Catholicism,Calvinism,Reformed Theology & Addiction Debate

Because he's an Apostol anyways and must confirm his brethren, like a preacher would do, understanding that Peter would be one of the first to share the gospel with other people who would become his brethren later; Jesuschrist would pray for Peter as his role in sharing the gospel amongs jews would be important in the consolidation of the first Christian communities and people, not necessarily because he's the Rock of The Church.

 

See and I think you’re ignoring that Christ never singled out one man when his instruction would have applied to all of them. He’s specifically giving Peter the mission to confirm all of them in the room of their faith after the coming trial of faith that is about to befall them. It’s clear Christ is specifically focused on Peter since after it says “And He said to them”. The writer clear sets the picture that Christ has a special intention for Peter and prays for Peter to carry it out for the benefit of the other Apostles. He’s being tasked with being a guardian. This is why the women come to Peter after Christ’s resurrection. It is why Peter is the first one to go into the tomb before John. Peter has been tasked to be a leader.

 

Guys, really... I can't see myself as a calvinist YET. I'm still flirting with molinism, you know? But Jesus! Discovering reformed theology through the work of John Piper has changed my devotional life completely! The centrality of the Glory of God and His sovereignty are things I was taught to love by reformed preachers.

 

What the heck is molinism?

 

LOL @ bickering, Max.

McM, the beginning of an answer - just by way of introduction rather than treatise or onstepping of toes. I believe in the gospel of a restored church. Interesting points about Peter, who with James and John restored the priesthood because anon it was lost amid corruption. False doctrines and persecutions were quick to supplant much truth. Obstacles like an incorrect idea to interpret and invent a 'holy trinity' as well as other manipulations. These things correctly led to the Protestant era, but the fractured nature and the lost truths leave not enough to construct a whole. And, without authority to protest, how shall we follow a detour from a detour? Thereby a restoration was necessary and is now declared all over the world with much success.

 

In greatest extent, indeed! I´m sure that those who took part in that council prayed a lot to choose just the right writings and that Holy Spirit led them to accomplish that. So God decided what the bible should be through His catholic church.

 

Are you sure that's true since he gave himself up for you? Maybe we are splitting hairs.

 

Actually it is “God loves Himself and His image in me.”

 

What exactly is Calvinism and why should I care? I'm a new Christian, but I really can care less what denomination people claim to be. It's more tradition than anything. Either you're saved or you're not, right?

Anyway:

What does it matter if I appropriate symbolism or holidays in the worship and celebration of my Lord and Savior? I do it to glorify God and for no other reason, period.

Arguably, you wouldn't be so triggered when someone ignored your arbitrary rule for spiritual integrity, if you really knew Christ, my friend.

 

You correctly ask “why should I care” and then incorrectly assume the doctrine of “once saved, always saved” is a universal belief amongst Christians. That’s why you should care.

Exactly. Objecting to crosses being present in church is akin to calling family photos idolatry. The purpose of a photo is to recall your mind to a memory of a loved one in the same way a statue, cross, etc in a church are used to recall God’s glory.

 

As long as they are civil I dont think we need to burn them

 

Iconography is actually very interesting as the style of art is considered sacred since for some pieces you are drawing the Word of God. Icons of saints would obviously be considered family photos since we are all one family in Christ aren’t we?