PING.
But why should I adhere to a body of beliefs that CLEARLY runs contrary to Scripture?
- Call no man “Father”
- All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (including Mary, the mother of Jesus!)
- Deny the plain reading of Scripture that tells me that I am saved by GRACE through FAITH, it is NOT of works, lest ANY man should boast. The whole of Galatians demolishes a system of man-earned salvation
Besides, not all Protestant denominations are in decline by any means; the liberal mainline groups are in trouble, to be sure. But, it is because they deny the power of the Gospel to save, they accept humanism in place of God’s authority, and they gladly have opened up their hearts to all manner of perversion of sin. No, I contend that the Church of Rome is not the only vested authority by God over His kingdom.
I was an Episcopalian. When that body embraced places of religious authority for sexually active gays and lesbians and endorsed the idea that God’s laws are “evolving”, I left. For a long time I drifted and grieved. Then one day, I attended a service in an evangelical and growing Baptist church. I didn’t know their songs and there was no liturgy, but the sanctuary was overflowing with vibrant, excited young Christians! I miss the beautiful ceremonies and the wonderful old songs, but, oh, I’m so glad to be home again in a Christian community. They’re not fancy, but they have the important things right.