Luke 14:27 "Anyone who does not take up their cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple."
Everyone on the planet has a cross! Praying that the Holy Spirit will guide us always in the light of His truth.
Friday, November 16, 2018
The Scourge Of Abortion
The most heinous sin violating God's purpose for the human race is abortion. Over 100,000 babies are being slaughtered every month in the United States and according to recent polling data, over 65% of Americans are ok with abortion - a woman's right to choose death for her pre-born (existing but not yet born) child! Because of the polls, politicians do not have the spiritual good and common sense to do the right thing...reverse course!
Something is wrong today with the Christian (or those who call themselves Christian) community in the United States and its pastoral leaders! The message from every House of God should be clear, concise and unmistakeable: If you (laity, clergy, religious leaders, politicians) support laws that permit indiscriminate abortion on demand, you are in fact not a follower of Christ! "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Matthew 12:30)
The Bible says: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me, 'Didn't we prophesy and do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, I never knew you. Depart from Me, you evildoers." (Matthew 7:22-23)
We need to hear this message of defending innocent life from the pulpit every Sunday from every Christian Church in America until this scourge is over. "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." (Jeremiah 1:5) Clearly God does not see the person in a mother's womb as just part of her body! It is a distinctly separate soul bearing child of God with a purpose in life designed by Almighty God!
Church leaders, Catholic and Protestant, must join together in a single voice to create a unified, powerful and credible pro-life message to their audiences and the world at large!
God's wrath on this country and the world will be sudden, swift, decisive and irrevocable unless we repent from this unspeakably grave sin soon!
Something is wrong today with the Christian (or those who call themselves Christian) community in the United States and its pastoral leaders! The message from every House of God should be clear, concise and unmistakeable: If you (laity, clergy, religious leaders, politicians) support laws that permit indiscriminate abortion on demand, you are in fact not a follower of Christ! "He who is not with Me is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (Matthew 12:30)
The Bible says: "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord', will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me, 'Didn't we prophesy and do mighty deeds in your name?' Then I will declare to them solemnly, I never knew you. Depart from Me, you evildoers." (Matthew 7:22-23)
We need to hear this message of defending innocent life from the pulpit every Sunday from every Christian Church in America until this scourge is over. "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you." (Jeremiah 1:5) Clearly God does not see the person in a mother's womb as just part of her body! It is a distinctly separate soul bearing child of God with a purpose in life designed by Almighty God!
Church leaders, Catholic and Protestant, must join together in a single voice to create a unified, powerful and credible pro-life message to their audiences and the world at large!
God's wrath on this country and the world will be sudden, swift, decisive and irrevocable unless we repent from this unspeakably grave sin soon!
Christian Ecumenism
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25). "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
Mahatma Ghandi was one of the most beloved leaders in the history of the world, advocating social and economic justice through peaceful means. He was a courageous man and his work was a great example of how to love your neighbor. He studied Christianity extensively and was an admirer of Jesus, the man, but never believed in Jesus as Lord...in large part because of how his "Christian" friends modeled their faith!
Paul warned us in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "I beg you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree in what you say. Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment." And in his first letter to Timothy, "Have nothing to do with senseless, ignorant disputations. As you well know, they only breed quarrels and the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kindly toward all." (2:23-24)
"Go and make disciples of all the nations baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
"How indeed can we proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation without at the same time being committed to working for reconciliation between Christians? However true it is that the Church, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit and with the promise of indefectibility, has preached and still preaches the Gospel to all nations, it is also true that she must face the difficulties which derive from the lack of unity. When non-believers meet missionaries who do not agree among themselves, even though they all appeal to Christ, will they be in a position to receive the true message? Will they not think that the Gospel is a cause of division, despite the fact that it is presented as the fundamental law of love? " (6)
The Reformation
The Reformation occurred about 500 years ago. God obviously had a purpose, He permitted it to happen. Maybe it was because Catholics were making a mess of the Church and as Jesus told Peter, He was not going to let that "prevail." No one will disagree that the Church needed reforming. The debate however, continuing today, is how that reform was and has been conducted since that time.
The "enemy" consistently and relentlessly provokes division...among family, friends and Churches. Matthew and Paul, in their quotes above, warned us about satan's "divide and conquer" strategy. That warning permeates throughout all of Scripture. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
There are major theological differences of opinion between Catholics and Protestants...including the interpretation of God's Word. Even the 10 Commandments are not consistent with each other! But these differences should not prevent Christians from seeking common ground (essential Christian beliefs). It's not an all or nothing deal!
"The Catholic Church gladly holds in high esteem the things which other Christian Churches and ecclesial communities have done or are doing cooperatively by way of achieving the same goal. The union of the human family is greatly fortified and fulfilled by the unity, founded on Christ, of the family of God's sons." (4)
"The promotion of unity belongs to the innermost nature of the Church, for she is, "thanks to her relationship with Christ, a sacramental sign and an instrument of intimate union with God, and of the unity of the whole human race." Thus she shows the world that an authentic union, social and external, results from a union of minds and hearts, namely from that faith and charity by which her own unity is unbreakably rooted in the Holy Spirit. For the force which the Church can inject into the modern society of man consists in that faith and charity put into vital practice, not in any external dominion exercised by merely human means." (4)
The Protestant Reformation began a long and painful split in the Church. Catholics responded with a renewed diligent effort of reform and renewal within the Church. (8) It was desperately needed.Corruption at the highest leadership levels was proliferating mightily under the guidance of a formidable enemy, satan. Renewal was a positive result of Luther's challenges. (8)
Catholics should get to know the faith of their Protestant brethren better. In fact, they should get to know their Catholic faith better. "Venerate the Lord in your hearts. Should anyone ask you for the reason for your faith, be ever ready to reply, but speak gently and reverently." (1 Peter 3:15-16). Let me emphasize gently and reverently.
Protestants and Catholics, open your hearts to each other. Learn more about the early Church, its customs and traditions. Grow in communal spirit together, love each other the way God has always loved His children.
We know from reading the end of the Book that Christianity will ultimately prevail and the "enemy" knows it! The war has already been decided and we win! We give thanks to God for being so clear on that. However, battles in life will rage on until the end of time and battles can be lost if Christians neglect to put on their spiritual armor...daily.
"Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Renew Your Minds
"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God's will, what is good pleasing and perfect." (Romans: 12:2)
"But their primary duty is to make a careful and honest appraisal of whatever needs to be done or renewed in the Catholic household itself, in order that its life may bear witness more clearly and faithfully to the teachings and institutions which have come to it from Christ through the Apostles." (1)
Unfortunately, an esoteric approach to conducting the Mass (e.g., Latin, Priest with his back to the congregation) remained the practice until 1964. This was a major hindrance to effectively spreading the Gospel message and fostering Christian unity. Also the Catholic Church was very much opposed to the laity reading and studying the Bible, again, until 1964.
Many Baptised Catholics tend to take their faith for granted and are very much lacking in scriptural knowledge, as well as the significance of the Church's history and its teaching. Too many Catholics are either cultural or habitual Catholics. Cultural meaning they attend Mass at Easter and Christmas and only occasionally at other times. Habitual meaning they attend every required Mass but their hearts and souls aren't in it. God is looking for Committed Catholics, who love to come to Mass to honor Him and put Him first in every aspect of their lives.
"You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, whole soul, whole mind and whole strength." (Matthew 22:37) "How I wish you were one or the other - hot or cold! But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of My mouth!" (Rev 3:20)
Vatican II
Not much, directly affecting the laity, if anything, materially changed in the Catholic Church immediately after the Reformation, until 1964, over 400 years later, when the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) convened. This Council had a profoundly positive impact on the Church. The reform of the Sacred Liturgy made the Mass more meaningful and understandable to most Catholics. (8) The Priest turned around and faced the Congregation during the entire Mass and Latin was replaced with the local (vernacular) language. Participation in the Liturgy, especially through music and shared responses increased visibly. (8) Reading the Bible also became more important in the daily life and worship of Catholics, and many new aids to studying Scripture became available. (8)
The Documents of Vatican II included new Constitutions, Declarationsand Decrees of the Church.(15) They clearly defined the Church's position on everything from, the role of the Church in history...through today, to responsibilities of its clergy and laity, to faith and morals, to Scripture study. Most Catholics are not even aware the Church has a Constitution(s), or any of these important, defining documents.
One of the most significant documents of Vatican II was the Decree on Ecumenism: (1)
Excerpts:
"The Sacred Council exhorts all the Catholic faithful to recognize the signs of the times and to take an active and intelligent part in the work of ecumenism."
"In these days when cooperation in social matters is so widespread, all men without exception are called to work together, with much greater reason all those who believe in God, but most of all, all Christians in that they bear the name of Christ. Cooperation among Christians vividly expresses the relationship which in fact already unites them, and it sets in clearer relief the features of Christ the Servant. All believers in Christ can, through this cooperation, be led to acquire a better knowledge and appreciation of one another, and so pave the way to Christian unity."
"We must get to know the outlook of our non-Catholic brethren. To achieve this purpose, study is of necessity required, and this must be pursued with a sense of realism and good will. Catholics, who already have a proper grounding, need to acquire a more adequate understanding of the respective doctrines of our non-Catholic brethren, their history, their spiritual and liturgical life, their religious psychology and general background."
Pope John Paul II did a wonderful job of following up on Vatican II's Decree and expanding the call of ecumenism in the Church with his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism. (6)
Excerpts:
"When brothers and sisters who are not in perfect communion with one another come together to pray, Vatican II defines their prayer as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement. This prayer is "a very effective means of petitioning for the grace of unity."
"If Christians, despite their divisions, can grow ever more united in common prayer around Christ, they will grow in the awareness of how little divides them in comparison to what unites them. If they meet more often and more regularly before Christ in prayer, they will be able to gain the courage to face all the painful human reality of their divisions, and they will find themselves together once more in that community of the Church which Christ constantly builds up in the Holy Spirit, in spite of all weaknesses and human limitations."
"It is necessary to pass from antagonism and conflict to a situation where each party recognizes the other as a partner. When undertaking dialogue, each side must presuppose in the other a desire for reconciliation, for unity in truth. For this to happen, any display of mutual opposition must disappear. Only thus will dialogue help to overcome division and lead us closer to unity."
"Ecumenical dialogue is of essential importance. Through such dialogue everyone gains a truer knowledge and more just appreciation of the teaching and religious life of both Communions. In addition, these Communions cooperate more closely in whatever projects a Christian conscience demands for the common good."
"Moreover, ecumenical cooperation is a true school of ecumenism, a dynamic road to unity. Unity of action leads to the full unity of faith:Through such cooperation, all believers in Christ are able to learn easily how they can understand each other better and esteem each other more, and how the road to the unity of Christians may be made smooth".
Where Are We Now?
The search for Christian Unity was one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Frankly, results of the Catholic Church's efforts at ecumenism have not been good. Great plan, great intentions...poor execution.
In 1993 Pope John Paul II approved, confirmed it by his authority, and authorized the publication of The Ecumenical Directory, originally called for during Vatican II. (5)
The Directory cited Vatican II as committing the ecumenical task in a special way to the Bishops. (7) The Bishops were advised, "to appoint a competent person as diocesan officer for ecumenical questions. (5) This officer is responsible for representing the Catholic community in its relations with the other Churches and ecclesial Communities and their leaders and will facilitate contacts between the latter and the local Bishop, clergy and laity on various levels." (5)
"In addition to the appointment of a diocesan officer for ecumenical questions, the diocesan Bishop should set up a council, commission or secretariat charged with putting into practice any directives or orientations he may give and, in general, with promoting ecumenical activity in the diocese." (5)
"The commission or secretariat should reflect the totality of the diocese and generally include among its members clergy, religious men and women and lay people of various competencies, and especially those with particular ecumenical expertise. It is desirable that representatives of the presbyterial council, the pastoral council, diocesan and regional seminaries be included among the members of the commission or secretariat." (5)
Very little visible progress to date has been realized in the way of ecumenism. Why? In some cases it just does not seem to be a high priority with Catholic or Protestant Church leaders. Also, "the lack of personnel, of specific training, of resources, financial and otherwise, make ecumenical work difficult." (7) It's time to quit making excuses, obey God...and defeat the enemy. Ecumenism may be the most important issue facing the Church since the Reformation.
We do want to mention a couple of exceptions. At the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in New Mexico, Msgr. Richard J. Olona, Director of the Office of Ecumenism, has done an outstanding job of getting the message out to various Protestant Churches in their area, meeting together regularly for prayer and information gathering purposes. They also do a great job of promoting their ecumenical efforts and communicating all activities on their website with tremendous support from Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan.
Father Alexei Smith, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' Ecumenical Officer is very active in National Ecumenical organizations such as Christian Churches Together (CCT) (11) and the annual National Workshop for Christian Unity. (12) Father Smith is an energetic and passionate proponent for developing Christian unity. He fully appreciates the mandate promulgated by Vatican II as he says, " Our Late Pope spoke of ecumenism as 'an organic part of the life and work of the Church' and our current Pope has made it 'his impelling duty.' Ecumenism is not then an option - it is a holy obligation."
Msgr. Olona sums it up nicely: "We can learn to practice true ecumenism. Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics – or to pretend that we are not Catholic. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." (9)
With that said, many (not all) of the ecumenical officers appointed by the various Bishops in America appear to be in the "secret service."Sorry to be so blunt, but...few people, outside of their immediate circle of influence know who these people are and what exactly they do in promoting ecumenism. It's unfortunate and in my opinion a clear disregard for (or at least not taking seriously enough) the mandate of Vatican II's Decree on Ecumenism and The Ecumenical Directory.
Scripture Lights the Path to Christian Unity
Read and study your Bible. Catholics, in case you have not heard, the Church says it's not only OK to read and study your Bible, it's required reading! "The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful, especially Religious, to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the "excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:8). "For ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." (2)
"Therefore, they should gladly put themselves in touch with the sacred text itself, whether it be through the liturgy, rich in the divine word, or through devotional reading, or through instructions suitable for the purpose and other aids which, in our time, with approval and active support of the shepherds of the Church, are commendably spread everywhere. And let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for "we speak to Him when we pray; we hear Him when we read the divine saying." (2)
"Sacred scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. For it is from scripture that lessons are read and explained in the homily, and psalms are sung; the prayers, collects, and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and their force, and it is from the scriptures that actions and signs derive their meaning. Thus to achieve the restoration, progress, and adaptation of the sacred liturgy, it is essential to promote that warm and living love for scripture to which the venerable tradition of both eastern and western rites gives testimony." (3)
"The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God's word. In this way a more representative portion of the holy scriptures will be read to the people in the course of a prescribed number of years." (3)
"Our brothers and sisters of other Churches and ecclesial Communities have a deep love and reverence for the Holy Scriptures. This occasions their constant and deep study of the sacred books. The Word of God, then, being one and the same for all Christians, will progressively strengthen the path towards unity insofar as it is approached with religious attention and loving study." (5)
The Bible is God's personal letter to us and His instruction manual for our preparation for eternal life. And, by the way, Catholics (with exceptions of course) have a lot to learn about giving (tithing). For the most part, Protestants adhere much more closely to Biblical based financial stewardship than Catholics.
"This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you."(John 15:12)
"May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself."(Ephesians 3:17-19).
Common Ground (Essential Christian Beliefs)
The Council of Nicaea in 325 (Nicene Creed was slightly modified in 381 to today's version) decided on what the essentials of a Christian's faith should be and we could use this as the foundation and framework for our ecumenical efforts.
Nicene Creed: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and our salvation He came down from Heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures: He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
As noted in the Evangelicals and Catholics Together "ECT" statement in 1997, "Evangelicals must speak the Gospel to Catholics and Catholics to Evangelicals, always speaking the truth in love, so that, 'working hard to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . . the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.'" (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13) (16)
"All who truly believe in Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters in the Lord and must not allow their differences, however important, to undermine this great truth, or to deflect them from bearing witness together to God's gift of salvation in Christ." (16)
Pope John Paul II wrote in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved." (6)
Pope John XXIII, who was responsible for convening the all important Vatican II in 1962 said, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (6)
Conclusion
If Christians expect to have a successful, meaningful impact on the decaying moral issues facing America today...any time soon...(e.g., pro-life, biblical marriage and reversing the secular Godless agenda in our society), we will need to be truly united in our efforts.
"Again I tell you, if two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatever, it shall be granted you by My Father in Heaven. Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in their midst." (Matthew 18:19-20)
"I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)
Blessings,
Bobby
Research References:
New American Bible Catholic Edition
(1) 1964 Decree on Ecumenism
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19641121_unitatis-redintegratio_en.html
(2) 1965 Constitution on Sacred Scripture
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html
(3) 1963 Constitution on Sacred Liturgy
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html
(4) 1965 Constitution on the Church in the Modern World
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html
(5) 1993 The Ecumenical Directory
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html
(6) 1995 John Paul II Encyclical Letter on Ecumenism
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25051995_ut-unum-sint_en.html
(7) 2004 Bishop Brian Farrell Presentation - Secretary PCFPCU
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_20041121_farrell-ecumenismo_en.html
(8) The Compact History of The Catholic Church - Alan Schreck
(9) Archdiocese of Santa Fe
http://www.archdiocesesantafe.org/Offices/Ecumenical/Ecumenical.html
(10) Archdiocese of Los Angeles
http://www.la-archdiocese.org/ecumenical/index.php
(11) Christian Churches Together (CCT)
http://www.christianchurchestogether.org/
(12) National Workshop on Christian Unity
http://www.nwcu.org/WhoWeAre/index.htm
(13) Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers http://www.cadeio.org/
(14) USCCB Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairshttp://www.usccb.org/seia/history.shtml
(15) Vatican II Documents
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/
(16) Evangelicals and Catholics Together ECT
http://www.seekgod.ca/ect2.htm
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25). "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
Mahatma Ghandi was one of the most beloved leaders in the history of the world, advocating social and economic justice through peaceful means. He was a courageous man and his work was a great example of how to love your neighbor. He studied Christianity extensively and was an admirer of Jesus, the man, but never believed in Jesus as Lord...in large part because of how his "Christian" friends modeled their faith!
Paul warned us in 1 Corinthians 1:10, "I beg you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree in what you say. Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment." And in his first letter to Timothy, "Have nothing to do with senseless, ignorant disputations. As you well know, they only breed quarrels and the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome but must be kindly toward all." (2:23-24)
"Go and make disciples of all the nations baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)
"How indeed can we proclaim the Gospel of reconciliation without at the same time being committed to working for reconciliation between Christians? However true it is that the Church, by the prompting of the Holy Spirit and with the promise of indefectibility, has preached and still preaches the Gospel to all nations, it is also true that she must face the difficulties which derive from the lack of unity. When non-believers meet missionaries who do not agree among themselves, even though they all appeal to Christ, will they be in a position to receive the true message? Will they not think that the Gospel is a cause of division, despite the fact that it is presented as the fundamental law of love? " (6)
The Reformation
The Reformation occurred about 500 years ago. God obviously had a purpose, He permitted it to happen. Maybe it was because Catholics were making a mess of the Church and as Jesus told Peter, He was not going to let that "prevail." No one will disagree that the Church needed reforming. The debate however, continuing today, is how that reform was and has been conducted since that time.
The "enemy" consistently and relentlessly provokes division...among family, friends and Churches. Matthew and Paul, in their quotes above, warned us about satan's "divide and conquer" strategy. That warning permeates throughout all of Scripture. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
There are major theological differences of opinion between Catholics and Protestants...including the interpretation of God's Word. Even the 10 Commandments are not consistent with each other! But these differences should not prevent Christians from seeking common ground (essential Christian beliefs). It's not an all or nothing deal!
"The Catholic Church gladly holds in high esteem the things which other Christian Churches and ecclesial communities have done or are doing cooperatively by way of achieving the same goal. The union of the human family is greatly fortified and fulfilled by the unity, founded on Christ, of the family of God's sons." (4)
"The promotion of unity belongs to the innermost nature of the Church, for she is, "thanks to her relationship with Christ, a sacramental sign and an instrument of intimate union with God, and of the unity of the whole human race." Thus she shows the world that an authentic union, social and external, results from a union of minds and hearts, namely from that faith and charity by which her own unity is unbreakably rooted in the Holy Spirit. For the force which the Church can inject into the modern society of man consists in that faith and charity put into vital practice, not in any external dominion exercised by merely human means." (4)
The Protestant Reformation began a long and painful split in the Church. Catholics responded with a renewed diligent effort of reform and renewal within the Church. (8) It was desperately needed.Corruption at the highest leadership levels was proliferating mightily under the guidance of a formidable enemy, satan. Renewal was a positive result of Luther's challenges. (8)
Catholics should get to know the faith of their Protestant brethren better. In fact, they should get to know their Catholic faith better. "Venerate the Lord in your hearts. Should anyone ask you for the reason for your faith, be ever ready to reply, but speak gently and reverently." (1 Peter 3:15-16). Let me emphasize gently and reverently.
Protestants and Catholics, open your hearts to each other. Learn more about the early Church, its customs and traditions. Grow in communal spirit together, love each other the way God has always loved His children.
We know from reading the end of the Book that Christianity will ultimately prevail and the "enemy" knows it! The war has already been decided and we win! We give thanks to God for being so clear on that. However, battles in life will rage on until the end of time and battles can be lost if Christians neglect to put on their spiritual armor...daily.
"Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Renew Your Minds
"Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may judge what is God's will, what is good pleasing and perfect." (Romans: 12:2)
"But their primary duty is to make a careful and honest appraisal of whatever needs to be done or renewed in the Catholic household itself, in order that its life may bear witness more clearly and faithfully to the teachings and institutions which have come to it from Christ through the Apostles." (1)
Unfortunately, an esoteric approach to conducting the Mass (e.g., Latin, Priest with his back to the congregation) remained the practice until 1964. This was a major hindrance to effectively spreading the Gospel message and fostering Christian unity. Also the Catholic Church was very much opposed to the laity reading and studying the Bible, again, until 1964.
Many Baptised Catholics tend to take their faith for granted and are very much lacking in scriptural knowledge, as well as the significance of the Church's history and its teaching. Too many Catholics are either cultural or habitual Catholics. Cultural meaning they attend Mass at Easter and Christmas and only occasionally at other times. Habitual meaning they attend every required Mass but their hearts and souls aren't in it. God is looking for Committed Catholics, who love to come to Mass to honor Him and put Him first in every aspect of their lives.
"You shall love the Lord your God with your whole heart, whole soul, whole mind and whole strength." (Matthew 22:37) "How I wish you were one or the other - hot or cold! But because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I will spew you out of My mouth!" (Rev 3:20)
Vatican II
Not much, directly affecting the laity, if anything, materially changed in the Catholic Church immediately after the Reformation, until 1964, over 400 years later, when the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council (Vatican II) convened. This Council had a profoundly positive impact on the Church. The reform of the Sacred Liturgy made the Mass more meaningful and understandable to most Catholics. (8) The Priest turned around and faced the Congregation during the entire Mass and Latin was replaced with the local (vernacular) language. Participation in the Liturgy, especially through music and shared responses increased visibly. (8) Reading the Bible also became more important in the daily life and worship of Catholics, and many new aids to studying Scripture became available. (8)
The Documents of Vatican II included new Constitutions, Declarationsand Decrees of the Church.(15) They clearly defined the Church's position on everything from, the role of the Church in history...through today, to responsibilities of its clergy and laity, to faith and morals, to Scripture study. Most Catholics are not even aware the Church has a Constitution(s), or any of these important, defining documents.
One of the most significant documents of Vatican II was the Decree on Ecumenism: (1)
Excerpts:
"The Sacred Council exhorts all the Catholic faithful to recognize the signs of the times and to take an active and intelligent part in the work of ecumenism."
"In these days when cooperation in social matters is so widespread, all men without exception are called to work together, with much greater reason all those who believe in God, but most of all, all Christians in that they bear the name of Christ. Cooperation among Christians vividly expresses the relationship which in fact already unites them, and it sets in clearer relief the features of Christ the Servant. All believers in Christ can, through this cooperation, be led to acquire a better knowledge and appreciation of one another, and so pave the way to Christian unity."
"We must get to know the outlook of our non-Catholic brethren. To achieve this purpose, study is of necessity required, and this must be pursued with a sense of realism and good will. Catholics, who already have a proper grounding, need to acquire a more adequate understanding of the respective doctrines of our non-Catholic brethren, their history, their spiritual and liturgical life, their religious psychology and general background."
Pope John Paul II did a wonderful job of following up on Vatican II's Decree and expanding the call of ecumenism in the Church with his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism. (6)
Excerpts:
"When brothers and sisters who are not in perfect communion with one another come together to pray, Vatican II defines their prayer as the soul of the whole ecumenical movement. This prayer is "a very effective means of petitioning for the grace of unity."
"If Christians, despite their divisions, can grow ever more united in common prayer around Christ, they will grow in the awareness of how little divides them in comparison to what unites them. If they meet more often and more regularly before Christ in prayer, they will be able to gain the courage to face all the painful human reality of their divisions, and they will find themselves together once more in that community of the Church which Christ constantly builds up in the Holy Spirit, in spite of all weaknesses and human limitations."
"It is necessary to pass from antagonism and conflict to a situation where each party recognizes the other as a partner. When undertaking dialogue, each side must presuppose in the other a desire for reconciliation, for unity in truth. For this to happen, any display of mutual opposition must disappear. Only thus will dialogue help to overcome division and lead us closer to unity."
"Ecumenical dialogue is of essential importance. Through such dialogue everyone gains a truer knowledge and more just appreciation of the teaching and religious life of both Communions. In addition, these Communions cooperate more closely in whatever projects a Christian conscience demands for the common good."
"Moreover, ecumenical cooperation is a true school of ecumenism, a dynamic road to unity. Unity of action leads to the full unity of faith:Through such cooperation, all believers in Christ are able to learn easily how they can understand each other better and esteem each other more, and how the road to the unity of Christians may be made smooth".
Where Are We Now?
The search for Christian Unity was one of the principal concerns of the Second Vatican Council. Frankly, results of the Catholic Church's efforts at ecumenism have not been good. Great plan, great intentions...poor execution.
In 1993 Pope John Paul II approved, confirmed it by his authority, and authorized the publication of The Ecumenical Directory, originally called for during Vatican II. (5)
The Directory cited Vatican II as committing the ecumenical task in a special way to the Bishops. (7) The Bishops were advised, "to appoint a competent person as diocesan officer for ecumenical questions. (5) This officer is responsible for representing the Catholic community in its relations with the other Churches and ecclesial Communities and their leaders and will facilitate contacts between the latter and the local Bishop, clergy and laity on various levels." (5)
"In addition to the appointment of a diocesan officer for ecumenical questions, the diocesan Bishop should set up a council, commission or secretariat charged with putting into practice any directives or orientations he may give and, in general, with promoting ecumenical activity in the diocese." (5)
"The commission or secretariat should reflect the totality of the diocese and generally include among its members clergy, religious men and women and lay people of various competencies, and especially those with particular ecumenical expertise. It is desirable that representatives of the presbyterial council, the pastoral council, diocesan and regional seminaries be included among the members of the commission or secretariat." (5)
Very little visible progress to date has been realized in the way of ecumenism. Why? In some cases it just does not seem to be a high priority with Catholic or Protestant Church leaders. Also, "the lack of personnel, of specific training, of resources, financial and otherwise, make ecumenical work difficult." (7) It's time to quit making excuses, obey God...and defeat the enemy. Ecumenism may be the most important issue facing the Church since the Reformation.
We do want to mention a couple of exceptions. At the Archdiocese of Santa Fe in New Mexico, Msgr. Richard J. Olona, Director of the Office of Ecumenism, has done an outstanding job of getting the message out to various Protestant Churches in their area, meeting together regularly for prayer and information gathering purposes. They also do a great job of promoting their ecumenical efforts and communicating all activities on their website with tremendous support from Archbishop Michael J. Sheehan.
Father Alexei Smith, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' Ecumenical Officer is very active in National Ecumenical organizations such as Christian Churches Together (CCT) (11) and the annual National Workshop for Christian Unity. (12) Father Smith is an energetic and passionate proponent for developing Christian unity. He fully appreciates the mandate promulgated by Vatican II as he says, " Our Late Pope spoke of ecumenism as 'an organic part of the life and work of the Church' and our current Pope has made it 'his impelling duty.' Ecumenism is not then an option - it is a holy obligation."
Msgr. Olona sums it up nicely: "We can learn to practice true ecumenism. Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics – or to pretend that we are not Catholic. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." (9)
With that said, many (not all) of the ecumenical officers appointed by the various Bishops in America appear to be in the "secret service."Sorry to be so blunt, but...few people, outside of their immediate circle of influence know who these people are and what exactly they do in promoting ecumenism. It's unfortunate and in my opinion a clear disregard for (or at least not taking seriously enough) the mandate of Vatican II's Decree on Ecumenism and The Ecumenical Directory.
Scripture Lights the Path to Christian Unity
Read and study your Bible. Catholics, in case you have not heard, the Church says it's not only OK to read and study your Bible, it's required reading! "The sacred synod also earnestly and especially urges all the Christian faithful, especially Religious, to learn by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures the "excellent knowledge of Jesus Christ" (Phil. 3:8). "For ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ." (2)
"Therefore, they should gladly put themselves in touch with the sacred text itself, whether it be through the liturgy, rich in the divine word, or through devotional reading, or through instructions suitable for the purpose and other aids which, in our time, with approval and active support of the shepherds of the Church, are commendably spread everywhere. And let them remember that prayer should accompany the reading of Sacred Scripture, so that God and man may talk together; for "we speak to Him when we pray; we hear Him when we read the divine saying." (2)
"Sacred scripture is of the greatest importance in the celebration of the liturgy. For it is from scripture that lessons are read and explained in the homily, and psalms are sung; the prayers, collects, and liturgical songs are scriptural in their inspiration and their force, and it is from the scriptures that actions and signs derive their meaning. Thus to achieve the restoration, progress, and adaptation of the sacred liturgy, it is essential to promote that warm and living love for scripture to which the venerable tradition of both eastern and western rites gives testimony." (3)
"The treasures of the Bible are to be opened up more lavishly, so that richer fare may be provided for the faithful at the table of God's word. In this way a more representative portion of the holy scriptures will be read to the people in the course of a prescribed number of years." (3)
"Our brothers and sisters of other Churches and ecclesial Communities have a deep love and reverence for the Holy Scriptures. This occasions their constant and deep study of the sacred books. The Word of God, then, being one and the same for all Christians, will progressively strengthen the path towards unity insofar as it is approached with religious attention and loving study." (5)
The Bible is God's personal letter to us and His instruction manual for our preparation for eternal life. And, by the way, Catholics (with exceptions of course) have a lot to learn about giving (tithing). For the most part, Protestants adhere much more closely to Biblical based financial stewardship than Catholics.
"This is My commandment: love one another as I have loved you."(John 15:12)
"May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself."(Ephesians 3:17-19).
Common Ground (Essential Christian Beliefs)
The Council of Nicaea in 325 (Nicene Creed was slightly modified in 381 to today's version) decided on what the essentials of a Christian's faith should be and we could use this as the foundation and framework for our ecumenical efforts.
Nicene Creed: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of Heaven and earth, of all that is seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, one in being with the Father. Through Him all things were made. For us men and our salvation He came down from Heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake He was crucified under Pontius Pilate; He suffered, died, and was buried. On the third day He rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures: He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son, He is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one, holy, catholic (universal), and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
As noted in the Evangelicals and Catholics Together "ECT" statement in 1997, "Evangelicals must speak the Gospel to Catholics and Catholics to Evangelicals, always speaking the truth in love, so that, 'working hard to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . . the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God.'" (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13) (16)
"All who truly believe in Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters in the Lord and must not allow their differences, however important, to undermine this great truth, or to deflect them from bearing witness together to God's gift of salvation in Christ." (16)
Pope John Paul II wrote in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved." (6)
Pope John XXIII, who was responsible for convening the all important Vatican II in 1962 said, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (6)
Conclusion
If Christians expect to have a successful, meaningful impact on the decaying moral issues facing America today...any time soon...(e.g., pro-life, biblical marriage and reversing the secular Godless agenda in our society), we will need to be truly united in our efforts.
"Again I tell you, if two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatever, it shall be granted you by My Father in Heaven. Where two or three are gathered in My name, there I am in their midst." (Matthew 18:19-20)
"I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)
Blessings,
Bobby
Research References:
New American Bible Catholic Edition
(1) 1964 Decree on Ecumenism
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19641121_unitatis-redintegratio_en.html
(2) 1965 Constitution on Sacred Scripture
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html
(3) 1963 Constitution on Sacred Liturgy
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19631204_sacrosanctum-concilium_en.html
(4) 1965 Constitution on the Church in the Modern World
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html
(5) 1993 The Ecumenical Directory
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_25031993_principles-and-norms-on-ecumenism_en.html
(6) 1995 John Paul II Encyclical Letter on Ecumenism
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25051995_ut-unum-sint_en.html
(7) 2004 Bishop Brian Farrell Presentation - Secretary PCFPCU
http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/chrstuni/documents/rc_pc_chrstuni_doc_20041121_farrell-ecumenismo_en.html
(8) The Compact History of The Catholic Church - Alan Schreck
(9) Archdiocese of Santa Fe
http://www.archdiocesesantafe.org/Offices/Ecumenical/Ecumenical.html
(10) Archdiocese of Los Angeles
http://www.la-archdiocese.org/ecumenical/index.php
(11) Christian Churches Together (CCT)
http://www.christianchurchestogether.org/
(12) National Workshop on Christian Unity
http://www.nwcu.org/WhoWeAre/index.htm
(13) Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers http://www.cadeio.org/
(14) USCCB Ecumenism and Interreligious Affairshttp://www.usccb.org/seia/history.shtml
(15) Vatican II Documents
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/
(16) Evangelicals and Catholics Together ECT
http://www.seekgod.ca/ect2.htm
Christians in Agreement
I am a cradle Catholic with a passion for God and a passion to see Christians worldwide unite together in our battle against our common enemy the devil. Paul says, "The body is one and has many members, but all the members, many though they are, are one body; and so it is with Christ. It was in one Spirit that all of us were baptized into one body. All of us have been given to drink of the one Spirit." (Romans 12:12-13).
My dream is for all Christians to be in unity as the Lord desires. As the Second Vatican Council pointed out: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one Baptism" (Ephesians 4:4-5). For"all you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:27-28).
We know there are obvious differences between Catholics and Protestants in terms of church leadership and theology. However, if we focus on our common beliefs, we would be in a much better position to deal with our common problem...the devil. Simply because we (Christians) attend different churches and have different preachers, priests and pastors does not mean any particular denomination has a more secure path to Heaven than any other true believer in Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity.
My passion for many years has been Ecumenism (Christian Unity). I am currently working on developing a ministry dedicated to that goal. With the proper motivation, "All things are possible for God." We are God's servants and all we have to do is answer His call and begin moving forward...one step at time.
"Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics, or convincing Catholics to become Protestant – or to pretend that we are not Catholic or Protestant. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
I see an incredible opportunity to "bridge the gap", not in a spirit to convert each other but in a spirit of cooperating with each other to present a solid witness for unbelievers and to energize the "lukewarm"(maybe the largest group in need).
It occurs to me that now, in this climate of social, political and economic turmoil, is the time for all Christians to come together in prayer: "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Unless we come together in great numbers to get the media and politicians' attention necessary to reverse this Country's self - inflicted death spiral, we Christians are going to have another accountability issue with God on the day of our judgment. It's not only what we do, but what we fail to do, that God will be reviewing with us.
We are facing a "911" situation in our spiritual community and in our Country! This follows decades of moral and spiritual deterioration beginning with the attack on man's fellowship with God in the 60's with respect to the erroneous interpretation of "Separation of Church and State", and the sexual revolution.
In 1973, the biggest assault by satan on mankind occurred: Roe v. Wade. Since then over 50 million babies have been killed in the United States alone...hundreds of millions worldwide. There has never been a greater violation of the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence than this satanic law.
The Bible says there will be no tears in Heaven. I suspect however they are flowing every day in Heaven as thousands of God's little precious ones are being killed each and every day in the United States. "You knit me in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139:13)
The National Day of Prayer instituted by Congress in 1952 and The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church are two popular initiatives. However after one day in May or one week in January, momentum fades and is often lost.
As many motivational speakers have said, "Success is not a one day event or a destination but rather a journey." Ecumenism has to be embraced by the masses in order to be successful. We need to have an "ecumenical movement."Irrespective of our differences let's focus on three things we can absolutely agree on: 1. Pro-Life 2. Marriage according to God's will (one man/one woman) 3. Biblical Stewardship (Time, Talent and Treasure)
If tackling 3 issues at once is a little too much, my suggestion is let's have Pro-life as the pivot point of our unifying efforts.
Let's begin with the basic tenets of our Christian faith - where there is no disagreement...
1. We are all on a team with Jesus Christ as our Captain. He is the Son of the Living God who came down from Heaven by the power of the Holy Spirit and became man. The Holy Trinity is One God in Three Persons...God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God has no beginning and no end.
He is omniscient, omnipotent and omni-present. This is a mystery which as Christians we believe with all our heart and may be explained to us one day after our earthly life is complete.
2. The Bible is God's instruction manual to His children, inspired by Him and absolutely infallible, written by His chosen servants. "All scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching - for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. Jesus Christ suffered, died and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit...to guide and protect us and to be with us always. Christ will come to earth again...at God's appointed time. "The exact time is not yours to know. The Father has reserved that to Himself." (Acts 1:7).
Christ sacrificed Himself for the atonement of mankind's sins...past, present, and future. His supreme sacrifice singularly opened the door to Heaven...allowing every human being, though sinners, through free will, the opportunity to enter into the presence of God and be with Him forever in our next life.
4. The entire Gospel teachings of Christ can be summed up in two commandments. "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus said this sums up the entire law, and the prophets as well.
5. Paul follows in his letter to the Ephesians which to me is the essence of a Christian's life: "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself." (3:17-19).
6. Jesus taught us how to pray: "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."
7. As Christians we can all agree on the wisdom in this nugget of truth: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Now let's examine the root of all our problems...
We must recognize that there is an active, powerful enemy of God at work in our midst. In fact he used to be on God's Team. However, he became prideful and haughty, and because of the status he held and the nature of his rebellion, God irrevocably kicked him off the Team. Earth happens to be his current residence.
We know him by many names...satan, lucifer, devil, prince of the world, the tempter, the evil one, the enemy, father of lies, thief,and many other similar references. Since he knows what his ultimate fate will be, his only goal is to destroy the lives of as many human beings as possible, before God finally says...We are done.
I think the father of lies and thief may be the best descriptions for satan, given to us by John in his Gospel. As John says, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy." (10:10).
One of the most effective weapons he uses is divisiveness. Just look at how many Christians so often vehemently argue with each other over differences of opinion.
Mahatma Gandhi is said to have studied Christianity intensely but declined to become a follower of Christ because he, "knew so many Christians who were so unlike Christ."
Christians spend so much time and energy debating the differences among Catholics and Protestants that the common focus and beliefs are somehow diminished and marginalized. We then become a vulnerable target for the enemy.
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
This is how we fight the enemy...
Paul says we are engaged in Christian warfare and we must, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. We must pray constantly to our Lord that He will prevent the liar from corrupting our lives and the lives of all people around the world. "In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the devil." (Ephesians 6:16).
Once we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in our hearts, we can then have the confidence of knowing that, " Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ,"No weapon formed against you shall prevail." (Isaiah 54:17).
We know who wins...
God's Word says, "The devil who led them astray was hurled into the pool of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had also been thrown. There they will be tortured day and night, forever and ever." (Revelation 20:10).
But let's keep him from winning so many battles. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
And finally...
As noted in the agreed upon Evangelicals and Catholics Together "ECT" statement in 1994, "Evangelicals must speak the Gospel to Catholics and Catholics to Evangelicals, always speaking the truth in love, so that 'working hard to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . . the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God'" (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13).
"All who truly believe in Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters in the Lord and must not allow their differences, however important, to undermine this great truth, or to deflect them from bearing witness together to God's gift of salvation in Christ."
Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
When it's all said and done, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963).
Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 1:10 "I beg you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree in what you say. Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment."
Let us then always reflect Christ's influence in our lives...at home, at work, at church, and at play.
Let's be like Joshua who said, "If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (24:15). It's an easy decision.
As James put it in his letter, "You are a vapor that appears briefly and then vanishes." (4:14). We need to use what little time we have left in this life to move forward together...in love.
"I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)
"May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:13).
God bless you.
Bobby
roscoe.robson@gmail.com
My dream is for all Christians to be in unity as the Lord desires. As the Second Vatican Council pointed out: "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one Baptism" (Ephesians 4:4-5). For"all you who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ ... for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Galatians 3:27-28).
We know there are obvious differences between Catholics and Protestants in terms of church leadership and theology. However, if we focus on our common beliefs, we would be in a much better position to deal with our common problem...the devil. Simply because we (Christians) attend different churches and have different preachers, priests and pastors does not mean any particular denomination has a more secure path to Heaven than any other true believer in Christ. Unity does not mean uniformity.
My passion for many years has been Ecumenism (Christian Unity). I am currently working on developing a ministry dedicated to that goal. With the proper motivation, "All things are possible for God." We are God's servants and all we have to do is answer His call and begin moving forward...one step at time.
"Genuine ecumenism is not about convincing non-Catholics to become Catholics, or convincing Catholics to become Protestant – or to pretend that we are not Catholic or Protestant. Ecumenism is an attempt for mutual respect and understanding, a quest for members of different traditions and denominations to honor everything that unites them, even as they discuss respectfully the things that divide them. True ecumenism starts with mutual love and respect." Archdiocese of Santa Fe
I see an incredible opportunity to "bridge the gap", not in a spirit to convert each other but in a spirit of cooperating with each other to present a solid witness for unbelievers and to energize the "lukewarm"(maybe the largest group in need).
It occurs to me that now, in this climate of social, political and economic turmoil, is the time for all Christians to come together in prayer: "If My people, upon whom My name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek My presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from Heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14).
Unless we come together in great numbers to get the media and politicians' attention necessary to reverse this Country's self - inflicted death spiral, we Christians are going to have another accountability issue with God on the day of our judgment. It's not only what we do, but what we fail to do, that God will be reviewing with us.
We are facing a "911" situation in our spiritual community and in our Country! This follows decades of moral and spiritual deterioration beginning with the attack on man's fellowship with God in the 60's with respect to the erroneous interpretation of "Separation of Church and State", and the sexual revolution.
In 1973, the biggest assault by satan on mankind occurred: Roe v. Wade. Since then over 50 million babies have been killed in the United States alone...hundreds of millions worldwide. There has never been a greater violation of the Constitution or the Declaration of Independence than this satanic law.
The Bible says there will be no tears in Heaven. I suspect however they are flowing every day in Heaven as thousands of God's little precious ones are being killed each and every day in the United States. "You knit me in my mother's womb." (Psalm 139:13)
The National Day of Prayer instituted by Congress in 1952 and The Week of Prayer For Christian Unity begun in 1908 by an Episcopal Priest and Anglican Vicar...and today sponsored by the World Council of Churches and the Catholic Church are two popular initiatives. However after one day in May or one week in January, momentum fades and is often lost.
As many motivational speakers have said, "Success is not a one day event or a destination but rather a journey." Ecumenism has to be embraced by the masses in order to be successful. We need to have an "ecumenical movement."Irrespective of our differences let's focus on three things we can absolutely agree on: 1. Pro-Life 2. Marriage according to God's will (one man/one woman) 3. Biblical Stewardship (Time, Talent and Treasure)
If tackling 3 issues at once is a little too much, my suggestion is let's have Pro-life as the pivot point of our unifying efforts.
Let's begin with the basic tenets of our Christian faith - where there is no disagreement...
1. We are all on a team with Jesus Christ as our Captain. He is the Son of the Living God who came down from Heaven by the power of the Holy Spirit and became man. The Holy Trinity is One God in Three Persons...God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. God has no beginning and no end.
He is omniscient, omnipotent and omni-present. This is a mystery which as Christians we believe with all our heart and may be explained to us one day after our earthly life is complete.
2. The Bible is God's instruction manual to His children, inspired by Him and absolutely infallible, written by His chosen servants. "All scripture is inspired of God and is useful for teaching - for reproof, correction, and training in holiness so that the man of God may be fully competent and equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16).
3. Jesus Christ suffered, died and was buried. On the third day He rose from the dead and is now seated at the right hand of God the Father. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent us a Helper, the Holy Spirit...to guide and protect us and to be with us always. Christ will come to earth again...at God's appointed time. "The exact time is not yours to know. The Father has reserved that to Himself." (Acts 1:7).
Christ sacrificed Himself for the atonement of mankind's sins...past, present, and future. His supreme sacrifice singularly opened the door to Heaven...allowing every human being, though sinners, through free will, the opportunity to enter into the presence of God and be with Him forever in our next life.
4. The entire Gospel teachings of Christ can be summed up in two commandments. "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength." and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-40) Jesus said this sums up the entire law, and the prophets as well.
5. Paul follows in his letter to the Ephesians which to me is the essence of a Christian's life: "May Christ dwell in your hearts through faith, and may charity (love) be the root and foundation of your life. Thus you will be able to grasp fully, with all the holy ones, the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ's love, and experience this love which surpasses all knowledge, so that you may attain to the fullness of God Himself." (3:17-19).
6. Jesus taught us how to pray: "Our Father who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us...and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen."
7. As Christians we can all agree on the wisdom in this nugget of truth: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not rely on your own understanding. In all things be mindful of Him, and He will direct your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Now let's examine the root of all our problems...
We must recognize that there is an active, powerful enemy of God at work in our midst. In fact he used to be on God's Team. However, he became prideful and haughty, and because of the status he held and the nature of his rebellion, God irrevocably kicked him off the Team. Earth happens to be his current residence.
We know him by many names...satan, lucifer, devil, prince of the world, the tempter, the evil one, the enemy, father of lies, thief,and many other similar references. Since he knows what his ultimate fate will be, his only goal is to destroy the lives of as many human beings as possible, before God finally says...We are done.
I think the father of lies and thief may be the best descriptions for satan, given to us by John in his Gospel. As John says, "The thief comes to kill, steal and destroy." (10:10).
One of the most effective weapons he uses is divisiveness. Just look at how many Christians so often vehemently argue with each other over differences of opinion.
Mahatma Gandhi is said to have studied Christianity intensely but declined to become a follower of Christ because he, "knew so many Christians who were so unlike Christ."
Christians spend so much time and energy debating the differences among Catholics and Protestants that the common focus and beliefs are somehow diminished and marginalized. We then become a vulnerable target for the enemy.
Matthew quotes Jesus in his Gospel, "A kingdom torn by strife is headed for its downfall. A household split into factions cannot last for long." (12:25), and later, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters." (12:30).
This is how we fight the enemy...
Paul says we are engaged in Christian warfare and we must, "Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces but against the principalities and powers, the rulers of this world of darkness, the evil spirits in regions above. You must put on the armor of God if you are to resist on the evil day; do all that your duty requires and hold your ground." (Ephesians 6:11-13).
Every evil in this world is the result of satan's activities. We must pray constantly to our Lord that He will prevent the liar from corrupting our lives and the lives of all people around the world. "In all circumstances hold faith up before you as your shield; it will help you extinguish the fiery darts of the devil." (Ephesians 6:16).
Once we allow the Holy Spirit to indwell in our hearts, we can then have the confidence of knowing that, " Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) and ,"No weapon formed against you shall prevail." (Isaiah 54:17).
We know who wins...
God's Word says, "The devil who led them astray was hurled into the pool of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had also been thrown. There they will be tortured day and night, forever and ever." (Revelation 20:10).
But let's keep him from winning so many battles. "Stay sober and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8).
And finally...
As noted in the agreed upon Evangelicals and Catholics Together "ECT" statement in 1994, "Evangelicals must speak the Gospel to Catholics and Catholics to Evangelicals, always speaking the truth in love, so that 'working hard to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace . . . the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God'" (Ephesians 4:3, 12-13).
"All who truly believe in Jesus Christ are brothers and sisters in the Lord and must not allow their differences, however important, to undermine this great truth, or to deflect them from bearing witness together to God's gift of salvation in Christ."
Pope John Paul II tells us in his 1995 Encyclical on Ecumenism: "In the eyes of the world, cooperation among Christians becomes a form of common Christian witness and a means of evangelization which benefits all involved."
When it's all said and done, "What unites us is much greater than what divides us." (Pope John XXIII in 1963).
Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 1:10 "I beg you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to agree in what you say. Let there be no factions; rather, be united in mind and judgment."
Let us then always reflect Christ's influence in our lives...at home, at work, at church, and at play.
Let's be like Joshua who said, "If it does not please you to serve the Lord, decide today whom you will serve...as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." (24:15). It's an easy decision.
As James put it in his letter, "You are a vapor that appears briefly and then vanishes." (4:14). We need to use what little time we have left in this life to move forward together...in love.
"I pray for those who believe in Me through their word, that all may be one as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You. I pray that they may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." (John 17:21)
"May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all." (2 Corinthians 13:13).
God bless you.
Bobby
roscoe.robson@gmail.com
Thursday, June 8, 2017
Three reasons I attend Mass every Sunday
1. To honor, glorify, and give thanks to God
Psalm 150:6 "Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord! Hallelujah!"
Exodus 20:8 "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath."
Matthew 22:37-38 "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the greatest and the first commandment."
2. To be reminded of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for my sins, offer a penitent heart, and to become one with Him through Holy Communion
Isaiah 53:4-5 "Yet it was our infirmities that He bore, our sufferings that He endured...But He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins."
Luke 18:13 "O God be merciful to me a sinner."
John 6:34 "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day."
3. To go forth after Mass renewed in my faith and zeal, proclaiming the Good News by my actions, attitude and words toward my neighbors
Mark 16:15 "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel."
Romans 12:11 "Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
1 Corinthians 16:13-13 "Be on your guard, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love."
1. To honor, glorify, and give thanks to God
Psalm 150:6 "Let everything that has breath give praise to the Lord! Hallelujah!"
Exodus 20:8 "Remember to keep holy the Sabbath."
Matthew 22:37-38 "You shall love the Lord your God, with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. This is the greatest and the first commandment."
2. To be reminded of Christ's sacrifice on the cross for my sins, offer a penitent heart, and to become one with Him through Holy Communion
Isaiah 53:4-5 "Yet it was our infirmities that He bore, our sufferings that He endured...But He was pierced for our offenses, crushed for our sins."
Luke 18:13 "O God be merciful to me a sinner."
John 6:34 "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life and I will raise him on the last day."
3. To go forth after Mass renewed in my faith and zeal, proclaiming the Good News by my actions, attitude and words toward my neighbors
Mark 16:15 "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel."
Romans 12:11 "Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord."
1 Corinthians 16:13-13 "Be on your guard, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Your every act should be done with love."
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Biblical Consequences of Our Life's Work
Faith, Works, Consequences
Matthew 5:48 “So be perfect just as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
Matthew 6:15 “But if you do not forgive
others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Matthew 7:2 “For as you judge, so will you be judged,
and
the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.”
Matthew 7:13-14, 21 “Enter through the narrow gate; for the
gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter
it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few. Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will
enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father in
Heaven.”
Matthew 12:36-37 “I tell you, on the day of
judgment, people will render an account for every careless word they speak. By
your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Matthew 15:8 “This people honors Me with
their lips but their hearts are far from Me.”
Matthew 16:27 “For the Son of Man will come
with His angels in His Father’s glory, and then He will repay everyone
according to his conduct.”
Matthew 19:30 “But
many who are first will be last, and the last will be first.”
John 5:29 “…all who are in the tombs will hear His voice and come
out, those who have done good deeds to the resurrection but those who have done
wicked deeds to the resurrection of the condemnation.”
John 14:15 “If you love Me you will keep My commandments.”
Romans 2:6-8 “God will repay everyone according to His works: eternal life
to those who seek glory, honor, and immortality through perseverance in good
works, but wrath and fury to those who selfishly disobey the truth and obey
wickedness.”
Romans 2:16 “…God will judge people’s hidden works through Christ
Jesus.”
Romans 14:10, 12 “For we shall all stand before the
judgment seat of God…. Every one of us will have to give an account of himself
before God.”
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 “…the work of each will come to light,
for the Day will disclose it. It will be revealed by fire, and the fire will
test the quality of each one’s work. If the work stands, that someone will
receive a wage. But if someone’s work is burned up, that one will suffer loss;
the person will be saved, but only as through fire.”
2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ, so that one may receive the recompense, according to
what he did in the body, whether good or evil.”
Galatians 6:7 "A man will reap only what he
sows."
Ephesians 2:10 “For we are His handiwork, created in
Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we
should live in them.”
Titus 1:16 “They claim to know God but by their deeds they deny Him.”
Hebrews 10:36 "You need to persevere so that when
you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised."
James 1:26 “For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also
faith without works is dead.”
James 3:13 “Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show his
works by a good life in the humility that comes from wisdom.”
1 Peter 1:16 “Be holy yourselves in every
aspect of your conduct, for it is written, ‘be holy because I am holy.’”
2 John 6 “For this is love, that we walk according to His
commandments; this is the commandment, as you heard from the beginning, in
which you should walk.”
Revelation 14:13 “I heard a voice from Heaven say. ‘Write this: Blessed are
the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Let them find rest from their labors for their works accompany
them.’”
Revelation 21:27 “But nothing unclean will
enter it…(the new Jerusalem Heaven).”
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