Pope Provides Great Witnessing Opportunities
Benedict XVI's recent resignation has generated a lot of conversation. Are there other factors, besides his health, that might have led to his resignation? What will the next pope be known for and what positions will he take? Will he become Petrus Romanus according to Malachy's prophecies? While much can be said about such things, I want to encourage you not to miss this wonderful opportunity for engaging Catholics with the Gospel. How unfortunate would it be, if those who know the truth regarding eternal life, talked about non-essential speculations and never shared the Gospel (1 Cor. 2:2; Rom. 10:14)?
In light of this, I want to propose a simple example of how one might engage a Catholic with the Gospel using current events as a starting point. You can start by asking a Catholic what they think about the Pope resigning or who the next Pope will be. Then, transition from this shared interest to a discussion on values and attitudes. You might ask questions such as, "How do you believe this new Pope will impact your faith?" or "How does your Catholic faith impact your day to day life?" The purpose here is to discern where Catholics are spiritually. This is important because few Catholics understand, let alone agree with, all of Catholic teaching.
Once we have an idea of a Catholic's values and attitudes, we can ask them about their personal beliefs related to the Gospel. Note that up to this point, we have not disagreed with, challenged, or corrected the Catholic. Rather, we are seeking to understand their personal worldview so that we know what to emphasize when we share the Gospel (Prov. 18:13). A great question to ask next is, "How do you believe one gets to heaven?" Then ask, "Do you believe you will go to Heaven?" Next ask, "Why do you believe that?" In addition to not knowing the Gospel, I have found that the majority of Catholics don't mention Jesus at all. At this point you can gently say, "If the Bible said something different, would you want to know what it says?" If they are humble and teachable, you can lovingly show them Scriptures that focus on the Gospel. I like to use our Greatest News Tract because it contains only Scripture and I can leave it with them. Be prepared to discuss why works can't save anyone (Rom. 11:6; Is. 64:6), how God's justice is reconciled in light of His mercy and love (Rom. 4:25; 1 Pet. 2:24), what true faith (1 John 2:4) and repentance look like (Acts 17:30; 2 Cor. 7:10) and why Jesus had to die (Rom. 6:23; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 3:25-26). Additional resources that can also be very helpful are our Catholic Reference Bookmarks that you can keep in your Bible and our Gospel Cards, either for personal review or for witnessing.
Let's go fishing (Mat 4:19) - Jason Hauser
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What Caused the Pope to Resign?
Pope Benedict acknowledged the "rough seas" that marked his papacy "when it seemed that the Lord was sleeping." In an unusually public outpouring for such a private man, he alluded to some of the most difficult times of his papacy which was dogged by sex abuse scandals, leaks of his private papers, and reports of infighting among his closest aides. "There were moments, as there were throughout the history of the Church, when the seas were rough and the wind blew against us and it seemed that the Lord was sleeping," he said. The pope says he is too old and weak to continue leading a Church beset by crises over child abuse by priests and a leak of confidential Vatican documents showing corruption and rivalry among Vatican officials. He said he was not "coming down from the cross," but would serve the Church through prayer. Read more.
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How Should Catholics Respond ?
Roman Catholic Paul Elie offered the following opinion of the pope's resignation in the New York Times. Resignation: that's what American Catholics are feeling about our faith. We are resigned to the fact that so much in the Roman Catholic Church is broken and won't be fixed anytime soon. So if the pope can resign, we can, too. We should give up Catholicism en masse, if only for a time. We should seize this opportunity to ask what is true in our faith, what it costs us in obfuscation and moral compromise, and what its telos, or end purpose, really is. And we should explore other religious traditions, which we understand poorly. For the Catholic Church, it has been "all bad news, all the time" since Benedict took office in 2005: a papal insult to Muslims; a papal embrace of a Holocaust denier; molesting by priests and cover-ups by their superiors. When the Scottish cardinal Keith O'Brien resigned on Monday amid reports of "inappropriate" conduct toward priests in the 1980s, the routine was wearingly familiar. It's enough to make any Catholic yearn to leave the whole mess for someone else to clean up. Read more. |
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John MacArthur Critiques the Catholic Church
The current attitude throughout much of the evangelical church is that we ought to embrace Catholics as true believers in Christ. And it's safe to assume we'll hear even more calls for unity and partnership with the Catholic Church in the days to come. But reclassifying the pope, the worship of Mary, the idolatry of the mass, and the entire Roman Catholic system as authentic, biblical Christianity isn't that simple. It has massive implications, including overturning centuries of church history, missionary effort, and martyrdom. The fact is, the most formidable, relentless, and deceptive enemy in Satan's long war on the truth has been Roman Catholicism. It's an apostate, corrupt, heretical, false Christianity-a thinly veiled façade for the kingdom of Satan. Read more. |
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Letters from Around the World
Where in the Bible does it teach the Protestant doctrine (heresy) of Sola Scriptura? Give me that verse? The Bible is a Catholic book because its councils decided which scriptures were to be deemed canonical and inspired by the Holy Spirit. Only
the Catholic Church has the authority to make these decisions because it is the One True Church established by Our Lord Himself. Diana
Dear Diana,
Sola Scriptura means Scripture alone is the authority in all matters of faith. Its supreme authority is established by its divine origin. Surely you believe there is no higher authority than our almighty God and Creator. He has revealed Himself through His written Word and has exalted His Word above all things and has made it equal to His holy Name (Psalm 138:2). The Bible is the most authoritative, influential and powerful book ever written. God chose forty men to pen His word as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:21). The writers claimed they were transmitting the very word of God, infallible and authoritative to the highest degree. The Apostle Paul declared Scripture has the authority to rebuke and correct the teachings of men. He wrote: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Tim. 3:16). God's word is sufficient to function as the sole, infallible rule of faith because the Bible does not refer us to any higher rule of faith. Everything that we must know, understand, and believe to become a Christian is found in the Scriptures (1 Cor. 15:1-4). The Apostle Paul wrote: "from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Tim. 3:15). The Apostle Paul commended the Bereans for using Scriptures to verify the truthfulness of his teaching. Since an apostle, who penned over half the New Testament was tested by the Bible, all religious teachers must be tested using the same Scriptural authority (Acts 17:11). After considering all other sources of authority, we must always ask, "But what does the Scripture say?" (Galatians 4:30). Since it is impossible for God to lie, His Word must be the standard by which we discern truth from error (Hebrews 6:18; 1 John 4:6). The Lord Jesus used the authority of the Scriptures to rebuke Satan (Matthew 4). May God help you to see these glorious truths about His Word.
Hello Mr. Gendron,
I just heard you on Crosstalk. I am so thankful for your ministry, and always enjoy hearing you speak. It is evident in your voice that you have a passion to save the lost, and I have some of your resources which are helpful in knowing how to witness to Catholics. I am passionately involved in pro life activities, and it seems like many groups are having joint speakers like priests, Knights of Columbus along with pastors, pro family leaders. I'm wondering, is it ok to take part in these ecumenical events for a common cause (ending abortion) without being a traitor to Christ ? If its a prayer event, I have not gone in the past because it goes against my conscience, when people are not praying to the one true God. I am fully aware of the dangers of the compromise/false teaching going on in the church today. I want to be involved in pro life activities, but not if it will compromise the Truth. Can you offer any wisdom and advice on how to handle these situations? I want nothing more than to bring Honor & Glory to Jesus in everything I do. Thank You, Linda Chisholm, Des Moines, IA
Hi Linda,
Your ministry to save the unborn is vitally important and I commend you for what you are doing. However, we must recognize that sharing the life-saving message of the Gospel is more important and must be our first concern. It was for this reason the Lord Jesus came to earth (Luke 19:10). I would encourage you to continue your pro-life ministry with Catholics, but use it as a means to evangelize them while you are trying to save the lives of the unborn. You are wise not to participate in their prayers whenever they are leading them. If they ask you to pray, do not begin with "Our Father" because God is not the father of unbelievers. Perhaps you could begin with "O Sovereign Lord" or "Dear God". If you would like to call and discuss this further, I would welcome that. |
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A Vivid Contrast Between Peter and Benedict
Roman Catholics believe the apostle Peter was their first pope. We should ask them how much Pope Benedict had in common with Peter? The Apostle Peter was a fellow elder who submitted to Jesus as the Head of the Church (1 Pet. 5:1; Col. 1:18). Benedict believed he was the supreme head of the Church with universal power (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 882). Peter taught we are born again through the living, abiding Word of God (1 Pet. 1:23). Benedict taught we are born again through the ritual of baptism (CCC 1213). Peter taught eternal life is a gift of grace and secured by the power of God (1 Pet. 1:3-5). Benedict taught eternal life is attained by merit and lost by mortal sin (CCC 2027, 1035). For six more contrasts click here. |
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Crosstalk Radio Interviews Mike on Pope
Shortly after Pope Benedict abruptly resigned from the papacy, Jim Schneider interviewed Mike Gendron on Crosstalk Radio. The call-in program discussed the impact the change of popes will have on the Catholic Church. Many Catholics in America are leaving their religion because of all the scandals and corruption. The rape and sodomzing of small children by Roman Catholic clergy under the protection of the church hierarchy has many Catholics questioning their faith. Pope Benedict created an international campaign to protect hundreds of dangerous child molesters and he was never brought to justice. This unrest within Catholicism is an excellent opportunity to share the glorious Gospel of grace with Catholics. Listen to the interview.
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Evangelism Conference at Countryside Bible
Countryside Bible Church in Southlake, Texas hosted The Essentials Conference on Evangelism, Feb. 22-24. The speakers were Richard Phillips, Brian Murphy, Chris Riser and Randy Smith. Their encouraging messages can be heard at this link. |
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Prophecy Today
Jimmy DeYoung interviewed Mike Gendron on his March 2nd weekly Prophecy Today broadcast. The two discussed the election of a new pope and how it might lead to a fulfillment of the biblical prophecy of a one-world religion. Part of the discussion revealed how much in common Roman Catholicism has with Islam and how the prince of this world might use lying signs and wonders to unite the two religions. You can hear the interview here. |
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World's Largest Statue of Mary Unveiled
The largest statue of the Virgin Mary in the world was inaugurated Feb. 1 in Oruro, Bolivia at a cost of $1.2 million. The lead sculptor told reporters the monument "is an act of faith that strengthens our traditions." The 149 foot statue is located on a 12,000-foot mountain south of La Paz, the country's second largest city. It stands 22 feet taller than the Christ the Redeemer statue atop Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Read more.
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May God be glorified as we share the light of His Gospel! Let us know how we can serve you.
Mike Gendron and Jason Hauser (972) 495-0485 PO Box 940871, Plano, TX 75094 www.ProclaimingTheGospel.org |
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Sovereign Way Christian Church, Hesperia, CA
March 10
Mike will speak at the Sunday Morning worship service at 10 am at Sovereign Way Christian Church in Hesperia, CA.
For more information
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Mid-America Prophecy Conference
Tulsa, OK
April 4-6
Join us for the Mid-America Prophecy Conference at the Marriott Tulsa Southern Hills for three days of teaching from God's Prophetic Word. The theme for the conference is The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory of Jesus Christ and will include speakers: Ed Hindson, Mark Hitchcock, Mike Gendron, Daymond Duck, Paul Wilkinson, Wayne House and others. Call 918-748-1806 to register or click here. |
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Worldview Weekend Conference
Indianapolis, IN
April 7
Join Brannon Howse, Mike Gendron and Justin Peters from 5 to 8:30 pm at Harbour Shores Church, Cicero, IN. to register
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Worldview Weekend Branson, Missouri
April 26, 27, 28
Join Brannon Howse, Ken Ham, Mike Gendron, Jesse Johnson, Bodie Hodge, Jason and Jared Carlson, Chris Pinto, Jimmy DeYoung, Marty Goetz and Carl Telchrib for a 3-day conference in
Branson, MO.
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To schedule Evangelists Mike Gendron or Jason Hauser to speak at your church or event contact us at 972-495-0485 |
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Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to witness to Roman Catholics with our most popular Gospel tract. It forces Catholics to chose between their Bible and their Catechism as the most trustworthy source for truth, because it is impossible to believe both. The tract also shows two paths to eternity - the wide road of Catholicism vs. the narrow way from the Bible. Order here. |
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Hundreds of questions about life's most critical issue - the salvation of our souls - are answered by the power and authority of God's Word. Click here to order.
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With all the news coming out of the Vatican, our most popular DVD is an excellent message to share with Catholics who have questions about the future of their religion. Order here.
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The 12 Most Important Words of the Gospel
An excellent resource to sharpen your Gospel presentation and to use as an effective witnessing tool. Each of the 12 words are displayed graphically on a card, then defined and explained with Scriptures on the back. Order here. |
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