Does Our Eucharist Help the Dead? Help Us Connect to the Dead?

DOES OUR EUCHARIST HELP THE DEAD?

DO WE CONNECT TO THE DEAD THROUGH THE EUCHARIST?

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“Does our Eucharist Help the Dead?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “In the intercessions, the Church indicates that the Eucharist is celebrated in communion with the whole Church in heaven and on earth, the living and the dead.” (CCC 1354)

• “To the offering of Christ are united not only the members still here on earth, but also those already in the glory of heaven. In communion with and commemorating the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints, the Church offers the Eucharistic sacrifice.” (CCC 1370)

• “The Eucharistic sacrifice is also offered for the faithfully departed who ‘have died in Christ but are not yet wholly purified,’ so that they may be able to enter into the light and peace of Christ” (CCC 1371)

• “We pray for the holy fathers and bishops who have fallen asleep, and in general for all who have fallen asleep before us, in the belief that there is great benefit to the souls on whose behalf the supplication is offered” (CCC 1371)

Merriam-Webster’s Definitions to Consider:

Necromancy - the practice of talking to the spirits of dead people

Medium - a person through whom other persons try to communicate with the spirits of the dead

Prayer - an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought

“Does our Eucharist Help the Dead?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• Deuteronomy 18:10–12 “There shall not be found among you…a medium or a necromancer or one who inquires of the dead, for whoever does these things is an abomination to the LORD. And because of these abominations the LORD your God is driving them out before you." (ESV)

• Leviticus 19:31 “Do not turn to mediums or necromancers; do not seek them out, and so make yourselves unclean by them: I am the LORD your God.” (ESV)

• Isaiah 8:19 "And when they say to you, ‘Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living?’” (ESV)

• 1 Samuel 28:15 “Then Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me by bringing me up?” Saul answered, “I am in great distress, for the Philistines are warring against me, and God has turned away from me and answers me no more, either by prophets or by dreams. Therefore I have summoned you to tell me what I shall do.” (ESV)

• 1 Chronicles 10:13–14 "So Saul died for his breach of faith. He broke faith with the LORD in that he did not keep the command of the LORD, and also consulted a medium, seeking guidance. [14] He did not seek guidance from the LORD. Therefore the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David the son of Jesse." (ESV)

• Hebrews 7:27 "He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.” (ESV) James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (ESV)

• Luke 16:30–31 “And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ [31] He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (ESV)

“Does our Eucharist Help the Dead?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• How does one celebrate the Eucharist with the “living and the dead”? Where is that concept in the Bible?

• What does the Bible say about interactions with the dead? Sacrifices for the dead? Conversations with the dead? Is it possible? It is permitted? Is it forbidden?

• What is necromancy in the Bible? How are these descriptions of the Eucharist different or similar?

• Why does God forbid interactions with the dead? What is the danger?

• In the story of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) why are the dead not allowed to communicate to the living?

• Why is the Bible (“Moses and the Prophets”) described as the way for salvation to be communicated and not Penance, Eucharist, or Baptism?

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Is the Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation? Does the Wine & Bread Literally Change into the Blood & Body of Christ?

IS CATHOLIC EUCHARIST NECESSARY FOR SALVATION?

DOES THE WINE AND BREAD LITERALLY TRANSFORM TO THE BLOOD AND FLESH OF JESUS?

The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )

“Is Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “Our Savior instituted the Eucharistic sacrifice of his Body and Blood. This he did in order to perpetuate the sacrifice of the cross throughout the ages until he should come again” (CCC 1323)

• “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life.’” (CCC 1324)

• “The other sacraments, and indeed all ecclesiastical ministries and works of the apostolate, are bound up with the Eucharist and are oriented toward it.” (CCC 1324)

• “in the Blessed Eucharist is contained the whole spiritual good of the Church, namely Christ himself, our Pasch.” (CCC 1324) [NOTE: ‘Pasch’ means Passover or Easter]

• “The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of God by which the Church is kept in being.” (CCC 1325)

• “Holy Sacrifice because it makes present the one sacrifice of Christ the Savior and includes the Church’s offering.” (CCC 1330)

• “Holy Communion because by this sacrifice we unite ourselves to Christ.” (CCC 1331)

• “Holy Mass (Missa) because the liturgy in which the mystery of salvation is accomplished concludes with the sending forth (missio) of the faithful.” (CCC 1332)

• “At the heart of the Eucharistic celebration are the bread and wine that, by the words of Christ and the invocation of the Holy Spirit, become Christ’s Body and Blood.” (CCC 1333)

• “The bread and wine are brought to the altar; they will be offered by the priest in the name of Christ in the Eucharistic sacrifice in which they will become his body and blood” (CCC 1350)

• “The Church alone offers this pure oblation to the Creator” (CCC 1350)

• “no one may take part in it unless he believes that what we teach is true, has received baptism for the forgiveness of sins and new birth, and lives in keeping with what Christ taught.” (CCC 1355)

• “bread and wine which, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by the words of Christ, have become the body and blood of Christ. Christ is thus really and mysteriously made present.” (CCC 1357)

• “It is by conversion of the bread and wine into Christ’s body and blood that Christ becomes present in this sacrament” (CCC 1375)

• “the making present and the sacramental offering of his unique sacrifice” (CCC 1362)

• “Because it is the memorial of Christ’s Passover, the Eucharist is also a sacrifice… in the Eucharist Christ gives us the very body which he gave up for us on the cross, the very blood which he ‘poured our for man for the forgiveness of sins.’” (CCC 1365)

• “The Eucharist is thus a sacrifice because it re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross, because it is its memorial and because it applies its fruit” (CCC 1366)

• “its salutary power be applied to the forgiveness of sins we daily commit” (CCC 1366)

• “Christ’s sacrifice present on the altar makes it possible for all generations of Christians to be united with his offering” (CCC 1368)’

• “The Church continues to reproduce this sacrifice” (CCC 1372)

• “the whole Christ is truly, really, and substantially contained” (CCC 1374)

• “it has always been the conviction of the Church of God…that by the consecration of the bread and wine there takes place a change of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ our Lord and of the whole substance of the wine into the substance of his blood. This change the holy Catholic Church has fittingly and properly called transubstantiation” (CCC 1376)

“Is Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• John 6:35 “Jesus said to them, 'I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’” (ESV)

• John 6:40 "For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” (ESV)

• John 6:47–51 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life. [48] I am the bread of life. [49] Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. [50] This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die. [51] I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” (ESV)

• John 6:56 “Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.” (ESV)

• John 6:68–69 “Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, [69] and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” (ESV)

• John 15:4 “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.” (ESV)

• 1 John 4:13 “By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit.” (ESV)

• 1 Corinthians 11:25–29 “In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes. [27] Whoever, therefore, eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty concerning the body and blood of the Lord. [28] Let a person examine himself, then, and so eat of the bread and drink of the cup. [29] For anyone who eats and drinks without discerning the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.” (ESV)

• John 19:30 “When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.” (ESV)

• Matthew 28:20 "I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (ESV)

• 2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!” (ESV)

“Is Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• Why does Jesus compare the manna in the desert with himself as “the bread of life” in John 6:35? What does He mean by never hunger and never thirst? Does He mean the Eucharist elements will satisfy a literal hunger and thirst? Or is He describing spiritual salvation, peace, and life through belief and trust in Jesus as the Son of God?

• What does Jesus describe in John 6:40 & John 6:47 as bringing eternal life?

• Why does someone literally eat and drink something? What is the purpose of food and drink? Why is trust important in the process of eating? What does the eater believe about the food?

• Does John 6:56 mean Jesus’ literal flesh and blood? Why does He reference the word “abide”?

• What does John 15:4 mean by “abide”? What does that look like in a plant? What does that look like in the Christian life?

• Why does Peter tie Jesus’ words to “eternal life” in John 6:68-69?

• What does it mean to be “in Christ”? What unites us to Christ? When are we united to Christ?

• What does it mean for Christ to be “in us”? When does that happen?

• What does 1 John 4:13 say is the evidence of union with Christ? How does this counter the Catholic concept that union with God can only happen through the Eucharist (CCC 1331)?

  • Here are some more helpful Bible passages on our union with Christ: 2 Corinthians 5:17, 12:2, 13:5; John 15:4, 5, 7; 1 Corinthians 15:22; Galatians 2:20, 3:28; Ephesians 1:4, 2:10, 3:17; Philippians 3:9; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 John 4:13; Colossians 1:27; Romans 8:10

• When tasting the Eucharist, does the texture or taste change with the substance? If the wine and the bread is literally transforming into the blood and flesh of Christ, then why does the texture and taste remain as wine and bread?

• Why is the Eucharist limited to the Catholic Church alone for those in good standing? Is that what the Bible teaches in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34?

• Does 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 describe the elements actually transforming in substance? Does it describe Jesus actually being present with them during that remembrance?

• Does it describe the Church bringing judgment or the Lord bringing judgment? Does it describe individual discernment and accountability or the Church exercising oversight on who is allowed to take communion?

• Why does 1 Corinthians 11:25–29 say eat and drink the “bread and cup” but then switch to “guilty concerning the body and blood” and then back to “bread and cup” again?

• Is it more about “proclamation” and “remembrance” (1 Cor 11) as the purpose or an “efficacious” and “present..sacramental offering” (CCC)? Why the stark contrast in terms?

• Does the Bible say Jesus’ sacrifice needs to be reproduced repeatedly? What did Jesus mean on the cross when He said “it is finished” (John 19:30)?

• What does Jesus mean when He says “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20) and that “Jesus Christ is in you” (2 Cor 13:5)? Is that only when the Eucharist is offered? Or is He always present with believers through His Spirit?

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Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary to Go to Heaven? To Receive the Holy Spirit?

IS CATHOLIC CONFIRMATION NECESSARY FOR SALVATION?

DOES CATHOLIC CONFIRMATION CONFER THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )

“Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary for Salvation?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “the sacrament of Confirmation is necessary for the completion of baptismal grace” (CCC 1285)

• “the apostles, in fulfillment of Christ’s will, imparted to the newly baptized by the laying on of hands the gift of the Spirit that completes the grace of Baptism” (CCC 1288)

• “The imposition of hands is rightly recognized by the Catholic tradition as the origin of the sacrament of Confirmation, which in a certain way perpetuates the grace of Pentecost in the Church.” (CCC 1288)

• “The term confirmation suggests that this sacrament both confirms baptism and strengthens baptismal grace” (CCC 1289)

• “the effect of the sacrament of Confirmation is the special outpouring of the Holy Spirit at once granted to the apostles on the day of Pentecost” (CCC 1302)

• “Confirmation brings an increase and deepening of the baptismal grace” (CCC 1303)

• “Confirmation … roots us more deeply in the divine filiation which makes us cry, ‘Abba! Father!” (CCC 1303)

• “Confirmation … unites us more firmly to Christ” (CCC 1303)

• “Confirmation … increases the gifts of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1303)

• “Baptism which it completes” (CCC 1304)

• “without Confirmation and Eucharist, Baptism is certainly valid and efficacious, but Christian initiation remains incomplete” (CCC 1306)

• “One should receive the sacrament of Penance in order to be cleansed for the gift of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1310)

• “in danger of death children should be confirmed even if they have not yet attained the age of discretion” (CCC 1307)

• “If a Christian is in danger of death, any priest can give him Confirmation. Indeed the Church desires that none of her children, even the youngest, should depart this world without having been perfected by the Holy Spirit with the gift of Christ’s fullness.” (CCC 1314)

• “Confirmation perfects Baptismal grace; it is the sacrament which gives the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1316)

“Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary for Salvation?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• 1 Corinthians 12:13 “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” (ESV)

• 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (ESV)

• Acts 8:14–17 “Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John, [15] who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, [16] for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [17] Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.” (ESV)

• Acts 8:18–24 “Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, [19] saying, ‘Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.’ [20] But Peter said to him, ‘May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! [21] You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right before God. [22] Repent, therefore, of this wickedness of yours, and pray to the Lord that, if possible, the intent of your heart may be forgiven you. [23] For I see that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.' [24] And Simon answered, ‘Pray for me to the Lord, that nothing of what you have said may come upon me.’” (ESV)

• Acts 19:4–6 “And Paul said, 'John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” [5] On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. [6] And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.’” (ESV)

• Ephesians 1:13–14 “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, [14] who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” (ESV)

• Romans 8:9 “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” (ESV)

• Romans 8:38–39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (ESV)

• John 3:5–8 “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. [6] That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. [7] Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ [8] The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.’” (ESV)

• 1 Corinthians 6:19 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” (ESV)

“Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary for Salvation?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• If someone does not go through their confirmation, is their baptism incomplete?

• If someone does not go through confirmation, do they ever receive the Holy Spirit?

• In Acts 8:14-17 we read a description where the people of Samaria had heard and received the word of God and been baptized in the name of Jesus. The Holy Spirit doesn’t come until Peter and John arrive and lay hands on the believers. In this one unique situation, the Holy Spirit didn’t arrive until the apostles did. Why do you think that was so?

• Read Acts 8:18-24 to see what happens next. Could it be that in this one unique situation the Lord held back His Spirit to protect the people from the error of Simon the Magician? That the presence of the apostles was to protect the unity of the early church in explaining more fully the power of God’s Spirit? How is the “intent of the heart” connected with saving faith in Jesus?

• In Acts 19:1-7 at Ephesus we read of people who had not yet received the Holy Spirit. We Apollos and those dozen men in Ephesus following the baptism of John or a saving belief in the name of Jesus? What happened when they finally believed in Jesus (Acts 19:5-6)?

• When does someone receive the Holy Spirit according to the Bible? (1 Cor 12:13 & Eph 1:13-14)

• Is it possible to be a Christian and not have the Holy Spirit already? (Romans 8:9)

• Without confirmation are we less entitled to call God our Father?

• Without confirmation are we less united to Christ? What does Romans 8:38–39 say?

• Without confirmation do Christians have the Holy Spirit? Do they have less gifts of the Holy Spirit?

• Are Christians incomplete without Catholic Confirmation?

• Why would children or adults in danger of death be rushed into Confirmation?

• What does it mean to be “perfected by the Holy Spirit with the gift of Christ’s fullness”?

• Where does the Bible describe God’s grace as needing to be “perfected”?

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3. How Do We Know Truth? (The Catholic Blog #4) https://youtu.be/H_nLb8M_m5I 

4. Does Church Tradition Change?  Does God's Revelation Continue in Catholicism? (The Catholic Blog #5) https://youtu.be/pCs9bDpStM4

5. Who Can Teach Authoritatively? Can Only Catholic Priests, Bishops, & Popes Interpret the Bible? (The Catholic Blog #6) https://youtu.be/LW4mDVYKrWM 

6. What is a Valid Church? Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?  (The Catholic Blog #7) https://youtu.be/3zGZMs-flPc 

7. What is Sin According to the Catholic Catechism? Do Different Sins Need Different Sacrifices? (The Catholic Blog #8) https://youtu.be/bYolzoQG83g

8. How can we be saved according to the Catholic Catechism?  Is salvation alone thru Catholicism? https://youtu.be/PJlqg9oPkjg (The Catholic Blog #9)

9. Do We Receive Grace and the Holy Spirit through the Catholic Sacraments? (The Catholic Blog #10) https://youtu.be/Du2T7EXwF0I 

10. Is Catholic Mass Necessary to Go to Heaven? Does Giving Money to Church Save Us? Catholic Blog #11 https://youtu.be/LREEjW5ioc4

11. Will I Go to Heaven If I Am Not Baptized in the Catholic Church? Babies? - The Catholic Blog #12  https://youtu.be/CWmdiGmoeUA 

12. Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary to Go to Heaven? To Receive the Holy Spirit? Catholic.Blog #13 https://youtu.be/KBFwAOhaTL8 

13. Is the Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation? Does the Wine & Bread Literally Change into the Blood & Body of Christ? FAQ #14  https://youtu.be/h0aBRyCuVpE 

14. The Catholic Blog FAQ #15 - Does Our Eucharist Help the Dead? Help Us Connect to the Dead? https://youtu.be/RXciw9PnVNM 

15. Is Catholic Penance Necessary for Salvation and Forgiveness? FAQ #16 from Catholic.blog  https://youtu.be/eFTvG3_Mhbw 

16. The Catholic Blog FAQ #17 - Is Peter the First Pope? https://youtu.be/iwuAHnyZnCQ 

17. The Catholic Blog FAQ #18 - Did Peter have Authority Over All the Apostles? https://youtu.be/LZkMsxjcIxE 

18. The Catholic Blog FAQ #19 - Does Peter Call Himself a Pope or Bishop? https://youtu.be/HBAhQurwdQo 

19. Catholic.blog FAQ #20 - Was Peter Married? Is Priestly Celibacy Biblical? https://youtu.be/5XDpUgVVhPw 

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21. The Catholic Blog FAQ #22 Was Mary Always Saved?  Did Mary Never Sin? https://youtu.be/ZG4rDLNshIM 

22. The Catholic Blog FAQ #23 - Is Mary the Cause of Salvation? Did Mary Save the Whole Human Race?  https://youtu.be/kCMP17Kh8Lk 

23. The Catholic Blog FAQ #24 Was Mary a Virgin Her Entire Life? Did Jesus Have Any Brothers?  https://youtu.be/ZxNt_iL1QxU 

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Will I Go to Heaven If I Am Not Baptized in the Catholic Church? What About Babies Who Die Before Being Baptized?

IS CATHOLIC BAPTISM NECESSARY FOR SALVATION??

The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )

“Is Catholic baptism necessary for salvation?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “Those who belong to Christ through faith and Baptism must confess their baptismal faith before men” (CCC 14)

• “All who have been justified by faith in Baptism are incorporated into Christ.” (CCC 818)

• “Baptism, the gate by which we enter into the Church.” (CCC 950)

• “Baptism is necessary for salvation for those who have not yet been reborn” (CCC 980)

• “communicating forgiveness of sins in Baptism” (CCC 981)

• “The grace of the Holy Spirit has the power to justify us, that is, to cleanse us from our sins and to communicate to us ‘ the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ’ and through Baptism” (CCC 1987)

• “Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith” (CCC 1992)

• “Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ” (CCC 977)

• “The faithful are born anew by Baptism” (CCC 1212)

• “Holy Baptism is the basis of the whole Christian life, the gateway to life in the Spirit” (CCC 1213)

• “Through Baptism we are freed from sin and reborn as sons of God” (CCC 1213)

• “Baptism is the sacrament of regeneration through water in the word” (CCC 1213)

• “This sacrament is also called the ‘washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit’ for it signifies and actually brings about the birth of water and the Spirit without which no one ‘can enter the Kingdom of God’” (CCC 1215)

• “exorcisms are pronounced over the candidate” (CCC 1237)

• “the baptismal water is consecrated by a prayer” (CCC 1238)

• “Baptism…signifies and actually brings about death to sin and entry into the life of the Most Holy Trinity through configuration to the Paschal mystery of Christ” (CCC 1239)

• “Baptism is performed in the most expressive way by triple immersion in the baptismal water. However from ancient times it has also been able to be conferred by pouring the water over the candidate’s head” (CCC 1239)

• “The newly baptized is now, in the only Son, a child of God, entitled to say the prayer of the children of God: ‘Our Father’” (CCC 1243)

• “Baptism is the source of that new life in Christ from which the entire Christian life springs forth” (CCC 1254)

• “The Lord himself affirms that Baptism is necessary for salvation” (CCC 1257)

• “Baptism is necessary for salvation for those whom the Gospel has been proclaimed and who had the possibility of asking for this sacrament” (CCC 1257)

• “God has bound salvation to the sacrament of Baptism, but he himself is not bound by his sacraments” (CCC 1257)

• “For catechumens who die before their Baptism, their explicit desire to receive it, together with repentance for their sins, and charity, assures them the salvation that they were not able to receive through the sacrament” (CCC 1259)

• “By baptism all sins are forgiven” (CCC 1263)

• “Justified by faith in Baptism” (CCC 1271)

• “Baptism seals the Christian with the indelible spiritual mark (character) of his belonging to Christ.” (CCC 1272)

ARE INFANTS SAVED BY BAPTISM?

• “Born with a fallen human nature and tainted by original sin, children have need of the new birth in Baptism to be freed from the power of darkness and brought into the realm of the freedom of the Children of God” (CCC 1250)

• “The Church and the parents would deny a child the priceless grace of becoming a child of God were they not to confer Baptism shortly after birth” (CCC 1250)

• “As regards children who have died with Baptism, the Church can only entrust them to the mercy of God, as she does in her funeral rites for them. …allow us to hope that there is a way of salvation for children who have died without Baptism” (CCC 1261)

• “with respect to children who have died without Baptism, the liturgy of the Church invites us to trust in God’s mercy and to pray for their salvation” (CCC 1283)

WHY IS EVERY CATHOLIC EXORCISED AT BAPTISM?

• “When the Church asks publicly and authoritatively in the name of Jesus Christ that a person or object be protected against the power of the Evil One and withdrawn from his dominion, it is called exorcism” (CCC 1673)

• “Jesus performed exorcisms and from him the Church has received the power and office of exorcizing. In a simple form, exorcism is performed at the celebration of Baptism.” (CCC 1673)

• “The solemn exorcism, called a ‘major exorcism,’ can be performed only by a priest and with the permission of the bishop. The priest must proceed with prudence, strictly observing the rules established by the Church.” (1673)

• “Exorcism is directed at the expulsion of demons or to the liberation from demonic possession through he spiritual authority which Jesus entrusted to his Church.” (1673)

“Is Catholic baptism necessary for salvation?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• Titus 3:5 “he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit” (ESV)

• John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.’” (ESV)

• Ezekiel 36:25–27 “I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleannesses, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. [26] And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. [27] And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules.” (ESV)

• Romans 6:3–4 “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” (ESV)

• 1 John 2:29 “If you know that he is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of him.” (ESV)

• 1 John 3:9 “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God's seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God.” (ESV)

• 1 John 4:7 “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” (ESV)

• 1 John 5:1 "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God, and everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of him." (ESV)

• 1 John 5:4 “For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (ESV)

• 1 Corinthians 1:14 "I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius”

• 1 Corinthians 1:17 “For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.”

• 1 Corinthians 15:1–8 “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, [2] and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. [3] For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, [4] that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures, [5] and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. [6] Then he appeared to more than five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep. [7] Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles. [8] Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me.” (ESV)

• 2 Samuel 12:21-23 "His servants asked him, "Why are you acting this way? While the child was alive, you fasted and wept, but now that the child is dead, you get up and eat!" 22 He answered, "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The LORD may be gracious to me and let the child live.' 23 But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me.”

• Ecclesiastes 6:3-5 “I say that a stillborn child is better off than he." (ESV)

• Deuteronomy 1:39 “And as for your little ones, who you said would become a prey, and your children, who today have no knowledge of good or evil, they shall go in there. And to them I will give it, and they shall possess it.” (ESV)

• Titus 2:11–12 “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, [12] training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age” (ESV)

• Zechariah 3:2 “And the LORD said to Satan, “The LORD rebuke you, O Satan! The LORD who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is not this a brand plucked from the fire?” (ESV)

• Jude 9–10 “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.” [10] But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instinctively.” (ESV)

• More scriptures on the death of babies and children: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-the-death-of-babies-children

• More scriptures on baptism: www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-baptism

• An Ante-Nicene (early church fathers’) historical approaches to spiritual warfare and exorcism: www.trustworthyword.com/sw-church-history (NOTE: very different from the much later (1614) Catholic Church’s Rituale Romanum approach to the demonic)

“Is Catholic baptism necessary for salvation?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• Why is Baptism such a big deal for Catholic doctrine? What does it mean that Baptism isn’t completed without penance, catechism, and the Eucharist? Is that seen in the Bible?

• Is the “born of water” a reference to baptism in John 3:5? Or a reference to Ezekiel 36:25-27?

• Do the passages in 1 John speak about being born again by baptism? Or through belief? Love? Personal and relational knowledge of God? Evidenced by a changed life? In faith?

• Does Romans 6:3–4 describe being baptized into a church?

• Why is the process of getting baptized &going through Catechism in the Catholic Church so lengthy compared to the instantaneous belief and baptisms seen in Acts 2:41, 8:36, 9:18, 16:33, 18:8, 19:5?

• Is the consecration (blessing) of baptismal water in the Bible?

• Where is triple immersion in the Bible? Where is pouring over/infusion in the Bible?

• Where does the Bible advocate for praying for someone’s salvation after they already died?

• If baptism is necessary for salvation, why would Paul say he was thankful that he only baptized two people at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:14)?

• If baptism is necessary for salvation, why would Paul say “Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel” (1 Corinthians 1:17)?

• Why Paul outlines the gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-8 why does he not mention baptism? What is his focus?

• What do these passages imply about the salvation of babies & children who die? 2 Samuel 12:21-23, Deuteronomy 1:39, Job 3:11-17, Ecclesiastes 6:3-5, & Jeremiah 19:4.

• Are baptismal exorcisms (casting out of Satan/demons) in the Bible? Why is exorcism performed as part of every Catholic Baptism?

• When exorcisms happen in the Bible what rules exist? Or is it a simple command in the authority and name of Jesus?

• Why does the Roman Catholic Church has such extensive rules and procedures for exorcism as encapsulated in Rituale Romanum?

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You can download the free eBook "A Biblical Study of The Catechism of the Catholic Church" at www.catholic.blog or purchase a Kindle, paperback, or hardback version at Amazon (www.amazon.com/gp/product/B098L1MRLK).6 Tough Passages on Baptism to Consider

The below passages are tough to understand and seem, on their own, to advocate for baptismal regeneration (that baptism saves).  If we look more closely at them individual, we can see them more clearly and how they can be reconciled with the many Scriptures that explain that salvation comes through faith alone as a free gift of God’s loving grace.

1) Does Acts 2:38 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Acts 2:38, “And Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”

• Could the best translation for “for” in this context be either “because of” or “in regard to” and not “in order to get”?

• Another important note is how some of the verbs and pronouns are different: some are singular and some are plural. Could this mean that “when you take into account the change in person and plurality, essentially what you have is ‘You (plural) repent for the forgiveness of your (plural) sins, and let each one (singular) of you be baptized (singular).’ Or, to put it in a more distinct way: ‘You all repent for the forgiveness of all of your sins, and let each one of you be baptized.’” (for more see: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-2-38.html )

2) Does Mark 16:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Mark 16:16 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

• An important translation note: “There is some question as to whether these verses were originally part of the Gospel of Mark or whether they were added later by a scribe. As a result, it is best not to base a key doctrine on anything from Mark 16:9-20, such as snake handling, unless it is also supported by other passages of Scripture.”

• If this verse it to be included in Scripture, does it even describe the eternal status of those who “believe and have not been baptized”? We cannot for certain the opposite is true.

• What is the evidence of condemnation in this verse? Is it even connected to baptism?

• Does the Bible ever say that if one is not baptized they are not saved? What about the man on the cross next to Jesus who is never baptized, never goes to church, never takes Eucharist, and is never confirmed?

• What is required for salvation? Belief.

• More at: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Mark-16-16.html

3) Does 1 Peter 3:21 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

1 Peter 3:21 “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (ESV)

• When Peter connects baptism to salvation, what is the root cause of the salvation? What does baptism represent? What does an “appeal to God” mean?

• Why does the Peter refer to the mechanical act of baptism ("removal of dirt”)? It he pointing out that it isn’t about the act itself, but about the inward appeal of belief and repentances?

• How did the waters of the flood “save” Noah and his family? How are the ark and baptism connected here (1 Peter 3:20)?

• Was Noah saved by his wisdom, obedience, skill, and hard work to build the ark? Or was he saved by his inwards trust and love of the Lord so that the God provided a rescue from the waters of judgment? Who shut the door of the ark (Genesis 7:16)?

• Are we saved by our wisdom, obedience, and diligence to get baptized? Or are we saved by our inward trust and love of the Lord in how He provided a rescue from the judgment of sin through His death and resurrection on the cross?

• See www.gotquestions.org/baptism-1Peter-3-21.html for more helpful thoughts.

4) Does John 3:5 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

John 3:5 “Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. (ESV)

• Why is the word “baptism” not explicitly used here but is used later in the chapter (John 3:22-30) at a different time and place?

• Why is water the symbol of cleansing throughout the Bible? (for examples see: Psalm 51:2,7; Ezekiel 36:25, John 13:10; 15:3; 1 Corinthians 6:11; Hebrews 10:22; Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5)

• How might this connect to the “living water” Jesus speaks to later in John? (John 4:10 & 7:37-39)

• How does this “water” cleanse us internally and eternally? (see Ezekiel 36:25-27 & Titus 3:5)

• Why is water used often to symbolize the Spirit’s work in us? (see Isaiah 44:3 & John 7:38-39)

• Was Nicodemus being rebuked for not understanding baptism or for not understanding these passages: Ezekiel 36:25-27 and Jeremiah 31:33.

• More insights here: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-John-3-5.html

5) Does Acts 22:16 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Acts 22:16 “And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’” (ESV)

• Did Paul believe before his baptism (Galatians 1:11-12)?

• Did Paul receive the Holy Spirit before his baptism? (Acts 9:17-18)

• A helpful translation note: “The Greek aorist participle, epikalesamenos, translated "calling on His name" refers either to action that is simultaneous with or before that of the main verb, "be baptized." Here Paul’s calling on Christ’s name for salvation preceded his water baptism. The participle may be translated "having called on His name" which makes more sense, as it would clearly indicate the order of the events.”

• How does baptism externally portray the inward washing away of sin that happens at salvation? (1 Corinthians 6:11 and 1 Peter 3:21).

• When Paul shares his testimony of conversion with King Agrippa (Acts 26:12-18), why does He focus on meeting Jesus on the road to Damascus and not on his encounter with Ananias (Acts 9:10-17) and baptism?

• For further study, checkout: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Acts-22-16.html

6) Does Galatians 3:27 teach that baptism is necessary for salvation?

Galatians 3:27 "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” (ESV)

• Why is Paul writing this letter to the Galatians according to Galatians 1:6-10?

• What does he mean that we are “not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Christ” (Galatians 2:16) and that “you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:26)?

• Is this passage even talking about baptism into water? Or is it talking about union with Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the point of faith? What does Romans 8:9 say is the principal difference between believers and non-believers?

• How is Jesus the one “who baptizes with the Holy Spirit” (John 1:33-34)?

• What does it mean to be “sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise” (Ephesians 1:13-14)?

• More info on this passage here: www.gotquestions.org/baptism-Galatians-3-27.html

The American Holocaust

As I write this I reflect on this past week’s celebrations of the National Day of Prayer as well as Mother’s Day.  On the National Day of Prayer our nation is called to seek our Creator with humble repentance, requests, and praise.  On Mother’s Day we thank God for the blessing of the biological, foster, adoptive, and spiritual mothers He has given us.  In 2022 these two days have fallen in midst of a week of news and debate about the potential Supreme Court overruling of the horrendous Roe vs. Wade 1973 judicial overreach that legalized the murder of babies in American wombs.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (ESV)

Twenty years ago I toured to Dachau, Germany (a Nazi concentration camp) and saw the process through which millions were killed and were incinerated.  I cannot unsee a Nazi concentration camp.

In recent years, I have seen videos of the process through which abortionists have killed tens of millions of babies within the womb.  I cannot unsee the photos of children’s crushed, cut, and suctioned bodies.  I grieve that their mothers and fathers allowed the bodies of their children to be broken, dismembered, and disposed of or incinerated as trash.

Holocaust (dictionary.com): “any mass slaughter or reckless destruction of life”

German history cannot ignore their past reality of the Jewish holocaust.  A mass slaughter of people deemed “life unworthy of life” (German: Lebensunwertes Leben) due to their ethnicity or different abilities. 17+ million souls murdered from 1933-1945.

Exodus 20:13 “You shall not murder.”

American history cannot ignore their past and present reality of the American holocaust.  A mass slaughter of babies has occurred in the name of “choice”, “convenience”, “women’s health”, “privacy”, and “rights” by giving parents the “right” to murder their own children, declaring their child to be “life unworthy of life.”  63+ million souls murdered from 1973 to 2022.

Jeremiah 1:5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you.”

To Those Who Continue to Support Abortion.  Stop, before it is too late.  God assures us of His just wrath against those who murder.  Hear and heed His loving warning.  Watch a video of an abortion.  See the photos of dismembered infants.  Study the science and Scripture of life - watch babies sucking their thumbs in the womb, hear the heartbeats of 6 week olds, and feel the physical response of in-utero children to their mother’s voice.

Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil”

To Those Who Regret Their Past Abortion or Election of Pro-Abortion/Choice Leaders.  Confess to God that you are sincerely sorry.  Repent and turn away from your sin against your Creator and His creation. Trust and believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Ask God for forgiveness. Enjoy Jesus’ love and peace forever.

1 John 1:9–10 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

To Those Who Pray and Vote for an End of Abortion in America and Beyond. Don’t stop.  Speak the truth and love of Jesus.  Keep praying fervently. Vote for life. Pray for our national, state, and local leaders.  Support Clarity Solutions for Women and other pro-life causes in our region.  Open your heart and home to adoption for the hundreds of thousands of babies that will need families if abortion is made illegal in the majority of U.S. states.  Don’t grow weary in doing good.  May the Lord heal our land.

Proverbs 31:8 “Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.”

More here: "What Does the Bible Say About Abortion?"

https://www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-abortion

Free Bible Reading Plans - Downloadable PDF eBook

How much time would you like to spend reading or listening to the Bible each day?  Whether you would like to read the Psalms & Proverbs, the New Testament, the Old Testament, or the whole Bible, there is a simple chronological plan inside to help guide & encourage you.  Be sure to check out the many helpful resources included at the end of the book and online as well! 

This book is the formulation of years of guiding myself and my church family through Bible reading.  It is a simple but helpful tool to help with the discipline of drawing near to God through regular Bible reading and listening.

What is Sin According to the Catholic Catechism? Do Different Sins Need Different Sacrifices?

https://youtu.be/bYolzoQG83g

WHAT IS SIN?

DO DIFFERENT SINS NEED DIFFERENT SACRIFICES?

The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )

“Do different sins need different sacrifices?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “The distinction between mortal and venial sin, already evident in Scripture, became part of the tradition of the Church. It is corroborated by human experience” (CCC 1854)

• “Mortal sin destroys charity in the heart of man by a grave violation of God’s law; it turns man away from God, who is his ultimate end and his beatitude by preferring and inferior good to him” (CCC 1855)

• “Venial sin allows charity to subsist, even though it offends and wounds it” (CCC 1855)

• “Mortal sin…necessitates a new initiative of God’s mercy and a conversion of the heart which is normally accomplished within the sacrament of reconciliation” (CCC 1856)

• “Mortal sin is sin whose object is grave matter and which is also committed with full knowledge and deliberate consent” (CCC 1857)

• “Grave matter is specified by the Ten Commandments” (CCC 1858)

• “Grave sin deprives us of communion with God and therefore makes us incapable of eternal life” (CCC 1472)

• “every sin, even venial, entails an unhealthy attachment to creatures, which must be purified here on earth, or after death in a state called Purgatory” (CCC 1472)

• “this purification frees one from what is called the ‘temporal punishment’ of sin” (CCC 1472)

“Do different sins need different sacrifices?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• 1 John 2:16–17 “For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world. [17] And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever." (ESV)

• Galatians 2:16 “yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (ESV)

• Romans 3:19–20 “Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. [20] For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” (ESV)

• Matthew 5:20 "For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (ESV)

• Galatians 2:20–21 "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. [21] I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” (ESV)

• Mark 10:26–27 “And they were exceedingly astonished, and said to him, “Then who can be saved?” [27] Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (ESV)

• James 2:10 “For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become guilty of all of it.” (ESV)

• James 4:17 "So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (ESV)

• 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (ESV)

• Hebrews 7:27 “He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.” (ESV)

• Romans 8:1–2 “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (ESV)

“Do different sins need different sacrifices?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• Is 1 John 2:16-17 distinguishing between different levels of sin or different ways in which we are tempted to sin?

• Is tradition alone such a valid tool to determine whether someone goes to Heaven, Hell or Purgatory?

• Where does the Bible rank, compare, and evaluate the seriousness of sin?

• What does James 2:10 mean? What does James 4:17 mean?

• What is the purpose of the law according to Romans 3:19–20? Can fulfilling the law save us?

• Is it possible to fulfill the Ten Commandments? Who is the only one who has fulfilled the law?

• How can we obtain a righteousness that “exceeds the scribes and the Pharisees”?

• In the story of the rich young man (Mark 10:17-27), how did Jesus answer his question? Is it possible for man to save himself by fulfilling the Ten Commandments?

• Does 1 John 1:9 say anything about different kinds of sins or different ways of obtaining forgiveness? How do we receive forgiveness? Who do we confess to according to this verse?

• Where does the Bible speak about purgatory? If purgatory exists, why would it exist if we are already forgiven “from all unrighteousness”?

• What does Romans 8:1-2 mean?

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What is a valid church? Is the Catholic Church the only true church?

WHAT IS A VALID CHURCH?

IS THE CATHOLIC CHURCH THE ONLY TRUE CHURCH?

The Catholic Blog - Helping people find answers to the most common questions about Catholicism with answers from the Catechism of the Catholic Church and the Bible. (www.catholic.blog )

“Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “The Church is the Temple of the Holy Spirit” (CCC 809)

• “This is the sole Church of Christ” (CCC 811)

• “The sole Church of Christ [is that] which our Savior, after his Resurrection, entrusted to Peter’s pastoral care, commissioning him and the other apostles to extend and rule it. … This Church, constituted and organized as a society in the present world, subsists in (subsistit in) the Catholic Church, which is governed by the successor of Peter and by the bishops in communion with him.” (CCC 816)

• “For it is through Christ’s Catholic Church alone, which is the universal hope toward salvation, that the fullness of the means of salvation can be obtained” (CCC 816)

“Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, [20] for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (ESV)

• 1 Corinthians 3:16–17 “Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you? [17] If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and you are that temple.” (ESV)

• 2 Timothy 3:15 “the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)

• 1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 “For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” (ESV)

• Hebrews 10:24-25 “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”

• Ephesians 1:22-23 “the church, which is his body”

• 1 Corinthians 12:20 “As it is, there are many parts, yet one body.”

• 1 Corinthians 12:27-31 “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.28 And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.”

“Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• Is God’s Spirit constrained to a building or a denomination?

• What is a church? What is the purpose of a church?

• Are all churches valid? What constitutes a true church?

• Does salvation come through a church or through Jesus?

• How do we most accurately learn about Jesus?

• How do we ensure our faith is true?

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Who Can Teach Authoritatively? Can Only Catholic Priests, Bishops, & Popes Interpret the Bible?

WHO CAN TEACH AUTHORITATIVELY?

CAN ONLY CATHOLIC PRIESTS, BISHOPS, & POPES INTERPRET THE BIBLE?

“Can only Catholic Priests Interpret the Bible Authentically?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “It is clear therefore that, in the supremely wise arrangement of God, sacred Tradition, Sacred Scripture, and the Magisterium of the Church are so connected and associated that one of them cannot stand without the others. Working together each in its own way, under the action of the one Holy Spirit, they all contribute effectively to the salvation of souls.” (CCC 95)

• “The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or the form of Tradition, has been entrusted to the living, teaching office of the Church alone” (CCC 85)

• “The task of interpreting the Word of God authentically has been entrusted solely to the Magesterium of the Church, that is, to the Pope and to the bishops in communion with him.” (CCC 100)

• “It was by the apostolic Tradition that the Church discerned which writings are to be included in the list of the sacred books.” (CCC 120)

• “Tobit, Judith…1 and 2 Maccabees…Wisdom, Sirach (Ecclesiasticus)…Baruch” (CCC 120)

• “Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records.” (CCC 113)

“Can only Catholic Priests Interpret the Bible Authentically?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• 2 Timothy 3:16–17 “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, [17] that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (ESV)

• 2 Timothy 3:15 “how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

• Psalm 19:7–14 “The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; [8] the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes”

• John 10:27–30 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. [28] I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. [29] My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. [30] I and the Father are one.” (ESV)

• 1 Peter 2:5–9 “you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. [6] For it stands in Scripture: ‘Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” [7] So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe, “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” [8] and “A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do. [9] But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (ESV)

• 1 Timothy 2:5 “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”

• Hebrews 10:12 "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,”

• Hebrews 4:14–16 “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (ESV)

• 1 Corinthians 2:11–13 “For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. [12] Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. [13] And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.” (ESV)

• John 14:26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”

• Ephesians 1:17–18 “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, [18] having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (ESV)

• John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.” (ESV)

• Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it” (ESV)

• Matthew 21:42 "Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures”

• 1 Timothy 4:13 “Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.” (ESV)

• Revelation 1:3 “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” (ESV)

“Can only Catholic Priests Interpret the Bible Authentically?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• If the Roman Catholic Church is has the exclusive claim to “authentic interpretation”, does that mean Orthodox and Protestant Churches are invalid?

• What does it mean to say that the Bible cannot stand without the Roman Catholic Tradition and Magisterium? Is that a biblical claim?

• Who saves us? Jesus alone? A Church or Denomination?

• Who are Christians called to follow?

• Are the biblical claims to authority based on faithfulness to God or the chronological/familial lineage? What happened in the Bible if a King/Judge/Prophet was unfaithful to God’s truth?

• Has the Catholic Church been faithful to God’s truth and love over the past two millennia?

• Does the Holy Spirit indwell Churches or people? What is the task of the Holy Spirit? Who has the Holy Spirit?

• Why do some of the more controversial Catholic teachings (indulgences, purgatory, penance, transubstantiation, baptismal regeneration, veneration of and prayer to Mary and the saints, etc.) come primarily from the Deuterocanon/Apocrypha (i.e. books not usually found in Protestant Bibles) and Tradition?

• What does it mean to say that “Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records.”? Are our hearts trustworthy?

• Why does Jesus and the New Testament give so much attention to reading the Bible?

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“Does God’s Revelation Continue through Church Tradition?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider

“Does God’s Revelation Continue through Church Tradition?” - Important Passages of The Catechism of the Catholic Church to Consider:

• “In light of Tradition, these traditions can be retained, modified or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church’s magisterium” (CCC 83)

• “We believe all ‘that which is contained in the word of God, written or handed down, and which the Church proposes for belief as divinely revealed” (CCC 182)

“Does God’s Revelation Continue through Church Tradition?” - Important Scriptures to Consider:

• Malachi 3:6 “For I the Lord do not change”

• James 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

• Numbers 23:19 “God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?”

• Revelation 22:18-20 "warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life”

• Proverbs 30:5-6 “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

• Deuteronomy 4:1–2 “And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. [2] You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.” (ESV)

• 2 John 9–10 “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son. [10] If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house or give him any greeting” (ESV)

• Jude 3–4 “I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints. [4] For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God”

• Galatians 1:6–9 "I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—[7] not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. [8] But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. [9] As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (ESV)

• 2 Peter 1:21 “For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” (ESV)

“Does God’s Revelation Continue through Church Tradition?” - Important Questions to Consider:

• Does God change with time? How does God reveal Himself to us specifically?

• Since the Bible is complete and purposed to describe God to us, why does it need to be added to by Tradition if God does not change?

• If Tradition is divinely inspired, why does it change with time and church leadership when the Bible does not? Why have parts been edited out and added in?

• Why would it be so serious and dangerous to add words, verses, or passages to the Bible?

• In what scenarios would it be necessary for the Catholic Church to add new revelation of Tradition?

• How do we discern if a prophet or teacher is true or false? How do we recognize a “different gospel”?

• Why does God give us so many warnings about false teachers?

• Is the Bible sufficient for our studies of truth?

• Where are the Bible and The Catechism of the Catholic Church similar? Different?

Subscribe to “The Catholic Blog” on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC03uZywULBplunOmh4nCB2A    

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Free Downloadable Handouts for Catholics - Answers to the 30 Most Frequently Asked Questions in Catholicism

Click the links below, or go to www.catholic.blog, to download answers to the most common Catholic questions!

1. 
   What is the Catechism of the Catholic Church? 

2. How Do We Know God?

3. How Do We Know Truth?

4. Does Church Tradition Change?  Does God's Revelation Continue in Catholicism?

5. Who Can Teach Authoritatively? Can Only Catholic Priests, Bishops, & Popes Interpret the Bible?

6. What is a Valid Church? Is the Catholic Church the Only True Church?

7. What is Sin According to the Catholic Catechism? Do Different Sins Need Different Sacrifices?

8. How can we be saved according to the Catholic Catechism?  Is salvation alone thru Catholicism?

9. Do We Receive Grace and the Holy Spirit through the Catholic Sacraments?

10. Does Salvation Come through Catholic Mass? Does Giving Money to Church Save Us?

11. Is Catholic Baptism Necessary for Salvation?

12. Is Catholic Confirmation Necessary for Salvation & the Holy Spirit?

13. Is Catholic Eucharist Necessary for Salvation?

14. Does Our Eucharist Help the Dead? Help Us Connect to the Dead?

15. Is Catholic Penance Necessary for Salvation and Forgiveness?

16. Is Peter the First Pope?

17. Did Peter have Authority Over All the Apostles?

18. Does Peter Call Himself a Pope or Bishop?

19. Was Peter Married? Is Priestly Celibacy Biblical?

20. What Is Veneration? Is Mary Our Mother? Should Mary Be Venerated?

21. Was Mary Always Saved?  Did Mary Never Sin?

22. Is Mary the Cause of Salvation?

23. Was Mary a Virgin Her Entire Life? Did Jesus Have Any Brothers?

24. Is It True that Mary Never Died? Did Mary Ascend to Heaven? 

25. Are Images of Jesus, Mary, Saints, or Angels Helpful or Harmful? Do Relics & Rosaries have Power? 

26. Should We Pray to Mary and Saints? Is it ok to Pray to Angels?

27. Will I Go to Purgatory? Do Indulgences Help Us? 

28. Can Marriages Be Annulled? What about Catholic Divorce and Remarriage?

29. Internal Inconsistencies within the Catholic Catechism - Who Will Go to Heaven?

30. Why is the Catholic Bible Different? Is the Deuterocanon / Apocrypha Trustworthy?

A Biblical Response to “Pride Month”

Have you noticed the increased emphasis on validating, affirming, and encouraging LGTBQ+ in America during 2021?  Rainbow flags at U.S. Embassies.  Company logos changed to a rainbow pattern.  An onslaught of advertising campaigns. Products created to celebrate a sexual revolution.  Such rapid and radical changes in our society can often overwhelm us.  How should a biblical Christian understand our culture?  What should followers of Jesus do?

1 Chronicles 12:32 “Of Issachar, men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do”

1. Love God - Understanding False Religion.  Read 1 John.  Just because someone calls themself a Christian doesn’t make them a genuine believer. Rebellion against God’s authority and Biblical commands reveals both a false religion and a false conversion.  If God’s voice in Scripture is not one’s authority, Jesus is not one’s Lord and Savior.  A true love of God is evidenced in obedience and submission to His Word.

Matthew 15:8 “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me”

2. Practice Self-Control - Understanding Cultural History. Be slow to speak.  The sexual revolution in America didn’t happen overnight, and was overwhelmingly found in heterosexual sin before LGTBQ+ sin.  Decades of sensuality, pornography, no-fault divorce, serial marriage, fornication, adultery, prostitution, abuse, and more have led us to the LGTBQ+ rebellion against God.  We are all broken sexually in our sin.  This cycle of sexual sin has happened repeatedly in many other cultures.  We are on a historical and moral path towards even more destructive sexual immorality: polygamy, polyamory, pedophilia, beastiality, virtual sex, and sex bots. 

Ecclesiastes 1:9 “What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.”

3. Be Kind to LGTBQ+ People - Understanding Relationships.  Many who identify as lesbian, gay, transgender, bi-sexual, queer, or any number of evolving labels have suffered intense hatred, insults, abuse, and attacks.  Get to know your LGTBQ+ neighbors.  Listen to their stories.  Weep with their hurts.  Find ways to show them genuine, Christian love without condoning or approving their sinful choices and self-identification.

Luke 6:27–28 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”

4. Exhibit Faithfulness - Understanding Spiritual Truths.  The increasingly rampant heterosexual, homosexual, and gender identity sins are “false to the truth…earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (James 3:14–15).  Validating, affirming, approving, accepting, endorsing, encouraging, supporting, promoting, and celebrating LGTBQ+ is foolish, unnatural, dishonorable, impure, and offensive to our Holy God (Romans 1:18-32).  Watch out!  Before you form or share your opinion on LGTBQ+, examine the Scriptures in the pursuit of faithfulness to God’s truth (Romans 1:24-32, Genesis 19, Leviticus 18:22; 20:13, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-6, 1 Timothy 1:9-10, Jude 7).  Do not bend the knee to the false god of LGTBQ+ pride.

Romans 1:24, 26-27, 32 “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves…For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; [27] and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error. …Though they know God’s righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die, they not only do them but give approval to those who practice them.”

The world says “love is love,” but God explains that “God is love” (1 John 4:8,16); He is the definition and definer of true love.

The world encourages “love yourself” while God warns of the danger of being deceived to follow “the course of the world” in pursuing the “desires of the body and the mind” (Ephesians 2:1-3).

The world advertises “you be you”, but God says “You shall be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

The world teaches you to follow your “own truth” and understanding of god, while God  proclaims “whoever says ‘I know him' but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him”(1 John 2:4-6).

Isaiah 5:20 “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!”

5. Be A Joy-Filled Presence - Understanding Eternal Consequences.  Those who continue in sexual sin, whether heterosexual or homosexual, have chosen a path to Hell.  When surrounded by cultural evil, may be choose to be like Noah, Daniel, Paul, the church in Philadelphia, and so many more faithful saints, keeping God’s Word and not denying His name (Revelation 3:8).  We must choose to be an evangelistic, joy-filled presence among those who are perishing.

1 Corinthians 6:9 “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality."

6.  Endure - Understanding God’s Plan.  Don’t be surprised when people hate you for standing on God’s Word concerning the sinfulness of LGTBQ+ (1 John 3:13–14).  Some might falsely accuse you of being homophobic or a bigot.  Others may threaten and attack you (Matthew 5:10-11).  Stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-20).  Turn the other cheek (Luke 6:29).  When possible speak truth, with humility, as an act of love.  Live in righteousness, evidencing the bright light of true love to a dark world.  Practice genuine love.

Romans 12:9 “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”

Here are some helpful biblical resources for you to consider!

• What does the Bible say about homosexuality? - http://www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-homosexuality

• How can I be sure I’m a Christian? - http://www.trustworthyword.com/how-can-i-be-sure-im-a-christian

• How can I become a Christian? - http://www.trustworthyword.com/how-can-i-become-a-christian

• Evidence for Jesus - http://www.trustworthyword.com/evidence-for-jesus

The Best Death Ever

Too weird of a title?  Too predictable of a topic?  Too early to talk about Easter?

Jesus’ death and resurrection are the most amazing events in human history.  It is easy for us to remember the facts of Easter but, in our familiarity, lose the awe we should have of His majestic love.

How amazing is it that God promised the sending of His Son through Isaiah over 700 years ahead of time. Here are a few biblical truths about Easter from Isaiah 53:2–6:

Isaiah 53:2 “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” (ESV)

We live in a world focused on external appearances.  As he grew up, Jesus was not outwardly impressive to the culture around him.  As Jesus “humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” His Father “highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name.”  May we long for the day that our Lord Jesus returns and when “every knee should bow” and “every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” (Philippians 2:8–11) .

Isaiah 53:3 “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (ESV)

Our world rejected Jesus. Dishonored Jesus.  Hated Jesus.  So did we.  In our sinfulness we prioritized ourselves over the Creator of the Universe.  May we never cease to marvel at the fact that “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

Isaiah 53:4 “Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.” (ESV)

Jesus came to carry away the sin of the world, but the crowds chanted “crucify him!”  While he bore the weight of the cross towards Calvary, the crowds mocked His suffering.  May we honestly admit that in a similar way, in our lostness, the cross was “foolishness” to us too (1 Corinthians 1:18).

Isaiah 53:5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (ESV)

Jesus took the beating and died the death that we deserve.  He sacrificed His life so that we may have eternal peace with our Heavenly Father.  His wounds forever healed us from the sepsis of sin.

Isaiah 53:6 “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (ESV)

May the prophecy of Isaiah open our eyes to the seriousness of our straying from God.  We all loved ourselves and the creation more than our Creator.  We all trusted ourselves more than the King of Kings.  Easter is the most magnificent gift we could ever receive. Thank you Father for sending your Son!

“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all” (Romans 8:32)

p.s. If you enjoyed these, I think you would really love John Piper’s Fifty Reasons Jesus Came to Die (free here: www.desiringgod.org/books/fifty-reasons-why-jesus-came-to-die )

The Beauty of the Bible

Have you discovered how amazing the Bible is?  Here are 10 amazing truths about the Bible!

1) The Most Evidenced Book In Human History.  The amount of archaeological, scientific, historical, manuscript/documentary, internal and external evidence for the Bible is overwhelming.  God has evidenced the trustworthiness of His book more than any human book that we might trust Him.  Check out some of the evidence here: www.trustworthyword.com/evidence-for-jesus 

“For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” 2 Peter 1:21 

2) The Voice of God.  God wants to talk to us.  We get to listen and hear the voice of the Creator of the Universe through the Bible.  What an incredible conversation we can have with the Bible and prayer!

“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17

3) Connects Us to Jesus. The Bible is the vehicle which brings us to meet Jesus.  They point us to Him and share who He is and what He has done with us.

“the Scriptures…bear witness about me” - Jesus in John 5:39-40 (ESV)

“the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:10-17

4) Our Only Hope for Salvation.  We live in a difficult world filled with despair but God speaks to us so that we may know and experience His love forever in Heaven.

“receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” James 1:21

5) A Weapon Against Satan. We have a real enemy in Satan and the demonic and we are hopeless in that battle without the Spirit of God and His sword: the Bible.

“take…the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:17

6) A Light In A Dark World.  The darkness of our surroundings is scary but God’s light guides us through it.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

7) Protection from Error.  How do we know what is true? The Bible.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Is this not the reason you are wrong, because you know neither the Scriptures nor the power of God?’" - Mark 12:24

8) Forever Unchanging.  Our unchanging God describes His unchanging nature can character clearly to us.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change." James 1:17

9) A Tool for Tough Days.  Life isn’t easy but the Bible gives us supernatural wisdom and understanding.

“rightly handling the word of truth” 2 Timothy 2:15

10) A Guide to Life. Our Father in Heaven desires to instructs us through the ups and downs of life and we find courage through His presence and voice.

"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:7-8

Here is a helpful resource for ideas of how to study the Bible!

www.trustworthyword.com/how-to-study-the-bible

How to Get Rich Quick & Stay Rich Forever

If you could…would you…get rich quick?  Whether it be an inheritance, an investment, or an insane winning, wouldn’t it be great?  It would be wonderful to relieve the financial woes and pressures that many of us feel with our currently obligations and debts.  Could you imagine the excitement you would feel if you knew that your riches were guaranteed to continue forever?

Luke 12:15 “And he said to them, ‘Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’” (ESV)

Unfortunately, human wealth almost never works that way.  Even those who gain a large amount of money overnight often lose much or all of it as time passes.  Jesus warns us through the Bible about the dangers of the love of money being a “a root of all kinds of evils” (1 Timothy 6:10).  Wanting what others have (covetousness) does harm to our soul.  Storing up goods on earth is eternally futile as they ultimately pass on to others at our death.  Jesus also speaks to the opportunity to gain a wealth that you will never lose…

Luke 12:20–21 “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’” (ESV)

Being “rich toward God” comes through faith.  When we trust, treasure, and love Jesus more than anything we discover “a living hope” that brings a guaranteed “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven” for us. (1 Peter 1:3-4)

Focusing on earthly possessions and treasures can cloud our mind and warp our daily priorities.  What should we do when we realize we’ve loved and pursued and trusted money too much?

1) Repent where we have failed.  We’ve all messed up with money.  We’ve overspent, undersaved, and made unwise decisions.  If we are honest we have all loved money more than we care to admit.

“people will be…lovers of self, lovers of money…ungrateful…without self-control…lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Timothy 3:1-4)

2) Avoid bad influences.  God warns us that “bad company ruins good morals.” (1 Corinthians 15:33).  The places and people we associate with affect us.  We need to surround ourselves with godly influences and protect what comes into our mind through our ears and eyes.

“Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:5)

3) Pursue Jesus more than pleasure.  Our time and energy is limited.  Our choices matter.  Let’s work on saying “yes” to things that matter more and saying “no” to free up our time and energy for what is better.  Jesus is more satisfying than any earthly pleasure.

“live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God.” (1 Peter 4:2 ESV)

4) Work hard to invest more in eternity.  God has gifted us with varying skills to do our work with excellence and enjoyment.  Hard work still takes discipline but the money we earn at work can be best used for eternal purposes through our local churches and Christian missions and ministries.

Acts 20:35 “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

5) Keep this world in perspective.  Life is short.  We can’t take anything here on earth with us.  Our possessions need to be held lightly and in this perspective.

Mark 8:36 “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?”

Let’s be content with what we have and rich towards God, enjoying His presence now and for eternity.

Hebrews 13:5 “Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’”

"Every time you doubt that you can live on 90% of your income, let the glorious promise of God strengthen your faith: ‘My God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 4:19)." John Piper

The Deadly Danger of Staying Away from Church & the Bible

By: Jonathan Carl

Drinking and driving. Obesity. Illegal drugs. Smoking.  All dangerous for our health. We know it.  We try to avoid them.  We know they lead towards a more limited life and an expedited death.

Know what’s more dangerous to your health?  Missing church. Ignoring the Bible.

One may argue… “I don’t have to go to church or read my Bible to be a Christian!” Yes, you are right if you mean that we aren’t saved by going to church, being baptized, or reading your Bible…but our lack of church attendance and Bible reading can be a symptom of a limited life and eternal death.

Here are four concerns that God has for those whose Bible reading and church attendance is sporadic.

Spiritual Laziness.  Priorities.  Love of the world.  Love of self.  It’s easy to get pulled away from church and the Bible.  We’ve all been there.  It takes dedication and commitment to wake up and roll out to church on a Sunday.  It takes discipline to make time in your daily schedule for Bible reading.  But both are worth it.  Let’s listen to God’s many commands for Bible reading and church commitment.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”

Spiritual Foolishness. Ignorance is not bliss.  We are wrong and make poor decisions when we stray away from God’s truths and His power.  God lovingly speaks to us in the Bible so that we might know and follow Him instead being deceived by Satan, the world, and our flesh.

Luke 6:46 (ESV) “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

Spiritual Cancer.  Disconnectedness from a local church is discouraging and dangerous.  The world is a dark place. The Bible and the church are designed to encourage us as a refuge of hope and light.  Just as cancer slowly invades and does serious damage to our physical health, sinful disregard to God’s commands does harm to our spiritual health.

Matthew 7:21 (ESV) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven”

Spiritual Death.  Lack of presence with the people of God and lack of communication with God may evidence a lack of love and spiritual deadness.  Jesus summarizes the law of God with the priorities of loving Him and loving others.  Presence and care communicates love.  Absence and apathy communicates hate.  Listening and obeying indicates trust and value.  Ignoring and disregarding indicates contempt.  If we continue to stay disconnected from a local church family and the Bible, we would do well to examine the genuineness of our faith.

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV) “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves.”

Here are four steps to take for our spiritual health in 2020!

1) Commit to a local church.  We are better together.  No church is perfect, but if their focus is biblical truth and love then that’s the main thing.  We are blessed to have so much access to many wonderful, biblical churches!  Don’t have a church home? Try one out this Sunday!  Been a little while since your last visit to your church home?  Jump back in with both feet!

2) Care for others.  Your local church is amazing place to be loved and to love others.  Relationships take time and intentionality but they are worth it!

3) Dive Deep into the Bible.  You won’t regret it.  Studying God’s Word is refreshing and energizing.  If you read one chapter of the New Testament every weekday you’ll finish the NT in 2020!

4) Dare to Share.  The world needs God’s hope and truth so look for opportunities to share Bible truths and God’s love as you go throughout your day!

5 Tips for Christmas!

By: Jonathan Carl

Merry Christmas!  Christmas Day can be such a joy to care-free children who are anticipating, opening, and enjoying their gifts!  Christmas can easily lose its luster for adults though when loss, fears, hurts, and worries overwhelm us.  No matter your current experience this Christmas, can you imagine what the first Christmas was like?

Jesus Is Here!  Jesus came to us! Think about the joy of Jesus’ mother Mary and adoptive-father Joseph had when the Christ-child arrived; the promises of the prophets and the angels fulfilled!  Imagine the sweetness the Shepherds savored when they saw the Savior of the world (Luke 2). What a wonder for the Wise Men to encounter their Wonderful Counselor (Matthew 2)!  What child-like joy they all must have experienced as they worshipped Jesus with child-like trust, love, comfort, security, delight, joy, and awe at what God was doing!

This Christmas, here are 5 tips for entering into and experiencing the “good news of great joy!” (Luke 2:10)

1. Receive the gift of love.  Gifts aren’t ultimately about the object itself, they are about the love of the giver.  Don’t let your Christmas become a ritual or routine.  Don’t reject a heart-felt relationship with your Creator.  God wants you to experience the relational love He has for you!  You are loved.

2. Trust the rescue.  Have you ever been in a desperate situation where you have no choice but to ask or cry for help?  You and I are in such a situation now, in our sin.  We need a Savior to rescue us.  We can’t work our way out of our sin dilemma. Don’t resist His saving work but instead rejoice in His salvation from sin and death!

3. Listen to the King.  Slow down.  Open and read your Bible.  Make time to play an audio Bible.  Watch the “Visual Bible” on YouTube.  There are lots of ways to experience the truth and love of God’s voice through the Bible.  Be still, open your ears, and engage your mind while you marvel that your King wants to speak personally to you.

4. Enjoy the Relationship. God doesn’t issue rules and commands as a harsh dictator.  He wants us to hear His fatherly protection, warnings, and encouragements toward His children.  Be more child-like this Christmas, submitting your heart to His amazing comfort and care.  Even when others will abandon, burn, and betray you, God is faithful and will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

5. Spend Time in His Presence. Devotional time matters.  Church matters.  Small group matters.  Godly friendships matter. God has organized His family into opportunities to experience Him directly through His Spirit and together through others.  Prioritize Jesus in your Christmas Day and everyday and you will experience joy.

I hope and pray that you and your family have an amazing Christmas as you delight in God’s amazing love!

A Prayer for Our Nation

By: Jonathan Carl

Our nation continues forward into another election cycle, we are becoming increasingly divided between Republicans and Democrats.  The rhetoric and anger is overwhelming.  Can you imagine what the average political in Washington D.C. faces in the social media age we live in?  

As Christians, we are called by God to pray for all of our leaders.  Have you ever thought about how you would pray over our nation’s leaders if you had the opportunity?  How you would lead them into the presence of our Creator and pray on their behalf?  Here is an idea of how we can pray together for our leaders today.

Father God, Lord Jesus, Holy Spirit.  You are amazing.  You are wonderful.  You are powerful.  There is no-one like you God.  Thank you for who you are and for the privilege of another day of life.  Thank you for the ability to even have access to you right now through prayer.

You have told us that…  ‘if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.’ (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

So here I am now before you.  Humbled in heart.  On my knees.  

Please forgive us.  So much wickedness has passed through our minds, hearts, lips, and our lives.  I am guilty.  We are guilty.  As individuals.  As leaders.  As a nation. Forgive us.

We need you.  We love you.  We want you.  We trust you.  Jesus, lead us into your presence.  Give us your wisdom for the daily decisions that we encounter today and everyday as your servants and representatives.

God, heal us as only You can.  Our nation is hurting.  Our people are divided.  Our world is in chaos.  Thank you for sending your Son to save us from Satan, sin, and Hell. Help us to “be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation.”  Help us to “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15 ESV).

Jesus, I lift up these leaders to you. Thank you for giving them to our nation.  Protect their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.  If any have not received and submitted to you as Lord and Savior, I pray for you to save their souls.  Guard their minds from Satanic and worldly deception and focus their minds on your truth.  Keep their hearts from the Evil One and guide their affections to your throne-room.  Encourage and strengthen their marriages and families with the love you have for us.  Use these men and women greatly for the welfare of their hometown communities and states.  Unite them together under your commands for the sake of our nation.

In the name of the Jesus I pray, amen.

1 Timothy 2:1–5 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (ESV)