[IXOYE quote: "Explain yourself, don't just run around making sniper hit and run shots at people's faiths then hiding and disappearing like the coward as you have done several times. Make an accusation. Supply nothing but the slander. run away. never comment on it again (sic, 27 Sep 2011 18:37:02)]...Is your name serpentdove because you are a snake that hides and eats the doves? Your comments are snotty and unscriptural, or are inappropriate claims from scripture. Very few of what you pasted above supports the words you allot it. [sic]"

[See:  Why Isn't the Apocrypha in the Bible? Did Constantine Decide What Books Belong in the Bible?]  "No! Why would I go see?  If you can't make your own arguments, you don't belong at the adult table. If you want me to debate those resources, get the dang author here so they can be cross examined, and so they can respond to my arguments..."

"...And the people and the colors and the people and the colors..." ~ Sybil 2 Ti 1:7

"You need to grow up, make your own arguments, or simply shut up and stop embarrassing my faith, and my Lord with your hate mongering bigotry..."

Does Holy water make your skin sizzle?

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: [Rejecting Catholicism] "It almost always traces back to a fundamental ignorance of the Church's doctrinal and moral teachings."

Are these teachings from your church moral? You have yet to admit that one is unbiblical. The are all unbiblical.

"You nullify the Word of God by your traditions that you have handed down." (Mark 7:13)

Too bad you hate the word of God (Jn 1:1).

"God does business with those who mean business." ~ Adrian Rogers

See:

Charles Finney: Father of American revivalism

[Too bad you hate the word of God (Jn 1:1)] "Poor serpent can't tell the difference between his interpretations of the Bible, and the Bible itself..."

"Too bad." ~ Seth Brundle, The Fly

"Every verse of the Bible means exactly what the author intended it to mean..." Full text: How to Interpret the Bible by Darrell Ferguson

See:

Hermeneutics

"Leave it to serpent to pick a heretic for a hero. Even his fellow Protestants know better than to endorse Finney-ism!"

I reject Calvinism and Arminianism.

See:

Lyman Beecher: Revivalist who moved with the times

"...[N]ot what serpent claims..."

Get yourself a savior (Mt 6:33). Then, you'll get it (1 Cor 2:14). We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10).

"[S]erpent's interpretations of the Bible are not the word of God."

Being children of the Father, we can understand the word of God (1 Kin. 3:9–12). We fellowship with him. You fear men (Isa 51:12). We fear God (Ps 111:10). He said it that settles it.

We get: joy, peace, encouragement, strength, love, comfort, insight, trust, delight, confidence, assurance, zeal, motivation, passion, desire, drive, rest, refreshment security, patience, fear of God, reverence, awe, satisfaction, fulfillment and amazement--just to name a few--those are the effects of the presence of God.

You would like Christians to stop talking and start believing you (Mt 15:9). Forgiveness is not found in your church. It is found only in God. He (not your church) is the only source of forgiveness (Ps 130:4). You have something better to offer? Ferguson.

See:

Loving God with all your Heart Pt. 8 by Darrell Ferguson (right click, open)

Response to comment [from other]: "Funny you cut that message one vs short you lying eisegetical twit. What does vs 10 say?"

I wrote: "We are saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10)."

You said: "Funny you cut that message one vs short you lying eisegetical twit. What does vs 10 say? [sic]" Eph 4:14.

We love verse 10. We are created unto good works. Get yourself a savior, then your "good" works will matter.

"Do you think if you claim to be superman you can fly?"

When God gives a law he reveals his heart.  There are consequences for disobeying him (Ps 78:10,40; Isa 3:8).

We are fruit inspectors (Mt 7:16). Do they hate the word of God? Jn 1:1.

"If you blow God off. He'll blow you off, too." ~ Doug Giles Jer 6:19, Ps 130:4.

"...[I]f you change your ways now, and repent from them, you too may feel those things."

Experientialism does not save (Jn 4:22). Jesus saves (Isa 45:21,22; 59:16; Ac 4:12)..

In experientialism "...truth is discerned by experience, not accurate interpretation of the Scripture. Signs and wonders, visions, prophecies, voices from God will tell you the truth. Forget the Bible, set the Bible aside, trust your intuition, trust your feelings, trust your experiences. A dangerous epoch that stripped the Bible of its authority. I remember one leader I was dialoguing with said, “I really don't care what the Bible says, I know what Jesus told me...” Full text: Principles for Discernment, Part 3 Grace to You

[v 10 Saved by grace through faith (Eph 2:8-10).] "I know what you wrote..."

You said:  "...[Y]ou cut that message one vs short you lying [sic]..." Eph 4:14.

I included v 10 in the quote.

"...[Y]our mind and your words left out that you are saved for works."

I think he's taken Psychology 101. He called my use of smilies passive aggressive.

"Tell me about your childhood." ~ Thomas Dolby

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: "[S]erpent's interpretations of the Bible are not the word of God..."

Humble yourself and repent before the Lord (Pr 3:34, Acts 2:38–40, Acts 16:30–34). Dead orthodoxy is not the way to life (Jn 7:48, Jn 14:6). Oatmeal has revealed that you don't even know the basics of the Bible. Clearly, you have not studied it (Jer 29:13).

Response to comment [from other]: "At least when he [Cruciform] posts scripture it actually says what he claims it says..."

If that were true, he would be able to provide biblical support for these false teachings (Eph 4:14). His best hope is that you do not read your Bible (Ac 17:11, 1 Tim. 6:3–5).

Response to comment [from other]: "You shouldn't be boasting that he didn't study it, since you didn't even read it."

I have read it. You won't be equipped to do a good thing (2 Ti 3:17) until you obey the gospel of grace (Rom. 10:16; 1 Pet. 4:17).

Response to comment [from other]: [2 Ti 3:17]

Plans and programs do not save. Jesus saves (Isa 63:9; Eph 5:23).

"The church (not yourself) is to prepare you for good works..."

You are not a member of the body of Christ (Rom. 8:6–8; Gal. 6:8; Jas. 4:4). 

"...[Gal 5:6] says theology isn't important but faith working through love. What does that tell your ignorant [loser] self..."

That is the way to live the Christian life.  Love will be the fruit of the Holy Spirit when you become a Christian.

[Rom. 10:16; 1 Pet. 4:17] "...[H]ow can you obey the gospel of Grace."

Believe it (Eph 3:2, 6:15) and see (Ro 11:8; 2 Co 4:3,4).

See:

A Scriptural Response to: Biblical Evidence or Catholics St. Joseph Communication

[2 Ti 3:17: Plans and programs do not save. :olinger: Jesus saves (Isa 63:9; Eph 5:23).] "I showed how it doesn't say what you claimed."

You are not a "man of God".

"...[M]an of God. A technical term for an official preacher of divine truth...Capable of doing everything one is called to do (cf. Col. 2:10). thoroughly equipped. Enabled to meet all the demands of godly ministry and righteous living. The Word not only accomplishes this in the life of the man of God but in all who follow him (Eph. 4:11–13)." MacArthur, John Jr: The MacArthur Study Bible. electronic ed. Nashville : Word Pub., 1997, c1997, S. 2 Ti 3:17

First trust scripture (2 Ti 3:16).

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

God gave us Scriptures for a particular reason: our growth in grace. It teaches us the truth about God, corrects us when we’re wrong, and explains how to grow so that we can become effective ambassadors for Jesus.

What the Bible says About the Importance of the Scriptures...[T]he Bible applies to all men and women in every culture, in every age, in every walk of life. It is God’s supernatural manual that alone reveals the mind and ways of God so that humankind may know and experience His blessings.

The Bible is God’s written record of His works through the ages. It provides substantial evidence of His nature, plan, and purposes so that we can confidently place our faith in Him. Because of the Bible, we are not left to archaeological, historical, or theological guesswork. We can know, for “it is written.”

Because the Bible is inspired (God-breathed) it is life’s final and ultimate authority. The Bible is the “last word” on issues pertaining to God and His ways. No individual, institution, or organization can supersede the authority of Scripture.

That is exactly why we are admonished not to add to or take away from the Scriptures (Rev. 22:18, 19). They perfectly express the decrees and judgments of almighty God. The Bible is authoritative because it is the truth: “The entirety of Your word is truth” (Ps. 119:160). The Bible is also God’s guide to salvation and wise living: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105).

Through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Bible enlightens each individual to recognize personal sin, the need for salvation, and the best possible life course. Without the Bible informing and illumining us, we would be hopelessly unable to know and follow the true and living God.

When we say, “Oh, I just wish I could hear God speak to me!” we have forgotten that He has spoken and still speaks through His Word. God is not silent. He has spoken, and He has done so in the Bible, the “oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2; Heb. 5:12).

The Bible is also profitable and nourishing. It provides us with an advantage in every department of life—family, business, and social relationships. It is profitable because it reflects the wisdom of God; when we abide by its teachings, we are blessed. As we meditate and consider its truth, our spirits and souls find nourishment; we become established and enriched in every experience of life by living according to God’s perspective.

The Bible is the book for everyone. It is revelation, inspiration, and communication of the Person and plan of the eternal, living, and powerful God." Stanley, Charles F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible : New King James Version. Nashville, TN : Nelson Bibles, 2005, S. 2 Ti 3:16-17

"First off, a sincere thanks for actually saying something for a change. This is [a] conversation."

You love me, you really love me (1 Jn 3:14).

See:

Loving God with all your Heart Pt. 9b by Darrell Ferguson

[You are not a "man of God" technical term (2 Ti 3:17)] "I've admitted this more than once on here, and to be fair, neither are you."

I know the word of God (Ps 119:11) and the path that leads to life (Ps 16:11, Jn 14:6). What do you know?
 

"[M]an produced definition..."

Better check for yourself (Ac 17:11). Get back to basics (Jude 3).

See:

Charles Spurgeon: Finest nineteenth-century preacher

"[Y]ou will no longer sin, not no longer be charged with sin, bit no longer capable of sinning, 1 Jn 3:6."

It would seem that you are capable. You reject the gospel of grace (2 Thess 1:8).

See:

Works vs. Faith

"The vs says the church prepares you for works of service..."

"Part of the church's job [is] to help them get active with their gifts."

Wonder twins activate--form of zombie. 2 Tim. 4:3, 4, Jn 12:40

"...[G]rowth to the full maturity of Christ comes through works..."

You have yet to remove your dirty diapers (Isa 61:10, Col 3:10).

"...[M]aturity comes through works."

Repent (Eze 18:30-32; Ac 17:30). Then we can talk about what a super duper Christian you are.

"...[W]hy did Jesus send apostles and disciples and not Bible copies..."

Jesus warned about his own followers (Mt 24:5).

See:

False Christs

False Prophets

"The leaders of the church are called to be priests..."

Every believer is a priest.

See:

Is the priesthood of all believers biblical? Does the New Testament teach that there should be a formal priesthood?

What does it mean that Jesus and believers are living stones in 1 Peter 2:4-5? How can a stone be alive?

What does 1 Peter 2:9 mean when it refers to believers as peculiar people?

"[Y]ou don't' know what you are talking about..."

Ad hominem

"...[Y]ou've misrepresented his word..."

Proof please.

"You didn't address the fact that If you are in Him, or Him in you, if you are Born of God, Born of Him, you can't sin."

"I've never claimed to be Born of God yet, because scripture describes in these vs that I'm not."

And you don't fit the bill (1 Jn 3:14, Jer 9:23-24).

"[Y]our scripturally bereft, unloving, unlovable act."

Truth is hate to those who hate the truth (Enyart). Ac 20:20.

"The teachers of the Church are to prepare the people for works of service..."

Not the false teachers (Ga 1:6-8, Mt 15:9, Eph 4:14).

"...Through works you become united..."

Your work is deceiving (Isa 51:12, Ga 1:6-8, Eph 4:14).

"...[Y]ou are the one claiming superiority here, not me."

Elite alert

The Pharisees also hated sinners who were saved by the grace of God. They hated Jesus for loving them. You're too good to be saved.

See:

George Frideric Handel: Composer of Messiah

"The Bible also says something about punishment for those that change the word of God."

These traditions will come up again. "You nullify the Word of God by your traditions that you have handed down." (Mark 7:13)

"If you want me to debate GOTquestions.org bring them to the forum. They have a file on record of me correcting them already."

You're so much cooler online (Brad Paisley).

"You can scroll back and lick any instance I showed the vs to nkt match your claims [sic]."

You're not that interesting (Mt 7:6).

Recommended reading:

He's Just Not That Into You: Your Daily Wake-Up Call by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo

[We have yet the remains of sin in us (Ro 7:17,23; Ga 5:17). "[N]ot if you are filled with the Spirit indwelling you."

Too bad your own righteousness (Lk 16:15; 18:9) can't save you and your "good" works are filthy rags (Isa 64:6).

[W]hy you only participate in "we hate Catholics" threads."

We care about the lost which is why we tell them the truth (Ac 20:20).

See:

Roman Catholicism

Vid. Catholicism vs Christianity by Mike Gendron

"[Y]ou position yourself behind man made teachings..."

Christians have fellowship with one another ( Psa. 55:14; Psa. 119:63; Amos 3:3; Mal. 3:16; Matt. 17:4; Matt. 20:25–28; Matt. 23:8; Mark 10:42–45; Luke 22:32; Luke 24:13–15; John 13:34; John 15:12; John 17:11, 21–23; Acts 1:14; Acts 2:1, 42, 44–47; Acts 17:4; Acts 20:35; Rom. 1:12; Rom. 14:1–4, 10, 13–16, 18–21; Rom. 15:1–7; 1 Cor. 1:10; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 1 Cor. 12:13; 1 Cor. 16:19, 20; Gal. 2:9; Gal. 6:2, 10; Eph. 2:14–22; Eph. 5:2, 19, 30; Phil. 1:3, 5, 27; Phil. 2:1, 2; Col. 2:2; Col. 3:16; 1 Thess. 4:18; 1 Thess. 5:11, 14; Heb. 3:13; Heb. 10:24, 25; Heb. 13:1; Jas. 5:16; 1 Pet. 2:17; 1 Pet. 3:8, 9; 1 John 1:3, 7; 1 John 3:14; 1 John 4:7, 8, 11–13).

"Did I not clearly explain the circle of trust to you?" ~ Jack Byrnes, Meet the Parents

"I claim I am not indwelled by the spirit, because I have a sinful nature still. I am not born of God yet because I still sin, all of those vs, I have faced the truth and accepted it. I live in the truth of my failure..."

Know thyself. What will your next sockpuppet account be? How 'bout Mothera.

[Ranting]

You do not have a biblical worldview.

Understand the spirit of antichrist (1 Jn 4:2-6).

See:

The Jesus test, the gospel test, and the fruit test  

"I worry you are literally possessed and not in control of yourself."

Who is this?

["My sperm cells are mine (Gamera)." ] "It's hard to believe, you, were the strongest swimmer."

Do you not know the Lord (1 Jn 4:-6). 

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error [1 John 4:6].

"I used to tell the people of my church that I use the Bible as a Geiger counter. A Geiger counter tells you whether or not there is uranium there in the rocks and in the soil. So I just run the Geiger counter over the congregation, and the Bible is what I use—it’s my Geiger counter. I want to tell you, God’s children will always respond to it. That was my confidence as a pastor, and that is my confidence as I write this book: God’s people are going to hear. And, my friend, I do not expect the other crowd to hear. If they don’t want to hear it, all they have to do is close this book. The Christian ministry does not depend upon them for support; God’s people are to support God’s work. After all, the ark of the covenant was carried on the shoulders of the priests of Israel. The ark speaks of Christ, and if we are to take Him to the world, we must carry Him on our shoulders. The supreme encouragement of the ministry is to know that God’s children will hear you. The elect cannot permanently be deceived. Christ said it is not possible to deceive the elect.

John was sure of who the Lord Jesus was. He could say, “And the Word was made [became] flesh, and dwelt [pitched His tent] among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). Then John gave us the purpose of his gospel: “And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name” (John 20:30–31). John had indubitable, indestructible, inevitable evidence that Jesus was who He claimed to be. John knew that, and that is something we need to be a little more sure of today."
McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1981, S. 5:804

See:

PlastikBuddah Eph 4:14

"[Ranting] ...I would be happy to debate..."

Who is this?

See:

PlastikBuddah Eph 4:14

Who is this?

See:

PlastikBuddah Eph 4:14

"And next time you cut and paste..."

You'd like Christian testimonies to go away. Am I right? Jn 13:34–35

"Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, … but he who destroys a good book kills reason itself." ~ John Milton

See:

John Milton: Puritan author of Paradise Lost

There there IXOYE, PB, Gamara, Taikoo, ThermalCry, Samstarrett--whatever your name is this month. The god-haters have loved you through all your identities. Anyone can check your reprobate friends list --pagan this and atheist that--you must be so proud when they scurry out of the woodwork to defend you (Rev. 22:11, 15). You've tried more left than right; more right than left; Catholic, other, Christian--but you'll always be PB antichrist to me.

See:

PlastikBuddah Eph 4:14

"Mr. Knight, I give you permission to verify I am not any names mentioned and not only give you permission to divulge that information, but plead for the verification."

You'll be more charming as Mothera (Ro 3:13).

"...[R]ewriter of Scripture that you are..."

"[Y]ou repeatedly hang yourself in ignorance is free entertainment. Were you trained for it? Or is it natural?"

As long as it makes sense to you. Is your sin catching up to you? Isa 30:1

"Edited from wiki, selected parts..."

You don't hate "cut and pastes" that agree with you. Mt 7:3-5; Lk 13:14,15

[Ranting]

Have we met?

"Your intellectual inferiority must be embarrassing yiu tremendously."

You've said.

"I don't cut and paste other people's arguments."

Just "wiki".

"I cut and pasted an educational piece..."

As long as the "cut and paste" agrees with you... Eph 4:14

"You post other's opinions that support your bigotry..."

Why do you hate links to Christian authors? 1 John 2:18-29; 4:1-6; 2 John 1:7-11

[Wikipedia] "...[A] piece of information derived and edited down from medical documents..."

Most professors will not accept Wikipedia as a source in college.

"[Y]ou really should stop using that vs until you understand how it is used in context..."

Let's ask the God-hater what it means (1 John 2:18-29; 4:1-6; 2 John 1:7-11).

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: ""God-hater" = "Anyone who dares to contradict serpent's theological preferences and opinions"

"You keep using that word. I do not think it means, what you think it means." ~ Inigo Montoya

[Hermeneutics] "Another non-answer by serpent."

If you don't care about hermeneutics.

If you don't care about serpent's "hermeneutics."

Who cares about my hermeneutic? Pr 1:22, 29. Use your own mind (Prov. 1:7). You don't need a middleman (Isa 51:12).

You cannot be saved until you understand the gospel of grace (Ezr 7:25, Gen. 15:6; Gen. 20:6; Deut. 7:6–9; Deut. 9:4–6; Job 10:12; Job 22:2, 3; Psa. 94:17–19; Psa. 138:3; Psa. 143:11; Dan. 9:18; Dan. 10:18, 19; John 6:44, 45; John 17:11, 12, 15; Acts 4:29, 30; Acts 26:22; Rom. 3:22–24; Rom. 4:4, 16; Rom. 5:2, 6–8, 15–21; Rom. 9:10–16; Rom. 11:5, 6; 1 Cor. 1:4–8; 1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Cor. 15:10; 2 Cor. 1:12; Gal. 1:14, 16; Eph. 1:5–9, 11, 12; Eph. 2:8, 9; Eph. 3:16; Eph. 4:7; Eph. 6:10; Phil. 1:19; Phil. 2:13; 1 Thess. 1:1 1 Thess. 5:28; 2 Pet. 1:2; 1 Tim. 1:14; 2 Tim. 1:1, 9; Tit. 3:7; 1 Pet. 1:5; 1 Pet. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:10; Jude 1, 21, 24, 25; Rev. 3:10).

See:

Audio Pt 7a, 7b, From the Series: Loving God with all your Heart by Dr. Darrell Ferguson (right click, open)

Response to comment [from "other"]: [Ranting] 

Looks like you've gotten yourself banned. Catch ya on the flippity flip. Pick Mothera.

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: [You don't need a middleman (Isa 51:12).] "Then we don't need you..."

You need to believe and obey the gospel of grace (Ro 10:16).

"Amen..."

Amen means we agree.  We do not (Jude 11).

"...as we all do."

"We have different authorities, we believe different gospels, we worship different Christs, we are led by different spirits and we are on different paths to eternity. Compare this with the unity the apostle Paul described with those who are in one body and one ......Spirit, with one hope; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, on God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all (Eph 4:4-6)..." Full text: No Idolatry & False Teaching

[Mike Gendron, Roman Catholic over 30 years] "[H]e had no genuine understanding of Catholic doctrine or practice to begin with..."

Tell us where he is wrong.

"Roman Catholics declare that their church is the one true church founded upon Peter 2000 years ago. They say their bishops are successors of the apostles, yet none of them meet the biblical requirements (Acts 1:21-22). From the Word of God, we know that the true church is made up of all who were:

• chosen by the Father (2 Thes. 2:13),
• sanctified by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 6:11),
• redeemed by the Son (Gal. 3:13) and
• purified by His blood (1 John 1:7)

This church submits to Christ as its Head and His Word as the authority (Col. 1:18; Luke 4:32). Each member of this church is already enrolled in heaven because they have been sealed with the Holy Spirit who is a deposit guaranteeing their eternal inheritance (Heb. 12:23; Eph. 1:13-14). They worship God in Spirit and Truth, pray to God alone and die with the assurance of being in the presence of their Savior.

The Roman Catholic Church is made up of all who:

• were baptized by a priest (CCC, para. 818)
• were sanctified by the sacrament of water baptism (CCC, 2813).
• are being redeemed by the Sacrifice of the Mass (CCC, 1405) and are
• purified by purgatory (CCC, 1472).

The Roman Catholic Church can indeed trace its roots to the church Christ established. However, as it departed from the Word of God and began following traditions of men, it became more and more corrupt. It now submits to its head, the pope, who stole the title "Head of the Church" from Jesus. Rome condemns with anathema anyone who does not embrace the "infallible dogmas" of the church. None of the members of this church are promised eternal life in heaven. They submit to what they believe to be three equal authorities: the Magisterium of Bishops, Tradition and Scripture. Catholics worship the Eucharist, pray to Mary and the Saints and die with a hope of making it to the purging fire of an unbiblical purgatory after they die. These are two different churches on two different paths to two different destinies. One is apostolic, the other is apostate. One contends for the faith, the other has departed from the faith (1 Tim. 4:1)." Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries Newsletter Vol 20 No. 3

Also see:

Vid. Catholicism vs Christianity by Mike Gendron

"You don't agree that "we all need to believe and obey the gospel of grace"...?"

Roman Catholics teach a gospel of works (Ga 1:7). Christians teach the gospel of grace (Ac 14:3; 20:32).

"Catholic teaching: The sacraments are necessary for salvation. Catholic teachings state that the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation, Communion, Penance, Matrimony and the Anointing the Sick are needed to go to heaven.

Catholic teaching: Doing good deeds throughout your life will save you from hell.

Bible: Salvation is a gift of grace from God. Being good, doing good works, or fulfilling the sacraments will not save you from eternity in hell. Only by faith will you be saved. Follow the Bible which is God's Word and not the teachings of man. Good works come after you are saved as a showing of Christ's love in us..." Full text: Works vs Faith

"If the Catholic Church is indeed Christ's historic Church, then she is superior to all other claimants to that status..."

Your claim is a false.

"...[L]et’s examine the Roman Catholic claim that it is the “first church.” Nowhere in the New Testament will you find the “one true church” doing any of the following: praying to Mary, praying to the saints, venerating Mary, submitting to a pope, having a select priesthood, baptizing an infant, observing the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper as sacraments, or passing on apostolic authority to successors of the apostles. All of these are core elements of the Roman Catholic faith. If most of the core elements of the Roman Catholic Church were not practiced by the New Testament Church (the first church and one true church), how then can the Roman Catholic Church be the first church?" Full text: What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church? Is the church that is the oldest necessarily the most right ...

"...[B]ut not what serpent claims it means."

Truth is truth independent from me (Ac 5:29, Mt 15:9).

"Truth is truth independent from me."

You removed the scripture from my quote. It is what you do (Eph 4:14). Truth is truth independent from me (Ac 5:29, Mt 15:9).

"...Then we can simply go on ignoring your personal preferences and theological opinions..."

Isn't that what you do every day? Even in your rebellion you prove that the Bible is true (Isa 53:1; Ro 10:15,16).

Response to comment [from a "Christian"]: [Ranting]

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is SerpentDove.

[Ranting]

I won't take you more seriously than you take yourself.

Response to comment [from a "Christian"]: "Do you have special needs?"

Do you have something against those with special needs? 1 Cor 1:27

[What is the Most Trustworthy Authority for Knowing the Truth? Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries] "...Long before a church council formally recognized the canon, the books were received and recognized as being the inspired Word of God. They were functioning with supreme and complete authority in matters of faith and doctrine. To separate the inspired writings from other spurious writings and place them into one volume was the task given to Christians who were already converted to Christ through the Word (1 Pet. 1:23). Therefore it was the Bible that gave birth to the church, not the church that gave birth to the Bible..." Full text: What is the Most Trustworthy Authority for Knowing the Truth? Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries

Response to comment [from a Catholic]: "...or vice versa..."

God's word is the final word.  

[Two Competing Authorities Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries] "Roman Catholics argue that the reason there are over 25,000 Protestant denominations is because there is no infallible Protestant interpreter to teach the Bible correctly. They contend that there is no unity, only divisions, among the churches and denominations that submit to "Sola Scriptura." We need to correct this misunderstanding with the truth. The denominations that submit to "Sola Scriptura" are much more unified than religious institutions and cults that submit to the "Bible plus an infallible interpreter." Mormons and Catholics, who both use the "Bible plus an infallible interpreter" system do not refer to one another as brothers-in-Christ but exclude one another as heretics. On the other hand, most denominations in the "Sola Scriptura" camp would definitely refer to one another as brothers. In fact, if we were to randomly select five denominations that submit to "Sola Scriptura" and compare them with five that submit to the "Bible plus and infallible interpreter" as the rule of faith, the former group would be much more unified than the latter. True unity is found whenever it is centered on the true Gospel." Two Competing Authorities Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries

"God's word" (i.e., Scripture and Tradition) as interpreted in the authoritative teachings of Christ's historic Church..."

False premise

See:

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church?

[Paul Encouraged Private Interpretation Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries] "The apostle Paul, who wrote more than half the New Testament, understood Scripture to be the final and supreme authority in matters of faith. In his letter to the churches of Galatia, he encourages every believer to use private judgment in discerning truth from error. He warns readers not to believe anyone who comes preaching a gospel that is different from the one already delivered by the apostles (Gal. 1:6-9). Since the original Gospel is completely contained in Scripture, it must be every Christian's standard for making private judgments (1 Cor. 15:1-4). Paul includes himself and even angels from heaven as "religious authorities" that must be tested for veracity. Every man's teaching, whether it be popes, bishops, pastors, evangelists or faith healers, must conform to the written Word of God. If it does not conform, it must be rejected. We know that the books of the New Testament were not addressed to bishops but, in most cases, to individual saints. Paul said, "by the manifestation of truth we commend ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God" (2 Cor. 4:2). If we take Paul seriously, we will engage in private judgment and interpretation of God's Word to test the authenticity of any religious teachers (Acts 17:11). Those who do not heed his exhortation risk the fatal mistake of following false teachers and turning from Jesus." Paul Encouraged Private Interpretation Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries

"...Post #459..."

Your trust is misplaced and your arguments are self-refuting. Trust God's word (2 Tim. 2:15; Jas. 1:18).

[Are "Infallible" Interpreters Trustworthy? Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries] "Roman Catholics claim that anyone who studies church history and the early church will lead them to the "one true church" of Rome. However, for anyone to rely on their own interpretation to come to any such conclusion goes against the very teaching of Roman Catholicism. According to Rome, we cannot trust our own ability to understand and interpret Matthew 16:18 and church history. So if this is true, how can anyone be sure that God's infallible interpreter is Roman Catholicism? In other words, how can a Catholic know his religion is infallible when he must rely on his fallible interpretation to arrive at that conclusion? Every "infallible interpreter" claims you cannot understand Scripture and church history without their help. Eastern Orthodox, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses all make the same claim. Therefore, if we were to choose one of the "infallible interpreters" over the others, how can we possibly know we have made the right choice? Furthermore, if we make the wrong choice, we risk eternal damnation for trusting an "infallible" interpreter rather than our own judgment of what the infallible Word of God says." Are "Infallible" Interpreters Trustworthy? Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries

"Post #467..."

God doesn't ask you to violate logic. He doesn't ask you to check your brains at the door (Isa 1:18). Love him with all your mind (Eph 1:17).

[Rome Forbids Private Interpretation Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries] "Some Catholics may argue that their religion does not forbid private interpretation of Scripture. However, when the truth of God's Word began setting thousands of people free from the bondage of religious deception, Rome tried to prevent access to the truth. The 16th Century Council of Trent gathered the Bishops of the Catholic Church together to counter the Reformation. The Bishops not only placed the Bible on the list of forbidden books, but also outlawed private interpretation of Scriptures. From the 4th Session of the Council we read, "In order to restrain petulant spirits, it decrees, that no one, relying on his own skill, shall, in matters of faith, and of morals pertaining to the edification of Christian doctrine, wresting the sacred Scripture to his own senses, presume to interpret the said sacred Scripture contrary to that sense which holy mother Church, whose it is to judge of the true sense and interpretation of the holy Scriptures." The Second Vatican Council restated the dogma this way: "The task of authentically interpreting the word of God, whether written or handed on, has been entrusted exclusively to the living teaching office of the Church." The Council went on to pronounce: "The way of interpreting Scripture is subject finally to the judgment of the Church, which carries out the divine commission and ministry of guarding and interpreting the word of God" (Dei Verbum, II, 10 and III,12). Rome Forbids Private Interpretation Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries

[ False premise] "No, rather a true conclusion."

No so.  

See:

What was the first / original church? Is the original / first church the true church?

[Principles of Interpretation Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries] "Christians must become serious students of the Bible to avoid being deceived by religious teachers. In doing so, we need to follow some important principles of interpretation. Always approach the study of God's Word with a teachable spirit and a desire to be taught by the Holy Spirit, our most trustworthy teacher (1 John 2:27). We must interpret passages literally unless they were written in a figurative or allegorical sense. It is important to observe the context for each verse and seek to understand the writer's intent and the historical and cultural setting in which the events took place. It is always wise to compare Scripture with Scripture and interpret each passage consistent with God's complete revelation. Difficult passages can be cleared up by comparing other passages that relate to the same subject. By studying word meanings and grammar carefully and consulting the original languages, we can gain a deeper understanding of a passage." Principles of Interpretation Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries

[Ps 138:2] "...[Y]ou're trying to use this as a proof text for sola scriptura..."

The Bible is true (Mt 16:18). The scriptures work effectually for those who believe (1 Th 2:13).

[One Infallible Authority Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries] "There is no higher authority than almighty God who speaks only the truth and cannot lie (Titus 1:2). He inspired the Scriptures to reveal Himself to mankind through Jesus Christ as Creator, Lord and Savior. Since Jesus Christ is the personification of truth and His Word is truth (John 14:6; 17:17), why would anyone choose to look anywhere else for truth? Scripture must be the supreme and infallible authority in all that it reveals."

Application for Christians: "The prevailing tendency in the church today is to avoid confrontation and just be "positive." This is no way to contend against "infallible interpreters" who masquerade as ministers of righteousness (1 Tim. 1:8). Their clever counterfeit gospels appear genuine to the undiscerning and are deceiving millions. It is the duty of every Christian to know, proclaim, guard, defend and pass on the truth of God's word to the next generation (1 Tim. 6:20-21). To allow error to go unabated is to be unmoved by the truth. Christians who simply proclaim truth without confronting error could be endorsing errors that are covered with a veneer of truth. Subtle errors give birth to fatal errors unless they are exposed and confronted. As false teachers become more subtle in their propagation of error, truth must be proclaimed with greater clarity!

We know God does not try to confuse anyone about life's most critical issue - "What must I do to be saved?" However, to avoid being confused or deceived by religious teachers, we must put away any Catholic or Protestant tradition or teaching that opposes His inspired authoritative Word!" One Infallible Authority Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries

Sola scriptura vs. Magisterium: What Did Jesus Teach?