Stephen K. Ray's Blog, page 492

Are You Born Again?

It seems that God is kind of predictable in a way :-) since He always starts new things in the same way – with "water and the Spirit". Consider the following:

1) The first creation came from the the earth which was covered with WATER and the SPIRIT hovered over the waters and from the water emerged land and man and God's first creation (Gen 1:1-2).

2) A new humanity was started with Noah through WATER and SPIRIT. The ark went through the water and a dove (representing the Spirit) hovered overhead with an olive branch. Peter said this represents baptism which "now saves us" (1 Peter 3:18-21).

3) The nation of Israel was created through the WATER of the Red Sea (baptism) with the cloud and fire of the Holy SPIRIT overhead — my oh my, again we have water and Spirit (Ex 14).

4) Ezekiel then describes what the New Covenant will look like and he said we will be sprinkled with clean WATER and his SPIRIT will be placed in us (Ez 36:25). Born again, I suspect.

5) Then Jesus, right before saying you must be born of "water and the Spirit" had just gone down into the WATER of the Jordan and the SPIRIT came down and landed on his head. Again, water and the Spirit (Mt 3:16; Jn 1:29).

6) Jesus teaches Nicodemus that he must be born again, or from above which is accomplished through "WATER and the SPIRIT."

7) When Jesus finished these words what was the first thing he did? He went down and baptized people in the Jordan with his disciples (Jn 4:1-2).

8) At the first Holy Ghost Gospel Revival meeting :-) Peter stood up at Pentecost and said,  "Repent, and be baptized (WATER) every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy SPIRIT" (Acts 2:38).

9) Peter also says "Baptism now saves you" (1 Pet 3:18), and Paul is told "Rise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name" (Acts 22:16), and Paul writes that we are saved "by the washing of regeneration (WATER) and renewal in the Holy SPIRIT" (Titus 3:5).

Other verses you should know — click here!

For my article on Infant Baptism, click here

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Too bad many Evangelicals and Fundamentalists refuse to see it but the Bible is pretty clear about new birth through the sacrament of baptism. Jesus is not ambiguous in this matter and he is alluding quite clearly to new beginnings in the Old Testament. The Early Church is also very clear and so is the teaching of the Catholic Church today.

(Picture to right is the place in the Jordan River where Jesus was baptized. Click for larger image.)

St. Augustine said, "Who is so wicked as to want to exclude infants from the kingdom of heaven by prohibiting their being baptized and born again in Christ?"

When someone asks me "Have you been born again?"  I simply answer "Absolutely, but I've been born again the Bible Way!"

Mary a Mediatrix? Isn't there just One Mediator?

The Bible says, "For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Tim 2:5). Yet Catholics refer to Mary as a Mediatrix (feminine form of the word mediator).

So, isn't that prima facie evidence that Catholics make up doctrines, worship Mary and disregard the Bible?

I was again challenged with this the other day. Interesting how the same old, same old keeps coming up no matter how many times you answer it. Interesting how these same misconceptions keep coming up as though some contentious power keeps inserting them into gullible minds. Interesting how people love to twist the rubber nose to make it obscene, grotesque, and distorted.

So here was my short response — again!

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In 1 Timothy 2:5 Paul recognizes that there is a huge chasm between the holy God and sinful men. Paul states that there is only one mediator that can bridge that uncrossable gorge.  How do we sinners reach a holy God across such a chasm?

God has provided the solution. He has provided the-one-and-only Mediator (1 Tim 2:5), the bridge, the stairway between heaven and earth, (John 1:51 based on the ladder seen by Jacob). This one Mediator is the God-Man Jesus Christ and he is the only one that can bridge the gap–mediate–between heaven and earth to bring reconciliation between God and men.

Thus, there is one Mediator to reconcile God and man. Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant as the writer of Hebrews informs us three times, for example: "Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks better than the blood of Abel" (Heb 8:6, 9:15, 12:24). No one else could have ever become such a mediator of the New Covenant.

However, after Jesus has accomplished such an act of redemption and mediatorship, he calls us to share in his ministry.

I remember my father saying to me before I joined the Catholic Church, "When you become Catholic you will pray to Mary and remember that Paul says there is only one Mediator between God and man." I lovingly but sternly replied to my father, "Dad, never ask me to pray for you again!"

My father was shocked but understood my meaning. As soon as he asks me to pray for him — he asks me to be a mediator between him and God. I told him that to be consistent with his Protestant theology he should not ask me or anyone else to intercede for him, to be a mediator — one who stands in the middle — but he should pray directly to Jesus himself.

But Scripture constantly commands us to pray for one another, to intercede for our fellow humans. We are all "mini" mediators sharing in the mediatorship of Christ. And it goes the other way too. When God tells us to share the Gospel with lost sinners he is asking us to stand between himself and the sinner to share the Gospel, although he could have chosen to communicate with them directly.

Mary is not the infinite mediator, nor does she impose on the prerogatives of her Son. She, like us, intercedes for sinners and the people of God. Mediatrix is simply the feminine form of mediator. All of us share in the ministry of Christ, mediating and praying for our fellow man. In this sense, all of us are mediators and the females among us are mediatrixes.

I am frequently asked, "Where does the Bible say we should pray to dead saints?" to which I usually ask, "Where does the Bible say that saints are dead?"

Those of us, including most Protestants, believe that when a person dies in friendship with Christ they are still alive in Christ.

To prove that those who died in a state of grace were not dead, Jesus said to the Sadducees (who didn't believe in the resurrection which is why they were "sad you see" — as my dad used to joke with us kids), "'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living" (Matt 22:32). Jesus said that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were still alive.

Those who say "Why do you Catholics pray to dead saints" need to understand that those who die in Christ are not dead. Catholics affirm that they are alive and in the presence of Christ and that they can intercede for us as much as my father or I can intercede for each other.

Mary and the saints do not answer our prayers, any more than I answer the prayers of my dad. Rather, Mary, the saints and you and I all are intercessors. We do not answer the prayers, we simply intercede with the Father through his Son Jesus.

When I take pilgrimage groups to Israel I always take them to the top of Mount Tabor where the Transfiguration took place. I always ask people how a "dead guy" like Moses could be talking to Jesus about things that are taking place on earth (Lk 9:31).

When my father asks me to pray for him he asks me to stand in the middle — to be a mediator, an intercessor — and when God commands me to preach the gospel to the lost, he tells me to stand in the middle — to be an ambassador for Christ as Paul says,

"Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" (2 Cor 5:20).

(Opps, to the right is a Pentecostal preacher Kenneth Copeland acting as a mediator, interceding with God, standing in the middle as they pray for this man!)

I hope that helps explain why we call Mary a mediatrix and why all of us are mini-mediators sharing in the ministry of Christ — the one-and-only mediator of the New Covenant, but certainly not in any way claiming to be the one mediator of the New Covenant, nor in any way arrogating to ourselves or to Mary the unique prerogatives and ministry of Jesus.

One last thought on this matter. Sometimes there is a misunderstanding of the differences between prayer and worship. In the Catholic tradition they are very different things. In Protestantism prayer and worship are sometimes used as synonyms. Pray simply means to ask, whereas worship is to adore.

If a Catholic says he "prays to Mary" it's perceived as worship by many Protestants, but the Catholic it simply making a request that Mary intercede for us — the same as when my dad asked me to intercede for him. In Catholicism there is a big difference between pray and worship.

We honor, love and venerate Mary. We ask her to pray for us. But we worship God ALONE!

For more on this and other Marian topics, all filmed on location in the Holy Land, check out my documentary MARY, MOTHER OF GOD here.

Biblical, Historical Adventures in Israel: Hebron & Masada

Yesterday Janet and I went in Palestinian city of Hebron, home and burial site of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Saw Oaks of Mamre (Gen 18). Found Tomb of Jesse and Ruth. Went into the Tombs of the Patriarchs (Machpelah) from both the mosque side and the synagogue side. Jewish settler took us all over the Jewish settlement.

In Genesis 17:8 God said promised Abraham, "And I will give to you, and to your descendants after you, the land of your sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God." The Jews who live in Hebron took God seriously and are living in the city that God gave to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

There is a LOT of history and controversy over this land, but I cannot help but think that God keeps his promises to the Jews (Rom 11:29) and seems to me to be a huge argument for the existence of God (see my blog here).

This was a great biblical adventure. I've been to these places before, but after writing the Genesis Commentary for Catholic Scripture Study Intl., it was all the more exciting to see it all again. The Machpelah is the cave where Abraham buried his wife Sarah and where Isaac and Ishmael buried their father Abraham. After them Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah were also buried here.

We went into the Muslim mosque side (which we did not like) to see the tombs of Isaac and Rebecca and into the Jewish Synagogue side to really relate to our history for the tombs of Abraham, Sarah, Jacob and Leah.

Then we went to the tombs of Jesse (father of David and name of my own son) and Ruth. These were new for me. It was good to have the Joseph the Jewish settler to show us around.

After that we went again to the Oaks of Mamre where Moses spoke with the Trinity who came to his tent. He RUSH and HURRIED and RAN to take care of them. Much different than their descendants who tried to kill him (Jesus) when he came again to Abraham's people in John 8. It is worth a read to see the contrast between Abraham and his sinful descendants.

Today climbed Snake Path up and down the mountain of Masada. Explored everything on top. Ran half, walked half up and down. Enjoy the video.

Biblical, Historical Adventures in Israel

Yesterday Janet and I went in Palestinian city of Hebron, home and burial site of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Saw Oaks of Mamre (Gen 18). Found Tomb of Jesse and Ruth. Went into the Tombs of the Patriarchs (Machpelah) from both the mosque side and the synagogue side. Jewish settler took us all over the Jewish enclave. Video soon.

Today climbed Snake Path up and down the mountain of Masada. Explored everything on top. Ran half, walked half up and down. Video soon.

Two New Adventures: Jericho & Hebron

I am soon posting two new videos sharing our adventures in the Holy Land. I don't do this for the fun of it but to help others understand, love and enjoy the land of God through video.

WHY DO I POST THESE VIDEO ADVENTURES?

There is a need for people to know the the Bible and the Catholic faith are not a myth — like saying, "Once upon a time in a land far away in the land of fairies and elves…" NO, the Bible and the Catholic Church are ROOTED IN HISTORY. I can take you to the places where it all happened. We can walk in the footprints of God.

We can smell what Jesus smelled, see what he saw. We can see the tombs of the patriarchs, apostles and saints. What we believe is verifiable in space and time, in history and science.

So, below I have added two more adventures.

First, my hike through the Wadi Qelt from Jericho toward Jerusalem. It is the wilderness where Jesus was tempted by the Devil, the paths he walked between Jerusalem and Jericho, and the wilderness where early hermits lived in caves AND still do! You can imagine walking with Jesus through the wilderness.

Second, Janet and I went to Hebron to see the hometown of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is also the place where Jesus was first made the king. We also  visited the Jewish settlement and prayed at the tombs of Jesse and Ruth. We then went into the Machpelah which is the tomb of the patriarchs  (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) and the matriarchs (Sarah, Rebecca and Leah).

This tomb is divided into two ends: one a Muslim mosque and the other a Jewish synagogue. Talk about tense! Today was celebrated as the birthday of Mohammed and we went into the mosque first (you'll find the video very interesting) and then into the synagogue.

Finally we went to the Oaks of Mamre where Abraham lived. Here he was visited by the Trinity (Genesis 18) before they sent down fire on Sodom. Here is an ancient oak tree claimed to be the oak that Abraham sat under. We got acorns from the great-great grandchildren oaks which are growing nearby today.

Jericho video below; Hebron video will be added below soon.

Join us for Exciting and thoroughly Catholic Pilgrimages in 2011 and beyond

We have a number of pilgrimages to the Holy Land BUT LOOK — we have others too!

Poland

In September we are going to Poland to follow the footprints of Pope John Paul II, Saint Faustina and St. Maximilian Kolbe among others. We will see this beautiful country, celebrate Mass in breathtaking churches, eat their delicious food, meet local Catholics and even visit Auschwitz.

Italy

In November join us in Italy to follow the footprints of the Fathers of the Church from MIlan, to Pavia (St. Augustine), to Ravenna, then to Assisi and finally Rome. This trip is sponsored by Dr. Scott Hahn's St. Paul Center and I will be joined by Dr. Matthew Bunson and Mike Aquilina. This will be an exciting trip through gorgeous Italy with its thousands of years of history, delicious food and wine.

Holy Land

We have a very small and intimate group going to the Holy Land in April during Lent to prepare for Easter. We have reduced pricing for this trip. Join this group with excellent weather, Fr. Rob Clemens from Phoenix and me as your guide.

Dr. Scott Hahn asked me to lead his group in May-June! This will be a remarkable trip with both of us teaching along the way and seminars in the evenings with Mike Aquilina teaching as well.

Ireland, Lourdes & Fatima, Catholic England, "Reformation" Germany and more

We have no shortage of pilgrimages. See them all at www.FootprintsOfGod.com. We are planning many more for 2012 and 2013 including trips to Ireland, a Marian trip to Lourdes and Fatima (and more), to Catholic England and even a trip to Germany and Rome to study Martin Luther, John Calvin and "Reformation" history — and the truth of the Catholic Faith.

Why travel to the Holy Land with us instead of the many other groups that are going? All pilgrimages are NOT created equal. View the video below to see why!

How Manly was Jesus? Climbing UP Mount Tabor (Transfiguration)

Just returned to Jerusalem after climbing straight up and back down Mount Tabor (Mountain of the Transfiguration). It took 1 1/4 hour up the torturous path on the SE and a bit less to scramble down the north side.

Read Luke 9:28-36 (hover your cursor over the reference) about Jesus climbing up with Peter, James and John for the Transfiguration. It is also where Deborah and Barak defeated the army of Hazor (Judges 4:1-24) and where Jesus commissioned his Apostles to take the Gospel to the world and to baptize (Matthew 28-16-20). Enjoy the video below. I will soon post my walk through Wadi Qelt from Jericho toward Jerusalem.

Tomorrow we visit Hebron and I run between the tomb of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) to the Oaks of Mamre where the Lord met Abraham at his tent in Genesis 18 before the destruction of Sodom.

Wednesday I plan to run the snake path to the top of Masada. Still deciding what to do Thursday before our group arrives on Friday.

More soon.

To see all the pictures, videos and map on EveryTrail click here here

Climbing Mount Tabor

Just returned to Jerusalem after climbing straight up Mount Tabor (Mountain of the Transfiguration). It took 1 1/4 hour up the torturous path on the SE and a bit less to scramble down the north side.

Read Luke 9 about Jesus climbing up with Peter, James and John for the Transfiguration.

I will be posting a video and link soon

Tomorrow we visit Hebron and I run between the tomb of the patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac and Jacob) to the Oaks of Mamre where the Lord met Abraham at his tent in Genesis 18 before the destruction of Sodom.

Wednesday I plan to run the snake path to the top of Masada. Still deciding what to do Thursday before our group arrives on Friday.

More soon.

Hiking thru the Holy Land

Hiked thru the mini-Grand Canyon of Wadi Qelt from Jericho toward Jerusalem visiting St. George's Monastery built it the cliff. Video soon.

Tomorrow I hike up Mount Tabor (Mount of the Transfiguration). More soon.

Evangelicals Dropping Out

A friend named Lenny wrote:

I find this article interesting because what has filled many Evangelical Churches are people  who were previously Catholic.   And when I have run into these people they would tell me  they "used to be Catholic" and would want to tell me their story.

The number of people attending church services have been down in the Catholic Church and especially in the main line denominational Protestant Churches.   And this took place at a time when Evangelical Churches were growing.

Now it appears that numbers of people attending Evangelical Churches are going down at the rate of one  million a year.  I have also talked to people who said they "used to be Evangelicals" and now it appears there will be more ex-Evangelicals in the world.

http://www.washtimes.com/news/2008/sep/21/americans-leaving-churches-in-droves/

Many of these Evangelical drop outs are coming back to the Catholic Church! I spoke with many of them last weekend at my conference!