But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. (Isaiah 33:21)
The Lord will be to us the greatest good without any of the drawbacks which seem necessarily to attend the best earthly things. If a city is favored with broad rivers, it is liable to be attacked by galleys with oars and other ships of war. But when the Lord represents the abundance of His bounty under this figure, He takes care expressly to shut out the fear which the metaphor might suggest. Blessed be His perfect love!
Lord, if Thou send me wealth like broad rivers, do not let the galley with oars come up in the shape of worldliness or pride. If Thou grant me abundant health and happy spirits, do not let "the gallant ship" of carnal ease come sailing up the flowing flood. If I have success in holy service, broad as the German Rhine, yet let me never find the galley of self-conceit and self-confidence floating on the waves of my usefulness. Should I be so supremely happy as to enjoy the light of Thy countenance year after year, yet let me never despise Thy feeble saints, nor allow the vain notion of my own perfection to sail up the broad rivers of my full assurance. Lord, give me that blessing which maketh rich and neither addeth sorrow nor aideth sin.
Knowing that tribulation worketh patience. (Romans 5:3)
This is a promise in essence if not in form. We have need of patience, and here we see the way of getting it. It is only by enduring that we learn to endure, even as by swimming men learn to swim. You could not learn that art on dry land, nor learn patience without trouble. Is it not worth while to suffer tribulation for the sake of gaining that beautiful equanimity of mind which quietly acquiesces in all the will of God?
Yet our text sets forth a singular fact, which is not according to nature but is supernatural. Tribulation in and of itself worketh petulance, unbelief, and rebellion. It is only by the sacred alchemy of grace that it is made to work in us patience. We do not thresh the wheat to lay the dust: yet the Rail of tribulation does this upon God's floor. We do not toss a man about in order to give him rest, and yet so the Lord dealeth with His children. Truly this is not the manner of man but greatly redounds to the glory of our all-wise God.
Oh, for grace to let my trials bless me! Why should I wish to stay their gracious operation? Lord, I ask Thee to remove my affliction, but I beseech Thee ten times more to remove my impatience. Precious Lord Jesus, with Thy cross engrave the image of Thy patience on my heart.
Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power. (Psalm 110:3)
Blessed be the God of grace that it is so! He has a people whom He has chosen from of old to be His peculiar portion. These by nature have wills as stubborn as the rest of the froward sons of Adam; but when the day of His power comes and grace displays its omnipotence, they become willing to repent and to believe in Jesus. None are saved unwillingly, but the will is made sweetly to yield itself. What a wondrous power is this, which never violates the will and yet rules it! God does not break the lock, but He opens it by a master key which He alone can handle.
Now are we willing to be, to do, or to suffer as the Lord wills. If at any time we grow rebellious, He has but to come to us with power, and straightway we run in the way of His commands with all our hearts. May this be a day of power with me as to some noble effort for the glory of God and the good of my fellowmen! Lord, I am willing; may I not hope that this is a day of Thy power? I am wholly at Thy disposal; willing, yea, eager, to be used of Thee for Thy holy purposes. O Lord, let me not have to cry, "To will is present with me, but how to perform that which I would, I find not"; but give me power as Thou givest me will.
The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
What a word is this! Jehovah God in the center of His people in all the majesty of His power! This presence alone suffices to inspire us with peace and hope. Treasures of boundless might are stored in our Jehovah, and He dwells in His church; therefore may His people shout for joy.
We not only have His presence, but He is engaged upon His choice work of salvation. "He will save." He is always saving: He takes His name of Jesus from it. Let us not fear any danger, for He is mighty to save.
Nor is this all. He abides evermore the same, He saves, He finds rest in loving, He will not cease to love. His love gives Him joy. He even finds a theme for song in His beloved. This is exceedingly wonderful. When God wrought creation He did not sing but simply said, "It is very good"; but when He came to redemption, then the sacred Trinity felt a joy to be expressed in song, Think of it, and be astonished! Jehovah Jesus sings a marriage song over His chosen bride. She is to Him His love, His joy, His rest, His song. O Lord Jesus, by Thine immeasurable love to us teach us to love Thee, to rejoice in Thee, and to sing unto Thee our life-psalm.
"The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon" Ps. 92:12
These trees are not trained and pruned by man: palms and cedars are "trees of the Lord," and it is by His care that they flourish; even so it is with the saints of the Lord, they are His own care. These trees are evergreen and are beautiful objects at all seasons of the year. Believers are not sometimes holy and sometimes ungodly: they stand in the beauty of the Lord under all weathers. Everywhere these trees are noteworthy: no one can gaze upon a landscape in which there are either palms or cedars without his attention being fixed upon these royal growths. The followers of Jesus are the observed of all observers: like a city set on a hill they cannot be hid.
The child of God flourishes like a palm tree, which pushes all its strength upward in one erect column without a single branch. It is a pillar with a glorious capital. It has no growth to the right or to the left, but sends all its force heavenward, and bears its fruit as near the sky as possible. Lord, fulfill this type in me.
The cedar braves all storms, and grows near the eternal snows, the Lord Himself filling it with a sap which keeps its heart warm and its boughs strong. Lord, so let it be with me, I pray thee. Amen.
Excerpt from James McCarthy’s ‘What You Need to Know About Roman Catholicism’
James McCarthy was educated in a Catholic school. When he came to Christ in 1975, he looked for literature to understand the differences between Catholicism and Protestantism, based solely on the Bible. Disappointed at what was available at that time, he did his own research.
In 1981, he produced a video documentary. “Catholicism: Crisis of Faith.” He published “The Gospel According to Rome” in 1995 and wrote other books after. He referred to Roman Catholicism as a “counterfeit Christianity.”
Adults must prepare for justification through faith and good works. (1247-1249)
God justifies ungodly sinners who believe. Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause. (Romans 4-5, Ephesians 2:8-10)
Justification is a transformation of the soul in which original sin is removed and sanctifying grace infused. (1987-1995)
Justification is an act of God where he declares a sinner to be righteous In His sight, having forgiven his sin and imputed in him God’s righteousness. (Romans 3:21-4-8)
Adults must prepare for justification through faith and good works. (1247-1249)
God justifies ungodly sinners who believe. Good works are the result of salvation, not the cause. (Romans 4-5, Ephesians 2:8-10)
Salvation is attained by cooperating with grace through faith, good works, and participation in the sacraments. (183, 1129, 1815, and 2002)
Salvation is attained by grace through faith apart from works. Good works are the result, not the cause of salvation. (Ephesians 2:8-9, 2:10)
The Roman Catholic Church is necessary for salvation. (846)
There is salvation in no one but the Lord Jesus Christ, “for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
SOLA FIDE
Of the world’s dominant religions, the Catholic, Muslim, and Hinduism believe that a person can attain heaven, peace, or paradise by doing good works. Faith alone saves. (John 3:16)
Good works are essential; a result of one’s relationship with Christ. However, penitence or indulgence has nothing to do with God’s gift of salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). To insist on adding something to what Jesus did makes it “cheap grace.” Jesus said it is finished. (John 19:28-30)
Catholics believe that if a person or infant is not baptized by water, they will go to hell. Fortunately, there is abundant testimony in the New Testament that says faith in the Lord Jesus Christ precedes baptism. It is a declaration and symbolism of faith. (Read more: 35 Reasons why we do not baptize infants)
SIN & PURGATORY:
Catechism:
The Bible:
Venial sins do not incur eternal punishment. (1855, 1863)
All sin is punishable by eternal death. (Romans 6:23)
Indulgence dispensed by the Church for acts of piety release sinners from temporal punishment. (1471, 1473)
Jesus releases believers from their sins by His blood. (Rev. 1-5)
Purgatory is necessary to atone for sin and cleanse the soul. (1030 – 31)
Purgatory does not exist. Jesus made purification for sins on the cross. (Hebrews 1:3)
Poor souls suffering in purgatory can be helped by those alive on earth, offering up prayers, good works, and the sacrifice of the Mass. (1032, 1371, and 1479)
Those who sleep in Christ need no help. To be absent from the body is to be home with the Lord. (2 Corinthians 5:8)
VENIAL AND MORTAL SIN, AND THE CONFESSION BOX
There is no venial or mortal sin in the Bible. “Sin is sin” in the eyes of a Holy God. Scripture is also clear that man cannot dispense forgiveness; only Jesus can forgive sins.
Catholics often quote and misconstrue John 20:23 to justify the confessional box. A careful analysis of the verse meant the disciples have the authority to pronounce that our sins “have been forgiven.”
JESUS NEVER DELEGATED THE APOSTLES TO FORGIVE SIN
As, and you will be forgiven (1 John 1:9). Penance (like reciting rosary) takes away the finished work of Christ on the cross. A deception of Satan that takes away our focus on Jesus’ saving grace. [Read more: CARM.org]
INDULGENCE CERTIFICATE
During the middle ages, priests dispensing forgiveness was a powerful political tool to control people into submission. This issue was one of the reasons Martin Luther wrote to the pope in protest.
The faithful bought “certificate of indulgence” for the salvation and forgiveness of sins of those who died. Historical record points to this practice during the middle ages.
In the apostolic constitution of Pope Paul VI, Indulgentiarum Doctrina 1967, responding to suggestions made at the Second Vatican Council, substantially revised the traditional doctrine’s practical application.
PURGATORY
Purgatory, like many other Catholic dogmas, is based on a misunderstanding of the nature of Christ’s sacrifice. Catholics fail to understand that Jesus’ sacrifice was absolutely sufficient (Hebrews 7:27). During the middle ages, purgatory was used to justify indulgence.
AUTHORITY OF THE POPE:
Catechism:
The Bible:
Peter was the head of the Apostles. (552, 765, 880)
According to the Catechism, by the alleged promise of Jesus to Peter, the Pope is preserved from the possibility of error. Hence, it justifies the Pope takes the role of Jesus as a shepherd, teacher, and vicar of Christ.
Catholic doctrine by the pope misinterprets the favor Jesus gave Peter in Matthew 16:15; Matthew 16:18 to justify false teaching and elevate the church.
WORSHIP & VENERATION OF MARY:
Catechism:
The Bible:
Mary was preserved from all stain of original sin from the first instant of her conception (Doctrine of the Immaculate Conception)
At the end of her life, Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven.
Mary’s body returned to dust when she died.
MARY AS GOD’S MOTHER SUGGESTS A DIVINE PROGENITOR
The Marian tradition of honoring her is has led to the “worship of Mary.” Although Catholics deny worshipping her, the catechism is enough proof. God desires us to honor him, not with repetitive prayers, such as the rosary. We are to worship Christ alone. (Mark 7)
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.” (Isaiah 29:13)
JAMES MCCARTHY’S DESIRE IS TO ENLIGHTEN CATHOLICS INTO TRULY WORSHIPPING JESUS ALONE. IF YOU ARE A CATHOLIC STRUGGLING WITH HER TEACHINGS, RELIGION DOES NOT SAVE ANYONE. OPEN YOUR BIBLE! CHRIST ALONE HAS THE POWER TO REDEEM US.
IF WE SEEK THE TRUTH WITH ALL OUR HEARTS, WE SHALL FIND IT IN JESUS.
Roman Catholics are faced with a serious dilemma. Since they have been indoctrinated to believe that their popes are infallible, they must obey their infallible teachings. "The Roman Pontiff... enjoys this infallibility... when, as supreme pastor and teacher of all the faithful...he proclaims a definitive act or doctrine pertaining to faith or morals. The definitions 'must be adhered to with the obedience of faith'" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 891). Catholics believe that the Apostle Peter was their first pope but they do not believe his definitive doctrines. Instead they choose to believe and obey the heretical teachings of Pope Francis. This should be a serious dilemma for all thinking Catholics. How can two "infallible" popes contradict each other with their infallible teachings, and how can Catholics adhere to two sets of conflicting doctrines? Consider the following examples that contrast the teachings of the Apostle Peter with Pope Francis:
Peter was an elder who submitted to Jesus as the head of the Church (1 Pet. 5:1; Col. 1:18). He taught that Jesus was the Shepherd and Guardian of souls (1 Pet. 2:25).
Francis believes he is the Vicar of Christ and the head of the Church, with supreme and universal power which he exercises unhindered (CCC 882).
Peter taught we are born again through the living, abiding Word of God (1 Pet. 1:23).
Francis teaches we are reborn through the ritual of baptism (CCC 1213).
Peter taught salvation is by faith in Jesus Christ alone (Acts 4:12).
Francis teaches salvation can be attained apart from Jesus Christ (CCC 841).
Peter taught a believer's eternal salvation and inheritance is secured by the power of almighty God (1 Pet. 1:3-5).
Francis teaches salvation is conditional because it is attained by merit and can be lost by mortal sin (CCC 2027, 1035).
Peter warned of false teachers who would come into the church to teach heresies and malign the way of truth (2 Pet. 2:1-2).
Francis is a false teacher and under divine curse for adding requirements to the Gospel and naming Mary as an intercessor and mediatrix of salvation (Gal. 1:6-9; CCC 969, 1129).
Peter refused adoration from men (Acts 10:26).
Francis welcomes the adoration of men.
We must warn Catholics that Peter was not the first pope and that he was not infallible. Paul had to correct him for not being “straightforward about the truth of the gospel” (Gal. 2:11-14). However, the Word of God that Peter penned under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is infallible and authoritative. Scripture never teaches that Peter had authority over the other Apostles, and there is no mention of the papacy anywhere in Scripture. The Lord Jesus, who purchased the church with His own blood, is the one and only head of the church (Col. 1:18; Acts 20:28). We must also warn Catholics not to trust in princes, in mortal man, in whom there is no salvation (Ps. 146:3). It is our prayer that Catholics will test every man's teaching with the inerrant, inspired, authoritative Word of God and reject any teaching that opposes it (Acts 17:11).
Catholicism's Opposition to the Bible
How many different ways does the Catechism of the Catholic Church oppose the Bible? There are more than we can count, but this Gospel tract gives 13 of the most important contradictions that deal with authority, regeneration, justification, salvation and the Lord's Supper. Anyone who reads this tract will see that Roman Catholicism stands opposed to the faith of the apostles. This Gospel tract will force Catholics to make an important decision: should I trust Christ and His Word or the teachings and traditions of my religion? It is impossible to believe both.
