News from Evangelist Mike Gendron
 November 2015
Remember the Reformation

October 31 marked the 497th anniversary of the spark that ignited the Reformation. Martin Luther sparked the Reformation by nailing 95 Theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. As I was preparing a message on the life of Martin Luther, my studies led me to another ungodly tradition of the Roman Catholic religion - the veneration of relics, including bone fragments and dead bodies. Among Catholicism's most highly venerated relics are supposed pieces of the Cross of Jesus Christ. There are so many of these pieces scattered throughout the world that, if gathered together, they could be used to build a large ship. The Catholic Encyclopedia admits that the validity of many relics are "doubtful", but fails to admit that all of them are fakes. Based upon the church's dubious assertion of artifact credibility:  "many of the more ancient relics duly exhibited for veneration in the great sanctuaries of Christendom or even at Rome itself must now be pronounced to be either certainly spurious or open to grave suspicion."

Venerating relics has not been an option for Catholics. The Council of Trent commanded the veneration of dead bodies and condemned those who did not believe in the authenticity of artifacts designated as relics by the Catholic Church. "The holy bodies of holy martyrs... are to be venerated by the faithful, for through these bodies many benefits are bestowed by God on men." Since it was believed that "many benefits" come through the bones of dead men, the sale of bodies and bones became big business for the Church of Rome! According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, when Pope Boniface IVconverted the Pantheon into a church in the 7th century, "twenty-eight cartloads of sacred bones were said to have been removed from the Catacombs and placed in a basin beneath the high altar."

As I learned more about these abominable traditions of Rome, I was moved to a deeper compassion for those who have been deceived by religious deception. Only the truth of God's Word can set them free (John 8:31-32). Those who know Scripture know that relics have no part in true worship, for "God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). 


Whose Life Will Be Judged a Complete Failure?

We received several letters, emails and phone calls that defended the pope's controversial message at St. Patrick's Cathedral last month. Francis said, "We need to remember that we are followers of Jesus... and his life, humanly speaking, ended in failure, the failure of the cross." Perhaps, if his defenders looked at the pope's controversial comment through the lens of historic Roman Catholicism, they would see how his comments truly reflect the ungodly teachings of Rome. 
Roman Catholicism teaches that Jesus DID NOT finish the work of redemption, He DID NOT pay the full punishment for our sins, His blood DID NOT purify our sins, He DID NOT satisfy divine justice, He DID NOT redeem people from the curse of the Law, He DID NOT provide direct access to God, He DID NOT make perfect forever those who are being sanctified, and He DID NOT secure salvation for His people. Roman Catholicism denies all of these glorious truths, which is why Christ is still on their cross. 

Rome teaches, "Every time this mystery is celebrated, the work of our redemption is carried on" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, para. 1405). God's Word teaches the Lord Jesus Christ appeared once to do away with sin then entered the holy place once for all having obtained eternal redemption (Heb. 9:12, 26). When Jesus cried out "It is finished" the curtain of the temple was torn open giving believers access to God (Mat. 27:51). There was no longer any need for priests offering the same sacrifices repeatedly, which can never take away sins (Heb. 10:11). His one offering made perfect forever those who are sanctified; there are no more offerings for sin (10:14, 18).

When you look at what Jesus came to this earth to accomplish for sinners, we know that humanly speaking, and even more importantly, from a divinely eternal perspective, He was successful in everything. The laying down of His life for His people was what He purposed to do. He told His disciples that before He could build His church, "He must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised" (Mat. 16:21). In everything He came to do He was successful. Righteousness had to be perfected, divine justice had to be satisfied, blood had to be shed, redemption had to be paid, sins had to be forgiven, reconciliation had to be accomplished, death had to be conquered, salvation had to be secured and heaven had to be opened. His victory cry, "It is finished" speaks volumes! 

Civil War Brewing in Vatican

A group of cardinals, including some of the most powerful figures in the Catholic Church, have written to Pope Francis telling him that his Synod on the Family, now meeting in Rome, has gone badly off the rails and could cause the church to collapse. Their leaked letter, written as the synod started, presumably explains why a few days ago the Pope suddenly warned against 'conspiracy' and reminded the cardinals that he, and only he, will decide the outcome of the synod. This is the gravest crisis he has faced, worse than anything that happened to Benedict XVI, and he knows it.

The cardinals warn the Pope, in diplomatic language, that (1) the synod is being hijacked by liberals obsessed with the narrow issue of giving Communion to divorced and remarried people; (2) 'pastoral flexibility' could lead to the Catholic Church falling apart in the same way as liberal Protestant denominations. The seniority of the signatories shows how close the church is to civil war. Read more.
 
Letters From Around the World
 
If Jesus had come the first time to set up his kingdom, overthrow the Roman government and all human institutions, then yes, he would have been a failure. He never said that was his purpose. Humanly speaking, if anyone sets a goal and ACCOMPLISHES it completely, no one would call that person a failure. Jesus did exactly what he said he came to do. J.M., Plano, TX 

If Jesus was a failure humanly speaking, then what are we here for? Isn't that, in itself, a testimony that the Lord Jesus Christ was no failure, even from a human perspective? There are several ways of looking at Francis' comments. He says things that seem to immediately put people at odds with each other because they can be taken so many different ways. Even his actions do the same thing. He met with the county clerk who refuses to marry same sex couples the day after he met with an  old friend and his sodomite companion. And as if that isn't confusing enough, they always have to issue some sort of "clarification" that is just as confusing. The Vatican has issued a statement saying that his meeting with the clerk was not to be seen as support! Whether people are saved or unsaved, conservative or liberal, RC or protestant they seem to be put at odds with one another over everything he says and does! Even Catholics are split over his actions and comments! It goes to show the bad fruit of error - confusion and strife. J.P., McKinney, TX

Mike, As a theology teacher in a Catholic High School, I have perused your website to get a sense of your theology, and it is evident that there is very little we have in common for dialogue. Your particular understanding of the Bible and of the Catholic Church is so distorted and misguided that it would be fruitless and pointless for us to discuss anything. What qualifies you to speak authoritatively on and interpret the Bible? Can you trace your theology back in an unbroken line through 2,000 years to Christ and the Apostles? Since you cannot establish a legitimate teaching authority for yourself (other than your own say-so). Why, then, should I take time to debate your opinions? Why is your Bible deficient in its contents? On whose authority did you eliminate entire books? 
J.P., Internet

J.P., One day we will all stand before our God and Creator and give an account for how we responded to His Word. If you hear Him say: "Depart from me, I never knew you," you will have no excuse. As much as you will want to say: "My Bishops deceived me with a wrong interpretation, you will not be able to because your mouth will be stopped" (Rom. 3:19). I have no authority to speak; the authority is in inherent in God's Word. His Word is the supreme authority for knowing truth from error. I pray you will submit to it and repent from your false way of salvation.

I recently read your pamphlet, Scripture vs. Tradition and checked your bio on the internet where you say you were a DEVOUT Catholic for over 30 years. When you went to Dallas Theological Seminary, you obviously didn't study Holy Scripture or theology. It is evident all you were taught was anti-catholicism which is what a lot of Protestant ministers learn. You protestants left us; we didn't leave you. You have 31,000 different denominations; we have one Catholic, holy Apostolic Church with 1.2 billion people and 2100 years of history with one shepherd. When 54% of Americans don't go to church (low hanging fruit) and you want to (knock off) the Golden Apple on the top of the tree, good luck with that. "The gates of Hell will not prevail." Remember what Jesus said of Judas as he left the Last Supper: "Satan has entered into him." You're in good company. I will follow Mat 7:6 "Give not that which is holy to dogs; neither cast your pearls before swine." (Translation: a pathetic soul on whom holy councils would be a waste). B.P. Willis, TX

Evangelicals Applaud Pope's Visit

As Pope Francis traveled to the United States last month week for a six-day visit, megachurch leaders Rick Warren, T.D. Jakes, Robert Jeffress and Joel Osteen expressed their excitement and support for the papal pomp and circumstance. Pastor Robert Jeffress of First Baptist Church in Dallas said, "I have great respect for Pope Francis. He´s a humble Christ follower. We all can learn from him." Jeffress went on to say, "I have much more in common with my Catholic friends than I do even with liberal Baptist because we are fighting together against a common enemy, the kingdom of darkness."  Watch video here. 

On Wednesday, T.D. Jakes of The Potter's House posted a photo on social media of himself and his wife at the White House, outlining that he had been invited by Barack Obama to be among the VIP's welcoming Francis to the nation's capital. Read more.
 
Mike's Comment: How can Pastor Jeffress say Pope Francis is a "Christ follower" when he denies the words of Christ and points people to Mary for her protection? How can Jeffress say Catholics are fighting together with him against the kingdom of darkness when the Catholic religion is the kingdom of darkness? We should not be surprised that  a recent poll revealed over half of evangelical pastors think the pope is a brother-in-Christ. 
Vatican Priest Says Gays Are Sons of God

A senior priest at the Vatican who has revealed he is gay and in a relationship has said every gay person is "a son of God". Poland-born Krzysztof Charamsa, 43, said he wanted to challenge the Church's "backwards" attitude to homosexuality.
His revelation came on the eve of a major meeting that will define the Catholic Church's teaching on family. The Vatican called his actions "very serious and irresponsible" and stripped him of doctrinal responsibilities. Read more.
 
We hope you've enjoyed this month's e-Newsletter. Please let us know how we can serve you!

Mike and Jane Gendron

(972) 495-0485
PO Box 940871, Plano, TX 75094
www.ProclaimingTheGospel.org
Mike's Ministry Schedule
Mike at TC Pulpit  
MEDA
Siguatepeque,
Honduras
Nov. 5-7

Mike has the privilege of teaching pastors and church leaders from all over Central America during this 3-day seminar. He will contrast the major doctrinal differences between Roman Catholicism and the Bible at The Master's Academy International in Honduras. He will also equip and encourage pastors to contend against the growing ecumenical movement. For more information click here.
The Masters Seminary
Sun Valley, CA
Nov. 10 and 12
The Masters Sem

Mike will speak Tuesday and Thursday mornings at The Masters Seminary Chapels. For more information 
 
Toyota Asian Center Quezon City Philippines
Nov. 27-28

Mike will teach a 2-day seminar entitled: "Speaking The Truth In Love." His messages will equip and encourage Christians to be effective witnesses to Catholics. He will also give four evangelistic messages to reach unbelievers. The seminar is hosted by Higher Rock Christian Church. For more information click here.

Higher Rock Christian 
Church 
Quezon City
Philippines
Nov. 29

Mike will preach the Sunday morning worship service at 9am. For more information click here.
 
Soli Deo Gloria Church
Davao City
Philippines
Nov. 30

Mike will teach an evangelistic and equipping conference on Monday, 
 Nov. 30. For more information click here.
Reversing the Reformation
Followers of the true Christ must contend for the true Gospel so that Catholics can find salvation in Christ alone. This DVD clearly and objectively shows how Roman Catholicism has departed from the truth of God's Word and stands opposed to the faith of the apostles. The message not only exposes the errors of the Catholic religion, but also reveals how evangelicals are helping the pope reverse the Reformation. Order here.
How Different Are You?

A born again Christian is a person of unusual behavior. He talks daily to someone he has never seen and believes he is going to heaven on someone else's righteousness. He is strongest when he is weak, richest when he is poor, exalted when he humbles himself and is loved when he is unlovable. He empties himself so that he can be filled, confesses he is wrong so that he can be declared right and dies so he can live. He is joyful when he is persecuted and set free when he becomes a slave to the King.

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The Sufficiency of our Lord Jesus Christ

  God's Gospel reveals all the Lord Jesus Christ accomplished to save sinners from the power, punishment, and ultimately, the presence of sin: righteousness had to be perfected, divine justice had to be satisfied, blood had to be shed, redemption had to be paid, sins had to be forgiven, reconciliation had to be achieved, death had to be conquered, and salvation had to be secured. 
What a glorious Savior we have to proclaim!

 


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