"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen..." Colos

The Testimony of a Former Roman Catholic Nun
By Sandy Hooper SHooper410@aol.com
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"Let no man beguile you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things which he hath not seen..." Colossians 2:18
"Why...are ye subject to ordinances, (Touch not; taste not; handle not; Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men? Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body..." The apostle Paul, Colossians 2:20-23
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TESTIMONY OF A TYPICAL ROMAN CATHOLIC
I come from a family of eight children (a much later addition made it nine). From early childhood we were made to attend church every Sunday. My earliest memories take me back to the time when I would make my first communion. I can remember being very excited, because I too can now have the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ just like the grown-ups. I can remember Sister Peter having us children practice with those little round candies to show us how we were to accept Jesus into our mouths. We had to be careful, because we did not want Him to fall on the floor. I was under the impression that would be a grave sin.

When it was time to make Confirmation, I was excited about this too. I had learned in the Catholic school that Confirmation was necessary for the completion of baptismal grace. Through this special occasion I would be more bound to the Church and enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. I realized I would be sealed with the Holy Spirit as the Bishop would anoint me with oil.

ABUSED BY A MAN CALLED "ANOTHER CHRIST"
My mother told me I would have to see the priest at the church in order to get my confirmation lessons to understand it more fully. I was to go each Saturday morning to see him. However, the subject of Confirmation I did not learn. This priest was sexually molesting me. I was shocked because I had never had anything like this happen before. I was scared. Since good Catholics were suppose to obey their priests, for they are in higher authority, I submitted though I was frightened. Each Saturday I had to go face this priest and didn't dare tell a soul what was happening. This lasted for about six to seven weeks.

THE CONVENT
But in spite of what I went through, I still kept going to church and learned all the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church. We had Catechism each week and learned what was necessary in this life and to make it to heaven. When I was about 16, I wanted to enter the Convent. There was only one problem. I didn't finish high school. I had just quit that summer. Most of the orders required that a girl have her diploma. But I finally found one that didn't require it. The order was the Sisters of St. Martha. At the time they were located at La Salette Shrine in Attleboro, Massachusetts. I wrote to the sisters and told them I wish to be a nun. She wrote back and wanted to know why. My simple answer was, " I wanted to serve the Lord."

I was to meet Sister Germaine, the Mistress of Novices at the Shrine. After my interview she decided I could enter. My mother was not very happy about losing her daughter, but my father was very proud there was going to be a nun in the family. I had learned my father always wanted to be a priest.

I can remember my mother coming short of tears as she saw me board the bus leaving for La Salette Shrine in Enfield, New Hampshire. I waved good bye as the bus departed.

I had learned the Sisters of St. Martha was a domestic order. The Seminary itself was a school for high school boys . The Priests and the Brothers took care of these boys and their education. On the other hand, the Sisters prepared their meals, three times a day. On Saturdays? That was laundry day. We had to do the laundry for the Priests and Brothers, besides our own. The following is a schedule I adhered to while in the convent.

VOLUNTARY HUMILITY
At 5:15 in the morning the bell would ring to wake us. We had fifteen minutes to get washed and dressed. At 5:30 we had to be down in the chapel for morning prayers. This consisted of reciting certain sections of the Psalms. One group would read about three verses, then the other half would read three verses. At 5:45 we would go back to our bedrooms. Between 5:45 and 6:00 a.m., the priest would hear confessions before he did the Mass in our chapel. One by one each nun would take their turn.

Mass would be over about 6:30 and we would make our way to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for everyone. By 8:30 a.m. we would start preparing for lunch, and the time for silence would begin at 10:00 a.m until the lunch meal was served. We were forbidden to talk. We were to concentrate on God. If I had any questions, I had to whisper to the cook. It wasn't long before I learned how to use sign language.

The sisters had their own dining room. Before we could have our meal, we all had to stand by our assigned seats. Every day each nun would have her turn reading a section from the "Imitation of Christ." Then we would say grace, and thank God we could then talk!

By the time the meals and dishes were done, it would be about 2 to 2:30 in the afternoon; from there we would say the rosary together. Whatever time was left after that, we got to rest in our rooms. At 3 p.m. it was time for Vespers and then to the kitchen again preparing for dinner. All would be over with about 6:30 p.m. and it was back to the convent. We were allowed to watch T.V., but were only allowed to watch certain programs. That was "Hogan's Hero's" and "The Waltons". After the Walton's, myself (Postulant), and the two Novices, along with the Mistress of Novices had to spend an hour together in the basement for quality time. My quality time consisted of playing pool with the two Novices, Sister Joan and Sister Judy, while the Mistress of Novices did sewing or whatever needed to be done. At 10 p.m. the lights had to be out. On Saturdays? As I said, that was laundry day and Sunday was a day for rest. This was my schedule.

NEVER HAD TO READ THE BIBLE
When I had those quiet times in my room, I remember one time trying to read the Bible but found it very boring. I was in the convent for almost two years and I can only remember picking up that Bible that one time. We never read the Bible together outside what we had to do for morning prayers when reciting the Psalms, but even that wasn't in the Bible. The Psalms were in a book by itself. We did a lot of praying to the saints when we didn't have our time in the basement. We would often make Novenas and kneel by the statute when doing so. People would ask for prayer, and that is how we did it.

LEAVING THE CONVENT
I began to question myself of why I was there. I can remember thinking, "Do I want to do this for the rest of my life?" But something happened that made me very angry and sad. Sister Judy was told she could not make her final vows. Needless to say, she was very broken hearted. She cried and I cried too.

Sister Judy got to go home and visit her family before she had to leave the convent for good. During this time, while working in the kitchen, I couldn't help but cry. The head cook wanted to know what was wrong. I told her it wasn't fair that Sister Judy couldn't serve the Lord. But she smiled and said, "Well, many are called, but few are chosen." That statement hit me like a ton of bricks. I got angry with God. If God loved us so much, why would He not let someone serve Him? Later, Sister Judy told me why she couldn't make her final vows. It was due to an illness she had as a child.

It wasn't long after Sister Judy left, I left too. I couldn't see going all the way to making my final vows for something that didn't make sense to me. "Many are called, but few are chosen," rang in my ears for a long time. I considered myself as one of those who was not chosen for this kind of life.

STILL IN ROMANISH CHAINS
However, I did not leave the Catholic Church. I prayed my rosary still, prayed to Mary for help, and continued to go to church. I was still searching and wanted something deeper with God. I had an emptiness that kept going further and further down. There were times I felt like I had to climb up just to reach bottom. I kept going to the La Salette Shrine in Massachusetts. I would say my rosaries there. I felt like I was closer to God there. There were times I would look at the statue and ask, "Mary, why don't you show yourself to me? I need you." I would often look up in the sky trying to find her. Maybe, just maybe, she would appear to me. I would crawl up the stairs on my knees while saying the rosary, praying, and hoping that the pain I was enduring would help me to heaven. [Editor's note: this self-inflicted pain is called penance in Romanism. Some even beat themselves until the blood flows to show sorrow for sin instead of calling on the Lord.] After all, who belongs to God unless you are willing to suffer physical discomfort? I must prove I am worthy. I must pray my way and suffer in order to get to heaven. I didn't want to go to purgatory, but heaven.

I would often go to La Salette, but I will never forget the last time I was there. It was in the evening and they were having a prayer service. I stood at the door staring because I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I saw the priest laying hands on people and they were passing out cold on the floor. The music was beautiful, but I didn't understand what was happening. I stood there for a long time observing when a nun began to walk by me. I stopped her and asked what was happening. She said, "They are experiencing the slaying of the Holy Spirit." She didn't explain, she continued on. I decided I would walk up and get prayer too. I remember the priest laying his hands on my head. I closed my eyes and listened to him pray. I felt like God was touching my head. I felt peaceful. At that I was on the floor myself. I didn't lose consciousness, but yet I couldn't move. Finally I was able to get up. I went home that night not knowing what exactly happened to me.

DEPRESSION SETS IN
Time went on and the depression was getting worse. There were two times I attempted suicide but failed. I was still empty and still climbing and reaching nothing. I decided that maybe if I moved out of the state of Rhode Island, that would help. I traveled all the way to...California but only lasted two days in a hotel room. Then I thought about my mother. At that I was headed for [her mother's].

CHARISMATIC MASS
When I was settled...I began looking for a church. I found "Our Lady Of Lourdes" and attended the evening Mass. It was similar to what I experienced at the La Salette Shrine. These people were on fire for the Lord. I found out they called it a Charismatic Mass. However, the one thing that impressed me at the time was when it was time to give each other the sign of peace. I was shocked. The priest got off the altar and started shaking hands with the people. I never saw a priest leave the altar during a Mass.

I also noticed the music ministry and liked their music. After the Mass I went up and asked if I could practice with them since I played the guitar. They told me they met on Friday evenings, but it was a prayer meeting. One of the men gave me the address and I was there the following Friday. Everybody was so friendly. They were also ready to start their prayer meeting. I noticed they started speaking in different languages, or at least that is what I thought it was. I didn't know, but figured it had to do something with their faith. It was very strange to me. I thought I got myself in a house with a bunch of koo koo's, but here I found myself staying because I needed something.

HEARING THE GOSPEL
After the meeting one of the sons took me in the back room to explain Jesus to me. I thought to myself, "What is this guy going to tell me what I don't already know? After all, I've been in the convent, and there is nothing new he is going to tell me." But he started talking about Jesus and he talked about Him as if He were real. He talked as if he knew him personally. I wanted that! He gave me the gospel message. He asked me if I wanted to receive Jesus, and I said yes. We went right into the living room and he had me sit in the chair in the middle of the room and everybody surrounded me and started to lay their hands on me. It was there I accepted and confessed Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour.

However, I didn't feel any different. But I do remember going home that night and as I walked in, my mom was watching television. I could remember the awful feeling I got from what she was watching. It had never bothered me before, but his time it was like I could see the darkness in the program. I said nothing but went straight into my bedroom. I began to read my Bible. It was then it was not the same. As I read, the words seem to come off the pages. It wasn't boring like it was in the convent.

A few weeks later I was baptized in [a] pool. The prayer meetings were large for this small house, but we managed. It was during one of these meetings I was now about to experience the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. I can remember standing with the others singing a worship song. It was at the end of this song I began to feel this tingling sensation in my feet. It worked its way to my ankles, then my knees, belly, neck, and finally my head. When I went to say "Thank you Jesus," nothing came out but another language. I realized I had gotten the gift of tongues (more on this later). I looked around to see if anybody was watching me. I was kind of embarrassed. I was also confused. I knew what I had was the gift of tongues, but I began to doubt. I approached Mr. Walsh at the end of the meeting and told him of my fears. He gave me a book to read on tongues which explained why we shouldn't doubt it. I was also led to another book "The Holy Spirit and You." I believe it was by a Rita Bennett and her husband. I read these books and they fascinated me. From there on I began to read everything I could concerning the Holy Spirit, but as I think back, I read everything except what the Bible had to say about it. I realize now the word of God was not"rightly divided."

FALSE DOCTRINE & CONFUSION
We continued to have our Bible studies, but I never searched the Scriptures to see if what they were teaching was true or not. I assumed they knew what they were talking about and I needed them to learn. Little did I know I was getting a lot of false doctrine.

As we had these prayer meetings, we also continued to attend Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes. There was a problem beginning. After the Charismatic Mass a whole crowd of us would meet in the next hall for our Sunday prayer meetings. However, there began disputes about Catholic doctrine and the Bible. The question of Mary came up, confession, praying to the saints, etc. The order from the priest was set forth. If there were any who didn't agree with the Catholic church, they had to leave. He was not going to allow division. So some left, but I stayed. Those who met at the [leaders] all left and started their own church. I was going to their service in the mornings, and went to the Charismatic Mass in the evening each Sunday. I was too afraid to leave. To leave the Catholic church would be inviting myself to hell for all eternity. Salvation, I learned as a little girl, was through the Catholic church. It was a sin to step inside another. It was for these reasons I didn't want to leave the Church, but I also didn't want to lose the other friends I had made. But as far as I was concerned, I was safe attending their services for they were held outside at Tomoka Park. Finally, my conscious began to bother me and I stopped it all together, even the Friday prayer meetings. I stayed faithful to the Church.

It was nearing the year 1984 when I decided to move....I got involved with a group that was not Catholic, but part of the Vineyard movement. I soon left that because it seemed to controlling in personal matters. It was not too long after I found myself involved with the Lamb Of God Community. This was another Charismatic group and mainly Catholic.

I had met my husband before I joined the Lamb of God. Father Joe was one of its leaders, but I heard they had certain rules for dating. Tom and I were engaged before we joined. If you were engaged before you joined, you were fine. Tom and I were married in a Catholic Church by Father Joe on November 30, 1985.

Lamb of God was associated with the Word of God Community in Ann Arbor, Michigan. There were many things going on at that time, and division started taking place.

We were informed that there was a split at the Word of God Community. The co-founders, Ralph Martin and Steve Clark had a parting of the ways. We, in turn, had a split here in the Lamb of God Community. It concerned excessive control over its members, which I agree. We were "encouraged" a certain way to dress, what roles we played in the family as who took out the trash, cut the lawn etc., the matters concerning faithful attendance to the meetings, authority, etc. My husband and I found ourselves not going to the meetings anymore. We never talked about it much, we just didn't go.

WANDERINGS
After the first three babies were born, we were still attending church on Sundays. I have four children and all of them got baptized into the Catholic church. But church attendance also began to fade in the background. We got to the point where we didn't attend church at all.

In 1991 I received a computer as a gift by my brother-in-law. I began to learn how to use it and then found myself writing to other people in Bible conferences. I conversed with a number of Jehovah Witnesses. I tried to prove Jesus is God and so forth. The messages seemed endless. I wasn't getting through to them, but the whole activity was getting me involved in studying the Bible for myself. I would wake up very early in the mornings typing away at the computer trying to prove different things from the Bible to tell my Jehovah Witness friends.

Then there began a need to get back in church. I was feeling empty like I had before. I missed all the fellowship I had at one time. However, after studying the Bible for a while I noticed certain things of the Catholic doctrine that did not line up with the Bible. It concerned the Lord's body and blood, eternal security, and the church. Though I knew I needed to find a church, I had made up my mind that I would not go back to the Catholic church knowing what I knew now where it concerned the Lord's body and blood. Why should I believe in something that profits nothing? Where it concerns the Lord's body, we never hear John 6:63 read before communion, "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing:"

STRUGGLING WITH ROMAN BLASPHEMIES
The Church doctrine and the Bible were in conflict and I struggled and asked many questions. How many times do we need to be saved? If I receive Jesus Christ at communion time, what happens to Him during the week that I have to go back and receive Him again? And why should I drink blood when blood is forbidden before the Law (Genesis 9:4); Under the law (Lev. 17:14); and in New Testament times (Acts 15:29; 21:25)? The Bible says Blood is off limits, we are to abstain from blood, but in the Catholic church we are to drink it!

I never admitted I didn't really believe the Eucharist was actually the body and blood of Christ, for if I did, I knew I would be condemned to hell by the curse pronounced by the Roman Catholic church. But I praise God now, because I know no curse will keep me out of heaven.

I told my husband I was going to start going to church again, but also let him know I would not go back to the Catholic church. I was still a little uncertain though. I thought to myself, "What if the Catholic church is really right and I'm wrong." In the back of my mind, eternal security was always the question. In the Catholic Church you had salvation through the sacraments, but even that wasn't a sure thing. Purgatory always lingered over my head. I didn't want to suffer in purgatory and wait for the prayers to get me out. For that matter, the Catholic church has yet to say how many prayers are needed to get one out of purgatory. However, what if I were wrong about all this? I don't know, but I took my chances, I left for good.

It so happened I found a Baptist Church. I thought to myself this church would really be something if these people could only be baptized in the Holy Spirit and experience tongues like I had and practiced. But regardless of what I thought they lacked, these people were joyful even without the so-called baptism of the Holy Spirit in the Charismatic terms.

REALIZED SATAN TAMPERING WITH THE WORD OF GOD
Now, I shall share what happened from there when I discovered what was happening to God's word. I'm not talking about the "Incarnate Word," Jesus Christ, but His "words." I shall excerpt one of my own writings to explain:

"My husband had a visit from an old friend whom he hadn't seen in years, along with his wife. At the time of their visit they were both in a drug treatment program to kick the habit. During the course of the evening I began to witness to the couple. During this time I had pulled out at least 6 to 8 different versions of the Bible. The husband stopped me in the middle of a conversation and asked me, Which Bible is the true Bible?' His questioned stumped me. The question made such an impact on me that I began to wonder myself! From then on that question stayed with me.

This incident took place in the early part of November of 1995. It was several weeks before this time I had decided to leave the Catholic church. I had been a Christian for 20 years and had remained in the Catholic Church all that time. Something was missing in my life and I couldn't pin-point the problem other than that I missed Christian fellowship. I missed the fellowship like I had when I lived in Florida. Down there I was very involved in the Charismatic movement (Don't worry, the Bible straightened me out on the tongues business).

It was near the end of summer of 1995 when I started attending a Baptist Church, and it was the end of November I decided to join. New members were required to take membership classes which took place in the Pastor's office each Sunday. About the third Sunday of my visit I noticed a book on his desk. I asked him if I could borrow the book. It was titled, New Age Bible Versions,' by Dr. G.A. Riplinger. That night I started to read her book and was brought to tears just after reading the first two chapters as I saw what was happening with God's words. About a week or two before I borrowed that book, I had purchased for the first time in my life a King James Bible, therefore, I was able to compare the versions as I read her book."

It was from here when my life was actually changed concerning the Bible, the Catholic church, Catholic doctrine, the so-called Baptism of the Holy Spirit, tongues and so forth.

When I compared these versions, I did notice how these other bibles lined up with the Roman Catholic bible. No wonder I was still in confusion! In these modern bibles, salvation is shown as a "process" which requires good works. All this is brought out by the straining of the tenses in the modern bibles. Let me show you exactly what I mean. When you read the following, please do notice the straining of the tenses:

Luke 13:23 (new versions), "Are there few who are being saved?" KJV, "...be saved."
II Cor. 2:15 (new versions), "are being saved." KJV, "are saved."
I Cor. 1:18 (new versions), "those who are perishing foolishness, but to us who are being saved" KJV, ...are saved."
Acts 15:19 (new versions) "are turning to God." KJV, "turned."
Luke 15:32 (new versions), "your brother was dead and has begun to live." KJV, "is alive."
Acts 2:47 (new versions), "were being saved." KJV, "should be saved."
2 Cor. 4:3 (new versions), "are perishing." KJV, "are lost."
With all the unnatural straining of the tenses, and the teachings of the Catholic Church, no wonder I didn't know if I was truly saved!

AUTHORIZED KING JAMES IS GOD'S BOOK
From there the King James Bible became the final authority in my life. In that Book I knew I would get the truth. It straightened me out on a lot of doctrines concerning tongues, baptism of the Holy Spirit, eternal security, about heaven and hell, the saints, purgatory, and many other things. When I used these other bibles, they led me nowhere but in confusion and frustration. Doctrines such as the Deity was hard to prove to a Jehovah's Witness. Now I know why! I don't have that problem any more with a King James Bible. I've had Mormons at my door and Jehovah's Witnesses, and when I get the King James out, all of a sudden every body gets Greekitis. I tell them I don't know Greek, and therefore there's not a lot of sense going through it. But there's one thing I do know and have, and that is the Holy Bible. I don't have to apologize to anyone for having the truth in my hands. It's either believe it or reject it. No need to turn to man's teachings, the Catholic church, traditions, the Greek, Another Testament, or other bibles to disprove the LIVING ONE.

FREE AT LAST!
I know a person can't be born again twice, but that's what it seems to me. My eyes have been opened. I no longer walk in darkness. I no longer hang by the rules of the Roman Catholic church. When I began to study from the King James Bible, I saw how the Roman Catholic church is really an enemy to God's word. When reading from the true word of God, God will also give us back our common sense. For instance, let me share with you the following concerning Original sin. As a Catholic, we were taught we needed baptism to free us from sin. But yet the Roman Catholic church does not believe that chapters 1-3 of Genesis is real history. What they have actually done is call Jesus a liar.

Jesus Christ quotes Genesis 2 and 3 as a strict, straight history. "And Jesus answered them, For the hardness of your heart he (Moses) wrote you this precept. But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female" (Mark 10:5-6). Jesus also quotes Moses verbatim from Genesis 2:24 (Mark 10:7-8). Jesus said, "Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words" (John 5:45-47).

If Jesus were here in the flesh, He would say the same thing to the Catholic Church who tells me Genesis 1-3 is not straight history. They have made Jesus a liar. Genesis tells how the world began (Gen. 1), how human beings began (Gen. 2), how they fell (Gen. 3).

And this is what I mean by common sense. The Roman Catholic church fails to remind us that between chapters 1-3, is the fall of man. Here is where Original sin began! If the Roman Catholic church does not believe Genesis 1-3 is not real history, then why, from A.D. 500 to 1997, were all those babies baptized for!!!?

And what about the saints whom we were taught to pray? Every good Catholic should read his Bible. The Bible says that God puts no trust in His saints (Job 15:15). "Behold, he putteth no trust in his saints;"

If God doesn't put any trust in His saints, why should I?

And what about Blessed Sinless Mary? The Bible says, For ALL have sinned, and come short of the glory of God" (Rom. 3:23). This means Mary too! Even Mary herself knew she needed a Saviour and went through purification for sins as the Jewish law required. Mary said herself, "And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." (Luke 1:47).

Mary needed purification from sin, "And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord.....and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons." (Luke 2:22,24).

The fact is, Mary is a Jewish woman following the Law handed down to Moses. Read Leviticus 12 my friend. Mary, a sinner, had to make a "sin-offering" (see Lev. 12:8). We must ask ourselves, why does the Roman Catholic church insist she was sinless when the Bible says she was not? Mary had to make a sin offering, and they were so poor they were not even able to offer the required sacrifice for Mary's cleansing as all females were to do in obedience to the law. Mary was so poor she and Joseph could not bring the required LAMB for sacrifice (see Lev. 12:8 again). They could only offer a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons (Luke 2:24). However, Mary didn't need the lamb, she held Him in her arms! She had the Lamb who could save her from her sins! A Saviour her heart rejoiced in!

The Catholic Mary no way resembles the Jewish Mary of the Bible. Even in the days of Jesus people tried to elevate Mary in a position that was not her's. "And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked." (Luke 11:27). But Jesus immediately corrected the woman and said, "Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it." (Luke 11:28).

Jesus was way ahead of the Roman Catholic Church. We are not to sway from the word of God and put our trust in Mary or the saints, but in Jesus Christ Himself.

I could cry when I think of all the years I have wasted and abiding by these false doctrines. If only I had known sooner. But I thank God I have come at least this far. The truth certainly has freed me indeed! Put your trust in Jesus Christ and His infallible word. With those words in your hands, the Holy Spirit shall lead you and guide you into all truth.

As of this moment, I have four children (ages 9, 8, 6 and 4), homeschool, and attend a King James Bible Believing Church... I pray the Lord will use me with the little time we have left before the Rapture.

KNOW JESUS FOR YOURSELF
May you find peace and eternal life by inviting Jesus Christ into your life. Don't let anything stop you from receiving Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and enjoying eternal life with Him. God gave His only begotten Son for you. Christ died on the cross for you. He shed His blood for you and me. Oh, what love! We deserved the death Jesus endured for us on the cross, but He paid the price for sin and said, "It is finished." He rose again the third day conquering death.

Nobody has to work for salvation. It is finished! Sacraments will not save us. The saints cannot help us, and Mary cannot be our mediator. There is only one mediator, and that is Jesus Christ, "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;" (1 Timothy 2:5). Obey Jesus. Hear the word of God and keep it (Luke 11:28). The word of God tells us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the GIFT of God: NOT OF WORKS, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8,9)

The Roman Catholic Church had me doing just the opposite, works. Sacraments, saints, purgatory, and traditions do not save. Jesus Christ saves! It is a gift and a gift is not a gift until it is received. And if anybody says you can lose your salvation, then again, they choose to call Jesus a liar, but you shall know better. You turn them to John 10:28. For Jesus said about those to whom He gives eternal life, "and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand." You may walk out on God, but God doesn't go back on His promises. What He said is true! Once you are saved, you are saved forever. His hand is bigger than your faith or lack of it. Don't depend on your feelings, stand on the promise of God.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name." John 1:12.

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If You Have Received the Baptism of the holy Ghost and Speak in Tongues, the Spirit of God is calling and saying: "Come Out of her my people!" (Rev. 18:1-8) --- Find Out More and be Blessed.
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pat--tricks.. question was ..DUh..!!!.....what about the LOVE of Christ.. DUh ??

12"I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.



Who Ordained YOU??? some church.. or ????




16Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.





13But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.

14He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you.

15All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.


john 15

9"As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.

10If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father's commands and remain in his love.

11I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.

12My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.




hOW 2 DEFINE THE WORD LOVe

1....
The true meaning of love, as defined in the Bible, has been corrupted in the common usage of our English language and society. Most often, love is confused with infatuation - that elated, "high" feeling we get when we "fall in love." This kind of "love" is something that lasts typically less than a year, and unless replaced by true love, results in broken relationships.

2,....The Greek language (the language of the New Testament) uses two different words to describe and define love. The most commonly used Greek word translated "love" in the New Testament is "agape." This love is represented by God's love for us. It is a non-partial, sacrificial love probably best exemplified by God's provision for our rebellion:

"For God so loved (agape) the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.

In contrast, our love is usually conditional and based upon how other people behave toward us. This kind of love is based upon familiarity and direct interaction.

The Greek word "phileo" defines this kind of love, often translated "brotherly love." Phileo is a soulish (connected through our emotions) kind of love -

something that can be experienced by both believers and non-believers. This is in contrast to agape, which is love extended through the spirit.

Agape love requires a relationship with God through Jesus Christ, since the non-regenerated soul is unable to love unconditionally.

Agape love gives and sacrifices expecting nothing back in return.8














How to define the concept "CHRIST"


THE WORDS JESUS AND CHRIST AS DEFINED IN THE BIBLE

I) DEFINITION AND WORD STUDY ON JESUS CHRIST

Christos comes from the Greek word “chrio” (number 5548) meaning contact, to smear, to rub. It is used in the context of anointing with oil, for a particular purpose such as designating being appointed to some position or office or funtion. To anoint is to gift or joyously bestow. In Scripture "Christos" is given an assigned usage meaning, “the Anointed one." In Scripture it often refers to the Messiah / Savior / Ruler Who is to come from Israel into the world. So the Christ is the One Who is gifted (joyously bestowed) with the Lordship of heaven and earth - of all creation - by the Father.

Only twice in the N.T. is “Messias” (Number 3323) used. John 1:41 & 4:25. Interestingly it is in John 4:25 that both messias and christos are used. There are several other Greek words translated anoint, anointing, or anointed in the N.T. The references are only a few to illustrate the usage of each word.

“Aleipho” (number 218) meaning to oil. Mt. 6:17; Mk 6:13; 16:1; Luke 7:38.

“Murizo” (number 3462) meaning apply, anoint. Mk 14:8

“Chrio” (number 5548) meaning to contact, to smear, to rub (with oil). Luke 4:18.

“Epichrio” (number 2025) meaning to smear over (with oil). John 9:6. “Epi” (number 1909) meaning over, upon. John 9:6.

“Chrisma” (number 5545 from 5548) meaning smearing, unguent. I John 2:27.

THE MESSIAH JESUS CHRIST

The Messiah is God

The Messiah is Christ

The Messiah is described in Scripture as One Person Who is both God and Perfect Man at the same time!

In Hebrew, The Messiah in English letters looks like this: "HaMaschioch". It is pronounced: Ha-me-shee-ah.

Our Lord's name which we say is "Jesus" in English looks like this in the Hebrew transliterated into English letters: "Jehoshua." It is pronounced: "Ye-shoo-ah"

HEBREW

Jehoshua = Ye-shoo-ah = Jesus

HaMaschioch = Ha-Me-shee-ah = The Messiah

GREEK

Iesous = Jesus

Christos = Christ

Jesus (Ye-shoo-ah) refers to God the Son's name in His First Coming to die for sins.

It means "JEHOVAH IS SALVATION."

The Christ (Ha-me-sh e-ah) refers to God the Son's name in His Second Coming to reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.

THE CHRIST means THE ANOINTED ONE which is what the word Christos, (Christ) means in the Greek. To anoint is to gift or joyously bestow. Christ is the One Who is gifted (joyously bestowed) with the Lordship of heaven and earth - of all creation - by the Father.

[Kenneth S. Wuest, 'Ephesians and Colossians in the Greek New Testament', Wm B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Mich, 1963, p. 15]:

" 'Christ' is the transliteration of christos which means 'anointed'....

...In the Church Epistles, the word does not refer to Jesus in His official capacity of the Messiah of the Jewish nation, but as The Anointed of God, the Person chosen from the Godhead to be the anointed Prophet, Priest, and King to accomplish the purposes of God in the plan of salvation."

The word 'Christos' appears in Scripture with and without the definite article as follows:

PHRASE PASSAGE(S)
IEsous ho legomenos ..........Christos
Jesus .the One being called Christ Mt 1:16
ho .Christos (Christon)
the Christ Mt 16:16; Mk 8:29; (Lk 9:20); Jn 20:31
IEsou Christou
Jesus Christ Mk 1:1; Ro 1:44; 3:22; 5:1, 6
Christos
Christ Acts 2:36

II) THE UNIQUE NAME 'CHRIST' = THE UNIQUELY ANOINTED ONE REFERS


How.. IS THIS DEMENSTRATED IN THE bIBLE SCRIPTURE ? Uuuu ask ???


Math 10:10

7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy,[b]drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take along any gold or silver or copper in your belts; 10take no bag for the journey, or extra tunic, or sandals or a staff; for the worker is worth his keep.


Luke 10:10

Luke 10
Jesus Sends Out the Seventytwo

1After this the Lord appointed seventy-two[a] others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go.

2He told them, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 3Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

4Do not take a purse or bag or sandals; and do not greet anyone on the road.

mark 16...

15He said to them,

"Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.

16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

17And these signs will accompany those who believe:

In my name 1..they will drive out demons;

2..they will speak in new tongues;

3..18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all;

4..they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

Seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Demons.. Gee wizzz .. i believe pat..trick ..

Seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Demons



1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Tim 4:2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;
1 Tim 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats*, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

As should be obvious, this passage is a warning to the church near the end of time. It gives quite distinct characteristics of apostasy to look for, that will distinguish corrupted Christianity. Just who is it talking about? Let me present some evidence-

GIVING HEED TO SEDUCING SPIRITS

Deu 18:9 (KJV) When thou art come into the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations.
Deu 18:10 There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch,
Deu 18:11 Or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer.
Deu 18:12 For all that do these things are an abomination unto the LORD: and because of these abominations the LORD thy God doth drive them out from before thee.
Deu 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.
Deu 18:14 For these nations, which thou shalt possess, hearkened unto observers of times, and unto diviners: but as for thee, the LORD thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.

Lev 20:6 And the soul that turneth after such as have familiar spirits, and after wizards, to go a whoring after them, I will even set my face against that soul, and will cut him off from among his people.

NECROMANCY, is defined in Holman's Bible dictionary as "Conjuring the spirits of the dead to predict or influence future events." So a necromancer, as found in verse 11, is one who consults with the dead, and this practice is strongly condemned by God. Scripture is quite silent about Mary's later life, and most Catholic's will admit they are unsure whether or not she died before her alleged assumption into heaven, due to the lack of any scriptural evidence. However, on page 273 of Karl Keating's Catholicism and Fundamentalism, published in 1988 by Ignatius Press, he states that:

... Catholic commentators, not to mention the Popes, have agreed that Mary died; that belief has long been expressed through the liturgy. (The Church has never formally defined whether she died or not, and the integrity of the doctrine of the Assumption would not be impaired if she did not die, but the almost universal consensus is that she did in fact die.)

Yet, around the world, in direct violation of scripture, Catholics almost daily consult apparitions of Mary, who has actually been quite dead for nearly 2000 years.
To know this truth, (that Mary is dead) it is important to understand What Really Happens When You Die.

Here is the New International Version of the same passages:

Deu 18:9 (NIV) When you enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not learn to imitate the detestable ways of the nations there.
Deu 18:10 Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, who practices divination or sorcery, interprets omens, engages in witchcraft,
Deu 18:11 or casts spells, or who is a medium or spiritist or who consults the dead.
Deu 18:12 Anyone who does these things is detestable to the LORD, and because of these detestable practices the LORD your God will drive out those nations before you.
Deu 18:13 You must be blameless before the LORD your God.
Deu 18:14 The nations you will dispossess listen to those who practice sorcery or divination. But as for you, the LORD your God has not permitted you to do so.

Lev 20:6 I will set my face against the person who turns to mediums and spiritists to prostitute himself by following them, and I will cut him off from his people.

Now note Catholic teaching on apparitions of Mary:

From Catholic Truth for Youth, A Catechism on the Doctrines of Catholic Faith as Made Known by the Gospels, by the Magisterium, and reaffirmed at Fatima in Our Own Time, by Father Robert J. Fox, copyright 1977, published by the Ave Maria Institute, Washington, NJ 07882, bearing the NIHIL OBSTAT and IMPRIMATUR of the Catholic Church:

Page 55, Lesson 6-

On May 13, 1917, the Mother of God appeared to three children at Fatima. This was the first in a series of six apparitions, each of which was preceded by a flash of light which served to alert the children of her coming.

In addition to Fatima (Portugal), other famous apparitions of Mary are claimed to have occurred at Lourdes (France), Guadalupe (Mexico), and Medjugorje (Yugoslavia). The reported sightings of Mary have been on the rise in recent years, numbering in what must be the hundreds of incidents. Some Catholic bulletin boards are full of the messages, reputed to be from Mary, given at these sightings. Catholics flock to these sites by the thousands to witness them, and perhaps be healed by Mary's blessing.

Many of these alleged Marian apparitions also speak prophetically of future events or chastisements that will occur if Catholics do not heed the warnings given. This is necromancy, attempting to consult the dead about the future, which is clearly forbidden by scripture. I do not think all these apparitions are hoaxes, and I know that it is not Mary. That leaves Satan, or one of his demons, as the only explanation for these apparitions, and Catholics very clearly are giving heed to these seducing spirits. And then on top of this, there are all the bleeding statues, stigmata, weeping icons, and on, and on.

Here is an extensive list of apparitions with details from the Catholics themselves.

Now note the following which is speaking of Babylon (Catholicism) ...

Rev 18:23- ... for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived.

These apparitions are apparently going to increase, and become even more spectacular and will deceive many. I believe it is possible that Satan will appear as Mary in a grand illusion, prior to his impersonation of the second coming of Christ. Everyone will be able to see it, not just a few devout Catholics at Fatima. It would be a very powerful deception if you don't know the truth (that Mary is dead).

Can anyone doubt that 1 Tim 4:1 specifically identifies Catholicism?

DOCTRINES OF DEVILS

From Catholic Truth for Youth, page 67-

In front of the palm of Our Lady's right hand was a heart encircled with thorns which pierced it. We understand that this was the Immaculate Heart of Mary, outraged by the sins of humanity, and that she wanted reparation.

Page 86- Mary had only ONE Child and that Child was Jesus. Thus, she was and remains the ever-virgin Mother of Our Lord and Savior. After her Divine Son, Mary enjoys the highest place in the Church because she did God's will perfectly and never committed the slightest sin. She was even exempt from original sin, which all the other children of Adam inherit. When she died, Mary's body and soul were taken to heaven. (This is what is meant by the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.) From her beautiful throne, the Mother of God continues to love and pray for all her children still living on earth.

Page 89- When Pope Paul VI announced that a Golden Rose would be sent to the Sanctuary at Fatima, he also stated that he intended to entrust the entire human race to the care of the Mother of God.

From the booklet Questions and Answers about Mary, by Anthony M. Buono, published by Liguori Publications, copyright 1993, and bearing the IMPRIMI POTEST, and IMPRIMATUR of the Roman Catholic Church, page 9-

6. How is Mary our intercessor?

Mary is our intercessor because in heaven she continues to intercede with her Son, Jesus, for us in the world.

She is our intercessor because of the following reasons: (1) As worthy Mother of God and full of grace, she occupies a middle position between God and his creatures. (2) Together with Christ and under him, she cooperated in the reconciliation of God and mankind while she was still on earth. (3) Now from heaven she distributes the graces that God bestows on his children.

Of course, this intercession is always secondary and subject to Christ's primary and self-sufficient intercessory role. All favors granted by God to his rational creatures are granted in virtue of and because of Mary's intercession. It is not necessary that we explicitly implore her intercessions in our prayers. But whether we mention her or not, it is through her that we receive whatever we receive.

Note the following verses-

Acts 4:10 Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole.
Acts 4:11 This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner.
Acts 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

1 Tim 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

From the booklet Questions and Answers about Mary, Page 15-

11. Why does the Church render liturgical devotion to Mary?

The Church renders liturgical devotion to Mary because Mary is joined by an inseparable bond to the saving work of her Son, which is made present in the liturgy.

The liturgy make present Christ's paschal mystery (his life, death, and resurrection), enabling us to render fitting worship to God and to obtain the graces of Christ gained for all human beings. It is only right to show liturgical devotion to Mary, since she is joined inescapably to the saving work being represented.

Though there are many other false doctrines taught by the Catholic Church, I have focused only on the Catholic doctrines regarding Mary, because the Bible speaks plainly about the the state of the dead, and says nothing about Mary being taken to heaven.

Mary remains in the grave, quite dead, hearing nothing, interceding for no one. Catholic teaching on this matter is quite foreign to scripture, and rests on nothing but Catholic Tradition. It is the most prevalent, and most dangerous form of idolatry and spiritualism to infiltrate the Church. It is plainly AntiChrist.

FORBIDDING TO MARRY

The following canons are quoted from the CODEX IURIS CANONICI, the current Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church, copyright 1983, by Libreria Editrice Vaticana, Vatican City-

Can. 277 - § 1. Cleric are obliged to observe perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, and therefore are obliged to observe celibacy, which is a special gift of God, by which sacred ministers can adhere more easily to Christ with an undivided heart and can more freely dedicate themselves to the service of God and mankind.

Can 1037 - An unmarried candidate for the permanent diaconate and a candidate for the presbyterate is not to be admitted to the order of diaconate unless in a prescribed rite he has assumed publicly before God and the Church the obligation of celibacy or professed perpetual vows in a religious institute.

Can 1087 - Persons who are in holy orders invalidly attempt marriage.

Can 1088 - Persons who are bound by a public perpetual vow of chastity in a religious institute invalidly attempt marriage.

COMMANDING TO ABSTAIN FROM MEATS

*Meats: From Strong's Greek Dictionary- word G1033. broma, bro'-mah; from the base of G977; food (lit. or fig.), espec. (cer.) articles allowed or forbidden by the Jewish law:--meat, victuals.

The word translated meats in 1 Tim 4:3 actually means foods in a generic sense, not just animal flesh, so this passage speaks in the broadest sense of commanding fasting.

Can. 1249 - All members of the Christian faithful in their own way are bound to do penance in virtue of divine law; in order that all may be joined in a common observance of penance, penitential days are prescribed in which the Christian faithful in a special way pray, exercise works of piety and charity, and deny themselves by fulfilling their responsibilities more faithfully and especially by observing fast and abstinence according to the norm of the following canons.

Can. 1250 - All Fridays through the year and the time of Lent are penitential days and times throughout the universal Church.

Can 1251 - Abstinence from eating meat or another food according to the prescriptions of the conference of bishops is to be observed on Fridays throughout the year unless they are solemnities; abstinence and fast are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and on the Friday of the Passion and Death of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

Can 1252 - All persons who have completed their fourteenth year are bound by the law of abstinence; all adults are bound by the law of fast up to the beginning of their sixtieth year. Nevertheless, pastors and parents are to see to it that minors who are not bound by the law of fast and abstinence are educated in an authentic sense of penance.

Here you will find listed the Precepts of the Catholic Church which are considered obligatory laws, in the new Vatican's Catechism, paragraphs 2041-2043. The fifth precept deals with abstinence from meat and fasting.

CONCLUSION

I know of no other Christian church to which these characteristics can be applied with such ease, other than the Roman Catholic Church. I would therefore state that it is the subject of Paul's warning in 1 Timothy chapter 4. To those who think me too critical, or devisive, or hurtful, then please read verse 6-

1 Tim 4:6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

What Christian does not believe that to be a worthy goal?

former roman catholic priest Hmmm

Pilgrimage From Rome
A Testimony by converted-priest Bartholomew F. Brewer

Romans 10:2-3 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
Millions - perhaps the majority -of Roman Catholics, are Catholic by name, by culture, or by inertia. Our family, however, was Roman Catholic by conviction. We understood and practiced the teachings of our religion. We believed it to be the "one true church" founded by Jesus Christ.

Because of this, we accepted without question everything our priests taught. In those days before Vatican II, the common belief was that "outside the Roman Catholic Church there is no salvation." This brought us a feeling of security, of being right. We were somehow safe in the arms of "holy mother church."

From the time my father died (I was almost ten), my mother attended daily Mass, not missing even one day for over twenty-four years. Our family faithfully recited the rosary every evening. We were encouraged to make regular visits to the "blessed sacrament." In addition to the teaching at home, all of our schooling was Roman Catholic. Monsignor Hubert Carwright and the other priests at our home parish, the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, used to say that our family was more Catholic than Rome.

It was no wonder that as I approached high school age, I felt called to prepare for the Roman Catholic priesthood. Rather than the secular priesthood, which serves parishes, I chose to apply to the Discalced Carmelites, one of the more strict and ancient monastic orders.

From the first day at Holy Hill, Wisconsin, I loved the religious life, and this love was the motivation I needed to get through all the Latin and other studies, which I found very difficult. The dedication and self-sacrifice of the priests who taught our classes was a continual reminder of the value of making any sacrifice to reach the goal of ordination.The training I received in four years of the high school seminary, two years in the novitiate, three years of philosophy, and four years of theology (the last after ordination) was thorough. I was sincere in praciticing the various mortifications and other disciplines and never once doubted my calling nor anything I was taught. Taking the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience represented my lifetime commitment to God. For me the voice of the church was the voice of God.

My ordination to the Roman Catholic priesthood was at the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception of Mary in Washington, DC, the seventh largest church in the world today. When "His Excellency, the Most Reverend Bishop" John M. McNamara imposed his hands on my head and repeated the words from Psalm 110:4 ..... "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek:", I was overwhelmed with the belief that I was now a mediator between God and the people.

The anointing and binding of my hands with special cloths signified that they were now consecrated to changing bread and wine into the real (literal) flesh and blood of Jesus Christ, to perpetuate the sacrifice of Calvary through the Mass, and to dispense saving grace through the other Roman Catholic sacraments of baptism, confession, confirmation, marriage, and the last rites. At ordination a Roman Catholic priest is said to receive an "indelible" mark: to experience an unending interchange of his personality with that of Christ, that he may perform his priestly duties as another Christ" (alter Christus) or in the place of Christ. People actually knelt and kissed our newly consecrated hands, so sincere was this belief. After completing the last year of theology, which was principally a final preparation for preaching and hearing confession (which involved giving absolution or forgiveness of sin), I was granted my long expressed desire to be a missionary priest in the Philippines.

The change from a regimented, monastic life to the simplicity and freedom of the missionary life proved a challenge for which I had not been prepared. I loved traveling to some of the eighty or more primitive barrios assigned to our parish. I also cherished teaching my religion class at the Carmelite high school in our small town. Until then my life had been almost exclusively among men. I enjoyed watching the girls giggle as they flirted with teasing boys After a while though, my attention was drawn to one of the more diligent students who thoroughly captivated my interest. This young lady was mature beyond her years because of the responsibilities that had fallen to her after her mother had died. She was lovely and shyly responded as we stole moments talking alone after class. This was a new adventure, and I soon interpreted our newly discovered affection as love.

It is not surprising that soon the bishop learned of this, though he was many miles away, and he quickly returned me to the States before any serious relationship could develop. The embarrassment of this discipline was difficult for both of us, but life always moves on. After the adventure and freedom in the Philippines, I had no motivation to return to monastic living, so the Father Provincial granted permission for me to work at a Discalced Carmelite parish in Arizona.

I enjoyed my responsibilities in that parish, but my next assignment was not so fulfilling. Soon I was granted a dispensation from Rome to leave the Carmelite order to serve as a secular (diocesan) priest. While serving a large parish in San Diego, California, I requested and was granted permission to enter the United States Navy as a Roman Catholic Chaplain. There, new goals, rank and travel served as an escape from what had gradually become a sterile parochial life of ritualism and sacramentalism.

My religious life broadened quickly as I mixed with non-Catholic chaplains. For the first time, I was living outside my Roman Catholic culture. Amid the ecumenical atmosphere I gradually became neutralized. Then as Vatican II opened the windows of rigid tradition to let in fresh air, I took in a deep and delightfully refreshing breath. Change was in. Some wanted it to be radical, others wanted only a little modernization.

For many, the Roman Catholic faith was failing to give answers to common modern-day problems. Many felt alienated and misunderstood. This was especially true of priests. With all the change, the priesthood was losing its glamour. No longer was the priest's education considered far superior to that of the parishioner. No longer was the priest cultured above the majority of his people. To experience an identity crisis was more common among priests than any were willing to acknowledge, even among the chaplains. At first I was scandalized to realize that some of the Catholic chaplains were actually dating. I listened with interest as some openly discussed the impractical nature of mandatory celibacy. Soon I also gained the courage to question the authorities of our church who persisted in retaining such traditions, especially when the law of celibacy was the source of so many moral problems among priests. For the first time in my life, I doubted the authority of my religion, not because of intellectual pride, but in conscience, in true sincerity.

As students for the priesthood, we were well-informed regarding the ancient tradition that binds the Roman Catholic priest to celibacy. We well knew that the few who are granted permission from the Vatican to marry may never again function as priests. But times were changing.

Questions never before voiced were being raised at the Vatican Council in Rome. Many thought that priests with wives could, as the Protestants did, bring greater sensitivity and understanding to marital and family issues. Discussions about such things were commonplace wherever priests got together, even as they visited the apartment that mother and I shared off base.

Mother was not shy in joining the discussions. She was a well-informed and intelligent person, and I greatly valued her opinions. I recall how appalled she was that evolution was being taught in Catholic schools, and that Rome had established dialogue with the Communists. She had long been disturbed over the conflicts she had observed between the principles taught in scripture and the lack of principles among many of the religious leaders of our own church.

Many years before, Monsignor Cartwright had comforted mother with the reminder that, though there were many problems in our church Jesus promised that "The gates of hell would not prevail against it." Mother always expressed a tremendous respect for the Bible. Though she read it faithfully through the years, she was now becoming an avid student of scripture. As I observed a general liberal trend among my colleagues, mother was leaning in another direction. It was a mystery to me. While others discussed desires to see a relaxation and loosening of traditional rules and rituals, Mother expressed her desire to see a more Biblical emphasis in the church - more attention to the spiritual aspects of life, and a greater emphasis upon Jesus, even a personal relationship with Him.

At first I didn't understand, but gradually I observed a wonderful change in Mother. Her influence helped me realize the importance of the Bible in determining what we believe. We often discussed subjects such as the primacy of Peter, papal infallibility, the priesthood, infant baptism, confession, the Mass, purgatory, the immaculate conception of Mary, and the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven. In time I realized that not only are these beliefs not in the Bible, they are actually contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture. Finally the barrier against having personal convictions was broken. There was no doubt in my mind about the Biblical view on these subjects, but what affect would all this have on my life as a priest?

I truly believed that God had called me to serve Him. An ethical dilemma was staring me in the face. What was I to do? Yes, there were priests who did not believe all the dogmas of Rome. Yes, there were priests who secretly had wives and families. Yes, I could remain a Catholic Chaplain and continue serving without voicing my disagreements. I could continue receiving the pay and the privileges of military rank. I could continue receiving the allotment and other benefits for my mother. There were many reasons to stay both professional and material, but to do so would have been hypocritical and unethical. From my youth I always tried to do right, and that is what I chose to do now.

Though my bishop had recently granted approval for me to pursue twenty years in the military, I resigned after only four. Mother and I simply and quietly moved near my brother, Paul, and his wife in the San Francisco Bay area. Shortly before we moved, mother cut her ties with Roman Catholicism by being baptized in a Seventh-Day Adventist church. I knew she had been studying the Bible with one of their workers, but she did not tell me about the baptism until I had already decided to leave the priesthood.

The decision to leave was anything but easy. Rome's claim that there are no objective reasons for leaving "the one true church" was something to be carefully considered. Traditional Catholics would still consider me to be a "Judas priest," "damned, excommunicated, and to be avoided."

Yes there were many difliculties involved in leaving the security of the Roman Catholic fold, but I have found that Jesus never fails.

After shaking the Roman Catholic dust off my shoes, I faced a momentous issue: Where is ultimate authority? Through the process of elimination, I gradually concluded that the Bible is the only authority that cannot be shaken. Many systems, including Roman Catholicism, have attempted without success to undermine its sufficiency, its efficiency, its perfection, even that it was written not merely by the will of men but by holy men of God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit: "For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost " (II Peter 1:21).

Oh, happy day when all who name the name of Jesus Christ understand that the Bible is the only source of authority that doesn't change! It is the final authority because of its complete identification with its unchanging Author. God has communicated clearly. It is tragic that Romanism and most of traditional Protestantism, as well as many Pentecostals and other groups, reject Biblical sufficiency. They choose rather to trust questionable traditions, visions, apparitions, or prophecies. Not only are these unsubstantiated as being "of God," but many contradict clear Biblical teaching.

Perhaps the reason that many regard the Bible as insufficient is that they have not thoroughly studied it. My transcripts from thirteen years of formal study in the Discalced Carmelite order shows that I had only twelve semester hours of Bible. This alone is evidence that Scripture is not the basis of Roman Catholic teaching.

After leaving Roman Catholicism I wanted to study the Bible. I was a "church-oriented" person, not being opposed to joining another denomination. After investigating some of the Protestant churches, I sadly concluded that in their ecumenical folly they were Rome-ward bound at the expense of Biblical truth. Viewing the smorgasbord of churches can be discouraging and even dangerous for the former Catholic in his search for truth. Meeting mother's Adventist friends, however, was a delight. They were enthusiastic about their faith, and their love of the Scriptures echoed my desire to study the Bible. This resulted in a somewhat premature decision to join the Seventh-day Adventist denomination. The pastor who baptized me arranged for the Southern California Conference to send me to seminary at Andrews University for a year. While making plans for a year of study, I met Ruth. I was hoping and praying to find a wife for about a year. From the first time Ruth visited our church, I knew she would be my life's companion. We were married shortly before leaving for the seminary. She was a convert to Adventism and like everyone else had assumed that since I wanted to enter the seminary I was a Christian.

Realizing that I never mentioned anything about being "born again, "one day my wife asked me, "Bart, when did you become a Christian?" My unbelievable reply was... "I was born a Christian." In the conversations that transpired, she tried to help me understand that man, being born in sin, at some point must recognize the need of a Savior and be born again spiritually by trusting only in Jesus Christ to save him from the consequences of sin. When I responded that I had always believed in God, she observed that according to James 2:19 "Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble."

In time, because of these conversations and because of classes in Romans, Galatians, and Hebrews, I finally understood that I had been relying on my own righteousness and religious efforts and not upon the completed and sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The Roman Catholic religion had never taught me that our own righteousness is fleshly and not acceptable to God, nor did it teach that we need only to trust in His righteousness. He already did everything that needs to be done on our behalf. Then one day during chapel, the Holy Spirit convicted me of my need to repent and receive the "gift "of God.

During all those years of monastic life I had relied on the sacraments of Rome to give me grace, to save me, but now by God's grace I was born spiritually: I was saved. Being ignorant of God's righteousness, like the Jew of Paul's day I had gone about establishing my own righteousness, not submitting to the 'righteousness of God' (Romans 10:2-3).

I do not know who you are or what your relationship with God may be, but may I ask you the most important question in life: Are you a Biblical Christian? Are you trusting only in the completed sacrifice of Christ for the forgiveness of all your sin? If not, why not settle it right now? As in the simple wedding ceremony, promise Him your love, your devotion, your trust. Receiving Jesus as Savior is not something you do as a religious ritual, it is a one time commitment of your life to Him for the forgiveness of all your sin.

The very moment you do that, Jesus Christ takes up a vital position in your being, and you receive eternal life. After that, you will change. The Bible says, "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:" Philippians 1:6.

Near the end of my fourth year as an Adventist I was influenced by several church members to attend some charismatic meetings. They said that the Holy Spirit was breaking down denominational barriers in the last days before the return of Christ. Wanting all that God has for me, I went into a prayer room to receive the "gift of tongues." I was somewhat leery of it all, especially since I didn't experience the feelings that so many described. I did privately practice tongues, but I could not get myself to recruit others into the movement. It was far more important to me to move people to study the Bible, to bring people to trust Christ, and to live by Scriptural principles. My major interest in the charismatic movement was the concern for others that it seemed to inspire. This, along with the spontaneity and zeal, impressed me as exemplifying a Biblical lifestyle which seemed to be missing in many churches.

Not long after I was ordained as a Seventh Day Adventist minister, the Southern Conference had a special promotion for the writings of Ellen G. White, one of the founders of Adventism and one whom the Adventists believe to be a prophetess. Ruth and I found the series of pastors seminars very helpful and informative until the last one. The lecturer was from the General Conference in Washington, DC, and some of his statements were highly disturbing. The one that became a turning point in my life was that the writings of Ellen G. White are "equally inspired as Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John." Disturbed, I counseled with a highly respected leader, but could in no way reconcile this in my conscience. I had already begun to feel spiritually shackled in Adventism because of its legalism and exclusivism, but this in my opinion, was adding to Scripture.

When I chose not to begin the series called the "Testimony Countdown" in our church, several members protested. Within a few days I realized, in conscience, that I could no longer continue as an Adventist minister. Had it not been for the encouragement and help of several non-Adventist ministerial friends the transition would a have been much more difficult.

During the next four years I pastored two churches and grew rapidly in the knowledge of the Bible and realized the difficulty of dealing with people not under an authoritarian system. I also had many opportunities to give my testimony. I was convinced that God had "counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry" but not as a pastor.

I prayerfully and deliberately decided to return to San Diego, where I once served as a parish priest. Aware that Vatican II had brought many Roman Catholics confusion and disillusionment, I felt led to begin a ministry to help them in the transition from the Catholic denomination. Before long, the Lord opened doors to speak. People wanted to know the name of the ministry. Our answer was that it was like a mission to Catholics.

As Ruth and I grew spiritually, we were convinced of the ecumenical nature of the charismatic movement and left it. About that same time, we met some Biblical Fundamentalists who believed and faithfully practiced the principles of the Bible. Though we have many friends in independent Bible churches, we were members of a Fundamental Baptist church, in which I was also ordained.

Mission To Catholics International was incorporated and granted non-profit status. Since that time it has distributed millions of tracts, books, and tapes exposing the contradictions between Roman Catholicism and the Bible and presenting Biblical salvation. A monthly newsletter is available to any contributors requesting it. The Lord had allowed us a bit of radio and television exposure and we are pleased that my autobiography, Pilgrimage From Rome, has been published and is receiving an excellent acceptance in both English and Spanish. We have held meetings and taken literature into many foreign countries, and mail orders are sent out five days a week from our home office in San Diego.

Meetings keep us busy often for as much as thirteen weeks traveling throughout both the U.S.A. and other countries. A School of Roman Catholic Evangelism provides a week or more of intense training for pastors and key workers who desire to establish specialized ministries for effectively reaching the Roman Catholic community through their churches. Missionaries and ex-Catholics are also encouraged to attend (especially converted-priests and ex-nuns, so that they may be prepared to minister within Biblical Fundamentalism.)

At Mission To Catholics we are convinced that it is not love to withhold the truth from those in darkness. Roman Catholics need to be challenged to think about what they believe and to study the Bible, comparing their religion with the truth of Scripture. Only then can they experience the freedom and light of God's truth. "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32).

By Converted Priest Bartholomew F. Brewer

former roman catholic

Friendly Version

Testimony of a Former Roman Catholic
By

CM



I'm a former Roman Catholic now for 17 years and can surely testify about the lies I was taught as a Roman Catholic, comfortable and appealing lies. Hard for those not raised Catholic to grasp how anybody with common sense can really place any faith in the traditions and rituals of Rome. The average Roman Catholic is downright ignorant about the roots of Catholicism and what it teaches in writing, not to mention Biblically ignorant! I say that charitably but honestly, it's just plain willful ignorance and laziness and refusal to move from that comfort zone.

My own family is still primarily Catholic, and I've shown them time and again factual secular writing (and catholic writing) and history about their beloved Catholic church that doesn't even faze them; they just refuse to believe the truth and sputter and get mad... Myth and tradition have a terrible hold on people, and God help you when you attempt to get through that to show someone the truth.

I should let you know I'm not perfect; I'm divorced for 10 years (my husband "didn't want to be married anymore") and have no children and have certainly had my ups and downs in the local church setting over the years since being saved, though I daily read from my King James Bible no matter what.

I got saved shortly before we married. My husband had been raised Southern Baptist and was a good bit older than me and had been married before, but I'm sure now, had never taken God seriously (good husband material for a newly saved woman, right?) For a 28 year old woman, I should have been so much smarter than I was and more serious about my future and making the right choices, especially since I'd just gotten saved. He never shared my interest in the Bible and the things of God, though he would play along. I knew all this and married him anyway. I was very foolish and could only think about having children and just was not being honest about the whole situation and my part in it. Though I got saved in a small independent Baptist church, I left that and got married in a big Southern Baptist one, mostly to please others. To make a long story short, we had a very stormy marriage.

I always worked outside the home (medical transcriber) and he never wanted me to quit work (I would have done so gladly) because he had a lifestyle he wanted to maintain and felt we needed to make as much money as possible. We grew further and further apart, and he spent longer times away from the home. We tried having children (he was never enthused about this), and I found I couldn't. He began to have severe health problems (heart surgery, etc.) which still did not work to turn him to God; he absolutely refused to consider giving up our big expensive home or his other "toys" we didn't need and that I never wanted. I was in church on Wednesdays and Sundays but living a lie to those around me and was miserable. We finally just agreed to call it quits, and when he asked for the divorce, I did not fight it. Our marriage lasted 6 years, and he moved on to wife #3 (!) and divorced her also within two years.

I've never seriously considered remarriage to anyone. I called myself saved but see now that I was not in obedience by marrying someone I knew would not be the right kind of husband in the first place. As a matter of fact, of course I was in defiance, wasn't I? Yet once married and had my ex-husband been willing to listen to anyone around us (his family, friends, the preacher), I would have been more than willing to stay married (I hated the thought of divorce). We did have some counseling but he wanted out. What a mess, huh? I see now one blessing was we had no children together to be harmed by all this, and while this was hard for me to take at the time, now I accept it and can thank God for the lesson and feel no bitterness (just sadness that I pursued something that was not right in the first place). That was all 10 years ago. I'm still a medical transcriber but now work full time from my home (I have a small one) and live a quiet little life, not always happy with my church life but try to be a help when asked. I do pass out tracts and try to witness. My folks are getting older and live nearby, and I do for them.

Thinking Back

I'd say I had a "normal" Catholic middle-class upbringing and family. I'm 45 now and the oldest of three, and we all attended parochial school. My folks were hardworking good people, not overly involved in church activities per se but in church on Sundays and holy days, and I was blessed with a happy comfortable childhood. I vividly remember my first communion and confirmation ceremonies, the May processions in honor of "our lady", my Girl Scout troupe (where we worked on our "Marian Award," a special project for catholic Girl Scouts - don't know if that still exists!), etc. I truly have nothing but good memories of my years all through grade school. Our parish was building a new church building, and we had a beautiful big pipe organ, and I loved being in the choir and like most other little Catholic girls went through a phase of wanting one day to be a nun. Back then I never questioned what we were taught and happily accepted what the younger nuns would tell us about this new pope John (this was back in the early 60's) and all the "new changes" he was bringing about in the catholic church. I remember what a big deal it was when the mass went from Latin to English and the priest began to face the people. In particular, I remember being so fond of a little nun who would tell us about "our lady's" childhood and read to us about her from a book (more about this later).

I know now I lived in a closed world, really, in a basically catholic town and suburban neighborhood where everybody we knew and associated with believed the same way so that I never had much exposure to different ways of living or thinking (and certainly never once heard a single testimony from a real Christian in all those years!)

This began to change for me when it came time to go to high school. My folks had both gone to a business/trade high school and had instilled in us kids the desire to "get ahead" by working hard and getting more of a practical education, so unlike most of my grade school classmates who went to the suburban catholic high school, I attended the aforementioned high school where my folks went. I still went to mass on Sundays and holy days and to the CCD classes once a week (for catholic teens not attending catholic high school). I began to meet kids who had had different upbringings and for the first time found out that not everybody was Catholic (but strangely enough also had "good morals"!) I should say I was never afraid to think for myself (despite the fact that I knew the catholic church would prefer we Catholics not read those books not having the Catholic "imprimatur") and was a voracious reader and liked to write and keep a journal,

I started to get antsy at mass on Sundays, wondering why in the world the different priests I would listen to never seemed to have much of a lesson to teach in their sermons, and it seemed strange to me that most priests I ever heard would not even teach much about catholic doctrine but would tell football stories or make jokes (I was always more on the serious side, and this really bothered me).

Once I learned to drive, I began to visit different catholic churches on Sunday, hoping to find a priest who had more of a message, one who would stick to one topic and teach me something as I was sure not getting much from the rest of the mass and could not seem to "feel" the way I used to as a kid.

My high school years passed this way as did my early 20's - I'd find a mass nearly every Sunday or holy day and attempt to "feel holy" during the service, pray the rosary and long litanies to "our lady" and other saints, give money to the church, do volunteer activities but was always hungry for something more substantial and that made sense, some straight answers. I'd talked to a nice older priest I admired, but he seemed embarrassed when I'd asked him questions about hell or other topics and would more or less pat me on the head and tell me not to be so serious, that I was a good person and just to continue doing what I was doing.

One Sunday (16 years ago now) I got brave and walked into a little independent Baptist church. By this time, on my own, I had collected some different bibles but had not truly read much from them. I had enough sense to walk into that church with one of these Bibles (don't remember if it was my King James version I had that day) and for the first time, I heard a man in a pulpit who spoke with authority and who had a book open in front of him. I was so impressed with this, the fact that everybody in the church had the same book and could follow along as he read and expounded on the verses, and I thought this was wonderful. It made so much sense to me. When he asked if there was anyone there who had never really asked Jesus to be their personal Saviour, I had no trouble walking down that aisle, I just knew I was hearing what I'd been hoping to hear for years and that I was in the right place.

I began to get more even more serious about what I read and couldn't get enough of my King James Bible. I remember feeling such joy as I read Romans 10:17 for the first time. "So then faith cometh by HEARING, and hearing by the word of God" How can you get saved if you never get to hear the word, and how can you grow? Another one that affected me this same way was Romans 10:14 - "How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him OF WHOM THEY HAVE NOT HEARD? and how shall they hear without a preacher?"

One of the first things I remember doing was trying to find that story about "our lady's" childhood and being puzzled about why there wasn't much in my bible about Mary. I remember being shocked that Jesus had half-brothers and sisters and that there was nothing in my bible about Mary ascending into heaven! I was given some of Matthew Henry's commentaries and also began to read more secular and factual history, what an eye opener. I got hold of Hislop's "Two Babylons," and that one really changed my way of thinking about Roman Catholicism and its origins, especially regarding the mother and child depictions, sheer paganism! Oh, and I also found a little book that I believe my favorite nun had read from concerning "our lady's" childhood in the public library one day a few years ago (sorry, can't remember the name of this one, but it was obviously not Bible!)

For me, one of the saddest things the Catholic Church has done and still does is to make Mary something she is not and to take the focus off our Saviour. Two verses that cut me to the quick when I first read them and that made me know instinctively that there was something not right about Catholicism - if I were being honest:

Jeremiah 7:18 - "The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough, to make cakes to the QUEEN OF HEAVEN, and to pour out their drink -offerings unto other gods, that they may provoke me to anger." One of the litanies I used to pray to Mary immediately sprang to my mind, and I also thought of the nuns in convents who support themselves by making communion hosts. This one really made the hair on the back of my neck stand up when I first read it; how could any honest catholic NOT see the roman catholic church here?

Or Matthew 6:7, where Jesus speaks of prayer - "But when you pray, USE NOT VAIN REPETITIONS, AS THE HEATHEN DO: for they think they shall be heard for their much speaking" Again, I thought of the litanies and all the hail Mary's that make up the rosaries I used to say!

Hebrews 7:27: "Who needeth NOT daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did ONCE, when he offered up himself." The first time I saw this one, of course I had to ask myself: Then why do Catholics do this over and over again when Jesus did it once for all - why make it as though Jesus' sacrifice wasn't good enough? That's how I saw it.

I recently tried once again to witness to an old friend of mine, a very devout elderly Catholic who has a special devotion to "our lady." She also remembers the stories we were told as kids about Mary's supposed childhood and got furious with me when I told here those stories were nowhere in the Bible. So you see where a great deal of difficulty lies, that people would rather hang on to their happy childhood stories and memories and traditions than to hear, read and understand the plain literal truth of the Holy Bible, and how hard it is to tear people away from their love of entertainment and passivity.

My prayer is that those of us who have been saved by His grace out of the whore of Babylon can learn to witness effectively to those still caught up in the old stories and myths of Catholicism.

Now, about the "Christian" discussion and talk groups. Being a former Catholic, I was naturally curious about former-catholic websites at first. I found that when I would post to these groups (to be specific, the Roman Catholic Observer) I would get a lot of email from both sides, devout Catholics and those saved out of Catholicism. The eye-opener/snare for me about websites like this one was discovering that those saved (supposedly) out of Catholicism almost always turn out to be charismatic (they really do tend to conceal that). I noticed recently that this site (Roman Catholic Observer) seems to have been taken over by what I'd consider catholic sympathizers (but then again, maybe this site always was just that.)

The lesson I've learned is that most folks are not narrow way Christians (surprise, surprise!), and woe be unto you if you get serious about earnestly contending for the faith once delivered in the standard
"Christian" discussion groups, in fact, you invite a lot of nastiness from people who claim to be Christian and obviously never crack open their Bibles. So it is confusing at first, then you get discernment - you just learn not to fool with sites that are obviously not narrow way, which is most of them. I realize there are groups strictly for fundamentalists/KJV only but found these tend to be kind of exclusive and local and mostly male, naturally. And even there, I ran into a Baptist lady who home schools her kids and claims she "instant messages" as many as 200 people she considers "friends" every single day (I found that odd). The internet itself actually is worse than the TV, when you come right down to it, if you're not using it for the right reasons.

I dealt with one former Catholic lady my age recently, supposedly King James only, who still refers me to questionable sites (Hebrew roots/patriotic stuff) even after I found out she was speaking in tongues and had pointed out to her (among other things) that Catholics have been speaking in tongues for years and that in itself should have given her a clue that something HAD to be wrong about it (turns out she's also "teaching Revelations" at her church). Actually, she's one of the more friendly and well-meaning people I've corresponded with, but even with our having had a common upbringing, I can make no headway with her in regard to pointing out the strange connections that exist between some people and groups, and she claims to be KJV only.

The Scripture that comes to mind when I really doubt myself - II Timothy 1:7, "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind" - I like the "sound mind" part in particular.

By depending on Christ and looking to God's Word for the answers to my many questions, the Scriptures really did help make me see how lost I was as a Catholic in my "comfortable" rituals. The "word of God IS quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart" - Hebrews 4:12.

It's taken me years to get more narrow and obedient, and I still have a long way to go in my daily Christian walk. I don't know how much other women could truly identify with a lot of what I have to say with my being divorced and having no kids. But I guess if we're truly Christians, we're a peculiar people anyway in this world.

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