[fish hawk]

True that the Bible has everything in it that we need to know without going to church but it is a good thing to worship with other like minded believers and have a pastor/teacher who is schooled in the scriptures, especially the biblical languages, to guide us.

The Bible can be confusing to some for instance the writings of James seem to sometimes be the opposite of Paul's until one learns that James is talking to strictly Jews (Israel) and Paul is talking to the new Church (bride of Christ) This is important when you get to "works" vs "grace". That is why there is a verse telling us that we should "rightly dividing the word".

[Mad Dawg]

How does James writing to the tribes in dispersion modify the meaning of “so you see that (a) man is justified by works, and not by faith alone”?

[caww]

I agree with this...the difference I am seeing between catholics and protestants is protestants do and indeed can glean from other authors but they are free to form their conclusions and do so....catholics on the other hand seem to have to arrive at certain conclusions which must be in line and approved by their hierarchy.