God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

Hello,

Let me start Part two with a question.

Would you ever blindly follow someone or some entity that you knew nothing about? Most of us would say no. But I have encountered many Catholics who understand nothing about the denomination.

I would like my readers to know and follow Jesus, not denominational rules and rituals that can offer no help during a crisis.

Okay, let’s continue with the discrepancies I found in the Catholic faith.

1.The Catholic faith is full of oppulence

The Bible teaches “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matt 23:12 NIV)

Jesus came to earth as a baby. He was born in a stable with all the smells a barn has to offer. He was placed in a manger – a feeding trough for animals. I can’t think of anything more humble. When He began teaching at the age of 30, he spoke to sinners and had dinner with those most people would shun. This is humility.

Contrast that scene with the opulence of Rome. The Vatican and the gilded chair of the Pope. The luxurious costumes of the Cardinals and the opulent living quarters.  This is the antithesis of Jesus. I will stop there but I urge you to look up the origin of Catholicism and you will start to understand…

2. Catholics are required to confess their sins to a priest.

No where in Scripture does it say that believers need to ask a priest for forgiveness.

Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, “I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord.”
And you forgave (psalm 32:5)

 After Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, we no longer need to confess to a priest.  At the time of Jesus’ last breath a significant thing happened in the Temple. The thick curtain that separated Jesus’ presence from the people – the place only priests were allowed to enter- was torn in two….  “the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom” (Matt 27:51). This event signified direct access to God for everyone!  You don’t need a priest, the virgin Mary or anyone to help you draw near to God. You and you alone, can pray directly to Him and ask for forgiveness.  If this didn’t happen, people in countries that have no priests would NEVER be able to have their prayers and confessions heard by God!

3. Catholics use repetitive prayers while holding a rosary.

The Bible teaches that repetition does nothing to get your prayers heard.

“And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”(Matt 6:7NIV).

And so the Lord says, “These people say they are mine. They honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. And their worship of me is nothing but man-made rules learned by rote”(Isiah 29:13)

We do not need ritualistic prayers and man made rules. Talk to the Lord as if you are talking to a trusted advisor- because you are! Worship Him by thanking Him for all of the good in your life. Gratitude and repentance of sins gives us a direct “line” to God.

“We know that God does not listen to sinners, but if anyone is a worshiper of God and does his will, God listens to him.”(John 9:31 ESV)

4. Catholics do not urge parishioners to read the Holy Bible- only the Gospels. The Catholic bible includes extra Books as well.

The Bible teaches us that anyone who is thirsting for knowledge of God, will find the truth about Him when they seek the Lord with their whole heart.

“You will find me when you seek me with your whole heart.” (Jer 29:13 NIV)

We need more than church on Sunday. We need to pick up the Bible ourselves, to read.

“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God”(Rom 10:17)

This verse means that in order to have faith in God, we need to hear about Him. After we understand that there is a God in heaven who created us and desires what is best for us, we need to read His Words. The Bible contains His Words, which were supernaturally preserved. God is supernatural, He can do anything. He is all-knowing (omniscient) so He knows if we truly desire to know about Him. When He sees our sincerity, He opens our eyes of understanding. Even a young child  can read, learn and understand the truth of  Jesus and have a relationship with Him. Remember, the best way that God can communicate to us is through His Bible.

I urge you to sincerely pick up a Bible and start to learn how to live your life. When you follow the Lord, He promises to shower you with blessings.

“If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river…”(Isaiah 48:18)

Have a wonderful week,

Lisa