I am a Lutheran from birth and am very interested and active in the search for the truth about our God. Have you heard about all the Mary appearances around the word (i.e. Medjugorje and Conyers, GA) and the miracles associated with them? I believe God can use anyone to promote His cause. He used Elijah when Jesus showed His glory to His followers. Could He be using Mary? I don't know. Jesus was a human as well as God - human sons tend to have a very strong relationship with their mothers. You have much more information and experience with the Mary following. What do you think about these “appearances"?
Thanks for your time and may God bless you in your efforts.
C.F. of Columbia, MO
Dear C.F.,
Thanks for writing F.C.F.C. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 reads:
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for 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.” (Emphasis mine)
The word “transformed” means “to transfigure or disguise...transform (self); to change” (#3345 Strong’s Concordance). Satan is very powerful and would have no problem transforming himself into the image of a woman, and how clever to pick the mother of Jesus to imitate. Ephesians 6:11 says:
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the WILES of the devil.” (Eph.6:11) (Emphasis mine)
The word “wiles” means “travelling over, i.e. travesty (trickery)” (# 3180 in Strong’s Concordance). Travesty can mean “a grotesque imitation”. The only way to know if these apparitions are actually the Mary of the Bible or a demon is to test the words she speaks with the word of God. The Lord said:
“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa.8:20)
At Fatima, one of the most famous church sanctioned apparitions, "Mary" appeared to three children and said:
“Pray, pray, a great deal, and MAKE SACRIFICE FOR SINNERS, FOR MANY SOULS GO TO HELL BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ONE TO MAKE SACRIFICES AND PRAY FOR THEM” (Emphasis mine).
This has to be Satan speaking. Could the true Mary of the Bible, who watched her Son being tortured and crucified as the perfect sacrifice for sinners forever, say such a thing? No, she could not...but Satan would and did. This same apparition also claimed that she could give the “graces necessary for salvation”. Are we to believe that the Mary of the Bible would claim to be able to secure the salvation of souls while denying her Son did? Of course not! Only a demon would say that!!!! Jesus provided the perfect sacrifice for ALL MEN....there is no more sacrifice, because it is finished. This "Mary" that always appears has often requested that a church be raised up in her honor, or that images should be made of her. Again, would a Jewish woman ask Christianity to set up images of her when it is forbidden in Jewish law to make images and bow yourself before them? The answer is NO.
I have a book called Call of the Ages, and it gives messages from "Mary" throughout the ages. If any Bible-reading Christian would read this book, they would be appalled at what it contains. These apparitions of "Mary" have proclaimed herself to be the "mediatrix of all graces" as well as "co-redemptress" and "advocate". John Paul II, in Crossing The Threshold of Hope, 1994, stated:
“On the universal level, if victory comes it will be brought by Mary, CHRIST WILL CONQUER THROUGH HER because He wants the Church’s victories now and in the future to be linked to her.”
Notice that the victory is no longer through the blood, but through “Mary”. This can be none other than the working of Satan, a travesty to say the least! Pope John Paul II, in his Salvifici Doloris, no.25 also said:
“...She truly has a special title to be able to claim that she completes in her flesh – already in her heart what is LACKING IN CHRIST’S AFFLICTIONS.”
Obviously the pope supports Mary’s position regardless of Scriptures affirmation of Christ’s dying statement, “It is finished” . (Jn.19:30) Pope Benedict XV, in 1918 said:
“She suffered so much for us, almost to the point of dying with her suffering and dying Son. Therefore we may rightfully say that she has, with Christ, redeemed the human race.”
Of course, that quote blatantly contradicts Hebrews 1:3 which says that Jesus “by himself purged our sins”. Glories of Mary, by Liguori, page 203 says “Mary is omnipotent”, yet, the idea that she can answer millions of prayers a second and mediate those prayers to God… “guide, help, comfort”, as well as usurping every other function of the Holy Ghost, proves beyond a shadow of doubt that this spirit that is parading around as “Mary” is demonic, for who else would pretend to be like God? How Rome could have let this get so far out of hand is evidence of her lack of spiritual discernment. She long ago should have condemned the book Glories of Mary as heretical; instead, she endorsed it.
"The whole Trinity, O Mary, gave thee a name...above every other name, that at thy name, every knee should bow, of things in heaven, on earth, and under the earth" (Glories of Mary, Liguori, 260).
The above quote is just one more example of Rome’s disregard for the promise of God:
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.” (Phil.2:10)
We live in perilous times, and the Lord warned us to walk “circumspectly”; that is, to be on guard, watching in every direction. Hope this helps. You are in our prayers.
Because of Calvary,
Rebecca A. Sexton
Dear Rebecca,
I have been reading many things about Mary. What you said is the only thing that rings true. Satan makes these lies so believable and enticing. You have given me peace about this subject. From the depths of my heart I want to thank you! May God continue to give you strength and bless you!
Your sister in Christ, our only Lord and Savior,
C.F. of Columbia,MO
Dear FCFC,
I want to thank you for the research you have done concerning the truth of Roman Catholicism. I am a former Catholic recently set free by our glorious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He that the Son has set free is free indeed. The reason I am writing is for any helpful advice you might have concerning dealing with all my former catholic friends. It has been a very trying time. I have prayed for them and about them and our Lord has given me great insight and true spiritual wisdom - they love being Catholics more than they love Him. My problem is they want to argue with me and tell me constantly how I am being deceived by the devil who wants to destroy the one true church during these end times. I am worn out . I no longer want to cast my pearls before swine, however I'm the only catholic most of them know that ever converted the other way. I love these people and want them to be truly saved through grace as well. Lately I have been avoiding all contact with these people because of all the tension. I am the godmother to one of these women's daughters and this has caused great problems as you might well imagine. This woman, Vicki, wrote me a long letter telling me how hurtful my conversion was to her personally, and that she wanted me not to ever say anything anti-Catholic in her presence. I have tried to respect her wishes and just let her see for herself the dramatic changes Jesus himself is making in my life. She, on the other hand, takes every opportunity to express every catholic belief just as before. These Catholic things like rosaries, medals, novenas to saints, scapulars, etc. have become truly offensive to me as I know for certain they are idolatrous and offensive to my Lord. I apologize for the rambling style of both the content and form of this e-mail. I am unfamiliar with how to work this portion of the computer, in fact you are my first e-mail. I was reading some material on the Cutting Edge website and felt impressed to write you. Thank you in advance for any help you have to offer.
Sincerely,
Kathleen
Dear Kathleen,
My heart goes out to you and to all who have had to deal with similar situations. It is so hard when everyone you know and love are being deceived, and worse, when they refuse to even listen. Rebecca and I had the same experience you speak of with our own family. We were thrown out of family gatherings for witnessing and eventually just not invited. There were times when we just felt like staying away from all of them but God would not allow it. As Galatians 6:9 tells us:
“And LET US NOT BE WEARY in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Emphasis mine)
The Lord reminded us that when we plant a seed, we do not sit and wait for it to shoot through the ground, nor do we sit and wait for it to bloom...we simply plant the seed and move on to plant other seeds. Then we keep checking on them to make sure they are growing properly. Sometimes we do not see what our witnessing produces, but we must have faith that:
“So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereof I sent.” (Isa.55:11)
We must believe that when we proclaim His glorious gospel, even though we cannot always see the results, we know it accomplished that which the Lord had intended it to.
As hard as it is to be placed in the midst of unbelievers, we remember that the word promises “one shall chase a thousand”. Not be cornered by a thousand and be forced to preach, but rather CHASES a thousand. Satan would have us believe that these people are too blind to ever see, but we too were once blind, and yet the Lord was gracious enough to open our eyes and we believe that He can open theirs. When we were dealing with those loved ones who constantly would attack the truth and defend lies, we would also get discouraged, but the Lord gave us this verse and we still cling to it:
“I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:13, 14)
The first thing I am concerned with is that you need Christian fellowship. When we came out of Rome, we sought out those who believed as the word teaches. I pray that you have friends that can help you while you deal with these loved ones. It is always important to have friends to encourage you and give you Scriptures to refresh your soul after dealing with those who would drag you back into the clutches of Rome. The second thing I would suggest, is that you make sure you take time for yourself. Find comfort in the beautiful words of our Lord and Savior.
The fact that these are your “friends” and “loved ones” makes it very difficult to just “stay away” or “avoid” them. When they decide to push their false doctrines at you, simply open up the word of life to them and gently entreat them to read. Sometimes it is beneficial to study things that possibly will not attack their false teachings, but instead show the wonderful grace of our Lord. There are some things such as “grace” that a Roman Catholic may THINK they understand, but when they see what the Bible says about it, it differs greatly from what Rome has taught them. Maybe if you could discuss things they “think” you agree upon, and just expound upon the verses that show the true meaning, something might click! You may not see it right away, but trust and pray that the Lord puts it on their heart to think upon these things. If they are not interested in studying the Bible, show them these verses:
“Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.” (Mal.3:16-17)
“Seek ye out of the book of the LORD, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” (Isa.34:16).
I pray that those two verses will encourage them, at least, to begin to seek the truth in the word of God. Once they will readily study the word with you, you could teach them without them knowing it. Sometimes it is the only way the proud will listen.
As far as “casting our pearls before swine” I believe that this is a reference to those who call themselves “brother” and are liars. Those who claim to be born again and yet reject the word of God. These loved ones of yours are deceived. They are not necessarily deceivers.
Remember how hard it was when you realized that you had been lied to your whole life by the very system that assured you they knew the way to the Father? All of a sudden you realize that everything you had been taught is questionable now. It is very scary. All of a sudden your entire foundation was shaken. You tend to cling to a sinking ship. Why? Because it seems it is the only thing left to cling to. But you will go down with the ship if you do not jump from it. Give them time and patience. This is why the Lord has not returned as of yet, because it is not His will that any should perish. He is merciful and is giving mankind a “space to repent”. Let us give them time to repent also. Remember that the Lord has you in His hands and will never let go. It is the job of the Holy Spirit to convict and convince. We are but instruments of proclaiming the gospel. It is our job to tell them. We can do no more than that, except, as you said, showing them how the Lord has changed our lives. You are never alone Kathleen. Not only has God promised, “Lo, I am with you always”, but He also promised: “I will not leave you comfortless”. Also remember, it is not the truth that divides us, but rather error. And remember that those tears you shed over these loved ones, the Lord has seen.
“Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?” (Psa.56:8)
He knows what we are going through. Should the case be that you do not have Christian fellowship, we are more than happy to study with you, through email if necessary. We are always here for you if you should need encouragment or help in dealing with Roman Catholics. We totally understand the initial pain and frustration one encounters upon leaving Rome. This is soon turned into peace and joy by our Lord Jesus. We will keep you and your loved ones in our prayers. Do not worry, the Lord will carry you through.
“When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand...Say unto them, As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Eze.33:8, 11)
You are following the commands of our Lord and Savior. Trust that He will do His will not only in your life, but in theirs also. Ephesians 5:11 tells us to “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather REPROVE them”.
It is obvious that you love these people and that you trust in the Lord. You love them enough to reprove them. Do not let Satan discourage you. Let the good Lord uplift you. Know that it is not you, but rather the Lord working in you. God bless, Kathleen.
Sincerely,
Diane M. Schoeppner
Hi! Rebecca Sexton
I read your Worshipping Mary article on "The Cutting Edge" web page while surfing the web and agree with you, this has been bothering me for many many years now ( I am 51 years old ) and raised a Roman Catholic, in fact Catholic schools for 13 yrs!
My problem is my parents who are in their mid 70's and really caught up in this Mary worship (but deny it). They never pray to God, only Mary who intercedes for them! They save what little money they have to go to the Mary apparitions all over the world! They think I will go to hell for not believing in Mary, the pope and the Roman Catholic tradition.
They are hard core Roman Catholic Mary worshippers period. I wish I could get through to them. They say Mary is performing miracles all over the world and only does good. They must say one hundred rosaries a day for my sister who is in purgatory and any else they can think of (also my lost soul), not to mention all the Masses, they are always paying $$$ to the priest. Maybe I am wrong but I believe that the Mary visions are of the devil. I think it is his way of taking worship away from Our Lord. It has gotten so bad lately that we don't talk any more and it is hurting all of us. I can't give in to them and they can't see things my way either ( I have the devil in me )
Thanks for listening,
G.G. of Omro, WI
Dear G.G.,
Thank you so much for writing. Your letter expresses the pain so many others are suffering right now with friends and family still entrapped in the lies of Rome. My heart and prayers go out for you and your family.
You are correct, this “Mary” parading around as “Jesus’ mother” is a demon and is leading millions upon millions away from the simple gospel of truth.
In Oct.22, 1947, “Virgin Mary” appeared to Pierina Gilli and boldly admitted:
“I HAVE PLACED MYSELF as the MEDIATRIX between my Divine Son and mankind….” (Call of the Ages, Petrisko, 304)
But God says:
“For there is one God, and ONE MEDIATOR between God and men, the man Christ Jesus….” (1Tim.2:5) (Emphasis mine)
These blasphemous statements that this “Mary” continues to spew from her mouth, when compared to the word of God, always prove to be demonic. That’s why the Lord told us to try the spirits to see if they were of God. (1 John 4:1)
May Jesus bless you!
Because of Calvary,
Rebecca A. Sexton