Re: Divine mercy

Former Member

Tomorrow is the feast of Divine mercy. I hope with all my heart that the church is packed with folks that have fallen away from our faith.
May you all have a Blessed celebration of His mercy that endures forever!!

"Our Lord's Mercy grants forgiveness of all sins and punishment on the Feast of Divine Mercy, Mercy Sunday, mercy for even the most hardened sinners! It is the Sunday of Divine Mercy, the Feast of Mercy!"
Blessed be God forever!

4/13/1311:53 PM

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Bill GrayOld Faithful

Hi VP,

Not to take away from your designated day; but, God's mercy is extended to anyone, yes, even the most hardened sinners, if that person will -- by the grace of God, through faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross -- repent, turn from the world, and turn to follow Jesus Christ.

No one day is any better than another for receiving the mercy of God. God's mercy is available and applicable 24/7/365 to all who will receive it.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

4/14/131:05 AM

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gbrkOld Faithful

There have been various special days in the life of the Church, Christians, and believers throughout history as have there been for the Nation of Israel what with the various feast days that were observed and celebrated days which might entice certain people into the Church or Synagog that otherwise might not be tempted or enticed to come otherwise. God, Himself, set aside a certain day, for His Jewish people, for which they are to hold Holy and dedicated to Him and to rest.

IF there is a certain day that a certain denomination or Church sets aside which could potentially lead someone who is un-churched or unsaved back into Church is that not a good thing? The same could be said of protestant, as well as Catholic, churches with Christmas and Easter services for inevitably there are people in the Church on those days or around those special days that don't darken the Churches doors any other times of the year. It is therefore not a bad idea to have emphasis on Salvation or specific targeting of a specific group and therefore teaching, maybe, certain messages that might not ordinarily be taught on any other given Sunday, on those special days knowing that many will be in the Church for observation of that special day/feast/occurrence/event that might more be in need of hearing a special message that say routine and regular attenders would be more acquainted with and accustomed to.

While your statement, regarding all days being the same with regards to receiving salvation is accurate and I agree, why does it seem to be that the tone of your writing seems to indicate some kind of reproach or negativity for making the statement she did as if she was somehow in error or wrong for wording it as she has or did? Must we be of a critical tone or nature constantly with our fellow believers just because they happen to be of a faith/denomination/belief that we are not 100% of ourselves? I, openly and willingly, apologize to you if I have misinterpreted your post and your intent as I hope I have misunderstood it and have taken it wrong.

I, personally, think Vplee's sentiments are very keeping with concerned Christians and a caring spirit toward the unsaved and un-churched world around us. Do you not think that her very post and sentiment is very much in keeping with the thought and intent of the Great Commission to take Christ to the world and make disciples and bring those who do not know Christ unto Him making them a part of the Church?

4/14/133:48 AM

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House of DavidHall of Famer

Gbrk, really good response. Thank you

4/14/1310:15 AM

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smokey1Hall of Famer

Originally Posted by Bill Gray:

Hi VP,

No one day is any better than another for receiving the mercy of God. God's mercy is available and applicable 24/7/365 to all who will receive it.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

=======================

Lil' bill, You're nothing but a buzz kill

4/14/1310:34 AM

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Dove of PeaceHall of Famer

Thank you, gbrk, for a great posting...

4/14/133:42 PM

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QuaildogPost Master

Good job g

4/15/138:03 AM

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Bill GrayOld Faithful

Hi GB,

Although I could not tell who you were addressing in your post, I will respond to several points you made.

You wrote, "God, Himself, set aside a certain day, for His Jewish people, for which they are to hold Holy and dedicated to Him and to rest."

Yes, in the Old Testament, for those under the Law, God did designate specific Feast Days. However, you will notice that in the New Testament, for we who are under Grace -- no Feast Days or special days have been set aside.

Christians have chosen to set aside special days such as Christmas and Easter; but, even these are not universally celebrated in all Christian churches. I celebrate them; but some who are more legalistic do not.

Basically, under the Grace of the New Testament -- we celebrate and worship God 24/7/365.

Once again, I am assuming that you are addressing me when you write, "While your statement, regarding all days being the same with regards to receiving salvation is accurate and I agree, why does it seem to be that the tone of your writing seems to indicate some kind of reproach or negativity for making the statement she did as if she was somehow in error or wrong for wording it as she has or did? Must we be of a critical tone or nature constantly with our fellow believers just because they happen to be of a faith/denomination/belief that we are not 100% of ourselves?"

I wrote to VP:

No one day is any better than another for receiving the mercy of God. God's mercy is available and applicable 24/7/365 to all who will receive it.

I see nothing negative in that. She spoke of a specific day of Divine Mercy -- and I tell her that God's mercy is not limited to one day; but, is indeed available to all people 24/7/365.

Was I being critical of VP? No, not really. I was only suggesting she think beyond one day for Divine Mercy; let's not limit our God.

Will I be critical of VP? Yes, when she, or anyone, posts teachings that are not Biblical -- I will refute those teachings; not the person, but the teachings.

You write, again I am assuming I am the person addressed, "Must we be of a critical tone or nature constantly with our fellow believers just because they happen to be of a faith/denomination/belief that we are not 100% of ourselves?"

Must we be critical of fellow Christian believers who differ in some beliefs? Absolutely not. I have many Friends who are Pentecostal, who are Roman Catholic, who are Liberal, etc. -- and all are just as much Christian believer as me. While I will dialogue with them over our non-essential doctrinal belief differences -- I will not divide from them over such differences.

But, to point out those differences and to show, Biblically, why I feel they are not altogether right -- can, and should be, educational -- for both of us.

Paul teaches us in Acts 17:11 to test the teachings of all teachers against Scripture, no exceptions. Paul, and Jesus Himself, warns us against false teachers and false teachings. So, should we refute what appears to be false teachings? Only if we want to follow what God is teaching us in Scripture. Only if we trust what Paul and Jesus Christ tell us to do. Otherwise, just let all teachings slide -- in order to have harmony among all teachings. Personally, I cannot do that.

GB, assuming you were addressing me; I pray that I have answered your questions. If you were not addressing me; I still pray that I have answered the questions you raised.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

4/15/139:48 AM

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Nathan EvansEverybody Knows My Name

It was said earlier: "Yes, when she, or anyone, posts teachings that are not Biblical -- I will refute those teachings; not the person, but the teachings.

Please start with sola scriptura, then, as it is not biblical."

That would be a great start.

Praised be Jesus forever!!

4/15/137:49 PM

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INVICTUSOld Faithful

Originally Posted by Nathan Evans:

It was said earlier: "Yes, when she, or anyone, posts teachings that are not Biblical -- I will refute those teachings; not the person, but the teachings.

Please start with sola scriptura, then, as it is not biblical."

That would be a great start.

Praised be Jesus forever!!

~~~~~~~~~~

That's true Nathan but sola scriptura was refused, refuted, debunked,

rejected and laughed out of town years ago and again recently.

4/15/138:02 PM

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Bill GrayOld Faithful

quote: Originally Posted by Nathan Evans:
It was said earlier (by Bill Gray): "Yes, when she, or anyone, posts teachings that are not Biblical -- I will refute those teachings; not the person, but the teachings."

Please start with sola scriptura, then, as it is not biblical. That would be a great start. Praised be Jesus forever!!

Hi Nathan,

Very happy to oblige you, my Friend. But, instead of writing again what I have posted a number of times before -- and to which you have closed you eyes, declaring, "I cannot see it! Therefore, it is not true!" I will give you another source:

Question: "What is sola scriptura?"
http://www.gotquestions.org/sola-scriptura.html

Answer: The phrase sola scriptura is from the Latin: sola having the idea of “alone,” “ground,” “base,” and the word scriptura meaning “writings” — referring to the Scriptures. Sola scriptura means that Scripture alone is authoritative for the faith and practice of the Christian. The Bible is complete, authoritative, and true. “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

Sola scriptura was the rallying cry of the Protestant Reformation. For centuries the Roman Catholic Church had made its traditions superior in authority to the Bible. This resulted in many practices that were in fact contradictory to the Bible. Some examples are prayer to saints and/or Mary, the immaculate conception, transubstantiation, infant baptism, indulgences, and papal authority. Martin Luther, the founder of the Lutheran Church and father of the Protestant Reformation, was publicly rebuking the Catholic Church for its unbiblical teachings. The Catholic Church threatened Martin Luther with excommunication (and death) if he did not recant. Martin Luther's reply was, “Unless therefore I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture, or by the clearest reasoning, unless I am persuaded by means of the passages I have quoted, and unless they thus render my conscience bound by the Word of God, I cannot and will not retract, for it is unsafe for a Christian to speak against his conscience. Here I stand, I can do no other; may God help me! Amen!”

The primary Catholic argument against sola scriptura is that the Bible does not explicitly teach sola scriptura. Catholics argue that the Bible nowhere states that it is the only authoritative guide for faith and practice. While this is true, they fail to recognize a crucially important issue. We know that the Bible is the Word of God. The Bible declares itself to be God-breathed, inerrant, and authoritative. We also know that God does not change His mind or contradict Himself.

So, while the Bible itself may not explicitly argue for sola scriptura, it most definitely does not allow for traditions that contradict its message. Sola scriptura is not as much of an argument against tradition as it is an argument against unbiblical, extra-biblical and/or anti-biblical doctrines. The only way to know for sure what God expects of us is to stay true to what we know He has revealed — the Bible. We can know, beyond the shadow of any doubt, that Scripture is true, authoritative, and reliable. The same cannot be said of tradition.

The Word of God is the only authority for the Christian faith. Traditions are valid only when they are based on Scripture and are in full agreement with Scripture. Traditions that contradict the Bible are not of God and are not a valid aspect of the Christian faith. Sola scriptura is the only way to avoid subjectivity and keep personal opinion from taking priority over the teachings of the Bible.

The essence of sola scriptura is basing your spiritual life on the Bible alone and rejecting any tradition or teaching that is not in full agreement with the Bible. Second Timothy 2:15 declares, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

Sola scriptura does not nullify the concept of church traditions. Rather, sola scriptura gives us a solid foundation on which to base church traditions. There are many practices, in both Catholic and Protestant churches, that are the result of traditions, not the explicit teaching of Scripture. It is good, and even necessary, for the church to have traditions. Traditions play an important role in clarifying and organizing Christian practice.

At the same time, in order for these traditions to be valid, they must not be in disagreement with God’s Word. They must be based on the solid foundation of the teaching of Scripture.

The problem with the Roman Catholic Church, and many other churches, is that they base traditions on traditions which are based on traditions which are based on traditions, often with the initial tradition not being in full harmony with the Scriptures. That is why Christians must always go back to sola scriptura, the authoritative Word of God, as the only solid basis for faith and practice.

On a practical matter, a frequent objection to the concept of sola scriptura is the fact that the canon of the Bible was not officially agreed upon for at least 250 years after the church was founded. Further, the Scriptures were not available to the masses for over 1500 years after the church was founded.

How, then, were early Christians to use sola scriptura, when they did not even have the full Scriptures? And how were Christians who lived before the invention of the printing press supposed to base their faith and practice on Scripture alone if there was no way for them to have a complete copy of the Scriptures? This issue is further compounded by the very high rates of illiteracy throughout history. How does the concept of sola scriptura handle these issues?

The problem with this argument is that it essentially says that Scripture’s authority is based on its availability. This is not the case. Scripture’s authority is universal; because it is God’s Word, it is His authority. The fact that Scripture was not readily available, or that people could not read it, does not change the fact that Scripture is God’s Word.

Further, rather than this being an argument against sola scriptura, it is actually an argument for what the church should have done, instead of what it did. The early church should have made producing copies of the Scriptures a high priority. While it was unrealistic for every Christian to possess a complete copy of the Bible, it was possible that every church could have some, most, or all of the Scriptures available to it. Early church leaders should have made studying the Scriptures their highest priority so they could accurately teach it. Even if the Scriptures could not be made available to the masses, at least church leaders could be well-trained in the Word of God. Instead of building traditions upon traditions and passing them on from generation to generation -- the church should have copied the Scriptures and taught the Scriptures (2 Timothy 4:2).

Again, traditions are not the problem. Unbiblical traditions are the problem. The availability of the Scriptures throughout the centuries is not the determining factor. The Scriptures themselves are the determining factor. We now have the Scriptures readily available to us. Through the careful study of God’s Word, it is clear that many church traditions which have developed over the centuries are in fact contradictory to the Word of God.

This is where sola scriptura applies. Traditions that are based on, and in agreement with, God’s Word can be maintained. Traditions that are not based on, and/or disagree with, God’s Word must be rejected.

Sola scriptura points us back to what God has revealed to us in His Word.

Sola scriptura ultimately points us back to the God who always speaks the truth, never contradicts Himself, and always proves Himself to be dependable.

So, Nathan, my Friend, this pretty well defines why I stand by the doctrine of Sola Scriptura -- and it shows us why the Roman Catholic church fights against Sola Scriptura. For the Roman Catholic church to now adopt Sola Scriptura, that would mean they have to throw out all of their traditions which are unbiblical. And, without the support of unbiblical traditions and the apocrypha -- there would be no Roman Catholic church.

God bless, have a wonderful, blessed day,

Bill

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4/16/1312:04 AM

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canadePost Master

Originally Posted by vplee123:

____________

There is nothing in her post to suggest she is limiting God's Mercy to just one day, only that this was a special event in her church. Nice post vp.

4/16/1311:19 AM

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INVICTUSOld Faithful

Originally Posted by Bill Gray:

So, Nathan, this pretty well defines why I stand by the doctrine of Sola Scriptura -- and it shows us why the Roman Catholic church fights against Sola Scriptura. For the Roman Catholic church to now adopt Sola Scriptura, that would mean they have to throw out all of their traditions which are unbiblical. And, without the support of unbiblical traditions and the apocrypha -- there would be no Roman Catholic church.

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Correction.........What you call unbiblical is the same Bible God put together

over a thousand years ago, well the NT was finished around the year 370.

My Bible is the way God closed it and that's good enough for me.

The Church doesn't fight against sola scriptura so much as it warns against

the idea of it isn't true. Like OSAS, it's not true.

The bible M. Luther gave you is all you need anyway.

The only way there " would be no Roman Catholic church."

is if there were no Jesus Christ, It's still the only church he created.

That's Biblical.

4/16/131:25 PM

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