Here are the Bible verses we discussed on Teresa Tomeo's Catholic Connections–aired on Ave Maria Radio, Guadalupe Radio, EWTN and Sirius Satellite Radio:
1) "Noah, during the building of the ark, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were saved through water. Corresponding to that [Noah being saved through water], baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ," (1 Peter 3:21)
I thought it was faith ALONE that saved us? Why was I blind to this verse? I was confronted by a Baptist once who said, "You Catholics believe you're saved through rituals and sacraments–the Bible says we are saved by Faith alone." I asked him to open his Bible and read 1 Peter 3:21 and asked "Is this the kind of ritual or sacrament you are referring to"? I used to wear Baptist glasses which obscured such verses from my vision.
2) "Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38)
Why didn't Peter say, "Accept Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior and ask him into your heart?" Do Evangelicals today use different words and phrases than those used in the Bible? Why? The first Holy Ghost Gospel Message ever preached was "under the big tent" in Jerusalem at Pentecost. Peter preached the Catholic gospel which sounds very different than the Fundamentalist gospel.
3) "‘Now why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.’" (Acts 22:16 )
What did Paul hear from Ananias about how to have his sins forgiven? Again, why not the American Evangelical gospel? How should we read this and apply it today?
4) "Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born, can he?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:3-5)
What did Jesus mean by "born of water and the Spirit"? Did Jesus just pull this phrase out of thin air, or were there Old Testament percedents that Nicodemus should have been aware of? The first creation was out of water and spirit (Gen 1:1-2), Noah was saved by water and spirit (1 Peter 3:18-21), the nation of Israel was created from water and spirit (1 Cor 10:1-4), etc.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love your way of explaining the quote re (I’m paraphrasing) we make up in our bodies what is lacking in the sufferings of Christ. You said some powerful things about this on the May 9 program with Teresa Tomeo that I would love to see in writing, if possible. Do you treat this any place in your writings? I have a pastor who says, “this is a bad translation and will eventually be changed.” Thank you, Steve, so very much for bringing such great love and clarity to the Church. I love your work and will look forward to a little reply to this – if at all possible. I am an “old” Catholic who spent 17 years in religious life – in a wonderful order which has now some leaders who are so new age and interested mostly, it seems, in saving “Mother Earth.” My heart breaks over the horrible things that are going on in Mother Church here in Canada. Please keep us in your prayers. You are in mine. Thanks. Betty King
A Lutheran friend of mine, recently married to a Catholic, asked me if I could help him find a Catholic devotional to share with his wife. I am not Catholic. I believe he is looking for something either written by one of the saints or one that includes stories of the saints. However, if you can recommend a good devotional, whether or not it is about the saints, I would be most grateful. Thank you.
Dennis Danielson
Dennis,
There are more options for joint devotions than there are chickens in the world.
Here is a simple one: Divine Mercy Chaplet
Here is a complex one: Liturgy of the Hours