what is the best way to draw closer to Christ?

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I am extremely curious as to why you would leave the one true faith. After all, the teachings of the Catholic Church have remained the same from 2,000 years ago. (Doctrines). The Church teaches all that there is according to the Scriptures. What you prefer to do, and what Jesus wants you to do are two different ideas. Either we are for Him or against Him. God Bless.
Just remember that, we are either for him or against him.
 
No, you misunderstood. The Rev says he can just do whatever he feels necessary and prays directly to God. No Sacraments, no Mass (the church), etc…sort of what Luther wanted in his day. Individual Interpretation, no?
 
Just want to reply to the two no longer Catholics here

I could never go to a man, expose my sins to him and then hope to be absolved from them. Yes I love reading the Catholic Prayers, I love praying to my God as a Catholic Christian. My prayer life is in no way boxed in.

My journey in the 2000 year old Catholic faith with so many Saints and Angels all around has been one of un surpassing joy. Yes I get that the Church does not have perfect people, I see fallen people all around my Parish, I hope that I would see myself as worst case. Again to the Catholics here that have left……the humility and trust it takes (trust in Jesus not the Priest) to enter into the (Sacrament) of Confession is breathtaking. Many leave the Church because of the weight of this Sacrament, the light that exposes the darkness of our souls. This would include all of the Saints, Apostles, and disciples, mother Teresa, and all the Popes combined. And yet it is where true love for each of us is found. Those that use the Sacrament of confession stay, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. It’s as close to Christ as you can get
Never be afraid of those doors.
Rich
www.utahmission.com
 
Just want to reply to the two no longer Catholics here

I could never go to a man, expose my sins to him and then hope to be absolved from them. Yes I love reading the Catholic Prayers, I love praying to my God as a Catholic Christian. My prayer life is in no way boxed in.

My journey in the 2000 year old Catholic faith with so many Saints and Angels all around has been one of un surpassing joy. Yes I get that the Church does not have perfect people, I see fallen people all around my Parish, I hope that I would see myself as worst case. Again to the Catholics here that have left……the humility and trust it takes (trust in Jesus not the Priest) to enter into the (Sacrament) of Confession is breathtaking. Many leave the Church because of the weight of this Sacrament, the light that exposes the darkness of our souls. This would include all of the Saints, Apostles, and disciples, mother Teresa, and all the Popes combined. And yet it is where true love for each of us is found. Those that use the Sacrament of confession stay, don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. It’s as close to Christ as you can get
Never be afraid of those doors.
Rich
www.utahmission.com
I have found that scripture (not the Catholic Sacrament of Confession) exposes the darkness of my soul and brings me again and again to the foot of the cross where Christ died for my sins.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

When I confess my sins, Christ is my mediator; I do not need a Catholic priest:

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men – the testimony given in its proper time."
- 1 Timothy 2:5-6


Scripture shows me my sins; and when I confess to Jesus, his blood cleanses me from my sins.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" - 1 John 1:9

It’s as close to Christ as you can get.
 
i agree…

why are you a “closet” Catholic?
Sorry, I got distracted, Distracted and missed your reply!

Well, I’m not quite convinced I am a Catholic, yet. So I’m using that analogy, for the moment. Have a few questions I need answered before I come out of my closet.

😃
 
Nothing divine here or derrived from Mary as in derrived from the Holy Spirit. Scripture never eludes to such a thing.
Hi Justy, you want to know how the saints can help us? Simple, Christ listens to their prayers and answers them with pleasure, because they have loved Christ with their whole being. I want grace from God, but don’t get it because I love little and trust little, and I still fear God because of my own wretchedness. But if Mary prays on my behalf, guess what? Christ will grant the request despite my unworthiness, because it is His beloved Mother who is asking Him.

This is what happened at the wedding of Cana. Even though Christ was not ready to do a miracle, because of His mother’s entreaty, He did it anyway. If you don’t see how Mary graciously helped the wedding party in this story, I’m afraid you are not reading scriptures with the right disposition.

How in the world do you get security and protection out of this? She mad a simple statement.
 
Each Sacrament was instituted by Jesus, Who did nothing without eternal purpose. Jesus spoke His words of absolution to those whom he forgave (Matthew 9:2, Mark 2:5, Luke 5:20, 7:48). Why did he physically tell them that their sins were forgiven? Did He, being God, know that imperfect man tends to dwell on the past and needs to have reassurance that those sin are indeed gone? Jesus set the pattern for all time by His practices and His Sacraments.

James 5:16 “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

Sin harms, not only the soul, but our relationship with God and with one another. Confessing those sins to another reveals the shame of the sin, follows the instructions of Jesus, and opens the door to healing. God wishes us to receive strength to resist sin, and help from our brothers against it. We do not receive that help if we privately confess.

Confession was originally an act done in public, but was to “each other” as James writes.

Nehemiah 9:2 “Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the wickedness of their fathers.”

The priest, whoa acts “in persona Christi”, gives absolution from sin and “looses” it from your spirit, just as Jesus empowered the Apostles to do(Matthew 16:19, 18:18, John 20:23). “He who hears you hears Me” (Luke 10:16), and so you confess your sins to Christ, who uses the priest in His place on earth.

Those who confess directly to God are not following the bible, or the example set by Jesus.
 
Hi Justy, you want to know how the saints can help us? Simple, Christ listens to their prayers and answers them with pleasure, because they have loved Christ with their whole being. I want grace from God, but don’t get it because I love little and trust little, and I still fear God because of my own wretchedness. But if Mary prays on my behalf, guess what? Christ will grant the request despite my unworthiness, because it is His beloved Mother who is asking Him.
 
I have found that scripture (not the Catholic Sacrament of Confession) exposes the darkness of my soul and brings me again and again to the foot of the cross where Christ died for my sins.

"For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." - Hebrews 4:12

When I confess my sins, Christ is my mediator; I do not need a Catholic priest:

"For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all men – the testimony given in its proper time."
- 1 Timothy 2:5-6


Scripture shows me my sins; and when I confess to Jesus, his blood cleanses me from my sins.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" - 1 John 1:9

It’s as close to Christ as you can get.
Really? Then you would agree with St. Paul in 2Col. 2:10 when he says:
"And to whom you have pardoned anything, I also. For, what I have pardoned, if I had pardoned anything, for your sakes, have I done it in the person of the Christ."
I also, the Apostle here granted an indulgence or pardon, in the person and the authority of Christ, to the incestuous Corinthian, whom before he had put under pennance, which pardon consisted in a releasing of part of the temporal punishment due to his sin."


This clearly states confession backed up by St. Paul. period.
 
My recommendation as given to me in visions by Christ. See denominations (I don’t care which one RC or other) and public church buildings denominational or not, stay away from them all.

Then get adult baptized you can perform this on yourself in the name of God the Father and Christ His Son, read the Bible, live a modest Christian life and have the Lord’s Supper every day if possible no priest or minister is needed for this rememberance of Christ since its not a sacrament. And since all believers in Christ are Saints and therefore clergy after Baptism and accepting Christ’s sacrifice for us

That is a good start besides talking to others about the faith as commanded by Christ to this same simple form of worship, and having a few family and friends worship and reflect on Christ will be suitable. Where two or three are gathered together there is Christ with them I don’t see any priest or minister or ordained clergy mentioned in the respective passage.
 
poetryforjesus;6043478:
It is a good and acceptable thing to ask the saints to pray with us, I never said that it wasn’t. But, they are not divine and cannot do things for us on their own.
As a Catholic it would be impossible for me to ask a Saint to do anything Divine for me in their own rite, I hope you know that. How can I go outside of Christ my Creator? Again impossible. But Christ allows us, His creation to share in **His **Divinity, especially those who have died and are now deeply immersed into His presence. Anything a Saint can do in Heaven is because of Jesus. Maybe you have been taught wrong regarding the Catholic faith or you are teaching a simple truth and know that this truth is very much from Christ’s Church. We do believe in Sanctification right? Gods will through them yes? The reason you yourself know this is, because it originated from the Church Christ established…from Jesus Himself.

God Bles
Rich
 
My recommendation as given to me in visions by Christ. See denominations (I don’t care which one RC or other) and public church buildings denominational or not, stay away from them all.

Then get adult baptized you can perform this on yourself in the name of God the Father and Christ His Son, read the Bible, live a modest Christian life and have the Lord’s Supper every day if possible no priest or minister is needed for this rememberance of Christ since its not a sacrament. And since all believers in Christ are Saints and therefore clergy after Baptism and accepting Christ’s sacrifice for us

That is a good start besides talking to others about the faith as commanded by Christ to this same simple form of worship, and having a few family and friends worship and reflect on Christ will be suitable. Where two or three are gathered together there is Christ with them I don’t see any priest or minister or ordained clergy mentioned in the respective passage.
This is so wrong. This is not what Christ taught. This is individual interpretation. Jesus left us the Sacraments, and the priests who are Apostolic. The Magisterium of the church, authority. Christ left us these gifts, the Eucharist and the Mass. You cannot say “we don’t need the priests, nor the pope”. Jesus Christ saw it as the Catholic church were to be left with His authority. He did not leave us abondoned. Otherwise there would be chaos and confusion as are the 33,000 denominations+ out there.
 
at the same time Steven, Jesus also accepted and responded to prayers from people in need of help, and Christians in the NT pray to Jesus, too.

Matthew 20:29-34

Acts 7:59-60

it is right to pray to the Father, as Jesus taught this and prayed to His Father, too.

yet as Jesus is risen from the dead, alive now, and having all power of heaven and earth, it is not wrong for a Christian to pray to, talk to, and worship Jesus vocally, as He Himself says that however we honor the Father, we are to honor Him (John 5:23) as He and the Father are One and the Same (John 10:25-30).

confessing one’s sins to the One who bore your sins, took on human flesh, endured temptation as a Man on earth, and died for you is the most humbling, awesome, and amazing prayer experience one can have. Christ is more than an ethical teacher and a prophet… His being Lord, Saviour, Son, and Immanuel are what we hold dear about Him, and what makes Him so unique, and worthy.
Never said you cant do what you are saying here, you have free will.
If for you that is better than the teaching of Yeshua (pbwh) go for it.

The question asked of me was what is the BEST way for me it is to do as Yeshua (pbwh) taught.

You are rightly guided to do better if you are sure you know better.

Bless you, pray well and stay well
 
Never said you cant do what you are saying here, you have free will.

Catholic-rcia
Are you saying that drawing closer to Jesus does not include a direct diologue with Him? I myself do this daily. By saying you have free will, in the paticular sentace it sounds like you are saying this free will excersised is not right. Can you clear that up?

Steven Wrote: If for you that is better than the teaching of Yeshua (pbwh) go for it.

Catholic-rcia
Can you make that more understood?

***(I see Jesus in many people, would it be ok for me to speak to them?) ***
I was hungry and you fed me…I was naked and you clothed me

Note# The One Body of Christ
 
Steven John;6048056:
Never said you cant do what you are saying here, you have free will.

Catholic-rcia
Are you saying that drawing closer to Jesus does not include a direct diologue with Him? I myself do this daily. By saying you have free will, in the paticular sentace it sounds like you are saying this free will excersised is not right. Can you clear that up?
Did not mean the use of free will in this case is in error. I respect it may be right for you. The thread topic asks the best way i responded from my personal position where i am in my faith journey. That is the disciples asked Yeshua (pbwh) how to pray IMO his response would be the best. In other scripture he offers those who love me will do as i say. I really trust him. IME I have seen answers to my prayers this way. I have seen terminal cancer patient from our parish leave hospital and is still alive today and much more.Yeshua (pbwh) healed the sick, icant i am a sinner. The prayer to Our Father must have had Yeshua (pbwh) draw close.
Steven Wrote: If for you that is better than the teaching of Yeshua (pbwh) go for it.

Catholic-rcia
Can you make that more understood?
***(I see Jesus in many people, would it be ok for me to speak to them?) ***
I was hungry and you fed me…I was naked and you clothed me

I have not said you should not serve and share or talk with people seeking the goodness of Our Father we see in the narrations of Yeshua (pbwh) in other people. it is an excellent way to draw close to the Christos.
For you to go here from my post is obscuring it but is a real blessing.

Now both of the big two commandments Yeshua (pbwh) explained have been offered and living them is doing as he said.

Bless you
 
I would suggest that if you want to draw closer to him, try and be more like him. Study his life, and offer meaningful service to those around you. Afterall, James taught that true religion is to care for the widows and fatherless.
 
The best way to draw closer to Christ is through unceasingly calling upon His Name in prayer.

The Jesus Prayer is briefly mentioned in the Catechism of the Catholic Church and has been an Eastern Christian (Orthodox and Catholic) practice since the beginning of the Church.

Even St. Ignatius, who as a child is recorded in the New Testament as sitting on Jesus’ lap, at the end of his life told his executioners that the Name of Jesus was written in his heart and after he was killed, they took his heart and cut it open to see and sure enough the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me” was written in gold letters inside his heart.
 
This is so wrong. This is not what Christ taught. This is individual interpretation. Jesus left us the Sacraments, and the priests who are Apostolic. The Magisterium of the church, authority. Christ left us these gifts, the Eucharist and the Mass. You cannot say “we don’t need the priests, nor the pope”. Jesus Christ saw it as the Catholic church were to be left with His authority. He did not leave us abondoned. Otherwise there would be chaos and confusion as are the 33,000 denominations+ out there.
33,000?? can you name them?
 
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