God does not. Trust God and his word.
God asks nothing of you but to believe (Ga
3:6,
Mt 11:29). See:
What is sola scriptura?
Scripture vs Tradition
Ten-Step Refutation of Sola Scriptura
Response to comment [from a Catholic]: [Sola Scriptura]
Men lie (Eph
4:14).
God does not. Trust God and his word.
God asks nothing of you but to believe (Ga
3:6,
Mt 11:29).
See:
What is sola scriptura?
Scripture vs Tradition
You do not have a biblical
worldview.
See:
What is a Biblical Worldview
Hermeneutics
Recommended Reading:
What Christians Believe at a Glance (Rose Bible
Basics)
Orthodoxy and Heresy in Earliest Christianity by
Walter Bauer
"That's what I thought---no substantive answer..."
There is truth (historical, biblical Christianity) and
there is error. You teach error (Mt
15:9,
Ga 1:6-8).
"That's what I thought---no substantive answer..."
The scriptures are full and
sufficient (Lk
16:29,31)
an unerring guide (Pr
6:23;
2 Pe 1:19) able to make wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2
Ti 3:15). If you'd like to be relevant,
trust Christ (Eph
3:12).
He has big plans for you once you are saved (Titus
1:15).
[The scriptures
are full and sufficient...] "Already categorically refuted"
If you place
human reason
over revelation.
Scripture should be compared with scripture (not man's opinion
) (1
Co 2:13).
God gets the glory
not your Pope (Mt
6:16).
[A Life-Changing Encounter:
Isa 6:1–7] "Isaiah’s
whole life changed when he saw the majestic Lord seated on His heavenly throne.
His awesome vision of God pierced him to the very core and prompted him to cry
out, “I am a man of unclean lips .… For my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of
hosts” (6:5).
You will never deal effectively with your sin without first realizing who God
is. When you study His Word and begin to grasp His holiness, a deep reverence
for Him grows in your heart. You, like Isaiah, are humbled before Him and
realize that you fall far short of His holiness. Yet before discouragement can
creep in, you also realize that God loves you deeply.
Through Jesus’ death on the cross, God takes away your sins and shows you His
amazing love. The crucifixion and resurrection are the beautiful visions God
gives you of His awesome holiness and majesty.
See the Life Principles Index for further study:
4. The awareness of God’s presence energizes us for our work.
15. Brokenness is God’s requirement for maximum usefulness." Stanley, Charles
F.: The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible : New King James Version.
Nashville, TN : Nelson Bibles, 2005, S.
Is 6:1-7
"[If...] Unless you're going to engage with some specific point of the OP, you really have nothing substantive to offer here."
I wrote more than "If...".
The scriptures are full and sufficient (Lk
16:29,31)
an unerring guide (Pr
6:23;
2 Pe 1:19) able to make
wise unto salvation through faith in Christ Jesus (2
Ti 3:15). Church affiliation does not save.
Jesus saves (Isa
45:21,22;
59:16;
Ac 4:12).
Then did they spit in his face, and buffeted
him; and others smote him with the palms of their hands,
Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee? [Matt.
26:66–68].
"How they hated the Lord Jesus! This is the natural antagonism of the human
heart to His goodness, His righteousness, His holiness, and the fact that He is
God. Do you realize, my friend, that if you and I had only our old natures, we
would try to knock God off His throne? A few years ago a crowd was saying that
God was dead! Do you know why they said that? Because they would like to get Him
off His throne. Human nature hates Him.
Here in the Sanhedrin He was slapped, spit upon, beaten with fists, and
ridiculed.
“Saying, Prophesy unto us, thou Christ, Who is he that smote thee?” They played
a game with Him. They apparently blindfolded Him, then hit Him on the face, and
He was to guess who did it. They would never have let Him guess right, of
course."
McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas
Nelson, 1997, c1981, S. 4:2
[I wrote more than "If..."] "Doesn't matter. Unless you're going to engage with some specific point..."
The word of God has many points to make (2
Tim. 3:15). Which one in particular would you
like to discuss? God's word can be trusted (Jas
1:18). Where do you think "Catholic guilt"
comes from?
"The person and gospel of Jesus Christ--building on simple "Jesus loves me, this
know, for the bible tells me so"-- is the only answer to the false and
destructive images and ideas
that control the life of those away from God. The process of spiritual formation
in Christ is one of progressively replacing those destructive images and ideas
with the images and ideas that filled the mind of Jesus himself.
We thereby come increasingly to see "the light of the gospel of the glory of
Christ, who is the image of God" (2
Corinthians 4:4, NRSV)...
[T]he contrast between the idea system of humanity and the idea system of God is
very sharp, because their fundamental assumptions (about who God is and who we
are) are totally different. Thus the prophet Isaiah speaks: "My thoughts are not
your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, " declares the Lord. 'For as the
heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My
thoughts than you thoughts." (Isaiah
55:8-9)." Willard pg. 101-102.
[I wrote more than "The..."
] "Unless you're going to engage with some
specific point ..."
The word of God has a lot to say (2
Tim. 3:15).
"What is more unlike humans than to treat all kinds of people with equal truth
and love? The ideas and images that govern unredeemed humanity make it
impossible, except in highly selective circumstances and in very recent
societies strongly influenced by Jesus and his followers. Paul knew we can only
escape being conformed to a fallen humanity by receiving the mind of Christ
himself (1` Corinthians 2:16;
Philippians 2:5).
Spiritual formation in Christ moves toward a total interchange of our ideas and
images for his.
How is that to come about? Two other factors in our thought life can be used by
God to break the power of the toxic system of ideas and images
that make us "dead to God." And after he has implanted new life from above in us
by Word and Spirit,
we can (and must) also begin to take initiative in progressively retaking the
whole of our thought life for God' kingdom. His grace will accompany us every
step of the way... (pg. 102, Willard)."
["......."] "Unless you're going to engage with some specific point..."
I wrote more than "........".
Why do you believe Roman Catholics
kept the word of God from the common man?
See:
Reformation Time Line
"Failure to know what God is really like and what his law requires destroys the
soul, ruins society, and leaves people to eternal ruin: "My people are destroyed
for lack of knowledge" (Hosea
4:6, NRSV), and "A people without understanding comes to ruin" (Hosea
4:14, NRSV). This is the tragic condition of Western culture today, which
has put away the information about God that God himself has made available.
Accordingly, the first task of Jesus in his earthly ministry was to proclaim
God: to inform those around him of the availability of eternal life from
God through himself. He make it clear that by placing their confidence in
himself, "believing on him," they could immediately enter into eternal life
enjoyed by those in "he kingdom of the heaven." This is basic information for
human life. It was then and is now (pg. 103, Willard)."
[Already addressed..."]
The gospel is one of grace not works (Ac
14:3;
20:32).
"The gospel of Jesus directly repudiates all false information about God and
therewith, about the meaning of human life; and it works to undermine the power
of those ideas and images that structure life away from God. But for it to have
this effect we must use our ability to think...
[I]t undermines false or misleading ideas and images as well. It reveals their
falseness to those who wish to know. It is a powerful gift of God to be used in
the service of truth...
Here is Martin Luther thinking and standing in the power of God before his
examiners at Worms: "Unless I am convicted by Scripture and plain reason--I do
not accept the authority of popes
and councils, for they have contradicted each other
--my
conscience is captive to the Word of God.
I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither
right nor safe. God help me. Amen." The earliest printed version of his
statement added the famous words: "Her I stand, I cannot do otherwise."" Willard
pg. 104.
[The...] "Already answered..."
I wrote more than "The...".
God is not a wafer (1 Ki 8:27).
Get to know him in
his word.
"As Thomas Watson beautifully wrote long ago:
The first fruit of love is the musing of the mind upon God (Ps 139:18, Ps
10:4)...
A sinner crowds God out of his thoughts. He never thinks of God, unless with
horror, as the prisoner thinks of the judge...
To think of God as he is, one cannot but lapse into worship; and worship is the
single most powerful force in completing and sustaining restoration in the whole
person. It puts into abeyance every evil tendency in every dimension of the
self. It naturally arises from thinking rightly of God on the basis of revealed
trust confirmed in experience...(Willard, 107)."
See:
Which Jesus will you Trust?
"I've already said what needs saying in my posts..."
All say no play
(Mark
13:21–23,
Eph 4:14).
"The constant character of the will apart from God is duplicity--or, more accurately, fragmentation and multiplicity. It wills many things and they cannot be reconciled with each other. Turned away from God, thought and feeling fall into chaos...
[T]his complexity may go unrecognized or unacknowledged...
When we come to reflect more deeply, however, we realize that a choice or act of will is not simple...The understandings, feelings, and purposes that enter into it may be highly complicated, as are the degrees of strength with which it is taken, as well as the other motivations and actions and choices to which it is related. It is rich for the play of good or of evil.
In a condition of alienation from God, the complexity of the human will moves irresistibly toward duplicity, not just in the harmless sense of "doubleness," but in the sense of deception. This is the result of pretending to feel and think one way while acting in another (Willard, pg. 147)."
A
quick ten-step
refutation against Jesus
(Jn
1:1,
Rev. 3:14–22).
[Living On The Edge of Apostasy Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "One of the
greatest mysteries in life is how anyone could come to a knowledge of the Lord
Jesus Christ and then depart from Him. Judas is the classic example of an
apostate - one who abandons the faith he once held. Judas walked and lived with
the Son of God for over three years, a royal privilege granted to only 11
others. Yet after witnessing the Messiah's sinless life, seeing His miracles,
experiencing His divine power and hearing His profound wisdom, Judas betrayed
Him. It was during the celebration of the Passover meal that Judas deliberately
defected from the faith of the apostles and sealed his eternal destiny in the
lake of fire (Mat.
26:24-25)." Full text:
Living On The Edge of Apostasy
[2 Thess. 2:15]
False tradition is to be rejected (Gal.
1:6–8,Matt.
15:9,
Jude 3).
Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the
traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle [2
Thess. 2:15].
"Paul is referring to what he had taught them when he was with them. It is the
Word which enables the believer to stand and be stable." McGee, J. Vernon: Thru
the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1981, S.
5:417
[1 Cor. 11:2]
Now I praise you,
brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I
delivered them to you [1
Cor. 11:2].
"Up to this point he had said, “I praise you not,” but here Paul has an item of
praise for them. He praises them because they have remembered him in prayer and
in their giving, and they were practicing the ordinances he had taught them."
McGee, J. Vernon: Thru the Bible Commentary. electronic ed. Nashville : Thomas
Nelson, 1997, c1981, S. 5:49
[Two Streams of Christianity Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "Many others
have departed from the faith since that fateful night. The apostle John wrote
about apostates who "went out from us" because "they were not really of us; for
if they had been of us, they would have remained with us" (1
John 2:18). Most apostates never reject the
Christian faith completely, they fall away to a counterfeit form of
Christianity. It is for this reason we have seen two streams of Christianity
operating side-by-side for 2000 years." Full text:
Two Streams of Christianity
Response to comment [from a Christian]: "[C]ool, been a while since I rode on the bible bus."
A fellow passenger on the
Bible bus!
[The Apostolic Church Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "One stream is the apostolic church, founded by the Lord Jesus who is the Master Builder. It includes only the few who have entered through the narrow gate (Mat. 7:13). They have been sanctified by the truth and born of the Spirit. This Spirit of Promise seals and indwells each member, thus guaranteeing their eternal inheritance (Eph. 1:13-14). This church will be persecuted, hated and despised, but will continue holding to apostolic faith until Jesus returns to take it to heaven as His bride. The gates of hell shall not prevail against this church (Mat. 16:18)." Full text: The Apostolic Church
Response to comment [from a Catholic]: "...Keep studying...
"
Imitation is the highest form of flattery
(Ga 5:9, Eph 4:14).
[The Apostate Church Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "The other stream is an
apostate church made up of those who profess Christ but are spiritually dead.
They believe a distorted Gospel, follow another spirit and reject the faith of
the apostles (1 Tim. 4:1). This church is being built by men who ignore the
Master Builder's blueprint and instead follow their own methods and movements.
Maligning the way of truth, they seduce many with their sensuality (2 Pet. 2:2).
Apostates will increase in number and grow worse and worse, deceiving and being
deceived, until the Day of our Lord (2 Tim. 3:3). These "professing" Christians
will not endure sound doctrine. Instead they will turn away from the truth and
turn to teachers who tickle their ears with messages of self esteem (2 Tim.
4:3-4). Paul called these teachers "grievous wolves" who enter the church
speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them (Acts 20:29-30). It
is important to note that all apostates are unbelievers but not all unbelievers
are apostates." Full text:
The Apostate Church
"Don't even bother."
No bother (1
Co 9:17).
[The Primary Cause of Apostasy Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "The major
cause of apostasy can be traced to various spiritual influences that include
demonic deceptions and divine judgments. The "father of lies" has been seducing
the visible church into an ecumenical spirituality in an attempt to unite the
religions of the world. Driven by his desire to be worshipped as god, he will
continue to attack God's Word with an unrestrained determination. Postmodern
philosophy is currently his most effective tool. Church leaders who are caught
up in this movement are saying we cannot know absolute truth. And since we
cannot know absolute truth, we cannot be dogmatic about doctrine or moral
standards. They say dogmatic preaching must give way to dialogue between people
of all faiths in order to seek unity for common goals.
Divine judgment is also a cause for apostasy. Those who refuse to love and
believe the truth for salvation will be sent a deluding influence so they might
believe what is false and be judged (2
Thes. 2:9-12 ). A divine judgment in the form
of moral apostasy is also given to those who suppress the truth in
unrighteousness. By refusing to acknowledge God any longer, He gives them over
to depraved minds and degrading passions for people of the same sex (Rom.
1:18-32)." Full text:
The Primary Cause of Apostasy
Also see:
The Perfect Antidote by Michael Youssef
[No bother.] "Already answered..."
Non causae ut causae (claiming victory despite defeat)
You removed the scripture from my quote (Eph
4:14): No bother (1
Co 9:17). We preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.
You attempt to undermine his word (Ge
3:1).
[The Step-by-Step Drift into Apostasy Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]: "Step
One: God's word is rejected as the supreme authority for faith and practice.
This creates uncertainty over whether to follow Jesus and His Word or the
traditions and movements of men. Double mindedness causes confusion and divided
loyalties. The power of the Gospel is diluted by compromise. Biblical evangelism
is replaced by "easy believism" or sacramental salvation. Scripture is cited
only for selfish ambition, resulting in little or no discernment. People are
given what they want instead of what they need. Their spurious faith is exposed
when trials and temptations arise. Biblical warnings about false teachers are
ignored.
Step Two: Scripture is twisted and distorted for power, control and riches.
Truth is determined by subjective personal experiences rather than the objective
Word of God. Biblical ignorance provides fertile ground for false teachers.
"Infallible" men claim to be successors of the apostles. Doctrinal error and sin
are tolerated. Worldliness and ungodly influences are present. Hearts are
unresponsive to the Holy Spirit. God is honored with lips but hearts are far
from Him. Love for God grows cold. Those who contend for the faith are asked to
leave. Satan sows his tares in the church with little or no resistance.
Step Three: Bible teaching is replaced by stories and myths. Doctrinal error is
embraced. Programs and entertainment have forced Jesus out of the church. A form
of godliness exists but it is void of power. Deception abounds because there is
a failure to love the truth. A stubborn refusal to accept correction is present.
Hearts have become hardened. The devil is no longer resisted. Blatantly immoral
lifestyles are present and accepted.
Step Four: Jesus Christ and His Gospel are totally rejected. Those who embrace
truth are an anathema and asked to leave. Grace is turned into a license to sin.
The holy things of God are mocked. Deception is full-blown. Lying signs and
wonders are promoted as messages from God. Doctrines of demons are followed.
Idolatry and prayers to the dead are encouraged. The church's lampstand has been
removed and a certain terrifying judgment is now unavoidable." Full text:
The Step-by-Step Drift into Apostasy
[Past and Future Apostasy Proclaiming the
Gospel Ministries]: "Biblical history confirms there have always been apostate
churches like the one at Laodicea (Rev.
3:14-22) as well as individual apostates (Heb.
10:26-31). However, "the apostasy" will reach
its prophetic peak just prior to the Day of our Lord (2
Thes. 2:3). Paul's use of the definite article
suggests that the downward spiral into apostasy will be culminated by one
identifiable act. It will occur when the "man of lawlessness is revealed." This
"son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or
object of worship...takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as
being God (2
Thes. 3:3-4). This apostasy will be a
blasphemous act of unprecedented magnitude by a demonically influenced world
leader. This "second Judas" will desecrate the temple by declaring himself to be
God thus committing the abomination of desolation. The "first Judas" desecrated
the temple with the money he received by betraying the Son of God (Mat.
27:5).
The Lord Jesus warned us the end times would be marked by great deception, such
that the world has never known (Mat. 24). The spiritual deception which covers
the earth will be so prevalent that Jesus asked the question: "When the Son of
Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke
18:8). This fatal deception will cause more
churches, denominations, seminaries and individuals to drift into apostasy
unless biblical warnings are heeded. Each professing Christian's faith will be
constantly tested as more seducing spirits invade the church." Full text:
Past and Future Apostasy
"Already answered (Post #145)."
Non causae ut causae (claiming victory despite defeat)
[What Are Believers To Do? Proclaiming the
Gospel Ministries]: "1) Pray that we will be strong in the Lord as we put on the
full armor of God. Recognize we are in an intense battle for truth against the
schemes of the devil and the wicked forces of darkness (Eph.
6:10-12). 2) Earnestly contend for the faith.
When anyone in our circle of influence is deceiving or being deceived, we must
lovingly confront and correct them using Scripture (2
Tim. 3:16). 3) We must abide in God's word to
discern truth from error (John
8:31-32). Do not be swept away by every wind of
doctrine. Every few years a new fad hits the church. These movements divert
people away from the sure word of God. We must guard against the craftiness and
trickery of men (Eph.
4:14). 4) Pray for your church leaders and hold
them accountable to the Word of God. We must be like the Bereans who examined
the Scriptures daily to test the veracity of the Apostle Paul's teaching (Acts
17:11). 5) Identify and avoid false teachers so
others will not be deceived (Rom.
16:17-18).
May our love for Jesus Christ compel us to be His light in an ever darkening
world. Be encouraged! Jesus said these things must take place before He comes
for His church. Keep looking up, our redemption is near!"
What Are Believers To Do?
"Already answered..."
Non causae ut causae (claiming victory despite defeat)
[Two Streams of Christianity Proclaiming the Gospel Ministries]
"Born Again Christians
♦ Contend for the God-given faith of
the apostles (Jude
3)
♦ Exalt Jesus Christ as the only
Master, Lord and Head of the
Church (Eph.
1:22)
♦ Possesors of Christ, made alive by the
Spirit (Rom.
8:10-11)
♦ Are devoted to apostolic teaching
and sound doctrine (Acts
2:42)
♦ Proclaim salvation by grace alone
through what God has done in
Christ (Rom.
3:24-26;
11:6)
♦ Receive grace and turn from ungodliness
and worldly desires
(Titus
2:11-12)
♦ Children of God called out of the
world and enrolled in heaven
(2
Tim. 3:12;
Heb. 12:23)
♦ Know God and do good works
prepared by Him (Eph.
2:9)
Apostates
♦ Have deliberately departed from the
apostles' faith (1
John 2:19)
♦ Deny Jesus Christ as the only
Master, Lord and Head of the
Church (Jude
4)
♦ Professors of Christ, twice dead
(Mat.
7:22;
Jude 12)
♦ Introduce destructive heresies and
do not endure sound doctrine
(2
Tim. 4:3;
2 Pet. 2:1)
♦ Deceive people with a "salvation"
by grace plus what man must
do for God (Gal.
1:6-9)
♦ Turn the grace of our God into
licentiousness (Jude
4)
♦ Godless people blinded by the
prince of the world and condemned
(2
Cor. 4:4;
Jude 4)
♦ Profess to know God, but deny Him
by their deeds (Titus1:16)..."
Full text:
Two Streams of Christianity
