April 16, 2000 Humble Messenger
Humble Messenger
Volume 8, Week 16 April 16, 2000
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Catholicism Rocky Rodriguez
The Roman Catholic Church has been receiving a great deal of attention with
Pope Paul's visit to Israel. Many of us have friends and relatives who are Catholic.
The purpose of this article is to rekindle our minds on what the Bible teaches on
certain of their doctrines.
The Roman Catholic Churches teaches that the Pope is the Head of the Church. Note
the following quote: "Every nation has its ruler, an emperor, king or president.
God in establishing his church ordained that at the head of this church there should
be one man, a monarch, endowed with supreme power. This man is the Pope"
(The Register, America's National Catholic Newspaper, June 16, 1963). The Bible
teaches that Jesus is the head of the Church. "And seated Him at his right
hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and
every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And he
put all things in subjection under his feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the
church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all" (Eph.
1:20-23).
The Bible teaches that we have to be united with Christ in order to be right with God.
"And if ye belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs
according to promise" (Gal. 3:29). But compare what the Catholic Church
teaches: "The test that shows a person to be a member of the true church is
union with the Pope. He is the head of the church and if we are not in union with him we
are out of the fold" (Religion, A Secondary School Course, Raymond Campion).
The Bible says it is necessary to be subject to the authority of Jesus in order to have
salvation. "Any one who goes to far and does not abide in the teaching of
Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and
the Son" (II John 9). What does the Catholic Church say? "Now
therefore we declare, say, determine, pronounce that for every human creature it is
necessary for salvation to be subject to the authority of the Roman Pontiff"
(Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. XV, p. 126).
The Roman Catholic teaches that it is fitting to pray the Mary who is able to make
intercession between man and God. Note the following quotes. "If you
are terrified by the thunders of heaven, go to Jesus, and if you fear Jesus, run to Mary.
She will show her breasts to the Son and win his compassion, as the Son shows his
wounds to the Father" (St. Bernard, Our Father's Faith and Ours, P. 339-340).
Scripture teaches the following. "Seeing then that we have a great
high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of god, let us hold fast our
profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling
of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and
find grace to help in time of need." Heb. 4:14-16.
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Rocky Rodriguez came out of Roman Catholicism. But his pursuit of truth did not stop with
that change. He has applied himself to the study of God's Word and has become a
knowledgeable student and proficient teacher of the Word of God. His steadfast faith
continues to be an example and encouragement to us all. srf
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Resolution Tips What Works For Me
Resolution: Heightened alertness, devotion in public
worship Jn. 4:24; Mal. 1:6-9,11
Tips: (submitted by your brothers and sisters in Christ):
I retain more by taking notes on the sermons. It is best to have a notebook that is kept
only for note taking and is always with your Bible study material (so you won't
forget to bring it to the building). This is also a good way to go back and review the
lesson.
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NEWS
June Hodges had an x-ray last Monday that revealed she has a
compressed disc. All that can be done, other than a cortisone shot, is more pain medicine
and wait for it to heal on its own. She continues in substantial pain . . . Clark
Huehnerfuss' father must undergo radiation therapy . . . J. W. Ramey, Margaret
Wilborn's nephew, is suffering from advanced stages of cancer . . . The new
address of Randy and Robin Smith is 11647 Doty Lane, Conroe, 77303.
Robin is seeing a spinal specialist for spina bifida and scoliosis. Depending on the tests
she may also need to see a rheumatoligist. She suffers from arthritus which has been given
her considerable pain. . . Jeff Bogs and Bill Faulkner have been selected by
the congregation as potential deacons. If you have any questions about their
qualifications, please address those with these men or the elders before next Sunday,
April 23. If there are no unresolved issues, these men will be appointed to serve the
congregation at that time . . . GOSPEL MEETINGS: April 16-19, College Park, 1202
East P Street, Deer Park, "Making Marriage Work," different speakers. See
announcement in foyer for further details . . . The Wednesday evening close list
has been updated. If you have not yet spoken, be sure and check the list on the bulletin
board in the foyer. Various factors make it necessary to change the dates when men are
scheduled. The willing participation by the men has certainly been encouraging, hasn't it?
. . . A men's training class will begin Thursday evenings on April 27. All
the men, and especially those who participate in public service in the assemblies, or who
would like to, are encouraged to sign up on the list in the foyer . . . Kris
Emerson will be preaching this evening . . . Visitation group three is
scheduled to meet briefly in the high school class after evening assembly . . . If you are
not receiving the Humble Messenger by email and would like to, give your email
address to Steve.