Catholicism Informed or Not?

[Dave M]

I was Catholic for many years, and I will tell you one of my biggiest issues with them. I was tought confession was all I needed to be freed of my sins, I was not taught repentance. So I would sin with the very thought I will just confess them and be good to go. I never stopped sinning. After reading the bible and learning, I remember very well the last time I went to confession there was a huge line I said to my self you know what I do not need this, I went and prayed to God and repented, and after that my sinful life started changing it truly a miracle when I look back.

The devil comes in a lie that is wrapped in the truth, and they are very dangerous religion.

Yes they do good, I think I read they supply more healthcare to more places in the world then any other organization. I have many relatives who are all catholic, my local church catholic church has some great people who serve God, but no one can argue The catholic use there man made tradition over Gods word and Jesus warns us of that in the bible.

this sums up the Catholic faith better then anything I beleive

Mark 7:8
You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions

 

[Dave M]

This is true. Something they shouldn't do. But I would bet that all do not regard the priest as their father in the same way they regard God as their Father. Nor are taught that. So we have respectful and good intentions with some naivety.

why would a man that claims to be a priest and study the bible allow anyone to call him father!! is the main issue I see, not the congregations that has been taught to do it, why are they taught to call the priest father,

 

[KingJ]

why would a man that claims to be a priest and study the bible allow anyone to call him father!! is the main issue I see, not the congregations that has been taught to do it, why are they taught to call the priest father,

Quite a good explanation here

I still agree with you that it should not be done though.

 

[amadeus2]

Is there perhaps not too much talk about churches instead of about the One who paid the price and opened the Door for whosoever will? Which of the so-called churches has it all right? Jesus had it all right. Jesus overcame the world and made it possible for others to do so, but which church group has it all down as Jesus had it down? No not one! We can belong to churches, which includes the RCC, and follow Jesus, in spite of any error in that groups doctrines or rituals or traditions, but the reason that we can, if we do, is because we have our priorities right... not because our "church" has them right.

What are the first things? Not which assembly or organized [or unorganized] group we belong to... but:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33

 

[KingJ]

Is there perhaps not too much talk about churches instead of about the One who paid the price and opened the Door for whosoever will? Which of the so-called churches has it all right? Jesus had it all right. Jesus overcame the world and made it possible for others to do so, but which church group has it all down as Jesus had it down? No not one! We can belong to churches, which includes the RCC, and follow Jesus, in spite of any error in that groups doctrines or rituals or traditions, but the reason that we can, if we do, is because we have our priorities right... not because our "church" has them right.

What are the first things? Not which assembly or organized [or unorganized] group we belong to... but:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33

Agreed. This is why I accept the RCC as being informed per the thread title question. We can discern that they have many religious practices that need to drop because we belong to less complicated denominations.

I heard a good explanation from someone on the internet. He said that the RCC is ''too respectful''. They don't feel worthy to speak to Jesus directly. Qualified saints should help them. This is not a hatred of Jesus and worship of saints. It is in actuality the complete opposite. Of course we know it is error and we should try help them, not attack them.

 

[Dave M]

the issue I see is the leadership of the RCC surely it is evil and knows what it is doing, have you seen the movie spotlight. I agree plenty of great RCC people who just are not well informed or just love the people in the body and is why they stay despite the false dangerous doctrine.

 

[amadeus2]

Agreed. This is why I accept the RCC as being informed per the thread title question. We can discern that they have many religious practices that need to drop because we belong to less complicated denominations.

I heard a good explanation from someone on the internet. He said that the RCC is ''too respectful''. They don't feel worthy to speak to Jesus directly. Qualified saints should help them. This is not a hatred of Jesus and worship of saints. It is in actuality the complete opposite. Of course we know it is error and we should try help them, not attack them.

We must at some point in our walk with God, I believe, agree that we are likely wrong in part in what we believe, so with Jesus we need to so quickly stop casting so many stones at others in whom we believe we see fault:

"He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7

 

[KingJ]

the issue I see is the leadership of the RCC surely it is evil and knows what it is doing, have you seen the movie spotlight. I agree plenty of great RCC people who just are not well informed or just love the people in the body and is why they stay despite the false dangerous doctrine.

I haven't seen the movie but I think it is an easy assumption. Great wealth over many centuries with a few at the top....

The viewpoint of the ordinary person in attendance though is that the hierarchy shows the opportunity / existence of correction and oversight. Which is scriptural. But yes, it just goes a bit too high. It should stop at elders 1 Tim 3:1-13.

The RCC goes:

1. Deacon
2. Priest
3. Bishop
4. Arch Bishop
5. Cardinal
6. Pope

When according to Paul it should be:

1. Deacon
2. Apostles / evangelist / prophet / teacher / pastors
3. Elders

 

[Dave M]

Spotlight was a movie that exposed the RCC for covering up and hiding 1,000 's of preist who sexually abused little boys, the leadership simply moved the preist that were found out to another church, massive cover up.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Is there perhaps not too much talk about churches instead of about the One who paid the price and opened the Door for whosoever will? Which of the so-called churches has it all right? Jesus had it all right. Jesus overcame the world and made it possible for others to do so, but which church group has it all down as Jesus had it down? No not one! We can belong to churches, which includes the RCC, and follow Jesus, in spite of any error in that groups doctrines or rituals or traditions, but the reason that we can, if we do, is because we have our priorities right... not because our "church" has them right.

What are the first things? Not which assembly or organized [or unorganized] group we belong to... but:

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Matt 6:33

Then does apostasy exists?
Is there a point where a church is not a church of Christ Jesus but. given over to Satan?

Some how I feel like we've been here before brother.

Would you say it necessary to leave a church that puts anything between you and Jesus Christ?

P.S. When I said apostasy I mean with scripture as the determining factor with much prayer. Leave it to man to say it depends on which side you happen to be sitting on.

 

[amadeus2]

Then does apostasy exists?

Certainly it exists, but do we know and where everything prophesied is to occur? Do we always see clearly everything that is happening? Do we need to? Or do we only need to always hear what God is saying to "me" right now?

Is there a point where a church is not a church of Christ Jesus but. given over to Satan?

Hmmm? How can we deal with churches without dealing with individuals? We are to reach out to help whenever help is possible. Whether or not our help is accepted is another matter. We simply go as far as we can until God say "enough". Then we must back away. That would be leaving the unrepentant believer [former believer?] to satan or giving him to satan. We aren't really giving him, but recognizing that the limit is reached for the moment. When is that moment reached? God knows. Are we listening so we know as well?

Some how I feel like we've been here before brother.

Oh, we have, but we may have repeat ourselves many times. Peter asked Jesus, "How many" and Jesus responded, "not seven times but seven times seventy".

Would you say it necessary to leave a church that puts anything between you and Jesus Christ?

It is necessary to leave when God tells us to "come out of her", but sometimes He may leave us in a hard place to perform some difficult but for Him very necessary tasks. This is why we must continuously be pay close attention. No black and white blanket answers. The answer for now is God's answer for now which may not seem to match our previous experience or belief.

P.S. When I said apostasy I mean with scripture as the determining factor with much prayer. Leave it to man to say it depends on which side you happen to be sitting on.

I am not sure I have an answer to your question put in this way beyond what I have posted above. What does the scripture say? What does the Holy Ghost say to our hearts with regard to what is written?[/quote][/quote]

 

[Christ4Ever]

Is there a point where a church is not a church of Christ Jesus but. given over to Satan?

Hmmm? How can we deal with churches without dealing with individuals? We are to reach out to help whenever help is possible. Whether or not our help is accepted is another matter. We simply go as far as we can until God say "enough". Then we must back away. That would be leaving the unrepentant believer [former believer?] to satan or giving him to satan. We aren't really giving him, but recognizing that the limit is reached for the moment. When is that moment reached? God knows. Are we listening so we know as well?

Not really an answer is it? I'm sure you're thinking "not an answer you want to hear, but there you have it"
One of the reasons I love you dearly brother!

Churches are closer while others are further away and easily identifiable if scripture and discernment are used. We can talk hypothetical, but when discussing say, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormon's, Universalist, and the beat goes on and on. (Notice I didn't include the RCC. Would have been too easy.) We cannot use their standards to determine viability. Only the Word of God is valid for this. Each of the ones I mentioned, could easily, by overlooking doctrine, be accepted as applying "good works" etc. by which one could then say makes them therefor of Jesus and not of Satan.

In practice I understand what you say to be true in an of itself, but not in answer to my question. However, without taking a stance in being able to call the specific institution what it is, we will not be able to reason why seeking one that is closer to our Lord in practice (works) and scripturally is advisable/warranted. Nor warn others.

I share this verse with you of which you are probably familiar with. Yet, the church of man by this very verse, keep many in chains, for their churches are eager to maintain what they have, which has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

Some how I feel like we've been here before brother.

Oh, we have, but we may have repeat ourselves many times. Peter asked Jesus, "How many" and Jesus responded, "not seven times but seven times seventy".

LOL! Surely my brother and then some!

Would you say it necessary to leave a church that puts anything between you and Jesus Christ?

It is necessary to leave when God tells us to "come out of her", but sometimes He may leave us in a hard place to perform some difficult but for Him very necessary tasks. This is why we must continuously be pay close attention. No black and white blanket answers. The answer for now is God's answer for now which may not seem to match our previous experience or belief.

Sadly, too many are weak willed and accept what clearly is a barrier to knowing Him. Some churches do this more than others who also are barriers builders, but to a lesser extent.

So, my understanding from praying and reading scripture that the one Church is not a man made construct, but a Holy Spirit built, Body of Christ, with Jesus as the Head, eternal, yesterday, today, and tomorrow one.

P.S. When I said apostasy I mean with scripture as the determining factor with much prayer. Leave it to man to say it depends on which side you happen to be sitting on.

I am not sure I have an answer to your question put in this way beyond what I have posted above. What does the scripture say? What does the Holy Ghost say to our hearts with regard to what is written?

[/quote][/QUOTE]

Then the "PS" was successful!

Always with the Love of Christ Jesus dear brother.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[KingJ]

Spotlight was a movie that exposed the RCC for covering up and hiding 1,000 's of preist who sexually abused little boys, the leadership simply moved the preist that were found out to another church, massive cover up.

I was thinking it was something about the illuminati. Internet is full of that.

Anyway, that is crazy. This is long overdue Pope Francis open to allowing married priests in Catholic Church.

 

[amadeus2]

Not really an answer is it? I'm sure you're thinking "not an answer you want to hear, but there you have it"
One of the reasons I love you dearly brother!

Answers frequently come to my mind that I refrain from expressing with pen [keyboard] or tongue until I get the "go ahead" from Him. Sometimes, unfortunately, I sometimes express myself openly when God really wanted me to remain silent. He is still working on us.

Churches are closer while others are further away and easily identifiable if scripture and discernment are used. We can talk hypothetical, but when discussing say, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormon's, Universalist, and the beat goes on and on. (Notice I didn't include the RCC. Would have been too easy.) We cannot use their standards to determine viability. Only the Word of God is valid for this. Each of the ones I mentioned, could easily, by overlooking doctrine, be accepted as applying "good works" etc. by which one could then say makes them therefor of Jesus and not of Satan.

Indeed for always we should remember this situation:

"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." Luke 9:49-50

In practice I understand what you say to be true in an of itself, but not in answer to my question. However, without taking a stance in being able to call the specific institution what it is, we will not be able to reason why seeking one that is closer to our Lord in practice (works) and scripturally is advisable/warranted. Nor warn others.

What the institution holds out as its doctrines and beliefs and practices as a whole or a their primary essentials may make it impossible to much or even anything good about them, but may there not be there some individual hearts among them that please God?

Remember Rechab of Jericho,and Naaman of the Syrians, and the centurion [Roman?] of whom Jesus said,

"When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Matt 8:10

I share this verse with you of which you are probably familiar with. Yet, the church of man by this very verse, keep many in chains, for their churches are eager to maintain what they have, which has nothing to do with the Kingdom of God. "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."

We should be very slow to speak adversely against anyone or anything, until and if we have heard from God on it. We are as the "good" Samaritan to love our neighbor, whoever he happens to be.

To our brothers and sisters who are or are to be part of the Body of Christ, we must be very closely connected, closer than to our neighbors who are not or not to be a part. But until we know, if we ever do, who is and who is not, what then? Remember God's Word to Samuel:

"And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons." I Sam 16:1

When we hear as Samuel heard then we will be able to withdraw... but prior to that?

Sadly, too many are weak willed and accept what clearly is a barrier to knowing Him. Some churches do this more than others who also are barriers builders, but to a lesser extent.

So, my understanding from praying and reading scripture that the one Church is not a man made construct, but a Holy Spirit built, Body of Christ, with Jesus as the Head, eternal, yesterday, today, and tomorrow one.

Where I attend services regularly, there is much knowledge of scripture, much more than I have, but some of them to me are too strongly committed to saying "this is the Body of Christ" meaning our fellowship to the exclusion of others who do not regularly fellowship with us. This as I say and believe, is not good, but I've been around some, and I have seen no other place better. The key, of course, is to stay on the Lord's side, no matter what anyone else says or does. I am not the judge. But, if I keep submitting myself to the only One who really is in the end of the matter, will I go wrong?

 

[Christ4Ever]

He is still working on us.

Amen to that.
I have a little note on my desk that says "You are the Potter, my Hope is in You. That You are not done shaping me." Assuredly, He is not done with us yet or I believe we'd both be home!

Indeed for always we should remember this situation:

"And John answered and said, Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbad him, because he followeth not with us.

And Jesus said unto him, Forbid him not: for he that is not against us is for us." Luke 9:49-50

Appropriate scripture in many ways. However, the part that intrigues me I have put in bold in your quote for your consideration.

I say this, for reading on a book I once read on the History of Christianity from one oddly enough who in the writing of it, identified himself as Catholic. Mentioned the creation of the Jesuits as a counter to the Reformation. The current Pope is even Jesuit of all things! LOL

So, irrespective of the Jesuits, could one say that they are not against us? I'm not talking about the lay people. They barely understand on average, we too, that a battle of faith has been ongoing for a very long time.

What the institution holds out as its doctrines and beliefs and practices as a whole or a their primary essentials may make it impossible to much or even anything good about them, but may there not be there some individual hearts among them that please God?

Remember Rechab of Jericho,and Naaman of the Syrians, and the centurion [Roman?] of whom Jesus said,

"When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel." Matt 8:10

Very much so, Luke 6:35 says it straight to the point on how we should threat them. "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil."

Not that I go looking at everyone as my enemy mind you. But loving them requires one to have the ability to identify them for what they believe in, who they are or not yet (Hope) in Christ Jesus. Who they are nor what they believe in dictates the love I, we, have for them. We are fully capable with continued growth in applying His Love for us to others, able to distinguish this and separate the false doctrine from the person.

What I have written here will also serve for response to the below.
You ever wonder why most of the time I end my postings with the words. "With the Love of Christ Jesus" no matter whether they are for me or against me? I must, I repeat, I must, be in all I do reflective/be the Love of Him who gave His life for me. Though difficult at times, and even unsuccessful on others. Forgive me Father God, for my failings in this.

We should be very slow to speak adversely against anyone or anything, until and if we have heard from God on it. We are as the "good" Samaritan to love our neighbor, whoever he happens to be.

To our brothers and sisters who are or are to be part of the Body of Christ, we must be very closely connected, closer than to our neighbors who are not or not to be a part. But until we know, if we ever do, who is and who is not, what then? Remember God's Word to Samuel:

"And the LORD said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? fill thine horn with oil, and go, I will send thee to Jesse the Bethlehemite: for I have provided me a king among his sons." I Sam 16:1

When we hear as Samuel heard then we will be able to withdraw... but prior to that?

[Luk 6:35 KJV] 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

Where I attend services regularly, there is much knowledge of scripture, much more than I have, but some of them to me are too strongly committed to saying "this is the Body of Christ" meaning our fellowship to the exclusion of others who do not regularly fellowship with us. This as I say and believe, is not good, but I've been around some, and I have seen no other place better. The key, of course, is to stay on the Lord's side, no matter what anyone else says or does. I am not the judge. But, if I keep submitting myself to the only One who really is in the end of the matter, will I go wrong?

That truly is a sad commentary. Who am I to say what the Potter has made another for. All, I can do is be faithful to Him, and the Word He has given us. You may not judge dear brother, but surely we both look to the Word to make sure things are so.

Always with the Love of Christ Jesus dear brother.
YBIC
Nick
<><

 

[amadeus2]

Amen to that.
I have a little note on my desk that says "You are the Potter, my Hope is in You. That You are not done shaping me." Assuredly, He is not done with us yet or I believe we'd both be home!

Yes and stay and work is what we must do until He calls finally home to Him. To us the writer was certainly speaking when he wrote that we not become "weary in well doing". When few listen and when too many of those that do listen reject our witness, the flesh of this old man wants turn away quickly from such, but the judgment is certainly not mine to make.

"I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work." John 9:4

Jesus spoke those words of himself, but were we not also sent to do God's work "while it is day"?

Appropriate scripture in many ways. However, the part that intrigues me I have put in bold in your quote for your consideration.

"he that is not against us is for us"

Yes, indeed, the same phrase is also the one that has always caught my attention. Then again a person may not be wholeheartedly for us, but even so, if in his heart he is really on God's side, who are we to reject him? I recall in my own life three very spectacular changes [and many more minor changes] in my own beliefs and ways of serving God. Prior to each change I was certain that I was right time but God was to show me my error... and I changed. The following words penned by Jeremiah centuries before Jesus was born to Mary still apply to each and every believer who has not yet fully overcome as Jesus overcame:

" O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" Jerem 10:23

Even though I was wrong in some of my conclusions and as a result in some of the actions, God was looking always at my heart. We cannot do less and please God, can we... even if we cannot really see what is in their heart?

I say this, for reading on a book I once read on the History of Christianity from one oddly enough who in the writing of it, identified himself as Catholic. Mentioned the creation of the Jesuits as a counter to the Reformation. The current Pope is evndJesuit of all things! LOL

So, irrespective of the Jesuits, could one say that they are not against us? I'm not talking about the lay people. They barely understand on average, we too, that a battle of faith has been ongoing for a very long time.

This is why we cannot be their final judges with what we have now. Some of those you mention may well have already come to the fullness of their time and come up short, that is the time in which they might have reversed their course fully repenting because they did not go on the Way that God clearly showed them to go. We don't know that of them so the judgment remains with God where it belongs.

Very much so, Luke 6:35 says it straight to the point on how we should threat them. "But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil."

Amen!

Not that I go looking at everyone as my enemy mind you. But loving them requires one to have the ability to identify them for what they believe in, who they are or not yet (Hope) in Christ Jesus. Who they are nor what they believe in dictates the love I, we, have for them. We are fully capable with continued growth in applying His Love for us to others, able to distinguish this and separate the false doctrine from the person.

Jesus loved those who persecuted him. He loved those who killed him. Does God expect less from us?

What I have written here will also serve for response to the below.
You ever wonder why most of the time I end my postings with the words. "With the Love of Christ Jesus" no matter whether they are for me or against me? I must, I repeat, I must, be in all I do reflective/be the Love of Him who gave His life for me. Though difficult at times, and even unsuccessful on others. Forgive me Father God, for my failings in this.

You have been led to so end your posts "with the Love of Christ Jesus" and I have been led to always let people know that the glory, for any good that has been done by them or by me, be given to God. Who else is worthy?

That truly is a sad commentary. Who am I to say what the Potter has made another for. All, I can do is be faithful to Him, and the Word He has given us. You may not judge dear brother, but surely we both look to the Word to make sure things are so.

Even now I battle for my beloved pastor. He is 91 years old and was called to the ministry in 1936. Never have I seen the heart of a pastor in any person such as the heart God has given to him... yet, some seek to bring him down. He was married for 66 years and his wife was always there for him to handle for him the difficult secular matters as well as to support him in the spiritual things. She died in 2012, and he walks on with God now without that helpmeet. Sometimes I pray that God will shorten his time, because of the pain given all too regularly to him by some he has loved for many years. But like Job, he will never quit, in spite of the apparent injustice of it. He continues to trust God and love his worst enemies who sometimes call themselves his friends... Ahh but I have said enough on that. Pray for him and me.

Give God the glory for that which is good and I will receive the blame for anything that falls short.

 

[Christ4Ever]

Yes, indeed, the same phrase is also the one that has always caught my attention. Then again a person may not be wholeheartedly for us, but even so, if in his heart he is really on God's side, who are we to reject him? I recall in my own life three very spectacular changes [and many more minor changes] in my own beliefs and ways of serving God. Prior to each change I was certain that I was right time but God was to show me my error... and I changed. The following words penned by Jeremiah centuries before Jesus was born to Mary still apply to each and every believer who has not yet fully overcome as Jesus overcame:

" O LORD, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" Jerem 10:23

Even though I was wrong in some of my conclusions and as a result in some of the actions, God was looking always at my heart. We cannot do less and please God, can we... even if we cannot really see what is in their heart?

Yes He was dear brother, for you are a faithful servant, to be even as He would would desire.

For this [is] good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4

This is why we cannot be their final judges with what we have now. Some of those you mention may well have already come to the fullness of their time and come up short, that is the time in which they might have reversed their course fully repenting because they did not go on the Way that God clearly showed them to go. We don't know that of them so the judgment remains with God where it belongs.

Amen.

He who descended is also the One who ascended far above all the heavens, that He might fill all things.) And He Himself gave some [to be] apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ--from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:10-16

Not that I go looking at everyone as my enemy mind you. But loving them requires one to have the ability to identify them for what they believe in, who they are or not yet (Hope) in Christ Jesus. Who they are nor what they believe in dictates the love I, we, have for them. We are fully capable with continued growth in applying His Love for us to others, able to distinguish this and separate the false doctrine from the person.

Jesus loved those who persecuted him. He loved those who killed him. Does God expect less from us?

Jesus left the harshest words to the Clergy/Priesthood and Compassion to the people so burdened. There is no disagreement here brother.

You have been led to so end your posts "with the Love of Christ Jesus" and I have been led to always let people know that the glory, for any good that has been done by them or by me, be given to God. Who else is worthy?

None is so worthy or loving dear brother!
To God who is Love be all Glory given!

Even now I battle for my beloved pastor. He is 91 years old and was called to the ministry in 1936. Never have I seen the heart of a pastor in any person such as the heart God has given to him... yet, some seek to bring him down. He was married for 66 years and his wife was always there for him to handle for him the difficult secular matters as well as to support him in the spiritual things. She died in 2012, and he walks on with God now without that helpmeet. Sometimes I pray that God will shorten his time, because of the pain given all too regularly to him by some he has loved for many years. But like Job, he will never quit, in spite of the apparent injustice of it. He continues to trust God and love his worst enemies who sometimes call themselves his friends... Ahh but I have said enough on that. Pray for him and me.

Give God the glory for that which is good and I will receive the blame for anything that falls short.

Still, as it was meant for our Lord to surfer and die alone. None of us are immune, or may be counted worthy to follow His path in this. You have the Love of Christ in you dear brother. Stay faithful in prayer for your beloved pastor and I too will join in pray for him, a faithful servant.

How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good [things], Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" Isaiah 52:7

May God bless you brother.
With the Love of Christ Jesus.
YBIC
Nick
<><