Hello FranC,
I have to wholeheartedly disagree with your conclusion here. Speaking of doctrine scripture states the following:
"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths." 2 Tim.2:3-4
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves."
(2 Pet.2:1)
"But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse!" (Gal.1:8-9)
Hi A,
What's interesting is that WE may have the incorrect doctrine. How could we know for sure? If I posted what the theologians of the early Church believed, it would resenble Catholicism more than Protestantism. These people were acquaintances of an Apostle or other and knew people who knew the Apostles. For instance, Ignatius of Antioch knew John the Apostle.
So, I wouldn't be so sure we have it right. I go before God humbly and sit at His feet.
Not all ways lead to God, but only through Christ and therefore, one had better make sure that they have the right Christ. We are in a battle in these last days, with Satan through people distorting the word of God at every turn. Roman Catholicism is referred to as "the woman who rides the beast." She is Mystery, Babylon the great. She is designated as such because within her can be found most of the idolatrous practices that stemmed from Babylon. God even has people within Mystery, Babylon and is calling them to come out of here because of her idolatrous practices.
But like I said to Demi, what are these practices? I grew up Catholic and still attend Mass every now and then. I know their doctrine because I used to teach it. I'd like to know which practices are so horrible. They teach that one is to know Jesus, that He is the gate. Many don't understand this. However, I have to say that if one is practicing their religion honestly and humbly, even though it might be wrong, GOD will Honor them. God is not Catholic of Baptist or Lutheran --- we need to stop putting Him into a box.
Like I said, not all ways lead to God and eternal life. It is because of the current deception that many mainline evangelists are embracing Roman Catholicism, stating that there is no real difference between the two. But this is destined to take place and that because of the coming one world religion.
My point is that if MrStevish is praying to saints and to Mary and practicing her other idolatrous practices, then he is following another Jesus and another gospel and you are encouraging him!
There is only ONE Jesus. Mr. S. is doing nothing wrong. He's praying. There are different ways to pray. If we pray in the wrong way, are we lost? This could get silly. If he is praying to Mary, let him be happy. Mary was the MOTHER of Jesus. I'm sure Jesus won't mind if some people pray to His mother. When we do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. Romans 8:26
I'm not worried about those who pray, I'm worried about those who DO NOT pray. We should direct our attention toward atheists not toward other Christians who may not be doing exactly what we b elieve is correct.
We ought to be contending for the truth of God's word, not supporting false teachings.