I make an effort to not say anything negative about any religion or denomination.
The disciples were first called Christians at Antioch.
Acts 11:26 And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.
Therefore, the Catholic Church is a johnny-come-lately.
Nevertheless, the following holds true for all who will:
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
This will add to my first post above.
As far as God’s Word goes,
there is nothing new under the sun
Mark 13:23 But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Jesus is telling us that there will be no excuses when He returns.
Why? because he has told you everything that will happen in His Word. It is written there and given in many different witnesses,
If you have refused to study His Word than you have chosen to reject His Word. It simply doesn't matter what your preacher says, but what matters is what Christ said. Have you read His Word with understanding?
Mark 7:13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.
Jesus is telling these scribes and Pharisees that this is just one example of how your
tradition make void the Word of God. There are many other such things that you do that is just as bad in making void the Word of God.
You can see now why Jesus has warned His disciples of the religious customs and practices of these Pharisees that crept in as leaven in to make void the truth of God's Word.
If you wonder how your church stacks up in accordance to the Word of God, a child can answer that for you.
Is the Word of God taught in your church chapter by chapter, verse by verse, line upon line, and precept upon precept
with understanding?
Or do you have some super preacher that demonstrates his knowledge of the world and their traditions, standing Sunday after Sunday and never really getting around to a complete in-depth study of God's Word. He may pick up the Bible, but if it is not taught as God instructs, he is
nothing but a hireling.
The wolf in sheep's' clothing, standing before the flock, and leading the sheep into another pasture.
When you leave the service, ask yourself, What did he talk about? what was the subject? and how did he apply it to the Word?
Is your teacher teaching so that you will understand, or is he putting on a show to entertain your mind. Is the Subject Christ and what is in the Word, or is it something of this world?
Stop and look at our communities today, most every corner in the community has a little church house, and the question that comes to mind is what is being taught there?
Traditions or the Word of God?
God looks at adultery in the same light as idolatry. Jesus' bride is supposed to be faithful to Him, and when they go chasing after all the things of their traditions. they become unfaithful brides, they become nothing but whores in the eyes of God.
The above is said to educate you in the
feelings of God's love and devotion to His own.