant./B]
Which one is this? Reconcilation is cofessing our sins and becoming reconciles with God.**
And since the subject of Sacraments is brought up, how many did Christ+ institute Himself, specifically? That is, how many can we say that He did and how many are added through extrapolation?
**I am not a teacher of my Church, I practice my religion. However out of my respect for you I will attempt to respond so you may understand. Beware however. You are stepping on Holy ground! – The Church itself is a sacrament instituted by Christ to give grace.
Jesus gave us his Apostles and his Church to shepherd his flock after his Ascension into heaven. “As the Father has sent me, even so I send you (John 17:18, 20:21).” Jesus is the Head of his Body the Church (Colossians 1:18). Jesus gave us his Apostles and his Body, the RCC, to continue the works he performed during his earthly life.
The seven sacraments—Baptism, Confirmation, Holy Communion, Confession, Marriage, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick—are the life of the Catholic Church. Each sacrament is an outward sign of an inward grace. When we participate in them worthily, each provides us with graces—with the life of God in our soul. In worship,
**
And which is which? Are there ‘greater’ and ‘lesser’ sacraments?
** Since they all provide God’s grace how could they be lesser or greater? These are man’s terms. Three sacraments, Baptism, Confirmation, and Holy Orders, are received only once, as they render a permanent seal or character upon one’s soul Some may confuse that as ‘greater’. MY OWN PERSONAL FAVORIATE is the Euchurist. During which I am transported back to the last supper and am able to eat the body and drink the blood of my lord and savior Jesus Christ as He says to me “Take and eat, this is my body…” PRASE GOD! (2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Ephesians 4:30, Revelations 7:3). **
How can we trace them specifically in the Bible?
**Smart nswer: By reading it?
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us,
and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son,
full of grace and truth.” John testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given to Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ." Gospel of John 1:14-17
They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as an expiation, through faith, by his blood, to prove his righteousness because of the forgiveness of sins previously committed, through the forbearance of God - to prove his righteousness in the present time,
that he might be righteous and justify the one who has faith in Jesus. Letter of St. Paul to the Romans 3:24-26
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavens,
as he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him. In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved. In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace that he lavished upon us. Letter of St. Paul to the Ephesians 1:3-8
Healing the sick: Mark 5:25-34 describes a woman afflicted with hemorrhage who touched the cloak of Jesus and was immediately healed. **
Inquiring minds want to know!
** I think you are truly on a journey. May our Lord and Savior provide you the vision and the graces to know that what I speak is the truth. The path to heaven is throught the Holy Roman Catholic Church or through its graces. No other way is available because Jesus established the Church and said:
Peter was the rock, only the Roman Catholic Church has his successor, no other church can claim that! Jesus establish one church, do the math~!
- “Upon this rock I will build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it”.
- “I will be with you always, until the end of the age”.
- “The Spirit will come and lead you into all truth”.
- “The pillar and foundation of truth is the Church”.
Yes we have done wrongs, and manyfollowers threw awauy the baby with the wash water. The problem with that was JESUS was the baby. They went off and worshipped a Book, an idol if you will , they might as well made a golden calf! Many people know of Jesus, few know Him! I myself eat supper with Him very often. I thirst for His presence in my soul. I glorify in knowing that He loves me!
May our Lord and Savior have mercy on the souls of those lost to Him, to His church and to everlasting life. " Come follow Him"
This I believe "Be confident of this: He who began a good work in you will continue to perform it until it’s perfectly complete. --"Philippians 1:6 I know that I am a work in progress, I can’t wait to see what God will make of me!
**
Let me applaud you for your good thoughts my dear Catholic friend. I, myself cannot help myself when I see people corrupting the Word of God and then expected to take it " gently".It really makes me angry and want to lash out! I will defend the faith by the Spirit given to me at my baptism ( In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit),as well as my sacrament of Confimation ( in other words, “Annointing” just in case one wonders about this). Jesus did the same when He entered Jerusalem. Entering the temple He turned tables showing His anger to those people who corrupted the house of God which is Holy! (Please read Matthew chapter 21 verses 12 - 14). In this case, the Bible being the " Holy" Word of God needs to be treated as such - not to be corrupted!! We have all the right in expressing our feelings against negative thoughts or actions against God. Just as the example Jesus gave us. Defend the faith with all your strength and with all your being! That’s what I say!**
Well, I actually prayed on what you said. I came to the concusion that It would not be a spritual work of Mercy on my part if I did not attempt to:
Correct my brothers
correct corrupt thinking and distorted use of the bible
or defend my faith aganist attacks, from people attempting to justify their religios beliefs.
Plus Being Catholic, If I am wrong, I have the sacrament of reconciliation to help get me back un track. The “others” have their scripture and their distorted way of thinking about God’s words. All they do is reaffirm their beliefs as they effect their eternal souls.
Love for your brother isn’t always agreeing with them. It also is corrceting their faults.
As for me I am a work in progress, I can’t wait to see what God will make of me!
I thank you for caring. God Bless!**
showing His anger to those people who corrupted the house of God which is Holy! (Please read Matthew chapter 21 verses 12 - 14). In this case, the Bible being the " Holy" Word of God needs to be treated as such - not to be corrupted!! We have all the right in expressing our feelings against negative thoughts or actions against God. Just as the example Jesus gave us. Defend the faith with all your strength and with all your being! That’s what I say!
signofcross: Bless all of you) and others sell stuff inside the church vestibule. I could not agree more! **This makes one wonder just how Christ+ did it at that last supper! And since he spoke of “drink ye, all of this, for this is my blood…”, what would you do with the cup of wine? Poor it down throats? Christ+ did not tell us to merge both the body and the blood into one host, we did that ourselves after His death!
But two things come to mind, which are sure to stoke up the fires here!