It is not my purpose to intend to be exhuastive with this point, but a definition of the word catholic is absolutely necessary. Point of clarification is also in order, you can be catholic without being Catholic, with the capitol "C" it almost always refers to the Roman Catholic Church. The real question among protestants is not if they are catholic, but is the Roman Catholic Church Christian? I have already dealt with that question other places.

The word general is used in the scriptures, but not in the text only in the titles and titles were added after the completion of the canon or rule of scripture. Those books considered to be general epistles are: James, 1 and 2 Peter and Jude.

The greek word used for general is only used one time and that is in the book of Hebrews: "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, " (Heb 12:23). The book of Hebrews is not a general epistle, but is written specifically for Jewish people who were living outside of Israel. It is not a general epistle, but it is the only case where the greek word which would have been for catholic is used. So that leaves only the four books listed above that are general epistles.

Why is this important? The Word of God is the source for all of our information about the New Testament church's faith and practices. No where in scripture is the doctrine used that makes Christians who are members of Baptist churches in anyway to be considered catholic. The only possible way this word could be applied is that Christians who are Baptists are of the same faith whatever Baptist church they belong to.

All real Christians, the born again variety are considred as being of one faith. This does not mean that all churches that would use the word "catholic" are of the same faith, unless they really are.

The application of the word "catholic" was not used in reference to all supposed Christians until the Council of Trent. This word was used by catholics to beat over the heads of non catholics in the sence of saying you do not belong to the true church. This resulted in the murder of hundreds of thousands of Christians who were not Roman Catholics by the emissaries of Rome.

Some of the many possible definitions for the word "catholic" are (1) broad or wide-ranging in tastes, interests, or the like; having sympathies with all; broad-minded; liberal.(2) universal in extent; involving all; of interests to all (3) pertaining to the whole Christian body or church.

This last definition is the one which causes the most confusion, is the Roman Catholic Church represenative of the whole of the Christian church or just their communion. I maintain that it is just represenative of their communion. Using communion in the sence of fellowship or of the same mind. I do not maintain that the Roman Catholic church is a Christian fellowship and it never has been a Christian fellowship. I also maintain there are people inside of the Roman Catholic church, whom God is calling to come out of her.

"The walls between old allies on either side of the Atlantic cannot stand. The
walls between the countries with the most and those with the least cannot stand.
The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and
Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down."

I suggest to you that walls wrather then divide people actually provide security. Some walls should never be torn down, because they help to confine the blurring of ideas, thoughts and concepts. The Christian faith for instance has as its root a doctrinal concept that does not support any other view point. If you take the doctrine of scripture concerning the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ seriously then there is no room for anything else. Hence, we talk about being inclusive or exclusive. Does the Christian faith include the possiability that other religions might be right? The world spirit of these days is inclusive, that is it includes all as being equil.

Wikepedia defines religious pluralism as being: "As the name of the worldview according to which one's religion is not the sole and exclusive source of truth, and thus that at least some truths and true values exist in other religions." This suggests a mutually exclusive world view of all those who hold to relgious pluralism. The Christian viewpoint on the otherhand is built on the supposition that the scriptures themselves are the only rule for faith and practice. The Christian world view has been all but abandoned by many Bible believing Christians. Once you have abandoned the Word of God as being, both infallible and authoritative, then you are set on a course that leads to pluralism. The scriptures are propositional and revelational in nature, they come from God and specifically spells out such things as who is going to heaven and who is not. They spell out what it takes to find favor with God. Evangelism which is the winning of people to the Christian faith is impossible with out the doctrine of salvation as taught in God's Word the Bible.

"The walls between old allies on either side of the Atlantic cannot stand. The
walls between the countries with the most and those with the least cannot stand.
The walls between races and tribes; natives and immigrants; Christian and
Muslim and Jew cannot stand. These now are the walls we must tear down."

I suggest to you that walls wrather then divide people actually provide security. Some walls should never be torn down, because they help to confine the blurring of ideas, thoughts and concepts. The Christian faith for instance has as its root a doctrinal concept that does not support any other view point. If you take the doctrine of scripture concerning the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ seriously then there is no room for anything else. Hence, we talk about being inclusive or exclusive. Does the Christian faith include the possiability that other religions might be right? The world spirit of these days is inclusive, that is it includes all as being equil.

Wikepedia defines religious pluralism as being: "As the name of the worldview according to which one's religion is not the sole and exclusive source of truth, and thus that at least some truths and true values exist in other religions." This suggests a mutually exclusive world view of all those who hold to relgious pluralism. The Christian viewpoint on the otherhand is built on the supposition that the scriptures themselves are the only rule for faith and practice. The Christian world view has been all but abandoned by many Bible believing Christians. Once you have abandoned the Word of God as being, both infallible and authoritative, then you are set on a course that leads to pluralism. The scriptures are propositional and revelational in nature, they come from God and specifically spells out such things as who is going to heaven and who is not. They spell out what it takes to find favor with God. Evangelism which is the winning of people to the Christian faith is impossible with out the doctrine of salvation as taught in God's Word the Bible.

There are two things to notice from this word study on doctrine and the believer. First is that when doctrine as applied to a believer is spoken of it is always in singular number. Real sound Bible teaching is never endless chains of unconnected teaching, but is a1ways one single line of doctrine connected to Our Savior it must be and always should be Christ centered.In all cases where the plural is used it is in reference to the doctrines of men. The believer is invoked to never follow the teachings of men, but always to place his trust in God's unchanging truth.

In six instances the singular is used, but does not refer to the truth of God, those instances are all found in Revelation 2. Again in I Corinthians 14:26 the use of the word doctrine is non specific used in the sense of a teaching not related to being Christ centered. It is also used in Ephesians 4:14 speaking of every wind of doctrine in the sense of the wind not always going in a straight direction. This again was doctrine not specifically related to being Christ centered.

Seventeen times this word is used in the Pastoral Epistles I and II Timothy and Titus, in all instances this is referring to sound teaching that has Christ at its center. The thing that is interesting here is that it is in these 3 books and used to the point of how the Pastor was supposed to function. He is not to be teaching his own ideas, but only the form of sound doctrine that has Christ at the center. We have lost a lot when our Pastors stop teaching sound doctrine and the result is churches that have no idea about the truth of God. What about what God says to our Pastors, when are they going to start obeying God? How can we have churches that are in obedience, when the man behind the pulpit is not right with God? If you are not doing what it says here, then it is impossible for you to be right with God.

Read through these verses and then come back to II Timothy 3:16. This is the heart of this study on doctrine; Paul through inspiration tells us that the Word of God is profitable for doctrine. Sound teaching can only be found in God's Word anything else is subject to error and is not Christ centered. Sound doctrine does not tickle the ears of the congregation, but warns them of danger. The Godly pastor will always be quick to teaching and expounding the Word of Life while always pointing us to Christ.

1. Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
Acts 2:41-43 (in Context) Acts 2 (Whole Chapter)

The early believers meeting in Jerusalem stuck to a spiritual regimen consisting of the teachings of the apostles, fellowship and spent time together around the table. They spent there time in prayer and the results of being steadfast in God's Word, because that is what the apostles doctrine was, a revival that has not been duplicated ever. 3,000 decisions for Christ in one day a message that was so thoroughly spread around that "the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved." Acts 2:47 They had a revival and it was of such an impact that it came to the attention of the religious leaders.

2. Acts 5:28
Saying, Did not we straitly command you that ye should not teach in this name? and, behold, ye have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood upon us.
Acts 5:27-29 (in Context) Acts 5 (Whole Chapter)

The doctrine was so thoroughly spread that it had filled the city of Jerusalem. It had become so thoroughly spread that it was heard on every street corner. It was heard at every house and at every Inn. Later it would be said that this thing had not happened in secret. This is not brand new information, this is real and it needs to be spread about America, that the Bible is true and trustworthy. This also brings up another issue, the Jews of Jesus day were only corporately responsible for the crucifixion. The real responsible parties were the leaders of the Sanhedrin the ruling counsel of the Jews. Additionally the Roman government at Jerusalem was also responsible. What man meant for evil, God meant for good.

3. Acts 13:12
Then the deputy, when he saw what was done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.
Acts 13:11-13 (in Context) Acts 13 (Whole Chapter)

This was a resident representative of the Roman government. The message of the gospel had become so widely spread, that it had reached outside of the confines of the land of Judea and Galilee. This was prophesized by our Lord that the gospel message would go beyond their immediate borders. Sergius Paulus had seen the miracle performed by Paul (He had struck Bar-Jesus blind to the point he was looking for healing) and was "astonished at the Doctrine of the Lord".

4. Acts 17:19
And they took him, and brought him unto Areopagus, saying, May we know what this new doctrine, whereof thou speakest, is?
Acts 17:18-20 (in Context) Acts 17 (Whole Chapter)

5. Romans 6:17
But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
Romans 6:16-18 (in Context) Romans 6 (Whole Chapter)

6. Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Romans 16:16-18 (in Context) Romans 16 (Whole Chapter)

7. 1 Corinthians 14:6
Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine?
1 Corinthians 14:5-7 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 14 (Whole Chapter)

8. 1 Corinthians 14:26
How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.
1 Corinthians 14:25-27 (in Context) 1 Corinthians 14 (Whole Chapter)

9. Ephesians 4:14
That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
Ephesians 4:13-15 (in Context) Ephesians 4 (Whole Chapter)

10. Colossians 2:22
Which all are to perish with the using;) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
Colossians 2:21-23 (in Context) Colossians 2 (Whole Chapter)

11. 1 Timothy 1:3
As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,
1 Timothy 1:2-4 (in Context) 1 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter)

12. 1 Timothy 1:10
For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
1 Timothy 1:9-11 (in Context) 1 Timothy 1 (Whole Chapter)

13. 1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;
1 Timothy 4:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)

14. 1 Timothy 4:6
If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.
1 Timothy 4:5-7 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)

15. 1 Timothy 4:13
Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.
1 Timothy 4:12-14 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)

16. 1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.
1 Timothy 4:15-16 (in Context) 1 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)

17. 1 Timothy 5:17
Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
1 Timothy 5:16-18 (in Context) 1 Timothy 5 (Whole Chapter)

18. 1 Timothy 6:1
Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed.
1 Timothy 6:1-3 (in Context) 1 Timothy 6 (Whole Chapter)

19. 1 Timothy 6:3
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness;
1 Timothy 6:2-4 (in Context) 1 Timothy 6 (Whole Chapter)

20. 2 Timothy 3:10
But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,
2 Timothy 3:9-11 (in Context) 2 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter)

21. 2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
2 Timothy 3:15-17 (in Context) 2 Timothy 3 (Whole Chapter)

22. 2 Timothy 4:2
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and doctrine.
2 Timothy 4:1-3 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)

23. 2 Timothy 4:3
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;
2 Timothy 4:2-4 (in Context) 2 Timothy 4 (Whole Chapter)

24. Titus 1:9
Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.
Titus 1:8-10 (in Context) Titus 1 (Whole Chapter)

25. Titus 2:1
But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
Titus 2:1-3 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)

26. Titus 2:7
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:6-8 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)

27. Titus 2:10
Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.
Titus 2:9-11 (in Context) Titus 2 (Whole Chapter)

28. Hebrews 6:1
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God,
Hebrews 6:1-3 (in Context) Hebrews 6 (Whole Chapter)

29. Hebrews 6:2
Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.
Hebrews 6:1-3 (in Context) Hebrews 6 (Whole Chapter)

30. Hebrews 13:9
Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.
Hebrews 13:8-10 (in Context) Hebrews 13 (Whole Chapter)

31. 2 John 1:9
Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 1:8-10 (in Context) 2 John 1 (Whole Chapter)

32. 2 John 1:10
If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2 John 1:9-11 (in Context) 2 John 1 (Whole Chapter)

33. Revelation 2:14
But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.
Revelation 2:13-15 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)

34. Revelation 2:15
So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.
Revelation 2:14-16 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)

35. Revelation 2:24
But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden.
Revelation 2:23-25 (in Context) Revelation 2 (Whole Chapter)

These are the issues that seem to bother the majority of so called church attendees these days. Most of They are held in common, by anyone who is really a Christian, this is the common faith that unites believers:

The Inerrant and authoritative Holy Scriptures: The first 1/3 of the fundamentals was taken up with the question of the trustworthiness of the Scriptures as the inerrant Word of God. II Timothy 3:16 as well as
11 Peter 1 are very supportive of this view of scripture.

The literal interpretation of those Scriptures: The same section in the fundamentals mentioned above is also testimony to how scripture is used in both the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. The major use of the Old Testament by Christ and the Apostles and how they used the Old Testament is testimony to its literalness. Check out how many times the Old Testament is quoted in the New Testament and understood to be literal.

The trustworthiness of the historical record in the book of Genesis (Creation): The book of Genesis is reliable for its testimony both for creation and for its historical content. The book of Genesis is primary evidence, because it not only is the truth, but came from the Hand of God. Christ quoted from the book of Genesis as well as the apostles did.

Literal second coming of Christ: Although these last three are not specifically mentioned in the Fundamentals they are by nature alluded to. The first one is very suggestive that there is a hell to shun and a heaven to gain.

**The Pre-tribulation Return of Christ: I am going to hold off on this one for a later consideration of it in more detail then I want to include here.

**The Pre-millennial Return of Christ: I am going to hold off on this one for a later consideration of it in more detail then I want to include here.

The points with ** are not essential for salvation, but are suggestive of belief in the rest of the scriptures. Those who are Post-Mill, A-Mill or historical Pre-Mill are not considered by me as being unsaved, but just mistaken. Especially those who held to these positions before the 1800's, I believe in the progressive nature of illumination concerning the understanding of the interpretation of scripture. That is since the completion of the cannon of Scripture the interpretation of the Bible has been understood better with each passing generation.

The Lord Jesus confronted the Pharisee's and when He did they had this question to ask Him, in hopes that they could trip him.

"Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Matt 22:36--40)

First where did Jesus get this from: " And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might."Deuteronomy 6:4-6

"Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt."
Deuteronomy 10:18-20
What has gotten my attention is how simple this is and yet so profound. How easy it is, yet how so very hard it is. It is easy to love God, but is it? I don't know about you, but with me the harder I try the more illusive it becomes. This is not to say that the Holy Spirit can't bring this about in our lives, but that it is a daily exercise. To me the hard part is not the first of these, even as difficult as that can some times be knowing that we are prone to wander. The hard part is the second commandment. How do I love my neighbor when I do not even know my neighbor? How do I love my neighbor on the other side of the world, who I might even say I hate? There are those in this world who are almost impossible to love. Impossible or not we are still commanded to love our neighbor even if our neighbor happens to be an enemy. The commandment in Galatians 6:10 "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." This is what got to me how do I love my enemies when they are not very lovely? How do I love the Muslim, when they say and do so many terrible things? I found that our Lord was very specific with the Pharisee in that he corrected their error. They said to love their neighbor, but hate their enemy. Jesus said yes love your neighbor, but also love your enemy. Jesus took time to answer the serious, real questions of a Pharisee by the name of Nicodemus. You know this can actually be life changing. This is called active obedience to Christ and cannot be accomplished without the work of the Holy Spirit.

It is easier to get into a war then it is to get back out of a war. It would be nice if we could just walk away from the war in Iraq, but we got ourselves into this pickle and now we need to get out of it. There is no simple solution to extracting ourselves from Iraq. I have come to realize it is time to get out of Iraq, simply because we are going to be there for a long time, possibly never getting out of this country. I would like to suggest that we examine all of the options for leaving Iraq and then pick the one that seems to be the most prudent. Let's learn a lesson from history you do not fight a war on multiple fronts if you intend to win it. We are involved in both Iraq and Afghanistan, both of which are not a win win situation. Lets learn not to do this again. We do not to be the worlds police force.

Some one on a comment to a news article wrote: "I'd be happy if all organized religion was banned. Christian Crusades... Islamic Jihad..... And it's said that money is the root of all evil?...I don't think soooooooooo"

First lets define religion: In order to actually be a religion you need leaders and dogma (set of beliefs). You also need dedicated followers and places of worship. You also need money to support your mission and conversion efforts. Some of this money goes to pay for your ministers and priests. These are all atributes of an organized religion.

Second lets see does secular humanism qualify as a religion? There is plenty of leadership in our government and in state run universities. They have a set of doctrines, which is so thoroughly ground into their followers, that when we attempt to speak against it we are shouted down. If we speak against seperation of church and state as now practiced in America we are more or less told to shut up. Their doctrine of beginnings is a sacred cow to them anyone who dares suggest that it may be a complete fabrication is called a religionists, because we believe in Creation. God help the poor scientist who may have finally seen the light, he or she will be stripped of their degree and banned from the intellectual community (another church). As to money these people are supported by tax dollars where is the doctrine of separation of church in state for this? Why should tax dollars go to support this kind of research? The professors and scientists that work in the private field and in the academic field are the same as paid ministers and priests.

Third, this person "says it's said that money is the root of all evil?" I can only say this in response to this comment. Money is not the root of all evil. The Bible says that the "love of money is the root of all evil". Money is just that money it has no power of its own. It derives its power from the user if you love money to the extent that you do evil with it, then that love of money is evil.

Fourth, I conclude that secular humanism is far more dangerous then any organized religion and should be banned from America.

What will you do with Jesus? These words have ecohed down through the ages, from the time that Pilate first uttered the words: "What shall I do then with Jesus which is called Christ? They all say unto him, Let him be crucified." Matt 27:22

There are several possible answers to this question? Which will you give. "Sirs, what must I do to be saved." Was the answer to this question that the Philippian jailer gave to Paul and Silas and we are told that he believed and so did all of his house saved? Acts 16:31

In Matt 27, the answer of the Jewish leaders was "They all say unto him, Let him be crucified!"

Pilates answer was to let Christ be crucified and he turned Jesus over to be crucified.

The Jewish leaders answer was to deny him. Acts 3:13

Eventually, everyone will be forced to their knees before Jesus you can wait until then, but the answer of faith in Christ will be to late then. You can answer, I believe right now and spend eternity in faith and worship to Christ. Acts 2:9-11

This is an observation about Spurgeons Baptist Catechism. The first question and answer in that document is:

1  Q  What is the chief end of man?

   A  Man's chief end is to glorify God,

"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
" I Corinthians 10:31

and to enjoy him for ever.

"Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee." "My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. Ps 73:25, 26

There is no greater lifes work then to give God the Glory in everything I do. He alone is worthy of praise and the Psalms say that he is my portion, meaning that He is all that I need. This message is given several times in the book of psalms.

1. Psalm 16:5
   The LORD is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.
   Psalm 16:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 16 (Whole Chapter)
2. Psalm 17:14
   From men which are thy hand, O LORD, from men of the world, which have their portion in this life, and whose belly thou fillest with thy hid treasure: they are full of children, and leave the rest of their substance to their babes.
   Psalm 17:13-15 (in Context) Psalm 17 (Whole Chapter)
3. Psalm 63:10
   They shall fall by the sword: they shall be a portion for foxes.
   Psalm 63:9-11 (in Context) Psalm 63 (Whole Chapter)
4. Psalm 73:26
   My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever.
   Psalm 73:25-27 (in Context) Psalm 73 (Whole Chapter)
5. Psalm 119:57
   Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words.
   Psalm 119:56-58 (in Context) Psalm 119 (Whole Chapter)
6. Psalm 142:5
   I cried unto thee, O LORD: I said, Thou art my refuge and my portion in the land of the living.
   Psalm 142:4-6 (in Context) Psalm 142 (Whole Chapter)