Update: August 2020
I wrote the post below in 2007. The apostasy has escalated. The number of Protestant Pastors singing the praises of Rome (and now singing the praises of Pope Francis) has grown rapidly. These Pastors are deceiving their flocks, and holding back the true Gospel from the Roman Catholic people. Signs of the Times. Our Protestant churches are no longer protesting. I believe our churches have been infiltrated.
I AM PURE FROM THE BLOOD OF ALL MEN
Paul the apostle said “I am pure from the blood of all men.” What a powerful statement. There was no blood on Paul’s hands because he was a faithful minister of the Gospel.
When my husband and I were born again we knew, by God’s Word and by God’s Holy Spirit that we had come out of darkness. We knew that we had believed a false gospel, and that the Lord wanted us to witness to that truth. We were surrounded by Roman Catholic family, neighbors, co-workers, and friends who were not saved and needed to hear the true Gospel. So witness we did. Can you imagine how shocked we were to learn that Protestant Churches were saying that Rome preached the true Gospel. Prominent Protestant Leaders are telling us that Roman Catholics do not need to be evangelized because they are already Christians. Now this may sound very loving, but in truth it is the exact opposite of loving. Let me give you one small example of what I mean.
A few days ago while visiting my father in the nursing home my husband and I met a man in his mid 80’s. He was visiting his daughter who is a resident. As we sat in the lounge and talked he told us that he had two big statues of Mary. One, he said, was in his home, and the other was outside. He wept as he told us that every night he kneels before each statue and petitions Mary and Joseph in prayer.
At some point during this little visit my husband managed to share the Gospel with this man. I told him that I had grown up a Roman Catholic. I gently told him to pray in the name of Jesus Christ, not Mary or Joseph. When we left he called us “nice people.” I say that not to boast, but to make the point that it is possible to witness in boldness and love at the same time. This man needed clarity, and we believe the Lord put him before us on that day.
I want to make it very clear that this type of situation is the rule, not the exception. We have encountered this a multitude of times over the years, and such were we before we were saved. If withholding the Gospel from Roman Catholics is not apostasy, we must redefine the word.
How can someone pastor a church and not include Roman Catholicism in the category of “another gospel” is beyond me. It is totally and completely heartbreaking. Yet this is the case in most of the churches that I have attended in the past, and I am saved over thirty years. In fact Roman Catholics are quoted regularly by pastors. That’s why I believe the churches have been infiltrated. Should a man who doesn’t understand the very simple fact that Rome preaches “another gospel” (Galatians chapter 1) even be in the pulpit? I say no, he should not.
Acts 20:26 Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men.
Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.
Acts 20:38 Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.
Acts 20:28 Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the
which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
Acts 20:29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.
Acts 20:30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.
Acts 20:31 Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears.
Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.
Acts 20:33 I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
Acts 20:34 Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me.
Acts 20:35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Acts 20:36 And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.
Acts 20:37 And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck, and kissed him,
PEACEMAKERS 