(WEEKLY TEACHING) Corruptions of Christianity: Catholicism p13

[creationliberty]

[Jeanne]

I think this is one of the best teachings you've had yet. I especially appreciated the discussion of Christianity vs. Communism and how Socialism/Communism goes against Scripture. Too many people out there think that Christianity means sacrificing yourself for the good of others, when that is not the case.

[creationliberty]

Likely, their argument would be this:
Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
-John 15:13
However, contextually, that does not mean that a man takes food out of the mouth of his children to provide for a lazy man who won't work:
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
-1Ti 5:8
For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.
-2Th 3:10

So those who teach that communism is Biblical are not only ignorant of Scripture, but they are deniers of the faith; heretics and infidels who have no love of God in them because they love the things of this world over Scripture.
Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
-1Jo 2:15

[anvilhauler]

I think this is one of the best teachings you've had yet. I especially appreciated the discussion of Christianity vs. Communism and how Socialism/Communism goes against Scripture. Too many people out there think that Christianity means sacrificing yourself for the good of others, when that is not the case.

I'm in agreement with what is written here, but I can't help but think of Jesus conversation with the rich man.  There is a difference between being poor and being lazy though.  Being poor can also be the result of making bad decisions and it would depend on the attitude of the recipient as to how much you could help them.

Mark 10 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
17 And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? 18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. 19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. 20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. 21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. 22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.

On the socialism/communism side, that is sort of how we look after each other within a church congregation but is totally wrong on a secular or national scale when imposed by governments and bureaucrats.

Acts 4 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. 33 And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. 34 Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.

Drastic times call for drastic measures and they had the pragmatic approach of just doing what was practical at the time. 

Because I was thinking through the issues I thought I might as well make a posting about it.

[creationliberty]

To that, I would reply that the rich man was not FORCED to give up everything he had for the good of the country, but rather, Jesus told him to GIVE everything he had to the poor and FOLLOW JESUS. The one thing you will notice about communists is that they never give those with wealth a choice, they certainly do not follow Jesus Christ, and those communists at the top sit in wealth but do not sacrifice it like they expect everyone else to do.

[anvilhauler]

To that, I would reply that the rich man was not FORCED to give up everything he had for the good of the country, but rather, Jesus told him to GIVE everything he had to the poor and FOLLOW JESUS. The one thing you will notice about communists is that they never give those with wealth a choice, they certainly do not follow Jesus Christ, and those communists at the top sit in wealth but do not sacrifice it like they expect everyone else to do.

Yes, I agree totally.  Jesus then went on further to say more once the rich man had departed the scene.

Mark 10 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Those with excessive riches that they trust in don't understand that their house is built upon sand. 

[creationliberty]

Oh, I forgot to mention, the man Jesus was talking to was a rich RULER, or in other words, he held government office, and that was the reason for his wealth. Those verses are meant as rebuke and instruction for the very communist leaders who would make those claims.

[anvilhauler]

Yes, I agree totally.  Jesus then went on further to say more once the rich man had departed the scene.

I think what I wrote might have been wrong and the rich ruler had not necessarily departed the scene when Jesus stated: "How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!"

Luke identifies the man as a rich ruler which gives more information as is often the way but Mark only identifies him as a rich man. 

Luke 18 Authorized (King James) Version (AKJV)
18 And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? 19 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. 20 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. 21 And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.