Forum Activity for @ken-rich

Will God Forgive Same Sins

Religion/Philosophy

Matthew 18:21:22 - Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times? Jesus answered, I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.Personally, based on the parable that follows this statement, and the all familiar "judge not, lest you be judged", I believe how we treat others, with respect to sin and judgment, will have a great bearing on how God treats us.Also, I feel there is only one unpardonable sin, and that is rejection of the Holy Spirit. All manner of sin will be forgiven unto men, except that one.In other words, God is willing to keep working with us, as long as we are willing to keep trying. However, he will repect your freewill, and allow outright rejection of his Spirit. Then you have appointed yourself for doom.In the long standing debate over once saved always saved, which kind of ties into the this, I would say that nothing can snatch us out of his hand, but we can freely choose to leave.He may disipline us, or purge us in the furance of affliction, to cure us our habitual, repeating sins - but we remain in a saved relationship until we choose to reject his Spirit - the unpardonable sin.

Christian Music Hall of Fame

Share your Ministry

I added a couple discussions. Now that I've checked it out, I'm going to share your post with all members. Hopefully, some will join up.I agree, we should all have the same goal - winning souls. One man plants, another waters, but God causes the increase.

Christian Music Hall of Fame

Share your Ministry

Sounds good, I'm heading there now.

Be Inspired to Live

Religion/Philosophy

Nice thoughts, God bless the families of the fallen.We only get one day at a time, so let's make the best of it, we may not see tomorrow.Today is the day that the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it.

3 Little girls and a visit?

Christian Teachings

CO-MEDIATOR - Mary is the co-mediator to whom we can entrust all our cares and petitions (Catechism 968-970, 2677). There is only one mediator, and that is Jesus. 1 Timothy 2:5-6 says, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men -- the testimony given in its proper time."Hebrews 7:25 says, "Therefore He (Jesus) is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them."Ephesians 3:12 says, "In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."NOTE: If Jesus is constantly interceding for us and He is able to save us "to the uttermost," then He doesn't need Mary's help. If we can approach God with "boldness" and "confidence" because of our faith in Jesus, then we don't need Mary's help either. Worship of Mary -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hi David,There are enough links already posted in this thread to thoroughly answer any lingering questions you might have. It should be plainly obvious to you by now that Mary worship is not Biblical, and that the Bible does not teach that we require a co-redeemer, or intercessor, other than Jesus.I am starting to think you are just being contentious. I hope this is not the case, I really hope we can agree to simply follow Scripture on this.Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned ; and avoid them. At any rate, I have overtaxed myself, I need to rest. I can't run this network, plus handle all my other responsibilities, and keep debating you over this issue over and over again. I am stretched to thin to keep " flogging a dead horse ' with you.Make a decision - follow the Bible, or follow Rome. However, don't mince words and pretend that the Catholic Church doesn't teach she is co-redeemer, only an intercessor, or that they do not teach people to worship her, only venerate her.Those are slippery semantics, worthy of a forked tongue, and the Magisterium are famous for such deceptive tactics - as was pointed out previously . Words can be used to convey many meanings, a fact the Magisterium has consistently used to its own purpose. Catholicism's FALSE Worship! Your statement " Again the bible is not God's master, only some of His insight to guide us and clearly teaches that we are pitiful at best tring to think for Him, or matter of factly decide what is, and cannot be, not completely anyway. " is very typical of Catholic thought.If the Word of God is not your final authority, then you are on the same slippery slope as the "infallible" Popes, who invent doctrines from thin air, or steal them from gnostics and pagans - even when those teachings contradict, or are explicitly condemned by, the revealed word of God .Again, review the articles linked in the posts already made and study the issue of sola scriptura .I simply do not have the time or energy to keep this banter going forever.With love and respect,Ken

3 Little girls and a visit?

Christian Teachings

Hi David,I can understand that as someone indoctrinated from a young age with Catholic teachings, you may have accepted the elevation of Mary as co-redeemer, sinless, ever virgin, queen of Heaven, assumed bodily into heaven, and so forth.However, the Bible does not teach those things , they were added later by the Popes. In the Bible, she was blessed among women to bear the Savior, but went on to have normal relations with her husband, and had other children.The Bible does not teach that she has any role in our salvation, which is through Christ alone. The danger is, in worshiping her, you are not directing your worship toward God. Mary is not God! There is nothing wrong with honoring Mary as the earthly mother of Jesus. The Bible describes Mary as "highly favored" by God (Luke 1:28). At the same time, ... The Bible nowhere instructs us to revere, pray to, rely on, or "idolize" anyone other than God. We are to worship God alone . Glory, praise, and honor belong to God alone. Only God is worthy to "...receive glory and honor and power..." (Revelation 4:11). God alone is worthy to receive our worship, adoration, and praise (Nehemiah 9:6; Revelation 15:4). Is worship of saints / Mary Biblical? Those who would defend Roman Catholicism persistently press the illogical and invalid assertion that the Roman cult neither teaches nor in fact practices worship of Mary. They argue that, as concerns Mary and the other ghosts in the RCC pantheon, worship does not mean worship and venerate does not mean worship and render homage does not mean worship and pray to does not mean worship and sacrifice to does not mean worship. Words can be used to convey many meanings, a fact the Magisterium has consistently used to its own purpose. Catholicism's FALSE Worship! How did Jesus instruct us to relate to his Mother? Did he attach any special status to her, during his earthy Ministry?Matthew 12:46-50 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you. He replied to him, Who is my mother , and who are my brothers? Pointing to his disciples, he said, Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother . If you read the Bible, you will find that she isn't even mentioned after Pentecost. Peter did not speak of her in his 2 books (although Catholics claim him as the first Pope), and most notably Paul, who so eloquently and forcibly makes plain the plan of salvation, is absolutely silent about her.NOTE: If Jesus is constantly interceding for us and He is able to save us "to the uttermost," then He doesn't need Mary's help. If we can approach God with "boldness" and "confidence" because of our faith in Jesus, then we don't need Mary's help either. Worship of Mary We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, I agree, but instead of worrying about what he says to those who disrespected his Mother, perhaps you should be more concerned about what he will say to those who worshiped her, instead of God. Who depended on her to secure their salvation, instead of Jesus - the only mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 1:5).With Love and Respect,Ken

3 Little girls and a visit?

Christian Teachings

Amen to that!!!

3 Little girls and a visit?

Christian Teachings

Hi David,Even the greatest theologians grow and mature, sometimes changing their opinions on certain matters. Even Peter was rebuked publicly by Paul, because he was clearly in the wrong. Only God is all knowing.Personally, I started off indoctrinated into legalism, but later discovered grace. It's a growth process , and I am still learning, and far from perfect.2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That being said, God has revealed the simple plan of salvation - grace through faith in Christ. There are still a great many things I would like to understand better, however the plan of salvation, the simple Gospel, is something we can all understand . It is revealed and recorded for us. We can know the truth, about that which is essential.John 8:32 You will know the truth and the truth will set you free One does not have to have all knowledge, and understand all mysteries, in order to be saved. The Gospel is simple, and plainly revealed, and we are encouraged to study the Scriptures.2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work . Historically, this is one of the best statements of the Protestant position.Westminster Confession of Faith VII. All things in Scripture are not alike plain in themselves, nor alike clear unto all; yet those things which are necessary to be known, believed, and observed, for salvation , are so clearly propounded and opened in some place of Scripture or other, that not only the learned, but the unlearned, in a due use of the ordinary means, may attain unto a sufficient understanding of them. In reality, the scriptures themselves, are not what save us - only Jesus can do that. All of our studies are useless, if they do not lead to a personal, intimate relationship, with God. Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for this.John 5 39-40 You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life .In the end, what matters is that we are born of love.1 John 4:7 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God . All of our knowledge, intellect, even our faith, is of little value if we do not love.1 Corinthians 13:2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge , and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. So my brother, though we do not see eye to eye on all things, though none of us can claim to understand everything, we can still love one another, and we can still know the plain and simple Gospel. Can Christians Really Know What is Truth and what is not? Truth: What It Is and Why We Can Know It With love and respect,Ken

3 Little girls and a visit?

Christian Teachings

Hi David,I am not anti-Catholic, I am simply pro truth. I love the Catholic people enough to tell them the truth, even though it is unpopular to do so. Does this make me your enemy?Is it divisive to insist on truth, or should we accept heresies in order to achieve unity? That is not the unity the Bible teaches, John 4:24 ...in Spirit and in truth.Both Jesus and Paul refuted false teachings. Paul not only fiercely debated the Jews, rebuked the Judaizers, confronted the false brethren, but even opposed Peter to his face. Did he accept heresy, to achieve unity?Titus 1:9 hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.You are wandering off into personal attacks again, please stick to the subject at hand.With love and respect,Ken

3 Little girls and a visit?

Christian Teachings

Hi David,

No one here has said they do not believe in eternal life, so why make that accusation?

No one here disputes whether or not God is greater than the Bible, or whether all he does, or doesn't do, is contained in the Bible, so why make that accusation?

What Protestants contend, is that we can know truth by validating it from Scripture. Not to be able to do so, invalidates any claim that a teaching has been revealed by God.

God chose to reveal the unchanging gospel to us, and as the Apostle Paul said, any other gospel is false . So we have been given a way to verify the truth about salvation, by comparing new events and teachings, to what is recorded in Scripture.

Galatians 1:8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!

This comes back again to the patristic principle of sola scriptura, a principle universally adhered to in the early Church. But one which has been repudiated by the Roman Church and which has resulted in its embracing and promoting teachings, such as the assumption of Mary, which were never taught in the early Church and which have no Scriptural backing . THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

So, by refusing to accept what God has explicitly revealed as truth, as the standard by which to confirm or reject new claims by men, or apparitions, Rome has accepted and promoted teachings that contradict the Gospel , as preached by Paul and the Apostles. This is the contention. Don't side step the issue, and go off on other subjects - this is the crux of the matter.

The Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox Churches teach that the Scriptures are not the only infallible source of Christian doctrine (sola scriptura). For them Scripture is but one of three equal authorities; the other two being Sacred Tradition and the episcopacy. Wikipedia

Without the Word of God as their final authority, the Popes ended up making fools of themselves by claiming infallibility, while at the same time contradicting themselves on this very subject.

The assumption of Mary was derived from Gnostic literature and Pope Gelasius explicitly condemns the authors as well as their writings and the teachings which they promote and all who follow them. And significantly, this entire decree and its condemnation was reaffirmed by Pope Hormisdas in the sixth century around A.D. 520. (Migne Vol. 62. Col. 537-542). These facts prove that the early Church viewed the assumption teaching, not as a legitimate expression of the pious belief of the faithful but as a heresy worthy of condemnation. THE ASSUMPTION OF MARY

Yet this very teaching that earlier "infallible" Popes declared to be heresy, was declared a dogma of the Catholic faith by another "infallible" Pope.

The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory (Munificentissimus Deus, Pope Pius XII, 1950).

So my Brother, the issue is - are you going to believe the gospel according to Rome, or the gospel according to the Bible? If Rome, will it be the two "infallible" Popes who declared it heresy, or the one "infallible" Pope who made it official dogma of the Catholic faith?

With love and respect,

Ken