CATHOLIC church

 Matthew 16:18-19

King James Version

18 And I say also unto thee, 

That thou art Peter, 

and upon this rock I will build my church; 

and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee 

the keys of the kingdom of heaven: 

and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth 

shall be bound in heaven: 

and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth 

shall be loosed in heaven.

I was baptized Catholic, and been raised a Catholic.

I've received nearly half of the seven sacraments.

That was all very well, until April 2019.

That's when I aimed to change.

To be a better person.

To stay away from sin.

GOD heard my prayers, and on 6 September 2019, He made me born again.

On the same day, He made me read whatever Bible was on hand.

I didn't realize how hungry I was for TRUTH.

It's been over 35 months now, and I haven't deviated from studying, writing, and sharing the WORD of GOD.

I knew for sometime now that there was something amiss, from my old church.

The pomp, and all that.

The hierarchy of the clergy.

The repetitive prayers.

Until GOD made me born again, I had no idea the missing piece.

When He led me to the Bible, I knew.

At Mass, the priests would deliver the sermon, and share verses.

Being born again, I got to know the verses, through the HOLY SPIRIT.

Why didn't the Catholic priests ask us to read the Bible?

Why did the nuns not ask us to read the Bible?

Why did it all come from their mouth?

And yet, as born again, GOD gave me FREE hand in knowing His Truth.

His SPIRIT led me to the verses, and made things clear.

He led me to the King James Version (KJV), which modern-day people shun.

By the GRACE of GOD, my friend and Bible teacher, Joseph, introduced me to Mike Gendron's sermons.

From which, SPIRIT led me to more sermons:

Mike Gendron's "Christ Alone"

An Urgent Message For Roman Catholics

"Saved By Grace, Not By Good Works"

What Makes JESUS the True MEDIATOR of GOD?

As Mike Gendron's uncle (a Catholic priest) asked:

"How can one billion Catholics be wrong?"

As born again, I stay true to the gospel of JESUS CHRIST.

In JESUS is simplicity.

2 Corinthians 11:3-4

King James Version

3 But I fear, 

lest by any means, 

as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, 

so your minds should be corrupted 

from the simplicity that is in Christ.

4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, 

whom we have not preached, 

or if ye receive another spirit, 

which ye have not received, 

or another gospel, 

which ye have not accepted, 

ye might well bear with him.

In JESUS is grace and truth.

John 1:17

King James Version

17 For the law was given by Moses, 

but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

There's only JESUS.

His words remain.

Luke 21:33

King James Version

33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: 

but my words shall not pass away.

I wonder what the apostles, would say now.

I wonder what Mary, the mother of JESUS, would say now.

But one thing I do know, the BIBLE said this:

Romans 1:25

King James Version

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, 

and worshipped and served the creature 

more than the Creator, 

who is blessed for ever. 

Amen.

What is "creature"?

Is man a creature?

That's for another post.

Related material:

Holy orders in the Catholic Church

BORN AGAIN articles

DEACON duties

 Ephesians 4:10-12

King James Version

10 He that descended is the same also 

that ascended up far above all heavens, 

that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; 

and some, prophets; 

and some, evangelists; 

and some, pastors 

and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, 

for the work of the ministry, 

for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Who are deacons?

What are they supposed to do?

Scripture gives the answer:

1 Timothy 3:8-13

King James Version

8 Likewise must the deacons be grave, 

not doubletongued, 

not given to much wine, 

not greedy of filthy lucre;

9 Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.

10 And let these also first be proved; 

then let them use the office of a deacon, 

being found blameless.

11 Even so must their wives be grave, 

not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things.

12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, 

ruling their children and their own houses well.

13 For they that have used the office of a deacon well 

purchase to themselves a good degree, 

and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.

What are their functions?

"The word deacon is derived from the Greek word diákonos (διάκονος),[1] which is a standard ancient Greek word meaning "servant", "waiting-man", "minister", or "messenger"

   -- Wikipedia

"In the Catholic, Scandinavian Lutheran, Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Oriental Orthodox churches, the diaconate is one of the major orders—the others being bishop, presbyter (priest), and, historically, subdeacon.[7] Deacons assist priests in their pastoral and administrative duties, but often report directly to the bishops of their diocese. They have a distinctive role in the liturgy of the Eastern and Western Churches."

   -- Wikipedia

How are bishops and deacons differentiated?

"Baptists traditionally recognize two ordained positions in the church: Elders (Pastors) and Deacons, as per 1 Timothy 3. Some Baptist churches in the Reformed tradition recognize elder and pastor as separate offices."

   -- Wikipedia

In the next post, we'll look at Catholic priests.

For I was once baptized Catholic.

Related material:

BISHOP behavior

BISHOP behavior

 1 Timothy 3:2

King James Version

2 A bishop then must be blameless, 

the husband of one wife, 

vigilant, 

sober, 

of good behaviour, 

given to hospitality, 

apt to teach;

Early this morning, I was researching on "godliness" in man.

Second verse that came up was the one above.

PERFECT for this blog.

For JESUS is the pattern for PERFECT priesthood.

I thank SPIRIT for leading me here, which birthed other ideas.

But that's for another blog.

Here's how other Bible versions define "bishop".

Note the traits necessary.

1 Timothy 3:2

Amplified Bible

2 Now an overseer must be blameless and beyond reproach, the husband of one wife, self-controlled, sensible, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

1 Timothy 3:2

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

2 Now a bishop (superintendent, overseer) must give no grounds for accusation but must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, circumspect and temperate and self-controlled; [he must be] sensible and well behaved and dignified and lead an orderly (disciplined) life; [he must be] hospitable [showing love for and being a friend to the believers, especially strangers or foreigners, and be] a capable and qualified teacher,

1 Timothy 3:2

Common English Bible

2 So the church’s supervisor must be without fault. They should be faithful to their spouse, sober, modest, and honest. They should show hospitality and be skilled at teaching.

1 Timothy 3:2

Complete Jewish Bible

2 A congregation leader must be above reproach, he must be faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, orderly, hospitable and able to teach.

1 Timothy 3:2

Contemporary English Version

2  That's why officials must have a good reputation and be faithful in marriage.[a] They must be self-controlled, sensible, well-behaved, friendly to strangers, and able to teach.

1 Timothy 3:2

Easy-to-Read Version

2 An elder[a] must be such a good man that no one can rightly criticize him. He must be faithful to his wife.[b] He must have self-control and be wise. He must be respected by others. He must be ready to help people by welcoming them into his home. He must be a good teacher.

1 Timothy 3:2

Good News Translation

2 A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife,[a] be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach;

1 Timothy 3:2

International Children’s Bible

2 An overseer must be so good that people cannot rightly criticize him. He must have only one wife. He must have self-control and be wise. He must be respected by other people and must be ready to help people by accepting them into his home. He must be a good teacher.

1 Timothy 3:2

J.B. Phillips New Testament

The sort of men to bear office: bishops

3 1-7 It is quite true to say that a man who sets his heart on holding office has laudable ambition. Well, for the office of a bishop a man must be of blameless reputation, he must be married to one wife only, and be a man of self-control and discretion. He must be a man of disciplined life; he must be hospitable and have the gift of teaching.

1 Timothy 3:2

Living Bible

2 For a pastor must be a good man whose life cannot be spoken against. He must have only one wife, and he must be hard working and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. He must enjoy having guests in his home and must be a good Bible teacher.

1 Timothy 3:2

The Message

Leadership in the Church

3 1-7 If anyone wants to provide leadership in the church, good! But there are preconditions: A leader must be well-thought-of, committed to his wife, cool and collected, accessible, and hospitable.

1 Timothy 3:2

New Catholic Bible

2 Therefore, a bishop must be above reproach, the husband of only one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, and a good teacher.

Timotiyos I 3:2

Orthodox Jewish Bible

2 It is necessary, therefore, for the congregational Mashgiach Ruchani to be without reproach, ba’al isha echat (a one woman man/master, see OJB p.258, 1Sm 2:22-25, i.e., kedushah and tahorah characterized by heterosexuality, exclusivity, and fidelity), drug-free and clear-headed, a man of seichel, practiced in derech eretz and hachnosas orchim (hospitality), skillful as a rabbinic moreh (yeshiva teacher),

In SUMMARY, "bishop" also means:

overseer

bishop (superintendent, overseer)

church’s supervisor

congregation leader

officials

elder

church leader

a man who sets his heart on holding office

pastor

leader

congregational Mashgiach Ruchani

Apostle Paul speaks more on appropriate BISHOP behavior:

1 Timothy 3:1-7

King James Version

3 This is a true saying, 

if a man desire the office of a bishop, 

he desireth a good work.

2 A bishop then must be blameless, 

the husband of one wife, 

vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, 

given to hospitality, apt to teach;

3 Not given to wine, 

no striker, 

not greedy of filthy lucre; 

but patient, not a brawler, not covetous;

4 One that ruleth well his own house, 

having his children in subjection with all gravity;

5 (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, 

how shall he take care of the church of God?)

6 Not a novice, 

lest being lifted up with pride 

he fall into the condemnation of the devil.

7 Moreover he must have a good report 

of them which are without; 

lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.

Related material:

BASIS for BIBLE versions

For EMBATTLED ministers of CHRIST

Romans 13:14

King James Version

14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ,

and make not provision for the flesh, 

to fulfil the lusts thereof.

It's not by accident SPIRIT and I created this blog.

PRIEST from JUDA was by GOD's design.

We wanted to show you that JESUS is the pattern for PERFECT priesthood.

 1 Corinthians 3:11

King James Version

11 For other foundation can no man lay 

than that is laid, 

which is Jesus Christ.

That's why, there is no excuse, to sin.

If you're holding the BANNER of CHRIST, you must be beyond reproach.

You cannot hold GOD's HOLY BIBLE, from filthy hands.

You cannot speak GOD's HOLY WORD, from a filthy heart.

You cannot speak about JESUS' HOLINESS, from a filthy mind.

How can you?

SPIRIT and Satan don't mix.

John 3:6

King James Version

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; 

and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Galatians 5:17

King James Version

17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, 

and the Spirit against the flesh: 

and these are contrary the one to the other: 

so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

As minister for CHRIST, you must be FULLY in CHRIST.

The Bible speaks against hypocrisy:

2 Peter 2:21

King James Version

21 For it had been better for them 

not to have known the way of righteousness, 

than, 

after they have known it, 

to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them.

Hebrews 10:26

King James Version

26 For if we sin wilfully 

after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, 

there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,

Psalm 50:16

King James Version

16 But unto the wicked God saith, 

What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, 

or that thou shouldest take my covenant in thy mouth?

1 John 1:6

King James Version

6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, 

and walk in darkness, 

we lie, 

and do not the truth:

Matthew 7:22-23

King James Version

22 Many will say to me in that day, 

Lord, Lord, 

have we not prophesied in thy name? 

and in thy name have cast out devils? 

and in thy name done many wonderful works?

23 And then will I profess unto them, 

I never knew you: 

depart from me, 

ye that work iniquity.

Matthew 23:27-28

King James Version

27 Woe unto you, 

scribes and Pharisees, 

hypocrites! 

for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, 

which indeed appear beautiful outward, 

but are within full of dead men's bones, 

and of all uncleanness.

28 Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, 

but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity.

Isaiah 29:15

King James Version

15 Woe unto them that seek deep 

to hide their counsel from the Lord, 

and their works are in the dark, 

and they say, 

Who seeth us? 

and who knoweth us?

Luke 12:2

King James Version

2 For there is nothing covered, 

that shall not be revealed; 

neither hid, 

that shall not be known.

You're either of CHRIST, or of Satan.

There is no in-between for followers of JESUS.

More so, for ministers of CHRIST.

Revelation 3:16

King James Version

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, 

and neither cold nor hot, 

I will spue thee out of my mouth.

What business do you have, flirting with sin?

You must not teach, or minister, in GOD's behalf, UNTIL you have CONQUERED the sins of your flesh.

That doesn't feel right.

GOD's WRATH will come upon you.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

King James Version

19 What? 

know ye not that your body 

is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, 

which ye have of God, 

and ye are not your own?

20 For ye are bought with a price: 

therefore glorify God in your body, 

and in your spirit, 

which are God's.

For what face can you show GOD, knowing you speak of His WORD, and yet, you do another thing, in secret?

Hasn't He given you His SPIRIT?

Galatians 5:22-23

King James Version

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, 

longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

23 Meekness, temperance: 

against such there is no law.

Hasn't He given you the SPIRIT of self-control?

2 Timothy 1:7

King James Version

7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; 

but of power, 

and of love, 

and of a sound mind.

You have no excuse.

Spiritual warfare is real.

You knew that, when you signed up for the ministry.

How can you fight for others, if you can't even fight for yourself?

The Bible gave you the tools.

Put on the FULL ARMOR of GOD.

And kick that problem.

For good.

Related material:

JESUS and Satan

The devil's devices

FULL ARMOR

JESUS the HIGH PRIEST

 Hebrews 4:14

King James Version

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, 

that is passed into the heavens, 

Jesus the Son of God, 

let us hold fast our profession.

The LORD JESUS is rightfully the high priest.

But what does the Bible say of Him, in such capacity?

Job 23:10

King James Version

10 But he knoweth the way that I take: 

when he hath tried me, 

I shall come forth as gold.

Isaiah 28:16

King James Version

16 Therefore thus saith the Lord God, 

Behold, 

I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, 

a tried stone, 

a precious corner stone, 

a sure foundation: 

he that believeth shall not make haste.

Daniel 7:9-10

King James Version

9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, 

and the Ancient of days did sit, 

whose garment was white as snow,

and the hair of his head like the pure wool: 

his throne was like the fiery flame, 

and his wheels as burning fire.

10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: 

thousand thousands ministered unto him, 

and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: 

the judgment was set, 

and the books were opened.

Matthew 16:18-19

King James Version

18 And I say also unto thee, 

That thou art Peter, 

and upon this rock I will build my church; 

and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: 

and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth 

shall be bound in heaven: 

and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth 

shall be loosed in heaven.

Matthew 17:5

King James Version

5 While he yet spake, 

behold, 

a bright cloud overshadowed them: 

and behold a voice out of the cloud, 

which said, 

This is my beloved Son, 

in whom I am well pleased; 

hear ye him.

Matthew 26:27-29

King James Version

27 And he took the cup, 

and gave thanks, 

and gave it to them, 

saying, 

Drink ye all of it;

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, 

which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I say unto you, 

I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, 

until that day when I drink it new with you 

in my Father's kingdom.

John 1:14

King James Version

14 And the Word was made flesh, 

and dwelt among us, 

(and we beheld his glory, 

the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) 

full of grace and truth.

John 3:16

King James Version

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.

John 6:63

King James Version

63 It is the spirit that quickeneth; 

the flesh profiteth nothing: 

the words that I speak unto you, 

they are spirit, 

and they are life.

Romans 3:25

King James Version

25 Whom God hath set forth 

to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, 

to declare his righteousness 

for the remission of sins that are past, 

through the forbearance of God;

Romans 5:10

King James Version

10 For if, when we were enemies, 

we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, 

much more, being reconciled, 

we shall be saved by his life.

1 Corinthians 5:7

King James Version

7 Purge out therefore the old leaven, 

that ye may be a new lump, 

as ye are unleavened. 

For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:

Galatians 3:29

King James Version

29 And if ye be Christ's, 

then are ye Abraham's seed, 

and heirs according to the promise.

Ephesians 5:23

King James Version

23 For the husband is the head of the wife, 

even as Christ is the head of the church: 

and he is the saviour of the body.

Philippians 2:9

King James Version

9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, 

and given him a name which is above every name:

Colossians 2:10

King James Version

10 And ye are complete in him, 

which is the head of all principality and power:

Hebrews 2:10

King James Version

10 For it became him, 

for whom are all things, 

and by whom are all things, 

in bringing many sons unto glory, 

to make the captain of their salvation perfect 

through sufferings.

Hebrews 2:17

King James Version

17 Wherefore in all things it behoved him 

to be made like unto his brethren, 

that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest 

in things pertaining to God, 

to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 3:1-4

King James Version

3 Wherefore, 

holy brethren, 

partakers of the heavenly calling, 

consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, 

Christ Jesus;

2 Who was faithful to him that appointed him, 

as also Moses was faithful in all his house.

3 For this man was counted worthy 

of more glory than Moses, 

inasmuch as he who hath builded the house 

hath more honour than the house.

4 For every house is builded by some man; 

but he that built all things is God.

Hebrews 4:14-16

King James Version

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, 

that is passed into the heavens, 

Jesus the Son of God, 

let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched 

with the feeling of our infirmities; 

but was in all points tempted like as we are, 

yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, 

that we may obtain mercy, 

and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 5:5

King James Version

5 So also Christ glorified not himself 

to be made an high priest; 

but he that said unto him, 

Thou art my Son, 

to day have I begotten thee.

Hebrews 5:8-10

King James Version

8 Though he were a Son, 

yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

9 And being made perfect, 

he became the author of eternal salvation 

unto all them that obey him;

10 Called of God an high priest

 after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 6:20

King James Version

20 Whither the forerunner is for us entered, 

even Jesus, 

made an high priest for ever 

after the order of Melchisedec.

Hebrews 7:25

King James Version

25 Wherefore he is able also to save them 

to the uttermost that come unto God by him, 

seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:27

King James Version

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.

Hebrews 8:1-2

King James Version

8 Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: 

We have such an high priest, 

who is set on the right hand of the throne 

of the Majesty in the heavens;

2 A minister of the sanctuary, 

and of the true tabernacle, 

which the Lord pitched, 

and not man.

Hebrews 8:6

King James Version

6 But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, 

by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, 

which was established upon better promises.

Hebrews 9:11

King James Version

11 But Christ being come 

an high priest of good things to come, 

by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, 

not made with hands, 

that is to say, 

not of this building;

Hebrews 9:12

King James Version

12 Neither by the blood of goats and calves, 

but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, 

having obtained eternal redemption for us.

Hebrews 9:15

King James Version

15 And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, 

that by means of death, 

for the redemption of the transgressions 

that were under the first testament, 

they which are called 

might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 10:4-6

King James Version

4 For it is not possible 

that the blood of bulls and of goats should take away sins.

5 Wherefore when he cometh into the world, 

he saith, 

Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, 

but a body hast thou prepared me:

6 In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin 

thou hast had no pleasure.

Hebrews 10:14

King James Version

14 For by one offering 

he hath perfected for ever 

them that are sanctified.

Hebrews 12:2

King James Version

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; 

who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, 

despising the shame, 

and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

James 1:18

King James Version

18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, 

that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

1 Peter 2:5

King James Version

5 Ye also, 

as lively stones, 

are built up a spiritual house, 

an holy priesthood, 

to offer up spiritual sacrifices, 

acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.

1 John 2:2

King James Version

2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: 

and not for ours only, 

but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 3:16

King James Version

16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, 

because he laid down his life for us: 

and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Revelation 17:14

King James Version

14 These shall make war with the Lamb, 

and the Lamb shall overcome them:

 for he is Lord of lords, 

and King of kings: 

and they that are with him are called,

 and chosen, 

and faithful.

This may seem like a ton of material here, about the priesthood of CHRIST, but this will cause us even more awe:

John 21:25

King James Version

25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, 

the which, 

if they should be written every one, 

I suppose that even the world itself 

could not contain the books that should be written. 

Amen.

The Bible holds the LORD's TRUTH.

It's time to become born again.

That you may be anointed with the HOLY SPIRIT.

Which will help you understand Scripture easily.

And appreciate the LORDSHIP of CHRIST.

Related material:

MINISTRY of JESUS

The LORD's priesthood

What CAUSED division