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I grew up in a small community in Southwestern Ontario. This town was bilingual and thus I experienced Roman Catholicism from a French-Canadian perspective. (or at least English-French) I can assure you that in 22 years in that church, several as a good altar boy (I even gave communion), and attendance for 8 years in the RC school system: that I never heard the un-adulterated Gospel message once! I was saved in a small Brethren church in Windsor, Ontario, where a travelling evangelist was holding a meeting. When this preacher quoted scripture: "...if you deny me before men, I will deny you before my Father who is in heaven", I said “whoa”! That kind of logic really struck my works- oriented conditioning! I remember feeling that if I didn't accept this Gospel "deal" now, that I might never again have the chance. Who'd have thought that I would cry like a baby in front of a bunch of 'Protestants'? Especially when I was at the top of my life: owned a successful business, had lots of girlfriends, was in great shape (I owned a gym), had a great tan, always lots of cash in my wallet. Well, thanks to the Lord, he opened my eyes just enough to allow me to see my pathetic life for what it was. I was still unhappy, despite being "self-actualized", as the psychologists would say. I can tell you that since becoming a Christian (ie: trusting in the finished work of 'Christ alone' to save my soul forever) I have not felt the emptiness and despair of the life without the indwelling Christ!
Thanks.
R.P. of Windsor, On.
Dear R.P.,
Glad you found us on the web. Thank you for your wonderful testimony on how the Lord delivered you from “religion” and placed you on the true Rock, Jesus! Like you, I had never heard the “unadulterated” gospel of grace in the 30 years that I sat in the Roman system.
So many people judge success by how much cash they have, and how popular they are, but Lu.12:15 says:
“...Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”
Perhaps someone out there may see themselves and realize that they too are missing something in all their abundance, since living in America makes it very easy to get caught up in “self”. This would be a much better place if everyone did what Paul says in 1Co.10:24, “ Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.”
I really enjoyed the part about crying in front of Protestants! Been there and done that! Just goes to show that the word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword. He brings us to our knees and we forget our pride and beg Jesus to save us too! And the peace that God gives (not as the world gives) surpasses all understanding. It really confuses those who trust in their own righteousness to save them!
Even Paul said in Phil.3:9:
“And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
Hope to hear from you again and God bless.
In His Grace,
Rebecca A. Sexton
(This following comment is taken from our guest book on the web page)
Referred by: Word of Mouth
From: Missionaries to Russia
Time: 1996-12-13 21:04:00
Comments: Hey, glad we made it! We loved the page and pray that the Lord would continue to use it in mighty ways. It sure seems that only other believers who themselves were once devout Catholics have any understanding of where we came from and what it is really like to be entrapped inside the clutches of Rome.
Praise the Lord for His grace and mercy. Even so, come Lord Jesus! Thanks again. His grace & peace to you!
John and Cathy Romans 44 on the IRC
To The Editor:
I have something to share with you about why Catholicism is not "holy, catholic, and apostolic."
The recent news in Clearwater, Florida, on December 18, report of an apparition of the Virgin Mary appearing on the windows of a finance office building. There are many Catholics (and other observers not Catholic, I would guess) who are flocking to the bank building in numbers to see this apparition. Some were curious. Some claim the apparition is a miracle in itself.
They say the apparition is of the Virgin Mary. The news media are reporting many people are enshrining the building, putting written prayers beside the image, candles beside the image, etc....it makes me wonder whether they are actually worshipping an idol, let alone an image.
It says in the Bible, "Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image..." and "...bow down thyself to them, or serve them" (Exodus 20:4,5), but since the Catechism of the Catholic Church said images of Mary, Jesus, or any other image related to God are not really idols, they allow worship of such Christ-like images like the host in Holy Communion, a statue of Mary, or a statue of a canonized saint.
The Church accepts a different kind of Ten Commandments. Their Ten Commandments involve splitting the last commandment into two- which is (1) not to covet a neighbor's wife and (2) not to covet a neighbor's possessions. Then they take out the second commandment of making an idol and worshipping them. By deleting the second commandment and splitting the tenth commandment into two, the Church gets their version of the Ten Commandments. The Church does make note of the second commandment in the Catechism, but traditionally this commandment is never followed. I wonder if the Church read Revelation 22:19.
Of course, a report from Reuters, a newswire service, said that one of the observers saw this image of Mary as a message from God "...to change our ways." I hope the changing of their ways includes leaving the Catholic Church.
2 Corinthians 11:14,15 basically tells what the Catholics in Florida- and the estimated 950 million Catholics worldwide- are going to get into. It says that Satan himself "...is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."
Is Satan present here in Florida, deceiving these Catholics who think they are worshipping the "Blessed Mother" herself?
Galatians 1:8 also says "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Sounds like the Marian apparition could mean something else. Is this image preaching them the "other" gospel?
Mark 13:22,23 also supports what the Marian apparitions could be suggesting. Jesus says there will be "false Christs and false prophets" who "...shall shew signs and wonders, to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things."
No one has confirmed if the Marian apparition in Clearwater really is the image of the Virgin Mary. Details are sketchy, and the Catholic Church has yet to report on whether this apparition of the "Blessed Mother" is really authentic. Some say it is just an illusion the windows are making when they reflect light from the sun. I read a radio station is trying to disprove this image really exists by threatening to have window-washers wash the image off.
But, if this image really were an apparition of Mary (and this is not to offend the true, Biblical Mary who conceived the baby Jesus: "Mary, Mary, On The Wall Who's The Fairest One Of All?"
In Him,
Ed/IRC
Dear Ed,
Thanks for writing, we really enjoyed your letter. Well we know who the “fairest of ten thousand” is...JESUS! But I don’t think the “Mary” that is appearing would acknowledge that, she’s too busy keeping everyone’s eyes on her. As a matter of fact, in the Akron Beacon Journal, Dec.22, 1996, there was a huge article on “Mary” and a quote from Ana Castillo, editor of Goddess of the Americas, Writings on the Virgin of Guadalupe which states: “...there is no question that in Mexico, God is a woman.” When the true Spirit comes, He doesn’t glorify Himself, or Mary, He glorifies Jesus. (John 16:13) God speaking of the Son says:
“Thou art fairer than the children of men: grace is poured into thy lips: therefore God hath blessed thee for ever.” (Ps.45:2)
It is so sad to see millions praying to a demon, thinking it is really Mary. If they only knew that the real Mary would never say the things these apparitions are saying. May God have mercy and open up their eyes to the truth. Hope to hear from you again, Ed.
Rebecca A. Sexton
Dear FCFC,
Thank you so much for your newsletter. My household does not celebrate X-mas so I really appreciate your December issue. Not one professing Christian we know agrees with us on this. We thank the Lord for your stand for the truth.
I would like to remain on your mailing list and would appreciate any back issues you could send me as I am an ex-Catholic. Your letter is greatly needed. Thank you so much.
G.A. of Middlebury, VT
Dear G.A.,
Thank you for writing and your kind donation. Let it be known that we are just as grateful to God for your stand on Christmas as you are for ours. There are few who are willing to forsake the “fun” in obedience to Christ, mostly because their families wouldn’t like it! (I guess they’re not so worried whether or not they offend God...just so they don’t offend family.) Whenever we find a faithful Christian, we rejoice in our Lord Jesus. One gentleman from Michigan told us of the dispute over Christmas in his church (the Independent Fundamentalist Baptist). They finally took the Christmas tree out of their church. Only one small battle in the war against idolatry, but it is evident that the Lord is dealing with His people over this issue. The Puritans outlawed it for very good reason...it is nothing short of the filthy rags of popery.
If you like the following poem, check out this site and you’ll find many more! http://members.aol.com/f4bs/carols.htm
God keep all of you Protestants
From walking in the way
Of heathens and idolaters
To celebrate this day.
You resurrect this Romish mass,
For you have gone astray.
You celebrate the birth of Christ
Though God did not command
This service of idolatry
Is not part of His plan
You wed the devil to the Son,
When Christ-Mass you demand.
The following picture was sent to us from Corpus Christi, Texas. We decided to print it just for you to let you know that you are not alone in the battle! The victory is the Lord’s and there is nothing secret that will not be made known, even Christmas. Praise JESUS!!!
(Our friends on the net cannot see the picture, so for their sakes I would like to give a description of the picture) The picture illustrates the pope and Santa with their arms around each other and the sun over and above them with a skull above the sun. Around the sun is written "Sol (slashed out and Jesus' name replaced) Invictus". Beneath the picture is written "The Holly Trinity".
Rebecca A. Sexton
Hi,
I stumbled across your web page. I was wondering if you knew of any resources available for people trying to recover from the Catholic Church. I'm referring to the terrible guilt trip and other things that are a by-product of going to Catholic school.
Thanks.
S.G. of IRC
Dear S.G.,
The word of God is the only resource! Romans 15:4 assures us "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."
I can empathize with you since I also attended Catholic schools and have also suffered the guilt and fear. You are not alone, as many have written expressing the same feelings. You might want to read A Jesuit Foundation in the Sept./Oct. issue of The GOOD NEWSletter, where I discuss the brainwashing that Catholic education entails. You may also find our article on Auricular Confession of some help.
After reading the bible, I found that God is merciful and kind, loving and slow to anger. He is my friend. God is longsuffering with us not wanting anyone to perish.
We were taught that we had to go through Mary and saints because they were holier and could get closer to God because of their standing. This is not true. God is right at the heart of man knocking, and “...if ANY MAN hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me.” (Rev.3:20 ) (Emphasis mine).
Rebecca A. Sexton
Dear Rebecca,
The other night I was thinking about FCFC wondering why anyone would leave the Catholic faith. I know some leave because they need to be fed through enthusiasm. They are being fed with sugar and colas constantly needing that "artificial high" while the Catholic Church is where the meat and potatoes are. Only through the Catholic Church do you get the Real Bread that comes down from heaven. What was it that caused you to leave your home?
Did you not ever feel the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist? Did you ever adore our Lord at Adoration? Did you not ever feel the cleansing power of the Sacrament of Confession? Do you still love Mary? Do you ever acknowledge her now through prayer? Do you meditate on the life of Christ by praying the Rosary? Did you ever pray the rosary? Do you think Jesus loved His Mother? Of course we all know Jesus loved His Mother, but if we are to be imitators of Christ then shouldn't we do the same? Just as John took our Lady into his arms at the request of Jesus on the Cross, we too should be true disciples of Jesus by taking our Lady into our hearts. She is God's perfect choice. Who are we to say that we do not need the one whom God Himself chose to need! Mary was there at the foot of the Cross. SHE NEVER LEFT HIS SIDE! While Mary watched, the soldier pushed the spear into the side of Christ and into His precious Heart. And when he pulled the spear out, Mary saw the Blood that fed the Heart of her Son. What mother would not feel that spear pierce her heart as well! WHO ARE WE IN THIS WORLD TO NOT GIVE HONOR AND LOVE TO THE MOTHER WHO BORE THE ONE WHO WOULD SAVE OUR SOULS; as she never left His side at the foot of the Cross. She felt that spear. She saw the Water and the Blood run from His side; His Divine Mercy for us all. And she watched as they pulled the nails from His Hands and His Feet and as they lowered Him to the ground--and there she held Him: PIETA! Did Jesus love His mother? Yes, very much so! Don't tell me I worship her. Don't tell me I worship images of her or for that matter any other saint. I love her; I adore her; I honor and venerate her; I do not worship her. But I take heed to the last words Mary spoke in scripture: "Do whatever He tells you." (John 2:5)
Now you and I seem to have a difference of opinion concerning salvation. You base your understanding on scripture alone whereas I base mine on scripture and Tradition. You say that all you have to do is accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior and that is all that has to be done, correct? Faith alone saves. Faith in Jesus Christ as my savior. That is it! Right? No matter what happens now or in the future your salvation is assured, right? Even though I accepted Christ as my savior, for example, when I was 17 years old. That is old enough to self-reason and understand, don't you think? I lived the Christian life for several years thereafter until a tragedy struck my life; one I could not deal with. I blasphemed God, accusing Him for being responsible for my grief. I quit going to church and lived a life of a bad person. I committed adultery; I molested my children and the children of my neighbors; I would steal whenever it would be convenient; and then the ultimate evil--I killed someone for the cash in their pocket. I went to prison and lived the rest of my life without any remorse. On my death bed, I did not curse God but I did not repent of my sins either. Now, will I go to heaven? If I lived on this earth for 100 years and the last 83 were evil, you are telling me I would still be saved? How did you come up with that? Where did you come up with that? Because you and I must be reading entirely different bibles if your resource is the bible. For example, never once did Paul say, "you need to accept Jesus Christ into your heart as your personal Lord and Savior." Show me where he used those words. You are using the bible as your only source of authority, correct?
What other sources can you get your information? Well, apparently you do not even realize that your sole authority in scripture is unscriptural. As a matter of fact, your only source, scripture, contradicts your belief of scripture as your only authority; your final authority. For example, did you ever read Matthew 18:15-17 which states, "If your brother sins (against you), go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother. If he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, so that every fact may be established on the testimony of two or three witnesses. If he refuses to listen to them, tell the church. If he refuses to listen even to the church, then treat him as you would a Gentile or a tax collector." This shows that the final authority rests with the Church. (1Timothy 3:15) "But if I should be delayed, you should know how to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth." Now as a Catholic I believe in scripture and Tradition. Why? Because scripture itself says to do so, (2Thess.2:15) "Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours." Did you know that scripture quotes Jesus and it isn't even in the Gospels? (Acts 21:35) "...and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' " How many other things must Jesus have said that were not written about in scripture. Hey, even that is scriptural, (John 21:25) "There are also many other things that Jesus did, but if these were to be described individually, I do not think the whole world would contain the books that would be written." There is even scripture verses in the New Testament taken from the Deuterocanonicals which your King James Version does not have: (Hebrews 11:35) taken from (2 Maccabees 6:18-7:42).
You quoted (Romans 11:6) to suggest that it is not of works but by grace that I am saved through faith and I cannot trust my works. The works that Paul is speaking of in (Romans 11) is the works of the Old Testament, namely that of circumcision. You cannot just quote from scripture and expect it to read however you want. Personal interpretation is prone to personal misinterpretation. We can pray for guidance by the Holy Spirit but how can we expect to think that we are all-knowing of scripture. Here is another example. "Seeth the Son"="eateth His Flesh" and believeth on Him" = "drinketh His Blood" and the results = "eternal life." Now that is a new one on me. How is it that you can decrease the words of Christ to mere symbolism by comparing "seeing with eating" and "believing with drinking."
Read this very carefully, (John 6:51) "I am the living bread that came down from heaven; whoever eats this bread will live forever; and the bread that I will give is My flesh for the life of the world." He is speaking about the Eucharist --preparing them for the Last Supper. Now the Jews began to quarrel among themselves wondering how this man Jesus could give His own flesh to eat. Now in every other parable used in scripture, Jesus would always have to explain what the parable meant, but He didn't tell them, "Hey wait a minute. Come on guys, I was only talking metaphorically. You know just using symbolism. I didn't really mean for you to eat my flesh?" No, He insisted by saying, (John 6:53-56) "Amen, amen, " (by the way Jesus began speaking with "Amen, amen" which of course means "Truly, truly") "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you do not have life within you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him on the last day. For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me and I in him." Since many of His disciples found it hard to accept they left--you might say they were the first Protestants. Now did Jesus start yelling for them to come back? No. He turned and asked His Twelve disciples if they want-ed to go also. Does that sound like symbolism? Now lets read what (John 3:16) really means. You are suggesting that (John 3:16) is proof of everlasting life through faith alone. However, that is not what it is suggesting. Read it carefully. It states, "...that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." Notice that it did not say, "...that whosoever believeth in Him will not perish, and will have everlasting life." This is not assurance of salvation. And I haven't even touched on Baptism. Throughout scripture it speaks about baptism necessary for salvation.
My gosh Rebecca, how much proof do you need to convince you that Former Catholics For Christ is being misguided. I pray that your heart will be softened and that you will come back home. If it was a bad priest or sister or just a poor spirit-filled parish that did not fulfill your need for Christ, find the one that will. I will not deny that there is corruption within the Church because we have experienced it firsthand here in my own parish and diocese. But I am not leaving the True Church. Deep down in your heart there is a knowledge of Truth that rests with the Catholic Church; knowledge and belief that Jesus is really present in the Eucharist. If in your life you have been able to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, you KNOW He is really present. You may try to ignore it now but deep down you KNOW.
Read scripture from an unbiased viewpoint, not one that will satisfy your own interests and desires. Look at scripture more closely and really pray about what God's plan really is. See how the Old Testament ties into the New Testament.
May God bless you and give you wisdom of the Truth--the real Truth.
Sincerely,
Kenneth Freeze
From the internet
Dear Kenneth,
Thank you for e-mailing FCFC. We do appreciate the letters.
It may be difficult to adequately answer such a long letter, but with the help of the Lord, I will do my best. Perhaps in the future, we could deal with one issue at a time. You speak of the "artificial high" that enthusiasm ("sugar and colas") give to those who feed off of it. Psalms 119:103 tells us:
"How sweet are thy words unto my taste! sweeter than honey to my mouth!"
Praise Jesus that:
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart...."
I can, from personal experience in the Catholic school system, confidently say that in all those years, the only thing I did feed on was experience, Catholicism offered nothing else!
Now I would like to ask you a question Kenneth. How can you go through such great details describing Mary watching her Son be tortured and then finally crucified as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world, and I agree, that would have been difficult, and then worship the Mary that Rome portrays? At Fatima, supposedly “Mary” appeared to three children and told them that there was no one to make sacrifice for sinners! Does that sound like the same woman you described watching her Son die a horrible death, offering His body for your sins and mine? “For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.” (Heb. 10:14) Just think Kenneth, by one offering! Jesus offered his body for the sins of the world and this “Mary” comes along and says that there is no one to make sacrifice for sins and you want me to pray to her? You would have me believe that this “Mary” can be my mediator and the mediator of millions of others, which includes million of prayers a second, as well as guide them, help them, be there at the hour of their death? As I have said before and will repeat...there is no one like God and Mary can in no way do all these and countless other activities without being God, which she is not!! If the church of Rome can sanction such a lie, what other lies has she endorsed? “If the blind lead the blind, they will both go into the pit.” (Lk.6:39)
Kenneth, you went through an elaborate story of a man who makes a confession of faith and then lives the life of an unsaved man. God does not save us from sin so that we may go sin as much as we like. You do not understand the power of the Holy Spirit in a man’s life to make him a new creature. When I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I no longer desired the wicked life style that I once indulged in. Jesus changed me from the inside and created a clean heart...one that seeks after Him and obeys Him. I would, however, like to add that the church at Corinthians was
“...reported to have fornication among them, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father’s wife.”
Notice the judgment given by Paul in this matter:
“To deliver such a one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.”
It did not say they were damned to hell...but rather that they were going under chastisement.
“For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons.” (Heb 12:6-8)
If the man you were talking about had really been saved, then God would have dealt with him like a son and would not have abandoned him. We hold the promise of God to be true:
“Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy....” (Jude 24)
You ask me how I could have left the Catholic church, well I have to wonder, how can you stay? How can you sit in a system that cannot promise you eternal life...eat a bread (you worship as God) that cannot promise you eternal life and pray to Mary, who cannot hear you or save you when Jesus said “come to me”?
You are correct about the King James Bible not having the Apocrypha, that is because they are filled with doctrinal error as we have pointed out in past issues, and I challenge you to show me where Jesus or his disciples ever quoted from them!
May I also add that your claim Romans 11:35 was speaking of circumcision is false. Perhaps you should read it for yourself. Circumcision is not mentioned at all!
I do pray Kenneth, that you will come to bow to the authority of the Word of God and not to the doctrines of men as I Cor.2:5 says:
“That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.”
We have dealt extensively with the subject of the eucharist in our debate with Robert Sungenis of Catholic Apologists International, but it wasn’t posted in our web page till last month. Please check it out Kenneth and then write me again and tell me where you disagree. John 6:54 it says:
“Whoso eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, HATH ETERNAL LIFE; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Rome’s “bread” promises nothing, last 15 minutes and then leaves whole and entire which negates having “eaten” it! If you don’t consume something “literally” then you did not eat it and you disobeyed Jesus’ words to “eat” it anyway, not to include the fact that if Jesus were speaking literally then He would have commanded them to eat something “forbidden” by the law! (Lev.17) You really need to follow this line of thinking to its logical conclusion then you would realize that this is a farce. By the way, Jesus clarified himself when he said: “...the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (Jn.6:63)
Most Sincere,
Rebecca A. Sexton
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