Before I get assailed for this article, let me just say that probably 50% of my friends are of the protestant tradition. They are, for the most part, very good people and I do not question the sincerity of most of them in desiring to do God's will.
Nevertheless, I am not a protestant for a reason. Theological speaking, protestantism is twinkie religion.
Sure it appears wholesome and fulfilling to the eyes. It looks pure, golden and white, like heaven in plastic wrap. It is, undeniably sweet to the taste.
Why on earth would anyone not want to eat a twinkie? Why would anyone not want to be a Protestant?
The reason is very simple. Though the Twinkie is easier, and sweeter, and certainly costs you less, it cannot fill you up, warm you up and give you the nourishment you need, like steak and a baked potato or a hearty stew.
Sure, it takes a great deal more time to cut up the onions and the mushrooms and peppers, marinate the meat and peel the potatoes but do you want to eat fast or do you want to eat well?
What is true of food is certainly true of faith. You get out of it what you put into it. When you try to reduce the equation of Salvation to a few tortured Bible verses that you convince yourself offer a nearly effortless path to salvation, you are, in essence, downing a twinkie and calling it a day.
You are robbing yourself of the hearty spiritual nourishment you need by deliberately turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to all those giants who have gone before. Through scrupulous study of the scriptures, over centuries, they went down into the Bible's deep water, while you are content to wade in the ankle-deep currents.
It is an astounding arrogance to assume that Ignatius, Polycarp, Justin Martyr, Thomas Aquinas, Augustine, Jerome, and all the other Fathers of the Church have no more to say than the average person picking his Bible off his night stand.
Put the Twinkies down and get to work peeling potatoes. Read what these early church goers actually believed and practiced. It is much deeper and heartier than you have been led to believe. It is worth the effort.
This is a 2 night series. Each evening builds on the previous e3vening. It is stunning.
St. Peter is hosting a FREE EVENT for everyone in the area. All religious and non-religious are welcome. If you have an "I will believe it when I see it" attitude, don't miss this event!
This will be in Marshall Missouri at St. Peters. This Parish is really doing some great things. I was just there last week getting the chance to see their RCIA program. Also, Alex Jones visited here and gave a great testimony of his conversion to the Catholic Faith.
"I highly recommend this presentation by (deepertruth) Tim Francis! It will deeply strengthen the faith of those who do believe and assist non-believers in their understanding of the Real Presence. A medical doctor who did not believe in the Real Presence now believes wholeheartedly. The speaker's enthusiasm is contagious and will move your faith into action", (Fr. Jim Parker - Pastor of St. Mary and Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, East Dubugne, IL.
I am wanting to develop a 24 hour (uninterrupted prayer) to be offered in a continuous devotion.
If you already are conducting an hour of Eucharistic Adoration, that would be the prefered dedication.
However, all forms of prayer is good. Please, will you pray one hour or more weekly?
Pick a time and be part of the deepertruth (uninterrupted prayer) for Sinners, Religious & Clergy, Luke Warm, Fallen Away, and Children, to increase in Faith, Hope, Love, and peace.
24/7 prayer to bring souls to Jesus. Christians have been asleep for decades and have allowed evil and moral decay to infect our children and grandchildren, we must get past the rhetoric and stand in harms way for all souls for eternity.
All of our actions must start with and be covered in prayer to the King of Kings.
Let Matthew 5:16 ( Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.) guide your steps.
If you would like to be a part of the deepertruth uninterrupted prayer dedication, please respond giving you name (could be your stage name like "Catholic Defender", your time you can dedicate prayer (weekly/daily) as applical or available.
Prayer Must be our first daily action, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14
One of the "Five Solas" that Protestants focus on is "Sola Fide", or faith alone. This is one of the two primary "Solas" established by Martin Luther. There are over 42,000 various Protestant Denominations world wide and despite the vast differences, Sola Fide and Sola Scriptura are front and center.
I have many times been challenged by those seeking to gain Catholic converts and think this is a major marketing point. All you have to do is believe, to say a "Sinner's Prayer" and you are eternally saved.
This is their baseline for "Once Saved Always Saved", another fundamental Protestant belief. A few years ago I used to listened to a local Christian radio station near Ft. Campbell KY. I would check it out from time to time to see what they would be teaching.
On one occasion, the topic of faith and good works was the focus. I called up the radio station to see if I could enter the conversation. Unfortunately, it was only a tape recording and so there was no discussion that was live. Since it was a tape played in the studio, the only person available was the clerk answering the phone. To me that was enough!
I began my challenge with Matthew 25:31-46. If faith would get you to heaven and you do not need "good works", why would Jesus warn us if we do not perform the Corporal Works of Mercy, you would not enter the Kingdom of Heaven? Jesus spoke that we must feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, comfort the imprisoned, and visit the sick!
Jesus clearly states, "out of my sight, you condemned, into that everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels... As often as you neglected to do it to one of these least ones, you neglected to do it to me. These will go off to eternal punishment and the just to eternal life".
As important as faith is, Jesus doesn't speak to that issue, He is speaking of works that He fully expects His people to conduct. The Lord hears the cry of the poor, we become His hands when we seek to do His will! The lady at the studio was a bit taken back! She was not expecting a rebuttal like this, especially from a Catholic! To me, this was the opening argument! If someone claims to believe in God, but does nothing to help their fellow man, I simply was taking the Lord's word on the issue.
This debate goes back to the original Protestant, Martin Luther! He taught "Faith Alone" and "Sola Scriptura", which attacked the very core and foundation of the Church. This attack would shake the Church to her foundations! The Sacraments could not be "life saving" or "necessary" because they would be the products of "works"!
Luther's issue was far more than the selling of indulgences or disputes about the souls of Purgatory! This would undo 2,000 years of Christian teaching. Baptism, for example, is seen more as a public act, not a matter of necessity.
I encourage the reading of James chapter two. This speaks loudly about "faith alone" which it clearly says there is no faith alone! Philippians 2:16 states, "As I look to the day of Christ, you give me cause to boast that I did not run the race in vain or work to no purpose. Even if my life is to be poured out as a libation, over the sacrificial service of your faith. I am glad of it and rejoice with you".
It is interesting that Luther regarded the book of James as a "gospel of straw", that James did not have "backbone". Why, because James disagreed with Luther's own personal assessment.
James is not alone giving the Apostolic Tradition, St. Paul also says (Philippians 2:12), "So then, my dearly beloved, obedient as always to my urgings, work with anxious concern to achieve your salvation..." If you are studying for a test and the teacher during review stomps his foot or pounds his hands on the desk to insure you get the point, what should you do? You should take note of the essential information! Well, what does God tell us about Judgement? Our finals, the test we should all want to pass!
Jesus states, "But he who ACTS in the truth comes into the light, to make clear that his DEEDS are done in God (John 3:21)". Romans 2:5 states, "In spite of this, your hard and impenitent heart is storing up retribution for that day of wrath when the just judgement of God will be revealed, when He will repay every man for what he has DONE..."
1 Peter 1:17 says, "In prayer you call upon the Father who judges each one justly on the basis of his ACTIONS. Since this is so, conduct yourselves, reverently during this sojourn in a strange land". Hebrews 13:21 states, "Furnish you with all that is good, THAT YOU MAY DO HIS WILL. Though Jesus Christ may carry out in you all that is pleasing to Him. To Christ be the glory forever! Amen."
Revelation 22:12 states, "Remember, I am coming soon! I bring with me the reward that will be given to each man as his CONDUCT DESERVES." John 3:36 says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever DISOBEYS the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him (Romans 5:9)".
Scripture after scripture tells us we will be held accoutable to our deeds. We must do the will of the Father! If you KEEP His Commandments, you SHOW you love Him! The Catholic Church recognize that we must be obedient in faith. The skull has what we call "infused joints" that keeps our brain protected and intact. We need each part for it to function properly. Likewise, faith and good works are infused, both are essential.
Jesus tells us to "store up heavenly treasure that no one can steal". Our faith must produce fruit! Don't take your faith and bury it in the backyard (Matthew 25:24-28). As I talked with the lady who answered the phone, I realized that the issue will not be won or lost based on this discussion. If I did nothing else, I hope that Jesus would chalk this up to one of the spiritual works of mercy, to instruct the uninformed, to be patient with those in error.
I think the Catholic Church has made some in-roads through the Protestant world! I have heard many of them tell me that "people of faith" will have good works as a result of the fruits of the spirit! That makes the argument more obsolete! Oh, Can you imagine that? Martin Luther would be rolling over in his grave if he heard that!
Faith is a gift! Good works are the product of our response to that gift. Salvation is not earned so that we can punch our own ticket, but good works that pleases God and are God ordained makes that ticket complete. The harvest is plenty but the workers are few!
It's no secret to anyone that you and I had a troubled past. It's also no secret that neither of us, despite all our desperate yearnings, can change that fact. However, I am here to tell you now that I am a better man because you loved me enough to fight for me. I know it wasn't easy for you because I know it wasn't easy for me.
A Father and a Son can yearn to love each other but they must first come to know each other and I didn't know you Dad and you didn't know me. We hurt each other because we couldn't reach each other and we couldn't reach each other because we didn't know each other. You only saw me as someone who was needlessly obstinate and I only saw you as someone who was needlessly cruel. That could have remained forever our story, but it didn't. It didn't because you tried. You tried and you tried and you tried and I tried and I tried and I tried. Too many times our efforts were frustrated and the cost was far too much anguish and far too many tears.
You taught me some things, Dad, this you need to know. You taught me, first, that love can build bridges and love can bash down barriers. Second, you taught me to never, ever give up, now matter how badly life beats you down.
You didn't teach me these things by saying them because I am quite certain I would not have listened. Talk is cheap and anyone can make a good speech. You taught me because you never ceased trying to help me, even when I reviled you. You did as much for my brothers. You taught me not to give up because you never gave up even as I watched you endure enough hardship to destroy any other man ten-fold.
In my life I have gone through things more horrible than I could ever have envisioned but I fought on. I fought on when I felt like dying. I fought forward when I could not see three feet in front of me. I fought forward when I did not even comprehend the strength that drove me forward. I know now that that power came from the hand of God and the example you showed me. Only now can I understand the hell you walked through from having to walk through it myself.
I am not whitewashing what we went through, Dad. We both treated each other in an unspeakable manner, at different times in our past. Yet, the gravity of our past transgressions only magnifies the depth and significance of our sorrow and forgiveness. Now, at last, through the many failures and disappointments, trials and regrets of my life can I understand the crushing effects of constant stress, the grinding oppression that is never-ending anxiety.
But know this, Dad, despite our many clashes and disagreements, you and Mom succeeded, at last, in teaching me the only things I believe you ever sought to teach. I mentioned two before. Let me add a few. You taught me that truth and honor and integrity are more precious than Gold and that the value of a man has nothing to do with how much money he has. You taught me that when the chips are down, though every one runs away, family is there. Despite all the grudges and all the squabbles, family is there.
Dad, I don't have time to go through all of the regrets of my life. They are as numberless as the stars in the sky. You do not need them listed here. However, you do need to know that near the top is that wicked pride, that damnable unforgiveness that burned away so many years and kept us from reaching each other. Nonetheless, love won, after-all and nothing else matters.
At different times in my life, I have been drawn to rhetorical excess and wide swings of emotional outburst but know this Dad, it with a sincere heart and a sober mind that I just have to tell you that I love you and I always will.
This upcoming election is going to be one of the most important election years ever in the history of the United States of America. This is a battle for the identity of American culture. American society. This morning I was watching Fox News and the story of Rick Santorum giving a talk in New Hamphire.
Rick Santorum is a strong dedicated Catholic who has strong conservative Catholic values. He is strongly Pro-life, pro-family, pro-marriage. Today he was being challenged by college students who supported gay marriage.
Where are our Catholic leaders? Where are those voices that will stand up for our Catholic values? Have we become so diversified in our society that the voice of the Church is reduced to nominal silence?
Where is the voice of American values? Have we lost our Soul as Rush Limbaugh has said so many times? Obama care would make abortion part of it's health plan paid for by the American tax-payer. It would also enforce Catholic institutions and hospitals to provide abortion.
An interesting debate is coming between Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney. Since New Hamphire is the current battle ground, Newt Gingrich is changing his strategy of maintaining a positive campaign to talking off the gloves and defending his record and comparing it with Mitt Romney's record as a Moderate.
A few Years ago, Newt Gingrich converted to the Catholic Faith and like Rich Santorum, runs on a social conservative record. I do want to be fair with Mitt Romney (a Mormon) who help very liberal views accepting abortion. He is also supportive of gay rights, just short of accepting Gay Marriage.
Many pundants believe that the economy is the number one issue and this will probably hurt President Obama especially if his Obama care officially takes place because this will cripple American business, it will slow growth considerable. We have inched towards an 8.5% unemployment rate, but this does not count the many millions who are not seeking a job on the job market. If this was all counted, the unemployment would jump way up towards 11 or 12%.
It is a great concern high on the minds of all Americans, but I have to ask this question again: Where are the Catholic voters? Despite Rick Santorum's strong showing in Iowa, he did not recieve the strong Catholic vote as expected?
He picked up a strong Protestant Evangelical vote that has catapulted Rich Santorum in Iowa. At this point, he was only behind Mitt Romney by 8 votes across the State, and it is already rumored that miscounts are being found showing he might have won?
The State Republican Chairman has informed the public that it might be a couple of weeks to know the sure outcome of the caucus. What does this say about the illusive Catholic Vote? Why would a Hispanic Catholic vote differently than a Black Catholic? Or a White Catholic vote differently than any other minority?
Are not Catholic values equal among the various subcultures in American life, or is the American secular culture having more of an influence than Jesus Christ? Why would the Protestant Evangelical vote be more Catholic in their voting trend that Catholics themselves?
The real question I think is found on the strength of the family and the home. The Progressives have been trying to subvert the family institution for a long time. This onslaught even affects Catholic schools like Notre Dame.
When Alan Keys and Dr. Gregory Thompson (this year voted deepertruth's man of the year) were arrested for protesting Obama's presence at Notre Dame where Obama was given a high award by the College Dean in disobedience to the Catholic Bishops, several college students displayed hostility towards official Church teaching. This is the climate that Rick Santorum was challenged by today.
The Progressives in our higher education have infiltrated our families seeking to change the American culture. Have we as a Catholic presence lost to the community at large? Do we still have an affect in shaping society.
Rick Santorum is the product of a strong Catholic foundation who has led his own family those same values. Where is everyone else? I am very glad to see a strong conservative group such as Newt Gingrich, whom I have already mentioned and Govenor Rick Perry, who is a Protestant Evangelical, very strong pro-life stand and pro-marriage proponent.
If Rick Perry is the Rebublican nominee, he would have my support. So, for me, there are three real potential candidates to choose from, Rich Santorum, Newt Gingrich, and Rick Perry. Ron Paul is too extreme supporting the legalization of drugs, support for gay rights, and a weak foreign policy.
Our next President will be very important this next time around as the appointment of Supreme Court Judges will again be front and center. We know that Obama wants to shift the Court Ultra left. It will be interesting to see the outcome of this election of 2012.
Before Novemeber, Obama wants to spend a billion dollars for his attack on whoever the Republican Candidate will be. We know that Obama will have about 90% of the African American vote, but that would be regardless of who the Democrat would be.
We also know that Obama will recieve 90% plus of the Homosexual vote. That will range about 2-3% of society. That is a very low percentage concerning the political strength they have in the Democratic Party? Where will the Catholic vote be? Will we be scattered along Party lines regarless of what the candidates support?
In the end, I will support which ever the Republican nominee will be, but I want the process to work and I hope that the Catholic vote will matter in playing a major role in standing up for family values.
If I would have been in Rick Santorum's audience today, I would have been applauding him for standing up for traditional marriage between a man and wife. It is far more healthy for children to be raised within a real family structure.
I have written before on the problems associated with fatherless homes:
63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes (US Dept. Of Health/Census) – 5 times
the average.
- 90% of all homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes – 32 times the average.
- 85% of all children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Center for Disease Control)
- 80% of rapists with anger problems come from fatherless homes –14 times the average. (Justice & Behavior, Vol 14, p. 403-26)
- 71% of all high school dropouts come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (National Principals Association Report)
- 75% of all adolescent patients in chemical abuse centers come from fatherless homes – 10 times the average. (Rainbows for All God’s Children)
- 70% of youths in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes – 9 times the average. (U.S. Dept. of Justice, Sept. 1988)
- 85% of all youths in prison come from fatherless homes – 20 times the average. (Fulton Co. Georgia, Texas Dept. of Correction)
We want to support those single housholds who struggle to make ends meet, whose homes the father became a "dead beat dad". In this circumstance, Mom needs our support, who basically wants to be able to do her best in raising her children.
What we really need is a return to committment, hard work, strong family values. 2 Chronicles 7:14 states, "and if my people, upon whom my name has been pronounced, humble themselves and pray, and seek my presence and turn from their evil ways, I will hear them from heaven and pardon their sins and revive their land".
This is why the Catholic vote is so important, to move the hand of God, his people must come to him with a vigor, a true repentance to turn away from sin and restore our American values and freedom which comes from God. If not, we will continue to lose our freedoms and watch our values erode.
I have decided to initiate a new comment policy whereby users will have to at least register for an open-id before commenting. I am hopeful that this will at least discourage hit and run anonymous comments from those with no interest in engaging in a productive conversation. Giving us someone to respond to at least opens up the conversation.
The Urgency of Hell!!! We are in a battle for our souls and the souls of HIS children for eternity!!!
Did you get that exclamation, does it mean anything to you to know that there are people dying and going to hell as I write this. You can even say, “why can’t you just say something nice”, it is time for Christmas and New Years, we should celebrate.
I will say, please do celebrate, because if Jesus did not come, live, die, and rise from the dead, we would have no destination but Hell. So do celebrate HIS arrival, but also celebrate that someone loves you enough to tell you the Truth, Jesus Christ came on earth for one reason, to save souls from HELL.
We know that Jesus preached more on Hell than any other subject, thank you Jesus. You know the deceitful heart of man gravitates to those that preach Heaven and many will be lost. Jesus, you are God, you know that to meditate on HELL will produce many fruits of conversion.
To know this, why are so many Shepherds preaching to please the crowd, instead of preaching to please Christ. So many churches and Christian schools close because of a failure to bear witness to the Truth, and the leaders continue to be blinded to the philosophies of man, that they are smarter than God, and they have a way. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the Life, no one comes to the father, except through me.”
"My brethren, if any of you err from the truth, and one convert him: 20He must know that he who causes a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins". James 5:19,20
So if we are to follow Jesus, we must deny ourselves, pick up our Cross and be used by HIM to save souls from Hell. What greater thing can you give Jesus on HIS birthday and all year round, than HIS most prized possession, a soul.
What better gift can you give your loved ones than to alert them to the reality of Hell, which can start for eternity at any moment. What better gift can you give yourself than to be used to save a soul from Hell, and as it states in Phil. 2:12, “With fear and trembling work out your salvation.”
Indeed when you come to judgment, and Jesus asks you how many souls you have saved from Hell, what are you prepared to tell HIM? Will you say, “well Jesus, people don’t like that Hell talk, because it scares them, and I just want to be nice and for them to like me.”
I love each of you enough to warn you, Hell is for eternity, many go there daily. Hell is a place of extreme pain and despair. It is where each of us deserve to be for our sins, if we are not delivered by the mercy of God. If we are not reconciled with the Father with the blood of Jesus, our dwelling place will be Hell.
When should I preach Hell and to whom should I preach it? Preach it daily as a wonderful act of Charity to all that come into your path. “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness: Make straight the way of the Lord.” John 1:23
Without divine grace we can do nothing. Jesus said “Without Me, you can do nothing.” In 1 Cor. 12:3, Paul says, “And no one can say the Lord Jesus, but by the Holy Ghost.” With HIM all things are possible, so stop souls from going to Hell, seek their salvation at any price, as we ask the Lord, “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me.” Psalm 51:2,3
St. Anthony Mary Claret had a great zeal for the salvation of souls, as he preached 25,000 sermons, wrote 144 books, found three religious orders, preached countless missions, and in six years as a bishop, confirmed over 300,000 and validated more that 9,000 marriages.
He stated, ”The Heart of Jesus has loved me, or else I would now be in Hell!” “It is of faith that Heaven exists for the good and Hell for the wicked. Faith teaches that the pains of Hell are eternal, and it also warns us that one single mortal sin suffices to condemn a soul forever because of the infinite malice by which it offends an infinite God. With these most positive principles in mind, how can I remain indifferent when I see the ease with which sins are committed, sins that occur as frequently as one takes a glass of water, sins and offenses that are perpetrated out of levity or diversion? How can I rest when so many are to be seen living continually in mortal sin and rushing in this blind manner to their eternal destruction? No indeed, I cannot rest, but must needs run and shout a warning to them. If I saw anyone about to fall into a pit or a fire, would I not run up to him and warn him, and do all in my power to help him from falling in? Why should I not do this much to keep sinners from falling into the pit and fires of Hell?
Why should there not be a warning of eternal fire to waken those who are drifting in the sleep of sin in such a way that when they open their eyes they will find themselves burning in the eternal flames of Hell?
Remember why Jesus came to earth, one reason, to save souls from Hell. So you and I know this, and we want to follow Jesus, but fail to do anything on this the most important point of Jesus’ coming to earth, because people might not like us, so what does this mean to us? In James 4:17 it states, “to know what to do and not do it, is a sin.” Please do not stand before the Lord with excuses on this issue, knowing that there are those in Hell because we failed to do or say anything.
One final thought, “for those that have been given much, much will be expected.” Note the following quote from St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, “We should constantly thank the Lord for having granted us the gift of the true faith, by associating us with the children of the Holy Catholic Church. How many are the infidels, heretics and schismatics who do not enjoy the happiness of the true faith! Earth is full of them and they are all lost!”
I have been a football fan since the middle 1960's when the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers appeared in the first Super Bowl. From that time, I have been a die hard Kansas City Chief fan.
The 1969 season, the Chiefs would finally win the Super Bowl against the Minnisota Vikings, however, it has been a long drought since the Chief's have gone to the big show. They have had years where they arguably were the best team in football only to lose in the playoffs.
To this point, they have not won a playoff game since the 1993 season. That is an amazing fact in itself, I have often thought that maybe the Chiefs should bring back Joe Montana out of retirement?
Because the Chief's were my childhood team, I've always had a heart for them, but it has been a difficult road to follow the Chief's with high expectation. While serving in Iraq in 2009, I was captivated by the Bret Farve story, the one time Green Bay Packer Quarterback who made a new home with the Minnisota Vikings.
This was an amazing story as the Vikings would come close to going to the Superbowl but finally losing to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC's Championship game. If the vikings would have won this game, they would have gone to the Superbowl.
For me, this was an exciting season following Bret Farve's success in winning games. I'll point out that even though I was in Iraq doing missions and serving my Country, the NFL certainly gave us a great release from our daily duties and hazards.
On game day, we would stay up late or get up early to watch our favorite teams or join the Recreation Center to participate with other Soldiers cheering for our teams. Aside from my Faith, this would be a very important support for me. This certainly helped pass the time away from week to week, but it also gave us something to look forward to that was a little bit from home.
During this deployment, the Kansas City Chief's were not a threat for the playoffs so I put my support for Bret Farve and the Minnisota Vikings. Now that I am back in the United States, and have been retired out of the Army, I still love my Chief's, but they have not progressed in the playoff picture this year. Like the Bret Farve story, a new story has emerged that has captivated my boyhood love for football. This is the Tim Tebow Story.
I want to give a little foundation here before I move forward with Tim Tebow, my wife, Gigi, is from Alabama. Anyone who knows college football, Alabama has a great winning tradition and I adopted Alabama as my favorite team.
Well, the rival to my Alabama team is a conferance rival, the Florida Gators who competed with Alabama for the National Championships. Who was the quarteback for the Gators, Tim Tebow, who not noly won the national championship, but won the Heisman Trophy as well.
That was a great rivalry which we lost to Tim Tebow one year, and then finally Alabama won the next year. At this point, I didn't know much about Tim Tebow's background, but I respected him as a competitor. The only other thing I remeber about him is that he would have a scripture verse planted under his eyes where many players would darken to help them see better in the sun. I thought that was cool.
This past year, Tim Tebow captivated America with his inspiring play winning games in heroic fashion. He took a Denver Bronco team that was 1-4 and would lead them to win the AFC Western Conference Championship. During this great run, many pundants ranging from sports to comedy made fun of Tebow.
Saturday Night Live litterally Mocked Tebow's faith and professed Athiest Bill Maher, a "comedian" attacked Tebow following a loss to the Buffalo Bills. Dispite all the criticisms and public scrutiny, the Denver Broncos won the AFC's Western Division in a highly competitive race.
Denver stood no chance of being in the run without the 7 and 1 winning striek led by Tim Tebow. Being a strong Catholic, I was totally captivated by the story of Tim Tebow and after the Bronco's beat Kansas City in Kansas City, that is when I jumped on the Tebow bandwagon.
One thing I think I should note is that despite all the publicity surrounding Tebow, he has handled this well keeping a humble heart giving respectful responses to his critics on and off the field. That is telling. The impact that Tebow is having off the field is amazing.
Today, 2 January 2012, Fox News reported the inspiring story of a young boy diagnosed with cancer who was given 6 months to live. This is a the story of a young boy captivated by Tim Tebow. He was pictured doing the famed Tim Tebow kneeling position giving thanks to God, when his story was picked up by Tim Tebow.
The young boy got the opportunity to meet Tebow this past weekend in Denver at the final seasonal game with guess who, my Kansas City Chief's.
I found myself supporting Tebow in this game which was won by my Chief's.
For the Chief's it was a meaningless game, it was an opportunity for them to knock out Denver from the playoff's.
They would have done so, but the Oakland Raiders lost to San Diego which gave the title to Denver despite their loss to Kansas City.
Denver won by virtue of tie breakers, three teams had the same won/loss record but Denver won the head to head games.
The Tim Tebow Story is a very inspiring story as the playoffs begin this next week.
The Pittsburg Steelers are coming to Denver and the winner moves forward in the playoffs and the loser stays home. It will be fun to see if "Tebow Time" will continue in the playoffs or if it ends Sunday. With all the publicity that has followed Tim Tebow, there is a very important point I need to raise. (Editors Update) Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos defeated the Pittsburg Steelers 29 to 23 in overtime. Tebow threw for 316 yards! Symbolic for John 3:16! Denver will play Next Saturday at New England.
Tebow is I believe real and sincere in his heart, he is showing great discipline in his faith and loyalty to Christ and his faith. That I admire in him and I am inspired by his not backing down to the secular media.
I also admire the Denver Broncos and their fans who have been captivated by the Tebow Time success. Watching the game, I am seeing the fans with signs ranging "we believe" among other positive support.
That is awesome, kind of reminds me when people use to place signs with John 3:16 seen with the fans. Those were some great video footages when watching the field goal attempt and the ball going through the goal posts and John 3:16 in the background in the midst of wild screaming fans.
This next point about Tim Tebow I need to raise because of the national publicity he has recieved. To people of faith, this transcends religious lines. For Catholics, I do have a caution about Tim Tebow that needs to be identified.
Because of the inspiration surrounding Tim Tebow, he has a growing surge of fans from all walks, me included. However, when you take a deeper look at his faith, there is some cause for concern. His Father, Bob Tebow, come from a Southern Baptist background.
He has no respect for Catholics supporting missionaries in the Philippines, he has an Orphanage there. That is in itself a good and noble thing, but they do not work with the Catholic Church in that region, but seek to overturn it.
The mission of Bob Tebow is to bring the people of the Philippines to Chirst. In this process, this includes converting Catholics. On College Campuses Bob Tebow was very much involved with "Campus Crusaders for Christ" which in itself is a good thing, but unfortunately, many included Catholics as a target to market after.
I myself while in college remember their approaching me and debating me on countless occassion when I was at College in the latter 1970's. I didn't know my Catholic Faith well then and I had to battle between the Catholic Faith and the faiths that they represented.
For a Catholic to be misinformed, they became easy pickings to these groups. I not only have dealt with this kind of pressure on a personal note, but in the Army, these groups focus on young recruits seeking to target Catholics. This is the kind of enviornment that Tim Tebow was raised.
The following is taken from Bob Tebows website, "Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association:
"The Bob Tebow Evangelistic Association has been serving in the Philippines since 1985 with five major priorities: Evangelism, Church Planting, Pastor Training, an Orphanage, and the Training of the Next Generation of Evangelists. It is the primary goal of BTEA to make the gospel of Jesus Christ available to every person in the world.
In 1998, BTEA began to implement a plan to preach the gospel in every barangay (village) in the Philippines. There are approximately 42,000 barangays in the Philippines and it is estimated that over 64% of them do not have a single evangelical church. In a country of over 92 million, the number of people who have never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ is staggering. These statistics do not even take into account the dozens of ethnic tribal groups that have been living on obscure islands and in remote mountain villages for centuries. It is our goal to go to each and every barangay and give the people the opportunity to hear the gospel at least one time. In addition to preaching the gospel, we are endeavoring to plant indigenous churches with the new converts and train national pastors. It is a tremendous task that must be completed."
When I see the potential good that Tim Tebow is doing along with his family roots, I can't help but think that these children are former Catholics. First generation Catholics who have abandoned the Faith for this association. The challenge for Catholics is to remain steadfast in their faith and grow in their understanding. It is my hope that with Tim Tebow's college experience, and now his Professional Football he has grown in respect for Catholic players on his team and in the football world. I sent him a question on this but have not recieved a response, but I am among thousands so that would be like finding a needle in a haystack.
As a Catholic, I most certainly can respect and admire Tim Tebow's faith, his sincerity to follow and serve the Lord above all things, even football, wouldn't his conversion to the Catholic Faith make big news! We have seen such conversions the past few years from Evangelical Protestants to the catholic Faith. In doing so, I have not seen anytime where they attack or condemn their Protestant upbringing, I hope that Tim Tebow will grow and mature in his faith recognizing that Catholics are indeed Christians, but more importantly, are the fullness and foundation of Christianity!
Recently, at one of our bible studies, we were discussing the Pharisees during the time of Jesus.
How could they be so out of touch with who Jesus is? As the discussion continued, people were wondering how they would respond if they were living back then and witnessed the signs and wonders our Lord performed. I felt that we do not really need to think about what it was like then because we are called right here and now.
How many people today display the lack of faith today in following the Catholic Church? How many people would think, "Well, if I was living back then I would have been a follower of Christ. Like St. Peter, we would pledge our allegiance to the Lord, but how many of us would stand by the Lord when the first insults are fired?
How many of us will stand fast for the Lord when they mock you and spit on you? How many of us are willing to stand with the Lord when they threaten you with death? How many of us are willing to forsake our Lord for a smile and a handshake? If people 400 years from now could look back on our generation, would they wonder how we could have been so blind as the Pharisee of yesterday?
Judas sold Jesus out for 30 pieces of silver, how much did it take for us to leave the Church? Who is responsible when we choose to forsake the faith of the Apostles? We can look back and judge the Pharisee of their blindness, but are we that much different today? In a world where 42,000 denominations are challenging us to join them in rebellion.
If you are a faithful Catholic, probably you might have been strong enough to follow Christ and stand with him through the trial, however, how many of us have abandoned Jesus for another Bride?
We are in the time of apostasy, we are called to reach out and bring them home. It says in James 5:19-20, "My brothers, if anyone among you should stray from the truth and someone bring them back, he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins".
When you go to Confession, the Lord takes those sins you confess and throws them into the sea of forgetfulness and remembers them no more. You are given a judgement in the Confessional, a judgement of mercy.
The Confessional is the Mercy Seat of God! The Lord gave to St. Faustina the revelation of Divine Mercy. Jesus says the hardest worst sinner is most deserving for this mercy as Jesus does not wish the death of the sinner, but their true repentance.
I have often been asked the question, “Why do Catholics need to go to a priest instead of Jesus, since He is the Mediator between God and man.” We go to confession in obedience to Jesus’ command that gave this authority to his apostles.
This transfer of authority came after His resurrection and is recorded as follows:
“on the evening of that first day of the week, even though the disciples hadlocked the doors of the place where they were for fear of the Jews…Jesus came and stood before them ‘Peace be with you,’ he said. When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. At the sight of the Lord, the Disciples rejoiced. ‘Peace be with you,’ he said again. ‘As the Father has sent me so I send you.’… He breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. Whose sins you forgive are forgiven them, and whose sins you retain are retained.”
The Council of Trent (1556) defined the power to forgive sins in verse 23 as the same power exercised in the Sacrament of Penance. This power could have only reached our present age through Apostolic Succession where the Apostles ordained successors and broadened the faith throughout the world.
St. Paul gives special consideration to this Sacrament with the intent to instruct his listeners its importance.
He states, "So whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come. And all this IS fromGod, who has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us THE MINISTRYOF RECONCILIATION, namely, God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,not counting their trespasses against them and entrusting TO US the message of reconciliation. So WE ARE AMBASSADORS FOR CHRIST, as if GOD WERE APPEALING THROUGH US. We implore you on BEHALF OF CHRIST, BE RECONCILED TO GOD ( 2 COR 5Vs 17-20). St. Paul then invites us, "Working together, then, WE APPEAL TO YOU NOT TO RECEIVE THE GRACE OF GOD IN VAIN". Some thoughts; from the Webster's New World Dictionary, AMBASSADOR is:
1. The highest-ranking diplomatic representative appointed by one country or government...(when you recognize the Church as the Kingdom of God on earth, this definition easily fits the mark).
2. A special representative, is one on a special diplomatic mission.
3. An official agent with a special mission ( Christ appointed his Apostles to carryout this "special mission"). BEHALF is defined as, "ME, in phrase on (mi)behalf, on (my side). I speak in his behalf, on behalf of speaking for;representing (This is exactly what the priest does)!
This Sacramental authority Jesus gives his Apostles should not be confused with the moral obligation to forgive seventy times seven.
In the great sacrament, Jesus chooses to forgive in the action of his Ministers. Just as God may heal someone through a minister, he established the priesthood for the purpose of spiritual healing.
The Council of Constantinople (553) declared that John 20:22 meant that the spirit was truly given and the breathing on the disciples was not merely symbolic. This action recalls Genesis 2:7 where God breathed life into Adam and gave him the natural spirit of life force.
St. John announces that the life-source for supernatural life is given, which is the seal of the Holy Spirit.
The Confessional, then, is not of man-made origin, but is a God-breathed action of the Holy Spirit. It has come down the ages through the Church that Jesus built.
When you go to Confession to the local priest, a bishop ordained him. The bishop himself was ordained by a previous bishop and the transfer of authority can be traced all the way back to the Apostles.
People who do not understand the Church often challenge its concepts by stating that a given teaching was invented on such and such a date.
The ‘invention’ dates, however, usually coincide with councils that met for the purpose of clarifying any teaching that was being misunderstood or challenged in some way.
In the case of Confession, some try to say that the Catholic Church invented the teaching of Confession in the 4th century. But, it preceded the 4th and earlier centuries, and was part of what Jesus commands when he states in the gospel of Matthew:
“Teach them to carry out everything I have commanded you.” The apostles are to teach the world not merely one doctrine, such as the doctrine of Resurrection, but all doctrines pronounced by Jesus.
In deed, His historical teaching and the entire gospel the Catholic Church has safeguarded message. Jesus promised the Catholic Church that the gates of hell would not prevail against it, that he would be with us until the end of the age, and that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son and remains with us until Jesus returns.
His Church has His promise, His protection, and His seal. It is up to each person to be faithful or fall. We call this free will. In the meantime, Jesus truly waits for us in the Sacrament of Confession. Home page DTB facebook Page You Tube Blog Talk Radio Show
So, here we are. It's sometime in the area between December 25th, 2 BC and January 6th, 1 BC. In other words, by our reckoning, we are deep within what is to become known as the Christmas season- by all accounts- the season of joy.
The powerful wave of joy is shattered by a cry of agony;
A voice in Rama was heard, lamentation and great mourning; Rachel bewailing her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.
~ Matthew 2:18
Christ came to rule with Justice and love and mercy but the Devil seeks to rule with malevolence and hate and cruelty. Nowhere do we see that more starkly than in how Christ's humility chooses to be born among the lowly and live with them, while Herod's insatiable pride cannot show mercy even to the most innocent.
Today is the commemoration of the holy innocents. You could say that they were the first martyrs of Christianity. They were put to the sword to preserve the power of Herod just as other children were put to the sword to save the power of the Egyptian King.
Can you imagine being so vain and worldly that even a child must die to preserve your station and convienience? Surely nothing so defenseless could happen toda...... oh wait.
What blind cruelty allows this? What inhuman pride? What callous rejection of love? What utter darkness! Abortion, human trafficking, rape, molestation, murder....
Precisely the darkness that this child of the Nativity came to dispel. Is there ugliness in the world? You bet. Precisely the kind we remember today. Yet the inhuman cruelty, the unimaginable malevolence the devil has for us, working his will through his willing ilk, and finding it's apex in The Cross, is no match for the love of Christ who turns shouts of agony int cries of salvific joy.
As you woke up this morning, maybe you felt something like I did- eyes a little bleary from having stayed up late, head a little sore and still ringing from the laughter and Christmas music. Maybe, like me, you have assorted aches and pains from the annual family Christmas day football game.
Maybe you have that bittersweet cocktail going on - 2 parts let down, 1 part relief, 1 part dread at getting back to work and facing a new year. Hopefully, you didn't have a Christmas day flat tire, like I did.
But maybe, just maybe, you are like the Grinch this morning, puzzling till your puzzler is sore about how Christmas came without Ribbons and came without tags and came without packages boxes or bags. (We had to open presents Christmas Eve). Maybe, like me (and our green friend), once again, the true meaning of Christmas shone through and you are feeling the strength of 10 grinches plus 2 (that's 12 grinches for those in Washington DC).
What a magnificent Christmas this was for me (and not just because I threw 7 touchdowns, as we won the family football game) Christmas was wonderful this year because it was a day of connection, a day of reconciliation. Maybe not full reconciliation but (at the risk of torturing the metaphor) a day when the ball was moved down the field considerably.
Whether you credit the Angel Clarence or the ghost of Christmas past, there is just something about the magic of Christmas the heals the troubled soul. Thornton Wilder had it right-
In the war of love, only wounded soldiers can serve. ~ from "The Angel that troubled the waters"
Only when you have suffered, can you truly empathize with those who suffer, only when you have truly loved, unselfishly, can you truly know and receive love. My family of wounded soldiers all fought on the same side yesterday.
Great and wondrous gifts were exchanged , gifts that could not fit under the tree. Fellowship, forgiveness, contrition and reconciliation. These are the only things that make us truly human. These are the only things that make life worth living.
The light shone in the darkness,and the darkness did not overcome it. ~John 1:5
So, in a manner of speaking, Christmas brings a new lease on life- not physical life, which is here today and gone tomorrow- but spiritual life which conquers and endures forever. Spiritual life that flows from God and through us, Grace that breaks down walls and crashes through barriers and makes whole the broken-hearted and restores peace to the troubled soul. It renews us, it recharges us, us gives us hope. A light to follow, a light to celebrate, a light to emulate.
In June of 2 BC, a spectacular event took place in the night sky over the middle east, as the planet Jupiter conjoined with Venus. The Magi would have seen it as the definitive sign to begin their journey from Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq).
In this area of the world, the daytime temperature can exceed 130 degrees in June. They would have traveled by night. They would have traveled in the darkness, led by the great light. Yes, the great light of the Bethlehem Star (Jupiter), but even more, by the great light of the child it led to.
2The people that walked in darkness, have seen a great light: to them that dwelt in the region of the shadow of death, light is risen.
3Thou hast multiplied the nation, and hast not increased the joy. They shall rejoice before thee, as they that rejoice in the harvest, as conquerors rejoice after taking a prey, when they divide the spoils.
4For the yoke of their burden, and the rod of their shoulder, and the sceptre of their oppressor thou best overcome, as in the day of Median.
5For every violent taking of spoils, with tumult, and garment mingled with blood, shall be burnt, and be fuel for the fire.
6For a CHILD IS BORN to us, and a son is given to us, and the government is upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, God the Mighty, the Father of the world to come, the Prince of Peace.
~Isaiah 9
Your Christmas tree cannot duplicate that light, it can only symbolize it, but what a magnificent symbol it is. Remember, when you were a child and you gazed in wonder at the lighted tree? Imagine how your heart will leap, when you gaze upon the Light Himself?
If only for a few hours yesterday, enraptured in the love and fellowship of family and friends, I had another foretaste- another sip- of the joy that awaits. I will hold this in my heart beyond January 6th, the end of this blessed Christmas season.
Before I get assailed for this article, let me just say that probably 50% of my friends are of the protestant tradition. They are, for the most part, very good people and I do not question the sincerity of most of them in desiring to do God's will.
The reason is very simple. Though the Twinkie is easier, and sweeter, and certainly costs you less, it cannot fill you up, warm you up and give you the nourishment you need, like steak and a baked potato or a hearty stew.
