RITUAL ABUSE FREE - Christians Wake Up!
Followers of Jesus Christ Ministries

The beliefs and work of Followers of Jesus Christ Ministries consist of spiritual and religious studies in nature. The quotes on our site are carefully documented and we usually have the actual source documents in our library. Followers of Jesus Christ Ministries does not promote or advocate violence, hate, or any form of illegal activity.

catholic belief information

The Roman Catholic Church has always been identified with Christianity because it upholds four fundamentals of the Christian faith:

However, Catholic teaching opposes the doctrine that is most essential to the Christian faith – the doctrine of justification by faith alone.

The Vatican not only denies this doctrine, but also condemns anyone who believes it. Other Catholic doctrines deny that Christ’s work of redemption is finished and that His atonement is sufficient. For this reason ROMAN CATHOLICISM MUST IDENTIFIED AS AN APOSTATE CHURCH AND CATHOLICS NEED TO BE EVANGELIZED.

In spite of this there are some Catholics who do not adhere to all the teachings of their church and have had a genuine born-again experience. Still, with over one billion Catholics in the world and a growing ecumenical movement to unite all religions under the power and influence of the pope, the truth about Roman Catholicism must be told.

It is important to realize that most of the clergy and lay people that teach Roman Catholic doctrine are not deceiving people with malicious intent. They are simply passing on what has been passed on to them, sincerely believing that they have the truth. Catholics must believe all dogmas of their church or be anathema (eternally cursed).

Prayer, love, compassion, and understanding are needed along with the power of the Word of God to penetrate their hearts. Patience is needed to untangle Roman Catholics from the dogmatic web in which they are held captive.

(Colossians 2:8 KJV) Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

When witnessing to Roman Catholics, remember to:

1. Pray before, during, and after (Colossians 4:2-6).

2. Establish agreement on truth (John 14:6; 17:3.17).

3. Stay focused on the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).

4. Establish the relationship between the Scripture and tradition (Mark 7:7-13, Psalm 119, 2 Timothy 3:15,16).

5. Establish the relationship between the teachings of men and the Word of God (Acts17:11, 1 John 2:27).

6. Persuade them to repent of their dead works and turn to Christ alone in faith alone (Hebrews 6:1).

7. Make disciples of them by inviting them to a Scripture study (Matthew 28:18-20).

Most of the information above was taken from a tract by, Mike Grendon, a former devout Roman Catholic for 37 years and a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary.

Our Ministry View:

We are often confronted with the following question and we have done extensive research to provide you with a fair and Biblical answer to the question. We realize when we deal with such topics there might be some who are offended by our views. As we near the return of Christ we are compelled to clearly and boldly point people to Jesus Christ and the Bible as the only way of salvation and spiritual truth.

There are 945 million Roman Catholics in the world. We are concerned about their souls.

(Proverbs 11:30 KJV) The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

We reflect on this Scriptures as we sincerely strive to approach the subject of Roman Catholicism. If Catholics are saved by following the teachings and practices of the Roman Catholic Church, we should leave them alone. If that is not the outcome, we have an obligation to witness to them for the sake of their eternal soul.

The concern for souls should be our only reason for studying the Roman Catholics; not to win arguments or debates, but to give us knowledge to help deliver them from deception.

We should always examine our attitudes and motives when we deal with this subject or any other to make sure that love for the soul dictates how we deal with those concerned.

(2 Timothy 2:23-26 KJV) But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes. {24} And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, {25} In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; {26} And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

The subject of Roman Catholicism is a volatile subject and no matter how gently one deals with the issue, you are guaranteed to make a few people mad. The following statement made in 1917 accurately accesses the situation.

"I am aware that, if I undertake to prove that Romanism is not Christianity, I must expect to be called, 'bigoted, harsh, uncharitable.' Nevertheless I am not daunted; for I believe that on a right understanding of this subject depends the salvation of millions." (p. 288 THE FUNDAMENTALS Volume III, Reprinted 1993 by Baker Books.)

The speaker was T. W. Medhurst, of Glasgow, Scotland. It was a true statement in 1917 and also today. It came from an article entitled, IS ROMANISM CHRISTIANITY? that appeared in a four volume set of books called, THE FUNDAMENTALS, a series of articles by ministers that sought to address and defend the basic Christian truths that are the most precious to us.

At that time in history they saw the demonic floodgate of liberalism opened and were wise enough to know that the war for the truth of the gospel was happening. This work was headed up by R. A. Torrey and its purpose was to put into the hands of ministers and laymen the information they needed to defend the gospel.

These men felt the need to 'draw a line in the sand' on the issue of the Roman Catholics and let the world know that it was not Christianity. In their day the Roman Catholics were considered by some as another form of Christianity. Medhurst said:

One reason why Popery has of late gained so much power in Great Britain and Ireland, and is gaining power still, is that many Protestants look on it now as a form of true Christianity; and think that, on that account, notwithstanding tenderly. (p. .288, THE FUNDAMENTALS)

The problem that these men saw in 1917 has been compounded many times over through the years up to now. The shepherds of the flock of God have allowed Satan to kick the sands of confusion of the clear insight that these men shared with the body of Christ. More than ever before people today accept the Roman Catholics as another form of Christianity, and more than ever before people who claim that Catholicism is not Christianity are persecuted and ridiculed as hateful and divisive.

The Bible says that everyone who lives for Jesus will be persecuted.

(2 Timothy 3:12 KJV) Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

The Bible also says that this persecution will be a great blessing for us.

(Matthew 5:10-12 KJV) Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. {11} Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. {12} Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

WHY ARE SO FEW CHRISTIANS PERSECUTED IN AMERICA TODAY?

The answer is simple: they are not witnessing for Jesus and standing up for the truth of the gospel. We need to determine if the words of Medhurst are true. Does the salvation of millions of souls depend on us sharing the true gospel with our Roman Catholic friends? Was John Wesley correct when he taught that no Roman Catholic could be saved by believing what their church taught?

But I pity them much; having the same assurance, that Jesus is the Christ, and that no Romanist can expect to be saved, according to the terms of his covenant. (p. 220, Volume One, WESLEY'S WORKS, Baker Book House.)

We need to pay close attention to Paul's words to the church in Galatia.

 He repeats this fact twice to give it special emphasis. We should think long and hard about what it means to be accursed by God. Some comments on this passage from scholars will be helpful. J. B. Lightfoot comments:

This word is used in the Old Testament of a person or thing set apart and devoted to destruction, because hateful to God. Hence in a spiritual application it denotes the state of one who is alienated from god by sin. (J. B. Lightfoot's Commentary on the Epistles of St. Paul, Hendrickson Publishers)

R. C. H. Lenski spoke about being accursed:

As the apostle and representative of Christ and the Father Paul pronounces the verdict; 'Let him be anathema!' He repeats the verdict of Jesus himself, uttered against the Pharisees in Matthew 23:13-39. Anyone who promulgates a different and contrary gospel is eo ipso "accursed", not because we say it so, but because Christ has said so, we only repeating his judgement. (p. 41 The Interpretation of Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, R. C. H. Lenski, Lutheran Book Concern)

We now need to determine: Do the Roman Catholics preach a false gospel? The Bible says that the true gospel is salvation by grace through faith alone.

(Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV) For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: {9} Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Justification is conferred in Baptism, the sacrament of faith. It conforms us to the righteousness of god, who makes us inwardly just by the power of his mercy. (p. 482, CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, The Liturgical Press.

When the Catholic Church teaches that justification is conferred in Baptism, they do so in direct opposition to the word of God, which teaches that we are justified by grace through faith alone.

(Titus 3:7 KJV) That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

(Romans 3:24 KJV) Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:

(Romans 5:1 KJV) Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

(Romans 4:16 KJV) Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

The Bible clearly teaches that human words can play no part in our justification.

(Galatians 2:16 KJV) Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

(Romans 3:28 KJV) Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

(Romans 4:4-5 KJV) Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. {5} But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

The Catholic Church does teach the importance of faith for salvation, but they say that faith alone is not enough for justification. The Catholic position on justification could fairly be described as: Justification = Faith + Works

The Bible states plainly that if you are trying to be saved by 'faith plus works' the true gospel of justification by grace through faith alone is cancelled out and made void.

(Romans 11:6 KJV) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

(Galatians 2:21 KJV) I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

(Galatians 3:10-11 KJV) For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. {11} But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.

(Galatians 5:4 KJV) Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

Not only does the Catholic teaching proclaim salvation and justification by faith plus works but they also place those who teach salvation by grace through faith alone under the papal anathema. This word 'anathema' is the same word used in the Galatians 1:6-9 passage (previously quoted) in which the explanation of the word meant to be 'cut off' or 'accursed'. The Roman Catholic Church says because we teach justification by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone we are to be 'anathema'.

The Council of Trent made this clear:

If anyone says that the faith which justifies is nothing else but trust in the divine mercy, which pardons sin because of Christ; or that it is that trust alone by which we are justified: let him be anathema. (quote from Council of Trent, p. 47, THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ROME, Harvest House Publishers.)

1. The Roman Catholics teach and preach a different gospel than the true gospel of justification by grace through faith alone.

2. This proves the Roman Catholic Church a false religion and not true Christianity.

3. This places the Roman Catholic Church under the curse of God according to Galatians 1:8-9, cuts them off from Christ and places them under the judgment of God.

4.  If Christians take the great commission seriously they will prepare themselves by study and prayer to share the gospel with our Roman Catholic friends.

We hope this has informed you of some very important issues concerning the differences between the Roman Catholic Church and true Christianity.

Your Servants in Jesus, David and Donna Carrico

More links to information about Roman Catholic church

http://www.ianpaisley.org/tiara.asp?printerfriendly=true

"Speak about the Mother of the Eucharist because the Mother of the Eucharist closes History. All the messages come from God and everywhere that I am appearing I am speaking about the same things because through the triumph of the Eucharist, the Mother wants all the churches to be re-united, so that there will be only one church for all the people."

(MESSAGES FROM HEAVEN, 2000 Eternal Productions, ISBN 1-57341-119-1, VCR, American Portrait Films, Inc. 1-800-736-4567)
     Also available now, a New Book below with even more information about these Mary apparitions. Contact: Jim Tetlow, Eternal Publications, P. O. Box 324, Fairport, NY 14450 

                         ISBN 0-9717561-0-4

MORE QUOTES:

On May 25, 1995, the Pope released another encyclical: Ut Unum Sint, i.e. "That They May Be One." Again, John Paul reaffirmed that he wants total unity as a means to reaching full communion by the year 2000: 

"I myself intend to promote every suitable initiative aimed at making the witness of the entire Catholic community understood in its full purity and consistency, especially considering the engagement which awaits the Church at the threshold of the new Millennium. That will be an exceptional occasion, in view of which she asks the Lord to increase the unity of all Christians until they reach full communion. The present Encyclical Letter is meant as a contribution to this most noble goal. Essentially pastoral in character, it seeks to encourage the efforts of all who work for the cause of unity." 

Later in the encyclical, the Pope wrote that the Catholic Church's "missionary and ecumenical endeavors" are "to the world to announce and witness, to make present and spread the mystery of communion which is essential to her, and to gather all people and all things into Christ, so as to be for all an 'inseparable sacrament of unity.'"

What is he calling for by these words? Essentially, that all people become a corporate "living sacrament." Full communion, he says, is to be demonstrated in a visible unity of all churches under Rome which centers, as Hayford said, around the Eucharist. The Pope continued,

"From this basic but partial unity it is now necessary to advance towards the visible unity which is required and sufficient and which is manifested in a real and concrete way, so that the Churches may truly become a sign of that full communion in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church which will be expressed in the common celebration of the Eucharist."

Lastly, the Pope stated that this is God's plan:

"The Catholic Church, both in her praxis [customary practice and conduct] and in her solemn documents, holds that the communion of the particular Churches with the Church of Rome, and of their Bishops with the Bishop of Rome, is - in God's plan - an essential requisite of full and visible communion. Indeed full communion, of which the Eucharist is the highest sacramental manifestation, needs to be visibly expressed in a ministry in which all the Bishops recognize that they are united in Christ and all the faithful find confirmation for their faith."

Shortly after the November encyclical was released, David Crumm of the Detroit Free Press reported that the Pope's plan "calls for many phases of preparation for the Jubilee." Crumm wrote,

"After years of slow dialogue with many Christian denominations, the pontiff wants to move rapidly to break down barriers between the churches. He wants temporary agreements to allow members to worship together in special jubilee programs. Beyond that, the pope hopes to move quickly toward full communion, in which members of the churches would share worship services."

The question is, with the "Eucharist [being] the highest sacramental manifestation" of the united churches, will we see more "Eucharistic Miracles" in unprecedented numbers? The physical manifestations are serious, but our concern goes far beyond them to the fact that the Catholic religion appears to be founded, not on our Lord Jesus Christ, but mainly upon the Cult of Mithra. As I've been saying in Parts 1 and 2, the Mithraic cult was the last stronghold overthrown by the rising Roman Church in the time of Constantine.

This quote is from: http://watch.pair.com/eucharist.html (no longer available)

CATHOLIC BELIEFS INFORMATION Click Here

CHANGES IN THE CATHOLIC MASS (underlined)

"Holy Orders

Significant revisions to the original Lain translations that dictate church services are expected to take effect in 2011."

"American Catholics are preparing for new Mass prayers and responses, as well as a variety of procedural shifts in what the church officials say is the biggest change in Catholic worship since Pope Paul VI replaced the traditional Mass with a new rite in 1970.  The new translation is a response to Pope John Paul II's objections to the English rendering of the Latin text that came into use in 1975.  That version is the only translation those under 35 ever have known.....

The new version is far more literal and reflects the meaning of the Latin almost word for word as a 2001 Vatican document directed.  The debut of a new edition of the Roman Missal in 2002 provided and opportune time to begin the new translation....The Vatican has approved English translations for the order of the Mass, but bishops will review other portions in November before submitting them for Vatican endorsement."

"The new translation addresses some traditionalists' objections, such as rendering "pro multis," which means "for many," literally instead of as "for all," the way the current text does....

Some traditionalists have gone ever further, arguing that using "for all" invalidates the Mass.

The new version changes congregational responses such as "and also with you" to "and with your spirit," more faithfully reflecting the Latin praise "et cum spirtu tuo."  coincidentally, this translation returns to the English version that preceded the current translation.

Other changes include saying "I believe" at the beginning of the Nicene Creed instead of "We Believe" and changing the phrase "one in being with the father" to "consubstantial with the Father."

The new confession of sins at the beginning of Mass also mirrors pre-Vatican II translations that say, "I have sinned through my fault, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault," instead of the old version, "I have sinned through my own fault."

Once Rome gives its OK, the implementation process will begin."  (Excerpt from Pgs. 46-47, October 2009, NEWMAX magazine.)

Donna's comments on these changes:

I do not claim to know exactly how these changes connect to what God has revealed to me, but I can feel in my spirit that it is just one step closer to the fulfillment of the False Communion.  "For many" definitely limits who the mass is for - those who choose to partake!  They are also admitting it is has to do "and with your spirit."  Also, making it an individual choice is "I believe."

Consubstantial:

HOT OFF THE PRESS

VIRGIN MARY STATUE TURNS INTO FLESH AND WALKS

Pictures from Italian City, Acerra on site

July 26, 2005

A miracle of modern technology By Richard Owen

PARISHIONERS USE MOBILE PHONES TO FILM 'WALKING' VIRGIN

THOUSANDS of Italians have flocked to a small southern town after witnesses claimed to have filmed a miraculous "walking statue" of the Madonna with their video phones.

Acerra, near Naples, is now likely to become a Roman Catholic shrine.

Rumours began at the weekend when several people at the modern church of San Pietro shouted out that a statue by the altar was moving. The hands and feet of the Madonna had begun to "take human form, flesh and blood".

The knees then appeared to move beneath her white robes, "as if she wanted to move closer to the faithful" and a cross appeared on her breast.

Parishioners said that the movement had first been noticed by cleaners, who had kept silent for fear of being disbelieved.

The 160cm (63in) high statue, made of plaster and marble dust, was installed at the church last December. Father Oreste Santoro, the parish priest, said that he had not seen the statue move but a number of parishioners had allegedly taken footage of the "miracle" with their mobile phones. These had been forwarded to the local bishop, Monsignor Giovanni Rinaldi, who would decide whether to refer the apparition to the Vatican for authentication. Mgr Rinaldi said that he was sceptical by instinct but would evaluate the evidence. "The true miracle is when the Virgin Mary succeeds in converting men to God," he said. Mgr Antonio Riboldi, the retired bishop of Acerra, also urged caution, saying that "these matters are often difficult to comprehend. The Church proceeds with great prudence where apparitions of the Virgin Mary are concerned".

However, Espedito Marletta, the Mayor of Acerra, who is a member of the Refounded Communist Party (Rifondazione Comunista) — not on the whole noted for its religious devotion — said he believed that the "miracle" was a sign of the Virgin’s anguish over terrorist attacks and a plea for peace.

After the bomb attacks in London and Sharm el-Sheikh, for people to gather and pray before a statue of the Madonna in this way is something very positive," Signor Marletta said.

Mgr Riboldi said people often reported visions of the Virgin Mary in troubled times.

Those at Fatima in Portugal in 1917, for example, were linked to the two world wars and the rise of Communism.

He said that he had been to the Marian shrine at Lourdes many times, "and I have never seen anyone physically cured there. I have, however, seen many people converted or spiritually changed and that is what is truly supernatural".

Parishioners at Acerra claim not to have been the victims of mass hysteria. Many drew an analogy with the "weeping Madonna of Civitavecchia", a statue brought from a shrine at Medjugorge in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which ten years ago was said to have cried blood.

The Civitavecchia "miracle" has never been recognised by the Vatican but the town — a port on the coast near Rome — has benefited from the phenomenon, with the local authorities building a reception centre for pilgrims.

The Vatican has approved 15 "authentic apparitions" by the Virgin Mary since 1830, but only one weeping Madonna", a statue at Siracusa in Sicily that wept "tears of blood" in 1954. Yesterday a statue of St Padre Pio, the hermit and miracle worker canonised in 2002, was reported to have shed tears of blood at Marsicovetere in the province of Potenza, in southern Italy.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1708046,00.html

MORE FROM ANOTHER SOURCE

MOVING MADONNA' DRAWS FAITHFUL

The Madonna is a figure of devotion for many Catholics

Catholic faithful from across Italy have been travelling to a small town near Naples to see a Madonna statue believers say has taken human form.

Witnesses say the plaster statue in the church of St Peter's in Acerra turns flesh-coloured and moves.

They describe the Madonna becoming a "pinky colour" and say they captured the event on a mobile phone camera.

A local bishop has said he is sceptical but will look at all the evidence provided before making a judgement.

One woman described how she saw "the ear lobe extend and become flesh, just like the nose, which turned a pinky colour", according to Italian news agency Ansa.

Another man, 45-year-old Domenico, said, "The legs gradually became more prominent and then the knees moved forwards, until they stretched out the folds of the white dress."

Bishop Giovanni Rinaldi said he had visited the modern church to examine the statue.

"I looked at it from various angles, moving from one room to another," he told Ansa. "I noticed that it changed colour depending on the light and shade, becoming pinky, almost as if it were flesh," he said.

The Vatican very rarely approves miracles, despite an increase in the number reported.

In 1995, a Madonna statue in the town of Civitavecchia, north of Rome, was reported to be crying tears of blood, prompting a flood of interest. But, after a lengthy investigation, the Vatican failed to pronounce it definitely authentic.

Since 1905, the Vatican has approved only 12 miraculous events and rejected 284.

http:news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4717477.stm

THINK ABOUT THIS SCRIPTURE

We believe that this is only one FALSE MIRACLE among many that will deceive those who are asleep.

(Revelation 13:11-18 KJV) And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. {12} And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. {13} And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, {14} And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. {15} And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. {16} And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: {17} And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. {18} Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

Although this FALSE MIRACLE did not speak, it will not be long before we see both aspects at the same time - turning to flesh and speaking at the same time.

I (Donna Carrico) in the previous article, 

Revelation given to Donna Carrico June 11, 2001

suggested that the "mark" could be and image.

The word "mark" in Rev. 13:7 in the Greek (5480) means: charagma, khar’-ag-mah; from the same as G5482; a scratch or etching, i.e. stamp (as a badge of servitude), or sculptured figure (statue):--graven, mark.

Click Here to review it and perhaps this will help you to understand.  Also, we have just written some new Prophecy books and B 19 - Luciferian Transmutation will be quite an eye opener. Click Here

The Lord's Supper

We have done a lot of teaching and prophesying about the False Communion. This does not mean that we should not continue to practice the true sacrament of the Lord's Supper or Communion in our own homes or fellowship groups. The following are suggestions for doing that. We need to remember the purpose of the Passover meal and the importance of trusting Jesus for everything we need in our lives as we realize the perilous times we are living in. When I prepare the sacrament I pray over myself for forgiveness, cleansing, anointing, and for the Lord to prepare the hearts of those who will be receiving it. We usually ask everyone to examine their own hearts before partaking, read the passage pertaining, and sing some praise music before, after, or both. After the sacrament is also a good time to anoint with oil and pray for individual healing. (Recipe found on the Internet)

Unleavened Communion Bread Recipe

1/8 C. Honey

1/8 C. Olive Oil

1/2 C. Water

1/4 t. Salt (sea)

Heat in sauce pan and mix well until it almost burns.

Add to that mix 1/2 C. Whole Wheat Flour and mix well.

Let Cool

Turn out onto floured board and knead until dough looks glazed.

Bake 20-30 minutes at 325 -350 degrees

This can be frozen and thawed when used later.

Communion Wine - Fruit of the Vine

There has always been much controversy about this, so we leave it to personal choice and prayer. If you choose to use real wine, it should be 1 part red wine mixed with 2 parts water as was the custom of the early church fathers. Or, you may use grape juice full strength. The point is to Remember Jesus.

Luke 22:19-20
(19) And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
(20) Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.

THE PASSION FILM - OUR CONCERNS

Many Christians have been to see Mel Gibson's THE PASSION.  However, they may not understand the impact that it is having on the viewers.  Although we have not seen the movie yet (only excerpts and magazine articles), we have heard many comments from those that have.  We have even been chastised by other Christians who told us that we needed to get out and support Mel and see the movie.  
If it would cause luke-warm Christians to get Hot for Jesus - Praise God!  
If it would persuade a non-Christian to make a true decision for Christ - Praise God! Although we have been told by those who have viewed the movie that it was not meant to be a tool of evangelism, and that unless you were already a Christian, you would not recognize who some of the characters represent and be able to discern whether what you were seeing was really an accurate rendition of the Bible (which it is not). We feel it will just add to the confusion about the true tenants of Jesus and what He says is required in order to be saved.  We are concerned that it promotes Catholicism and the views they have about Mary.  Our concerns do have a foundation and here is a quote from Christianity Today and the link is under the quote:

Mel, Mary, and Mothers
by David Neff | posted 02/20/04

Mel Gibson told CHRISTIANITY TODAY: "I've been actually amazed at the way I would say the evangelical audience has—hands down—responded to this film more than any other Christian group." What makes it so amazing, he says, is that "the film is so Marian."

Gibson knows that Protestants don't regard Mary in the way Catholics do. And Gibson goes beyond many Catholics when he calls her "a tremendous co-redemptrix and mediatrix."

But just what is so Marian about the film? It does not treat Jesus' mother as an object of veneration, but it uses her as a witness to gospel events. Thus, Gibson shows Mary's reactions in most scenes. Beginning with the trial before Caiaphas, through the judgment before Pilate, the scourging, the procession to Calvary, until Jesus' body is removed from the cross, we see much of Jesus' agony through Mary's eyes.

Gibson's cinematic treatment of Mary is not foreign to Scripture. Older commentaries speculated that Mary was one of Luke's "eyewitnesses," which is not an unreasonable idea given the way Luke tells the infancy narratives, the way he places Mary in the upper room at Pentecost, and the attention he pays to women in general.

Gibson says, "The way the film displays [Mary] has been kind of an eye opener for evangelicals who don't usually look at that aspect. They understand the reality of a mother and a son."

And that is what I observed: After both of The Passion screenings I attended, the Protestant women talked about identifying with Mary as a mother who was watching her child suffer. From whatever point in his spirituality Gibson's treatment of Mary is springing, it is touching deeply the maternal impulse in his viewers.

David Neff is editor of CHRISTIANITY TODAY and editorial vice president of Christianity Today International.

Photos by Ken Duncan. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers. © Icon Distribution. All rights reserved. http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/commentaries/passion-melmarymothers.html

ARTICLE IN EVANSVILLE NEWSPAPER

We were also concerned several weeks ago when we read this article in the Evansville Courier-Press December 26,2003 - By Associated Press:

PROTESTANTS ARE TURNING MORE ATTENTION TOWARD VIRGIN MARY

Louisville, Ky. - A renewed interest in the virgin Mary appears to be sweeping through Protestantism.  
   Articles featured in this month's issues of several Protestant magazines suggest that the mother of Jesus has been neglected as a biblical heroine for too long.
   "The Protestant church has thrown the baby out with the bath water," said Joel Green, a Methodist minister.  "Protestants have had a knee-jerk reaction as a result of veneration of Mary in the Catholic tradition, and for that reason have not taken seriously enough the resources available to us in the stories of Mary."
   Green, dean of the School of Theology at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, [KY], contributed to the book "Blessed One: Protestant Perspectives of Mary."  It was published by the Westminster John Knox Press last year.
   Beliefs about Mary, the teenage peasant whom the Bible says was chosen by God to give birth to Jesus, have traditionally divided Protestants and Roman Catholics. Protestants continue to reject two doctrines popes have declared infallible - that Mary was conceived without sin and that God took her body directly to heaven at the end of her life.
   Some Protestant scholars say that while they still disagree with elevating Mary to the status of a sinless object of veneration, people should take a closer look at her.  They describe her as a model who accepted her divine mission without question, urged others to obey Jesus and followed her son to his execution after his male disciples shrunk away.
   "The fact is, evangelicals often say less about Mary than the New Testament does," writes Timothy George in Christianity Today's cover story titled "The Blessed Evangelical Mary."  The former professor at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville is now dean of Beeson Divinity School in Alabama.
   Articles about Mary are also on the covers of The Lutheran and Good News, a Kentucky based publication for Methodists.
   At St. Meinard Archabbey in Southern Indiana, Protestant visitors have shown more curiosity about Mary, said the Rev. Joseph Cox, a Benedictine monk and the archabbey's librarian.  Some even keep statues of Mary in their homes, typically a Catholic practice, he said.
   "Rather than passing over the several (biblical) references to the Blessed Mother, they are looking at it and asking, 'What is this saying? How can Mary lead me more and more to her son Jesus Christ?'" Cox said.
   Mary Burks Price of Louisville is a Baptist, but she visited a retreat run by the Sisters of Loretto in Marion County.  At the time, she was angry with God over the death of a friend.  Then she encountered a moonlit statue of Mary while taking a walk.
   "When I looked into her face, I saw a kind of mercy," she said.  "I felt reconnected with God through her outstretched hands and just her presence.  It's very affirming to me to know that God used this woman as a means of coming to Earth in the most profound way."
   Charles Wright, a former Catholic who is a member of Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral in Louisville, said he thinks Catholics used to treat Mary too much like a goddess but now have a more balanced view.
   His church recently commissioned a painting of Mary for its chapel.
   "She is in heaven," Wright said.  "I feel she watches over us as her children.  I don't feel any more discomfort in asking her to pray for me then I would one of my relatives or one of my fellow church members. (Evansville Courier-Press December 26,2003 - By Associated Press)

MORE CONCERNS FROM OTHER CHRISTIANS

We also had a friend of the ministry express his thoughts as he had read our article on REVELATION OF FALSE COMMUNION THE ACT OF WORSHIP AND INITIATION OF THE "ONE WORLD RELIGION" SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL AND BLOOD OF THE BEAST (Click Here for info) We feel he has expressed our concerns accurately:

To the Carricos,
     When I saw the long, confusing-sounding title to your article on communion/Jezebel, I wasn't too sure I was going to read that one.  I eventually did, not only because of my curiosity, but because it's already clear to me that you preach the truth.  I was shocked by the content of the message, and I would have to agree with your thoughts on the matter.  Please let me add this, it's been on my mind for a few months now:  consider the timing of Mel Gibson's film...everyone who talks about it says it's for "all" to see; look at any positive review of the movie and count the number of times the word "all" is used; you know what I'm getting at--"he causes all, both great and small..."...I already see the line between "protestant" and catholic being erased even more since this movie hit the news...what the movie is already doing is creating a "body and blood of Christ consciousness", which, if your Eucharist observations hold true, will pour over into a host/transubstantiation consciousness.  I didn't realize until yesterday that Martin Luther believed in the transubstantiation!!!  The religious world is primed, and I see "The Passion" as fuel on the fire.  Eating the Lord's flesh and drinking His blood is obeying him and getting more of the Holy Ghost each and every day.  I refuse to allow this psychopathic catholic push his version of my Lord Jesus down my throat! (Name Withheld for privacy)

(Revelation 13:14-18 KJV) And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. {15} And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. {16} And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: {17} And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. {18} Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

The number of the beast will be of a man, but the image could be a woman!

WHY DOES RENEWED DEVOTION TO MARY THIS BOTHER US???

We do not deny that the Virgin Mary was indeed the mother of God because the name Emmanuel means 'God with us', so in fact that title is true.  However, she is not the way of salvation or redemption.

(Matthew 1:23 KJV) Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

(Exodus 20:3-6 KJV) Thou shalt have no other gods before me. {4} Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: {5} Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; {6} And showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.

(1 Timothy 2:5 KJV) For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;

(Galatians 3:13 KJV) Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

(Acts 4:12 KJV) Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

Our comforter is the Holy Spirit, not Mary!

(John 14:16-18 KJV) And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; {17} Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. {18} I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.

If we look to Mary for comfort we will be deceived because she is NOT the Spirit of Truth!

Please be sure and read our article on the REVELATION OF FALSE COMMUNION THE ACT OF WORSHIP AND INITIATION OF THE "ONE WORLD RELIGION" SPIRIT OF JEZEBEL AND BLOOD OF THE BEAST (Click Here for info)

COMMENTS FROM DAVID CARRICO

The negative result of the movie will be a further blurring of the distinction between Catholicism and Christianity.  This will be seen in a misunderstanding of the true faith that leads to new birth in believing the true gospel and in a misunderstanding of what the Bible says about Mary the mother of Jesus.  The movie will also result in people converting to Catholicism instead of Christianity and it will also hinder Catholics who are seeking the truth from coming out of the Roman Catholic church.  
   While there are some short term effects that at beneficial in causing people to really think about the death of Christ for us and what it really involved and even in the true conversion of some people.  The long term effect of this movie will uplift the prophetic scenario that the Bible says will shortly come to pass of a One World Religion where the truth of the Real Jesus will be totally excluded.

For more information on the film here is another link with more facts about the movie and FIVE REASONS WHY NOT TO GO SEE THE PASSION OF CHRIST  Click Here

VIRGIN MARY UPLIFTED IN SOUTH CAROLINA

COLUMBIA, S.C. - They're wearing "Mary Is My Homegirl" T-shirts and bracelets, and not all of them are Roman Catholic. Once mainly a devotional figure for Catholics, Mary and her role as a woman of God now are studied by Anglicans and other Christian denominations. "Mary is my friend ... for me, she's the ultimate example of a woman who said yes to God," said Betsy Biega, parish administrator at St. Martin's in the Fields Episcopal Church off Clemson Avenue in Columbia, S.C. In May, leaders of the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches released a study that encouraged members of both churches to regard Mary as a figure of devotion, even though there remains some theological disagreement about aspects of Mary and her role in the church.

"Mary Is My Homegirl" T-shirts made by Teenage Millionaire, a California-based clothing company, have become one of the company's biggest sellers nationwide and recently got a mention on "The Gilmore Girls," a humorous TV drama about a mother-daughter relationship. The shirt sports a figure of the Virgin Mary, some made in gold or silver lame on a black background.

"In the past, there have been reservations about what some people see as `Mary-olatry,' or seeming to worship Mary," said the Rev. James Lyon, pastor of Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in downtown Columbia. "The new position is that there's nothing wrong with appropriate devotion. The key is to keep in mind that Mary can be seen as someone who points the way toward her son, Jesus Christ." None of this surprises members of the Protestant and Catholic communities who see Mary as an important spiritual figure for today's Christians. "Mary is an intercessor for the people of God, a model of submission and obedience to the will of God for the whole Christian church," 

Lyon said. Lyon's church recites the rosary, a Mary-related devotional prayer, once a week, and for several years it has taken part in a group recitation of the rosary with members of St. Joseph Catholic Church on Devine Street. 

"Mary Is My Homegirl" T-shirts can't be found for sale in Columbia stores, but Megan Shealy, manager of St. Francis Catholic Shop in Irmo, S.C., is thinking about ordering them. She wears a "Mary Is My Homegirl" bracelet she found at a Spencer's gift store, and she thinks the items are a great idea for young Catholics and others. "Items like this are becoming a new method of communication for young people who want to share their beliefs," Shealy said. She said a similar bracelet, "Jesus is My Homie," is hard to keep on the shelves at the St. Francis store. 

Lyon thinks "nothing but good" can come from shirts and other items that allow young Christians to express an interest in Mary. "If a youngster gets excited about what Mary can say to him or her, I think that only helps direct them toward Jesus," he said. 

Some Protestant churches, especially Episcopal and United Methodist, in recent years have offered Bible studies and classes that focus on the Virgin Mary as a model for Christian women. Biega, who regularly uses the rosary as a means of devotion, thinks more Protestants are becoming interested in learning about Mary because she offers a symbol of what women can become through the love of God. "What attracts women is the need to understand the significance of our mother Mary as the child who said yes to God."

http://www.religionnewsblog.com/12833