February 1, 2015 - Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 71

Reading 1 DT 18:15-20

Moses spoke to all the people, saying:
“A prophet like me will the LORD, your God, raise up for you
from among your own kin;

A prophet like me - that's a reference to Jesus Christ.  The similarities between Moses and Jesus are astonishing.

Both are Hebrew and were hidden from an evil despot who sought to kill them.  Many children were martyred in their name.  Both used water in their miracles.  Both established a Passover.  Both established new religions.  Both established laws.  Both produced miracles.  Etc.

to him you shall listen.

Although, many did not.  Many did.  And they became the foundation of the Catholic Church.

This is exactly what you requested of the LORD, your God, at Horeb
on the day of the assembly, when you said,
‘Let us not again hear the voice of the LORD, our God,
nor see this great fire any more, lest we die.’
And the LORD said to me, ‘This was well said.
I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their kin,
and will put my words into his mouth;
he shall tell them all that I command him.

God always answers our prayers, one way or another.

Whoever will not listen to my words which he speaks in my name,
I myself will make him answer for it.

This is important.  It is repeated in the New Testament.

Hebrews 5:9 and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 

But if a prophet presumes to speak in my name
an oracle that I have not commanded him to speak,
or speaks in the name of other gods, he shall die.’”

This is a mystery.  Because Jesus did die upon the Cross.  But He took up His life again as the first fruits of our redemption.  So, the death spoken of here, is a spiritual death.  

Responsorial Psalm PS 95:1-2, 6-7, 7-9

R. (8) If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us sing joyfully to the LORD;
let us acclaim the rock of our salvation.
Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;
let us joyfully sing psalms to him.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Come, let us bow down in worship;
let us kneel before the LORD who made us.
For he is our God,
and we are the people he shepherds, the flock he guides.

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

Oh, that today you would hear his voice:
“Harden not your hearts as at Meribah,
as in the day of Massah in the desert,
Where your fathers tempted me;
they tested me though they had seen my works.”

R. If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

When the Israelites walked in the desert, many of them fell away.  This is a sign to us.  The Isralites were the chosen people of God.  His Elect.  But they grumbled and were punished:

1 Corinthians 10: 5 Yet God was not pleased with most of them, for they were struck down in the desert.  6 These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did.

 We aren't assured of salvation because we are God's elect.  Yes, we are God's elect.  So make your election sure:

2 Peter 1:5For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, virtue with knowledge, 10 Therefore, brothers, be all the more eager to make your call and election firm, for, in doing so, you will never stumble.

Reading 2 1 COR 7:32-35

Brothers and sisters:
I should like you to be free of anxieties.
An unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord,
how he may please the Lord.
But a married man is anxious about the things of the world,
how he may please his wife, and he is divided.
An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the Lord,
so that she may be holy in both body and spirit.
A married woman, on the other hand,
is anxious about the things of the world,
how she may please her husband.
I am telling you this for your own benefit,
not to impose a restraint upon you,
but for the sake of propriety
and adherence to the Lord without distraction.

Do you see the rationale for the Celibacy of the Priesthood?  A man who has no wife can concentrate upon the Lord.  Every married man knows the truth of this teaching.  And this confirms the wisdom of the Church for insisting that Priests of God most high should be celibate.

Alleluia MT 4:16

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The people who sit in darkness have seen a great light;
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death,
light has arisen.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

This is a reference to the Jews, who, when Jesus was born were oppressed by the Romans.  And to the Gentiles, who were drawn to the light of Jesus Christ's teachings and came into the Church.

Gospel MK 1:21-28

Then they came to Capernaum,
and on the sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and taught.
The people were astonished at his teaching,
for he taught them as one having authority and not as the scribes.
In their synagogue was a man with an unclean spirit;
he cried out, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth?
Have you come to destroy us?
I know who you are—the Holy One of God!”
Jesus rebuked him and said,
“Quiet! Come out of him!”
The unclean spirit convulsed him and with a loud cry came out of him.
All were amazed and asked one another,
“What is this?
A new teaching with authority.
He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him.”
His fame spread everywhere throughout the whole region of Galilee.

The people of Capernaum had never seen the like.  Jesus Christ commanded even the demons.  

St. Paul and Wild Olives Grafted onto the Olive Tre

THE LATEST FROM   Pursued by Truth January 30, 2015   St. Paul and Wild Olives Grafted onto the Olive Tree by Guest Contributor Paul teaches us how to set out on the road to conversion as olives grafted to the olive tree. Read more about the spirit of this great man and learn to pray with him. Most Recent Can One Calculate Grace Missed?  by Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble Sometimes I wonder if life in the convent is more difficult for me because I was away from the Church for so long. My logical mind calculates the number of communions, Masses and prayer times that I missed in those ten plus years running away from God and I think, "How does one make up for lost time?" There’s Something About Jesus…  by Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble Sometimes everything seems right. God is close. Time seems to wait for me to catch my breath. At other times, nothing seems right. Time seems to be running ahead of me, and I am unsure of everything, even God himself. I've been feeling like this lately. But even in the midst of this, there has been something about Jesus... Tolerance, Charity and the Muslim Call to Prayer  by Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble Muslims want to broadcast a call to prayer at Duke. How should we as Christians respond? What is our call as Christians in response to these issues? More from Pursued by Truth Bullying and Opening Doors The Prodigal You Love Giveaway at BrandonVogt.com Limiting Free Speech: Five Reasons Pope Francis is Right #PrayforNigeria – Massacre Reportedly Kills Thousands The Boy Who Would Not Die Help STOP the Execution of Richard Glossip Five New Year’s Resolutions from the Saints Ain’t No Party Like a Catholic Party “I’m Coming Home for Christmas…” Three Ways to Cut Consumerism Out of Christmas

Thank God with the Texas Nuns

Praise God for prayers answered! by texasnuns This morning we found out that a dear friend was gravely ill and would undergo surgery today.  Please thank God with us, the surgery was successful!  He still has a long way to go, so please join us in praying to St. Raphael for his continued recovery, wisdom for the doctors and nurses, and comfort and strength for his beautiful family. Novena Prayer to St. Raphael Glorious Archangel Saint Raphael, great prince of the heavenly court, you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace. You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air, consoler of the afflicted, and refuge of sinners. I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life, as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels. Because you are the medicine of God, I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul and the ills that afflict my body. I especially ask of you the favour (Make your request here...) and the great grace of purity to prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit. Amen. St. Raphael, of the glorious seven who stand before the throne of Him who lives and reigns, Angel of health, the Lord has filled your hand with balm from heaven to soothe or cure our pains. Heal or cure the victim of disease. And guide our steps when doubtful of our ways. texasnuns | January 30, 2015 at 8:15 pm | Tags: prayer, St. Raphael| Categories: Prayer | URL: http://wp.me/p2L0Za-V2

Priests for life - January 30, 2015

Abortion is like an earthquake whose violent shockwaves unsettle the earth for hundreds of miles around. The loss of one child to abortion impacts everyone involved; the mother and father, the grandparents, the siblings, family and friends, even the abortion clinic workers and abortionists, and even pro-life advocates who can’t save every child.

To acknowledge and begin to repair the damage that abortion has sent rippling through our society, the Silent No More Awareness Campaign this year launched a new initiative at the March for Life in Washington, D.C. and the Walk for Life in San Francisco. Called Healing the Shockwaves of Abortion, the new initiative seeks to give a voice to all those who regret the abortion they took part in, and all those who mourn the loss of each innocent child.

During the Silent No More gathering at the March for Life and Walk for Life, Father Frank Pavone said, “This year, along with having women who say ‘I Regret My Abortion,’ along with having men who say ‘I Regret Lost Fatherhood,’ we have people holding signs saying ‘I Mourn My Aborted Sibling.’ We have people holding signs saying ‘I Regret Losing My Grandchild to Abortion.’ And we have people holding signs saying ‘I Regret Performing Abortions and Providing Abortions.’ This expansion of the witness today is part of the initiative called Healing the Shockwaves of Abortion. The theme is very simple: Abortion hurts everybody.”

Click here to see photos and stories about this new initiative and its launch this month.

Blessings,

Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
Pastoral Director, Silent No More Awareness Campaign

Priests for Life
PO Box 141172
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 888-PFL-3448
718-980-4400
Fax: 718-980-6515
Email: mail@priestsforlife.org
www.PriestsForLife.org

Friday Frivolity at Restless Pilgrim

Restless Pilgrim

"We are travellers…not yet in our native land" – St. Augustine

On the contrary, it is Protestants who teach many things which contradict Scripture.

De Maria says:

November 28, 2014 at 1:11 pm

Hello Adam,

Adam says:
November 27, 2014 at 12:53 am
Just wanted to say I feel really sorry for you. I KNOW you are seeking truth, but surely you are NOT BORN AGAIN as Jesus said ONE MUST be to see the Kingdom of God.

If you’d read Jennifer’s witness, you would know that she is baptized and is therefore born again of water and spirit.

John 3:2-5King James Version (KJV)

2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4 Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born?

5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Peter said you are ONLY BORN AGAIN by the Word of God.

Please produce the Scripture. I do remember that St. Peter said that baptism saves us:

1 Peter 3:21 The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us ….

Every single thing the Babylonian Cult of the Roman Catholic church teaches is against the Bible.

On the contrary, it is Protestants who teach many things which contradict Scripture. Let me show you. Do you believe in the five solas?

Sola fide or faith alone. Scripture says:
James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Sola Scriptura or Scripture alone. Scripture says:

2 Thessalonians 2:15 Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

Solus Christus or by Christ alone:

Scripture says:
2 Corinthians 5:20 Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Sola Gratia or by grace alone:
Philippians 2:12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

And Soli Deo Gloria to the glory of God alone:
Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

All Protestant doctrine which contradicts the Catholic Church also contradicts Scripture.

The reason WHY you do NOT understand the Bible is because you are NOT FILLED with the Holy Spirit.

That knife cuts both ways. I have shown where I believe Protestant doctrine contradicts Scripture. Show me where you believe the Catholic Church contradicts the Word of God. And show me the Chapter and verse.

The Jesus you BELIEVE in is in your head, but the Jesus of the Kingdom we come to KNOW when the Holy Spirit leads us.

Its the other way around. We don’t follow fanciful tales. We follow the Word of God passed down through the Apostles to this very day.

You see, Jesus didn’t write the NT. Jesus established a Church and commanded that Church to Teach and make disciples of the world. The Church continues doing that to this day.

Unless we study daily the Word of God and OBEY it, heaven will never be seen. You truly are bound by a religious spirit and Catholicism has NO TRUTH or foundation of truth in it.

The Catholic Church is the Teacher of the Wisdom of God. So says Scripture:

Ephesians 3:10 To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God,

That doesn’t say, “Catholic” Church, but the Catholic Church is the only one described in Scripture.

The Church which is infallible (1 Tim 3:15; Eph 3:10).
The Church which is united (Eph 4:5).
The doctrines of the Catholic Church which are distinctive from other churches:
Purgatory (1 Cor 3:15).
Eucharist (1 Cor 11:23-27).
Communion of Saints (Rom 12:12-20).
The Mass and the necessity to attend (Heb 10:25-31).
The Sacrament of Confession (Heb 13:17).
The Sacrament of Holy Orders (1 Tim 4:14).
The Sacrament of Baptism (Titus 3:5).
Justification and salvation by faith and works (Rom 2:1-13).

I believe you are sincerely concerned for Jennifer and for all Catholics. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be writing what you’ve written. However, we are equally concerned for you. Come on back to this or to my blog and we can go through the Scriptures, like good Bereans, and see whose doctrines are in line with Scripture and whose aren’t.

Sincerely,

De Maria

Protestantism, the land of contradiction.

Protestants say the strangest things.

--- 1 ---

They'll say, "Don't believe anything that's not in the Bible!"  Ask them, "Where is that in the Bible?"

They'll admit, "Its not in the Bible."  Oh? - (・_・ヾ

--- 2 ---

Or they'll say, "Tradition is bad!"  Oh, really, where'd you get that idea.

"My pastor says so."  Isn't that tradition?  You know, passing on information by word?

"Its only bad when you do it."  Huh? O.o

--- 3 ---

Wait, here's another.

They'll say, "I'm saved and you're not!"  What?  Why?

"Because I have faith."  And I don't?

"Nope.  You have good works and good works are bad."  What?

"I have faith alone!"  Wait a minit!  You're faith alone trumps my faith and works?  Have you ever read the Word of God where it says:

James 2:18

Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

--- 4 ---

Oh and get this one.

They'll say, "I am saved by faith alone, but the faith by which I'm saved is not alone."  So, you're saved by faith and works?

"No!  I'm saved by faith alone!"  But you just said the faith by which you're saved is not alone!

"Its not."   *-* Agh!

Don't laugh.  They take it seriously.  Its in their Westminster Confession of faith.

--- 5 ---

Then, there's this:

"Scripture alone is inspired."   No, Scripture says that God inspired men.

"I said that Scripture alone is inspired."  But Scripture says that God inspired men.

"I SAID THAT SCRIPTURE ALONE IS INSPIRED!"  SCRIPTURE SAYS THAT GOD INSPIRED MEN.

"Obviously, you don't understand the perspicuous nature of Scripture."  What?!  :-P

--- 6 ---

And there's this.

"Christ is the head of my Church".  So, your church is infallible, then?

"No."  No?

"No."  But isn't Christ infallible?

"Yes."  And doesn't He lead your church?

"Yes."  So, your church is infallible?

"No."  Did Christ fail?

"No."  So, He's not the head of your church, then?

"Yes."  But He's not a very good head?  Or what?  

" :-\ "  You're not actually thinking about that, are you?

--- 7 ---

And then, there's the question on the Eucharist.

Prot #1.  Its just a symbol.

Prot #2.  No its not, its the body of our Lord, in the elements.

Prot #3.  Are you nuts!  Our Lord is not omnipresent!  His body is in heaven.  Its a spiritual presence.

Prot #4.  Its juice and crackers.  Don't get all bent out of shape.

What does Scripture say:

1 Corinthians 10:16New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?

For more Quick Takes, visit This Ain't The Lyceum

Priests for life - National Prayer Service

January 29, 2015

It was the day of the March for Life in Washington, DC. The historic Constitution Hall was the gathering place for clergy and believers from dozens of denominations: Lutheran bishops, Anglican bishops, Catholic priests, Baptist pastors, Pentecostal ministers, and many more.

The event was the National Prayer Service, the premier pro-life prayer event surrounding the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade.

I was privileged to deliver the sermon. Many told me it was my best so far. I gave some key principles to anchor our pro-life activism in the coming year.

Please watch it below and pass it along!

And let me know what you think!

Click here or on the photo above to watch the sermon.

Blessings,

Fr. Frank Pavone

Priests for Life
PO Box 141172
Staten Island, NY 10314
Phone: 888-PFL-3448
718-980-4400
Fax: 718-980-6515
Email: mail@priestsforlife.org
www.PriestsForLife.org

Fr. Okoye wants us to give the world a message

Fr. Sebastine Okoye wants Catholics to tell the whole world.  That Jesus loves them.  And Jesus can heal them.  And Jesus wants us all in His Kingdom.

Pass the message along.  Text it.  Tweet it.  Tell everyone!

Calvin’s god is not in Scripture

1. Kevin Failoni said,

   December 6, 2014 at 9:56 pm

   DeMaria said ” after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise. ” Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteouness. To as many as recieve Him, He has given them the right to be called children of God. So you keep doing the mass and I’ll simply believe the promise. K
2. 
   

   De Maria said,

   December 6, 2014 at 10:29 pm

   Kevin Failoni said,
   December 6, 2014 at 9:56 pm

   DeMaria said ” after you have done the will of God you might receive the promise. ” Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteouness. To as many as recieve Him, He has given them the right to be called children of God. So you keep doing the mass and I’ll simply believe the promise. K

   You are rejecting the promise, Kevin. The book of Hebrews is the Word of God. It says in no uncertain terms:

   Hebrews 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

   It also says:

   Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

   Scripture says about Abraham:

   Hebrews 11 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

   By faith, Abraham worked.

   17 By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: 19 Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure.

   By faith, he sacrificed his son.

   Genesis 26:5 Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.

   By faith, he kept the Commandments before the Commandments were even written!

   That’s faith and works!

   And remember Kevin. St. Paul said he would be disqualified if he did not preach. Therefore, St. Paul is telling you that you must work the works of God if you want to be worthy of heaven.

   That’s right! If you want to be worthy of heaven:

   Luke 20:35 But they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage:

   One thing I’m certain about, Kevin. You are being exposed to verses of the Bible that you didn’t know existed. These words of the Bible are spirit and life. May they open your heart and mind to understanding the True Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
3. 
   

   Kevin Failoni said,

   December 7, 2014 at 2:09 am

   DeMaria, one think I’m certain about DeMaria all the verses you say I never knew existed I knew existed long before you. I just read them differently than you. All the verses that Roman Catholic’s think are prescriptive, are in reality descriptive of someone who has been justified by faith alone in Christ alone. Roman Catholicism has taught you that you are sanctified before you are justified, but scripture clearly teaches us that we are justified before we are sanctified. Roman Catholic church teaches that the bread of the supper is a sacrifice for their sins, but scripture teaches us that the blood shed for us on the cross and the body broken on the cross was the sacrifice for our sins. Roman Catholics worship bread, thats what Jesus called it, listen John 13:18 ” I do not speak of all of you. I know the ones I have chosen; but it is that the Scripture may be fulfilled ” He who eats my BREAD has lifted his heel against me.” Or maybe we can hear Paul’s voice 1 corinthians 11:26, 27 ” Therefore whoever eats the BREAD or drinks the cup” ” for as often as you eat the BREAD” Or maybe Cleopas after it was consecrated, Luke 24: 35 ” They began to relate their experiences on the road to and how He was recognized by them in the breakage of the BREAD.” So you see DeMaria Catholics come away from the altar with their bellies full and their hearts empty of faith. They worship a crust of bread thinking that is the sacrifice for their sins, when in reality Christians worship the incarnate savior who is in heaven through the Spirit by faith and commemorate thru faith the one whose already shed blood has saved us. May the Lord open up your heart young man to understand the trueGospel of Jesus Christ. Hebrews is clear without Faith it is impossible to please Him. The real presence in the bread can’t save you, only the real presence of Christ in your heart through the Spirit that comes by faith.. God bless.
4. 
   

   De Maria said,

   December 7, 2014 at 6:46 am

   Kevin Failoni said,
   December 7, 2014 at 2:09 am

   DeMaria, one think I’m certain about DeMaria all the verses you say I never knew existed I knew existed long before you. I just read them differently than you. All the verses that Roman Catholic’s think are prescriptive, are in reality descriptive of someone who has been justified by faith alone in Christ alone. ….

   There’s no sense me going past this first claim. Show me how your claim of descriptive helps you with this verse:

   Heb 10:36 For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

   Because that describes what all need to do in order to receive the promised salvation.

   And St. Paul described what he needed to do in order to enter heaven:

   1 Cor 9:25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. 26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: 27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

   He acknowledges that unless he preached, he would be disqualified and would not win the race.

   So, you can call this descriptive all you want. But it describes what happens to those who don’t do the will of God. They are disqualified from winning the crown of salvation.
5. 
   

   Jason Loh said,

   December 7, 2014 at 7:50 am

   De Maria,

   You are one pathetic Romanist.

   1. The will of God is to BELIEVE in God.

   Perseverance is perseverance is belief, faith, trust. That’s what the Word of God says. Read John 6 again. The just shall walk by faith. Trust in God alone is the whole of the Christian life. Yes, I’m repeating myself — again …

   2. 1 Cor 9 is about CERTAINTY that we SHALL inherit the incorruptible crown. The CONTRAST is between those who strive for mastery in order to obtain a corruptible crown and those who strive BECAUSE they shall inherit an incorruptible crown. It is not prescriptive — it is indicative … Because you have, therefore you should … IOW, the guarantee, the CERTAINTY that we shall obtain the glorious crown should motivate us to strive … that is the SEQUENCE …

   3. Romanists like to REVERSE the sequence …
6. 
   

   roberty bob said,

   December 7, 2014 at 9:52 am

   Jesus said to the sinner: Go, and sin no more.

   Luther said to the sinner: Be a sinner, and sin boldly. But let your faith be stronger . . . !
7. 
   

   Vincent said,

   December 7, 2014 at 10:17 am

   DeMaria is it not safe to say that for the RC church we add nothing to the work of Christ but only participate in it and apply it to ourselves? So it is not really an addition per se?
8. 
   

   Kevin Failoni said,

   December 7, 2014 at 5:06 pm

   Jason Loh, excellent response!
9. 
   

   De Maria said,

   December 7, 2014 at 5:49 pm

   Jason Loh said,
   December 7, 2014 at 7:50 am

   De Maria,

   You are one pathetic Romanist.

   1. The will of God is to BELIEVE in God.

   Perseverance is perseverance is belief, faith, trust. That’s what the Word of God says.

   The Word of God also says:

   Romans 2:6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

   Read John 6 again.

   I’ve read it many times. What do you want me to read specifically?

   The just shall walk by faith.

   And without faith, it is impossible to please God.

   Trust in God alone is the whole of the Christian life.

   On the contrary, Scripture tells us to also trust in the men whom God appointed rulers of our souls:

   Hebrews 13:17 Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.

   Yes, I’m repeating myself — again …

   So am I.

   2. 1 Cor 9 is about CERTAINTY that we SHALL inherit the incorruptible crown.

   If we finish the race.

   The CONTRAST is between those who strive for mastery in order to obtain a corruptible crown and those who strive BECAUSE they shall inherit an incorruptible crown.

   I would say it this way.

   The CONTRAST is between those who strive for mastery in order to obtain a corruptible crown and those who strive in order to inherit an incorruptible crown.

   This is why he says:

   lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

   Stressing that, if he doesn’t do the will of God, he will be condemned.

   It is not prescriptive — it is indicative …

   Prescriptive, descriptive and now indicative. Show me in Scripture where it says that these things are one or the other?

   As for me, I believe they are both/and. They describe what God prescribes for our salvation.

   However, I want you to show me from Scripture, where it says that these verses which you indicate are one or the other and not both.

   Because you have, therefore you should … IOW, the guarantee, the CERTAINTY that we shall obtain the glorious crown should motivate us to strive … that is the SEQUENCE …

   Except that the Reformed claim that human beings are totally depraved, therefore, guaranteeing salvation to depraved human beings tends to demotivate and remove incentive to do anything good.

   And the sequence is obvious to anyone who loves God. God commands us to REPENT first and then be baptized. Repentance is a good work:

   Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.

   3. Romanists like to REVERSE the sequence …

   The Catholic Church was established by Jesus Christ. The Protestants reversed the sequence for themselves when they rebelled against Christ’s Church.
10. 
    

    roberty bob said,

    December 7, 2014 at 6:13 pm

    On the I Corinthians 9:24-27 passage . . . in reply to #133 Jason . . .

    “So run that yet may obtain.”

    Iranaeus [2nd century Bishop of Lyons] comments, “This able wrestler, therefore, exhorts us to the struggle for immortality, that we may be crowned.” This crown, he says, is “that which is acquired by our own struggle.”

    So, for this early church father, the crown was held out “that we may reach this prize for ourselves by striving after it.”

    ………..

    It’s a shame, Jason, that you were not on the scene back in the mid-100’s to set this esteemed bishop straight. Think of how many good church-goers derailed their Christian faith for taking this exhortation to heart!
11. 
    

    De Maria said,

    December 7, 2014 at 6:15 pm

    Vincent said,
    December 7, 2014 at 10:17 am

    DeMaria is it not safe to say that for the RC church we add nothing to the work of Christ but only participate in it and apply it to ourselves?

    Basically. Although I have a bit of trouble with the wording. I would say:

    we add nothing to the work of Christ but only participate in it and He applies it to us.

    It is in the Sacraments that we participate in the Sacrifice of Christ and He pours His life into us in accordance with a proper disposition of faith.

    So it is not really an addition per se?

    That is correct. No. It is not an addition to the work of Christ in our perspective. It is an openness to His grace.

    Philippians 2:11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

    It is in the Sacraments that we confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and thus glorify the Father.

    12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

    And believing, we obey Christ because only those who obey Him will be saved:

    Hebrews 5:9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

    13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

    But, being open to His grace and having a disposition of faith, we know that God will accomplish His will through us when He pours His sanctifying grace, His very life, His righteousness, into our souls.

    Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

    I hope that makes sense.

    Sincerely,

    De Maria
12. 
    

    De Maria said,

    December 7, 2014 at 6:24 pm

    Lol! Awesome, RB!
13. 
    

    De Maria said,

    December 7, 2014 at 6:25 pm

    RB, reference to #138.
14. 
    

    Kevin Failoni said,

    December 7, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    DeMaria you can gloat over Roberty bob’s quote, but in true RC form he pulled it out of context from its content to support both of your pelagian skin, for which the black darkness hasbeen reserved forever. Here is the context of Iraneus ” No doubt, if anyone is unwilling to follow the gospel itself, it is in his power to reject it. As such ye HAVE BEEN washed, ye HAVE B EEN sanctified. All things are lawful, but not all things are expedient.We should not use our liberty as a cloakfor malisciouness. ” He is encouraging believers, even though they have freedom in Christ, to wrestle for imortality that we may be crowned. Iow persevere to receive the crown of glory. He is not saying we are wrestling to be saved, or to earn ourvsalvation. You guys are Judaizerscin every sense. Jason is right, the worst Romanist.
15. 
    

    De Maria said,

    December 7, 2014 at 7:58 pm

    Kevin Failoni said,
    December 7, 2014 at 7:32 pm

    DeMaria you can gloat over Roberty bob’s quote, but in true RC form he pulled it out of context from its content to support both of your pelagian skin, for which the black darkness hasbeen reserved forever. Here is the context of Iraneus ” No doubt, if anyone is unwilling to follow the gospel itself, it is in his power to reject it. As such ye HAVE BEEN washed, ye HAVE B EEN sanctified. All things are lawful, but not all things are expedient.We should not use our liberty as a cloakfor malisciouness. ” He is encouraging believers, even though they have freedom in Christ, to wrestle for imortality that we may be crowned.

    Hm? That sounds as though you no longer believe in absolute assurance of salvation. That’s good.

    So, let me get this straight, you are saying that a believer safeguards his salvation, his immortality, by persevering in good works. Is that what you mean by, “He is encouraging believers, even though they have freedom in Christ, to wrestle for imortality that we may be crowned.“?

    Iow persevere to receive the crown of glory.

    That’s what it sounds like.

    He is not saying we are wrestling to be saved, or to earn ourvsalvation. You guys are Judaizerscin every sense. Jason is right, the worst Romanist.

    You’re losing your composure because you know your grasping at straws. Let’s look at St. Irenaeus’s quote in more detail:

    7. On this account, too, did the Lord assert that the kingdom of heaven was the portion of the violent; and He says, The violent take it by force; Matthew 11:12 that is, those who by strength and earnest striving are on the watch to snatch it away on the moment. On this account also Paul the Apostle says to the Corinthians, Do you not know, that they who run in a racecourse, do all indeed run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain. Every one also who engages in the contest is temperate in all things: now these men [do it] that they may obtain a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible. But I so run, not as uncertainty; I fight, not as one beating the air; but I make my body livid, and bring it into subjection, lest by any means, when preaching to others, I may myself be rendered a castaway. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27This able wrestler, therefore, exhorts us to the struggle for immortality, that we may be crowned, and may deem the crown precious, namely, that which is acquired by our struggle, but which does not encircle us of its own accord (sed non ultro coalitam). And the harder we strive, so much is it the more valuable; while so much the more valuable it is, so much the more should we esteem it. And indeed those things are not esteemed so highly which come spontaneously, as those which are reached by much anxious care. Since, then, this power has been conferred upon us, both the Lord has taught and the apostle has enjoined us the more to love God, that we may reach this [prize] for ourselves by striving after it…..
16. 
    

    roberty bob said,

    December 7, 2014 at 9:45 pm

    Here is another quote from the esteemed Iranaeus from section 1 of the same chapter 37.

    “He [God] has placed the power of choice, so that those who had yielded obedience might justly possess what is good, given indeed by God, but preserved by themselves.”

    To my ears, this resonates with the Apostle Paul’s admonition, “Do not receive the grace of God in vain.” God gives grace, but you and I are responsible for how we receive it, for what we make of it.
17. 
    

    Kevin Failoni said,

    December 8, 2014 at 2:56 am

    DeMaria, Roberty bob, in the end God gives you the special juju and you got to get there, and if you dont get there, you dont get there. We Calvinist have a God that actually saved us. Where we fail his righteouness always cover us. Romans 1: 16″ for im not ashamed of the gospel, it is the powere of God unto salvation to everyone who believes. For in it” the righteouness of God” has been revealed from faith to faith.” I’ll live a life of faith trusting in His righteouness to save me, and you guys trust in your grace aided works. Thanks for the conversation.
18. 
    

    De Maria said,

    December 8, 2014 at 3:03 pm

    Kevin Failoni said,
    December 8, 2014 at 2:56 am

    DeMaria, Roberty bob, in the end God gives you the special juju and you got to get there, and if you dont get there, you dont get there. We Calvinist have a God that actually saved us…..

    Calvin’s god is not in Scripture. It is a figment of his imagination. Scripture is abundantly clear.

    2 Pet 1:5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

    6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

    7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

    8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

    9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

    10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

    11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
19. 
    

    roberty bob said,

    December 8, 2014 at 5:58 pm

    Just to make sure I’m on the right path here . . . Kevin . . .

    Is juju a good thing or a bad thing? Can it be distinguished from mojo?

    I find it astonishing that those who believe God’s promise, trust in Christ’s atoning sacrifice, love Jesus, and obey his commandments can be found in danger of eternal damnation for holding to a false gospel.

    Wonder of wonders!