Reasons Why Ephesians 1 20 23 Reasons Why

Reasons Why… Ephesians 1: 20 -23

Reasons Why…

The church is never described as Catholic a. The term “Catholic” is not found in the Bible. b. However we do finds names like: Church of Christ, The Kingdom of Christ, etc

The Catholic church has two heads 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. Colossians 1: 18

The Pope, Voting & Infallibility a. The Pope is selected by men. b. After selection the Pope is believed to be infallible. c. The true head of the church not a man, any man, but Christ.

The Pope, Voting & Infallibility 22 And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. Ephesians 1: 22 -23

The clergy/laity division of members a. Though God had a priesthood setup among men in the O. T. none exists today. b. The Catholic leaders misinterpret the priesthood.

The clergy/laity division of members 5 you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2: 5

The clergy/laity division of members 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 1 Peter 2: 9

The Catholic Foundation & Peter a. The Catholic church says that the foundation of the church is on Peter. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Matthew 16: 18

The Catholic Foundation & Peter a. The Catholic church says that the foundation of the church is on Peter (Mt 16: 18). b. However, we must realize what foundation is truly laid in that verse. c. We would also do well to remember what Paul says.

The Catholic Foundation & Peter 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3: 11

The Catholic prayer to Mary a. The Catholics believe Mary has a special connection to Christ so its acceptable to pray to her also. b. Mary may have been the earthly mother of Christ but she is not an intercessor to Him, this

The Catholic prayer to Mary 5 For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 1 Timothy 2: 5

Catholic teaching on Baptism a. The term baptism means immersion. 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. Colossians 2: 12

Catholic teaching on Baptism a. The term baptism means immersion. 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6: 4

Catholic teaching on Baptism b. However the Catholic church “baptizes” a person by sprinkling water on their head.

Catholic teaching on Baptism c. Infant Baptism i. The Catholic church also practices infant baptism. ii. However baptism is to follow repentance and washes away sins. iii. Infants cannot repent, in their

Catholic teaching on Baptism iv. Infants are not saved but are safe until the reach an age where they can understand what is required of them.

Catholic teaching on Baptism 2 So Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could hear with understanding on the first day of the seventh month. 3 Then he read from it in the open square that was in front of the Water Gate from morning until midday, before the men and women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. Nehemiah 8: 2 -3

Corruption in Catholic Worship a. The worship in the Catholic church includes mechanical instruments, which are not authorized in worship. 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, Ephesians 5: 19

Corruption in Catholic Worship b. We cannot go back to the old law, an “obsolete” to justify actions in worship today

Corruption in Catholic Worship 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, inasmuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises. 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for a second.

Corruption in Catholic Worship 8 Because finding fault with them, He says: “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah—

Corruption in Catholic Worship 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. Hebrews 8: 6 -9

Corruption in Catholic Worship c. Lord’s Supper i. The Catholic faith teaches that when one partakes of the fruit of the vine & the unleavened bread that both turn into the literal blood and flesh of Christ.

Corruption in Catholic Worship iii. It is also important to notice that only the priest gets to drink from the cup. The members only get the unleaven bread. Again foreign to scriptures. iv. When we partake of the Lord’s supper today. Each partakes and we do so in memory of the Lord’s death. Nothing changes into the literal body and blood of Christ.

Corruption in Catholic Worship 19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me. ” Luke 22: 19

Corruption in Catholic Worship 18 For first of all, when you come together as a church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and in part I believe it. 19 For there must also be factions among you, that those who are approved may be recognized among you. 20 Therefore when you come together in one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 1 Corinthians 11: 18 -20

Lessons for us Today

In order to be pleasing to God. 1. Man cannot be pleasing to God while being part of denomination. 2. The reason, denominations teach doctrines contrary to Christ and are contrary to Christ by definition.

In order to be pleasing to God. 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. John 17: 21

The purpose of this discussion To bring to light matters that should be seriously considered. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2: 15

The purpose of this discussion 1. To bring to light matters that should be seriously considered. 2. To ignore such differences is a sign of apathy.

Conclusion 1. We have seen some reasons why one should not be a member of the Catholic denomination. 2. What keeps one from becoming a member of the Lord’s body. The Bible says there should be nothing that prevents us.